Back in 1976, the renowned actor Roger Moore took on a significant role in the war adventure film, Shout at the Devil, set in German East Africa during 1913-1915.
The filming locations spanned from Malta to the controversial apartheid South Africa.
Fresh off his success in The Man with the Golden Gun, Moore found himself paired with a co-star who struggled with alcohol-related issues throughout the shoot.
In the movie, Moore portrayed Sebastian Goldsmith opposite the character of Colonel Flynn Patrick, played by Lee Marvin.
The chemistry between the two actors was palpable, with Moore expressing deep admiration for Marvin’s talent.
He credited working alongside Marvin for pushing him to deliver his best performance, stating that the experience elevated his acting abilities.
The director of Shout at the Devil, Peter Hunt, fondly recalled the camaraderie shared by Moore and Marvin.
Despite their penchant for socializing and consuming alcohol together in the evenings, Hunt noted that they always remained professional on set, never allowing their late-night activities to interfere with filming.
However, a pivotal moment arose during the production when Marvin, battling his alcohol addiction, was tasked with a scene involving a baby.
Moore recounted a harrowing experience where he feared for the safety of the infant as Marvin, visibly intoxicated, struggled to handle the child.
The tension on set was palpable, captured in Moore’s genuine concern for the well-being of the baby.
Addressing rumors of a physical altercation between Moore and Marvin, the former James Bond star clarified that any fights were strictly scripted for the film.
Despite Marvin’s reputation as a tough ex-marine, Moore dismissed the notion of engaging in a real fight with his co-star, emphasizing mutual respect between them.
In his autobiography, Moore reflected on an incident where Marvin engaged in a confrontation with Japanese journalists during the film’s production, stemming from his wartime experiences.
While acknowledging Marvin’s toughness, Moore humorously recounted their choreographed fight scenes in the movie, highlighting their collaborative approach to on-screen conflict.
Tragically, Marvin passed away at the age of 63, honored with a military funeral at Arlington National Cemetery due to his service.
Moore, known for his iconic portrayal of James Bond, succumbed to lung and liver cancer at the age of 89 in 2017, leaving behind a legacy of remarkable performances in the entertainment industry.
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