Billy T. James stays clear of hit film
Billy T. James, a star in the latest box-office success, “Came A Hot Friday,” will not be rushing out to see the film.
“I’d feel a right naf sitting in the movie theatreleast of all in the school holidays,” said Mr James. He was also worried about reactions when he went to buy the tickets. Mr James said he was a little embarrassed by the advertising campaign for the film, because he played only a minor part in it.
Children in Christchurch certainly did not think that, said Mr Trevor King, the manager of the Avon Theatre where the film has been showing all week.
All the children asked at the counter if “Came A Hot Friday” was the film with Billy T. James in it, he said. Mr King said the film had a bigger opening week than “Goodbye Pork Pie,” which was so popular it lasted for 16 weeks. Mr James said he did not have any thoughts on how successful the film would be when it was produced because films were fairly unpredictable. The director, lan Mune, helped him with his acting, said Mr James.
“When I went over the top, he pulled me back.” As for the money, Mr James said he did not know how much he was paid for
his performance, but assumed that because of his minor role it would have been a “modest” amount.
Mr James said he hoped for more acting roles in the future.
“I’ve been bitten by the bug now,” he said. Next month he will begin a role in a film called “Sweetheart.” He said this was a bigger part, in a comedy. He played a Polynesian entrepreneur who was a “bad guy.” Mr James said he would like to do a serious film and play a straight role, but at present his main work would be with cabaret and television.
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Press, 30 August 1985, Page 5
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321Billy T. James stays clear of hit film Press, 30 August 1985, Page 5
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