A day with Ted

On the set of G&G

Back in 2001 we were hired by Warner Bros/Turner Pictures to document the making of Gods and Generals, which Ted Turner was funding. One day Ted visited the set, was costumed and joined in with one line.

He had also done one line in the film Gettysburg when he gets shot during Pickett’s Charge. This film was a prequel, so he lived on to do another line…but first had to go to the hair and makeup trailer with the other actors.

They talked about spreadsheets and investing money…and giving it to good causes. Ted was placed next to veteran actor Patrick Gorman who was playing Texan John Bell Hood…who would feed Turner his line.

It was something about fiddles and muskets…it’s in the film. The scene was about a USO type show being done for the troops…singing the hit song Bonnie Blue Flag. The 2nd South Carolina String Band provided the music.

When there was a break, the film’s publicist “Uncle Vic” who was our boss on the set, took Ted to have a tintype made by the historic photographer, my good friend Rob Gibson.

Vic liked to tell us Hollywood stories about parties at J-Lo’s…at that time we didn’t know who she was. Vic started his career on the musical Cabaret…he got the gig because he could speak German. He told us we were the best EPK unit he ever worked with.

Rob got Turner set up for his photo as I lurked over their shoulders with my camera.

While shooting the image Ted recognized Pat Facli who had played AP Hill in Gettysburg and he wanted to get a photo with Pat.

In the background over Pat’s shoulder is Don Aros who was a Grip on the film crew. Donnie helped us a lot with lighting. He runs the sideline camera dolly on a lot of NFL Football these days.

The incredible Robert Duvall was also on set doing Robert E Lee.

It was a fun light hearted day…singing, telling jokes in the midst of a film about one of the worst periods in American history. Here is Rob’s image of Ted Turner…RIP

and thanks for the memories….

Peace