Meeting Christopher Lee Matt Gemmell Robertson

Meeting Christopher Lee Ever since I can remember, I’ve been a movie buff. My grandmother loved film and I suppose her enthusiasm rubbed off on me from a very early age. It was while staying at her house that I was first allowed to watch the original Frankenstein featuring Karloff. From the moment the monster walked in backwards and turned his head to the camera I was hooked. A few years from my initial exposure to horror film, at the tender age of 7 or 8, I saw my first Hammer production, The Curse Of Frankenstein. To say it made a lasting impression on me is an understatement. After all, I’m typing this 40 years later.

As I grew and began to seek out every Hammer film that I could find it quickly became apparent to me that part of their appeal was in the acting talent. In particular Peter Cushing & Christopher Lee. Both actors brought an immense intensity to their roles and it was safe to say they became my boyhood idols whilst many of my school chums were following football teams or other such sporting ventures.

My love for their movies has stayed with me since those early days and it’s a joy to be able to own the films, posters, stills etc that accompanied the films on their initial release. Collecting can become a passion but more so is the opportunity to meet those responsible for making the actual films.

I had already been lucky enough to attend Bray studios in the late 90’s thanks to Don Fearney. These “Bray Days” were a real delight and, along with many other fans, I was able to mingle with the likes of Veronica Carlson, Julie Ege, Michael Ripper and so on. As fantastic as these days were, and they REALLY were, the only thing missing was my boyhood idols. Sadly, Peter Cushing was no longer with us and Christopher Lee was now discovering even greater fame in Star Wars & Lord Of The Rings. It was now 2002 and I had almost resigned myself to the fact that I might never get a chance.

Then an announcement was made on Christopher Lee’s website. He was conducting an online signing of memorabilia. For a fee which would go to charity, fans could send items to his daughters’ house and he would sign them live online. As luck would have it I was going to be in London on the same day. I had corresponded with Mr Lee’s son in law Juan quite a few times so, took the bull by the horns and sent him an e-mail. I asked if it was possible to come along in person and get my “To The Devil A Daughter” poster signed. The reply came within an hour inviting me to his home with a phone number and directions. Excited? You bet!!

When the big day arrived I was at a Hammer related event with a friend. Hazel Court was one of many Hammer stars in attendance and I was having a great time but I always had one eye on the clock. I made my excuses and hopped onto the underground. A few stops and a short walk later I found myself at the home of Christina Lee and her husband Juan. Colin Bushby, who was a contributor to Mr Lee’s website was also present and was eager to have his copy of Tall Dark & Gruesome signed. After we had all been introduced we sat together in the front room going through some of the items sent in by fans from around the world. If only they had been for sale. Then again, maybe not, I would have bust the bank. After about half an hour of conversation the front door opened and in walked Christopher Lee. My heart was beating a little bit faster and I kept telling myself “Act cool, don’t be an idiot!! “

Juan introduced us and I shook the hand of someone I had been watching on screen since I was very young. I’ll never forget it. A few more introductions and It was down to business, the signing.

As Mr Lee was handed each item by his son in law I was impressed at the amount of care and attention he took. For example, when he held a Count Dooku figure he made a point of finding the correct colour and type of pen. He also deliberated on exactly where to sign it, sometimes asking for my opinion. Then he made sure that the signature didn’t get smudged. As people who have seen his signature can attest to it’s extremely neat and legible, unlike many I could mention.

When the time came for my poster to be signed I got up from the sofa where I had been seated and sat beside him at his desk. He was quite impressed that it was an original poster and commented that I should “hurry up” if I wanted Richard Widmarks signature” as he was 87 at the time. He signed it in white ink as I smiled like the idiot I was trying not to be. I had brought a bottle of Whisky as a gift and presented it to him whilst telling him what a fan I was and that it was an honour to meet him. He seemed quite humbled by this and denied that it was an honour at all. He then managed a very good Scots accent as he accepted my offer of “a wee dram”

When the signing was over we got the chance to talk a bit more. I had recently visited the Wicker Man locations and I commented on the precarious cliff tops used. “You don’t have to remind me”, He replied. “I was there and it was freezing, never mind the drop “. To The Devil A Daughter was a large part of our conversation because of the poster and Mr Lee lamented the fact that it didn’t turn out as he had hoped. I told him that, even with the obvious faults, It’s still a fine film and one that gave him a decent role. That pleased him and he mentioned his desire to film some more Wheatley novels. It’s a great shame that didn’t happen.

During our conversation I was mindful of the fact that I was talking to Christopher Lee. I know that’s obvious but his past roles kept popping into my head as we talked and I had to keep reigning myself in. I’m sure I came across like a fan boy but I did try my best to behave with some decorum .After all this is not only a cinema legend but an elderly gentleman and I wanted to show him the respect I think he deserved.

It must have worked because a couple of years later I met him again at separate events in London and Liverpool. On both occasions I was asked to stay behind for a private chat which was a real privilege. My son was with me during one such event and he was beside himself meeting “Saruman”

I consider myself extremely fortunate to have spent time with one of my boyhood idols. To have been invited into the family home and have memorabilia signed and photographs taken is something I will always cherish. It just goes to prove, dreams can come true.