Ragtime	Spaghetti House Siege	Boston Kickout

Ragtime (1981) - Waldo's Aide
In 1920's New York a young colored businessman parks his T-type Ford near to a fire station, upon returning he discovers a pile of excrement on the seat while nearby the Firemen stand and laugh. He gets no help from either them or the police. Having been pushed over the edge he proceeds to lay siege to the museum.

What was it like to work with James Cagney ?
"It was a privilege and an honor to work with Cagney, he was one of my idols and inspirations. I most enjoyed speaking with this great on his past works. In fact to this day I cannot believe that I worked with him."
What was your fondest memory of this production ?
"My fondest memory was the moment Cagney first arrived on the lot. Over 250 people (actors and crew) were outside and as he got out of the car everyone exploded into applause due to their adoration of this great man. It was one of the most emotional moments I have ever experienced."
Did you talk with Cagney at all ?
"Of course I did, I remember discussion with him his performance in 'White Heat', he stated that university students tried to psychoanalyze his character Cody Jarret, Cagney felt this was little more than bull****. Cody Jarret was just a cold blooded killer."

Spaghetti House Siege (1982) - Police Superintendant
This film was based on the true story of three west Indian men who take six Italian restaurant managers hostage. They keep the hostages locked in a food cellar for three days. Derek Martin portrayed the Police Superintendant who negotiated to try and win the Italians freedom. Set in London this was shot entirely in Rome.

What was it like working in Rome ?
"It was six weeks of work with the bonus of being in a beautiful city. As a bonus I took my six year old boys along with a baby-sitter. The studios were just outside of the city and for lunch we managed a different type of pasta each and every day. We also played football during lunch with the Italian crew playing against the English actors."
How did you get the part ?
"I got the part by being recommended by two actors I had never even met. Albert Finney and Michael Medwin, they had seen me in Law and Order and had told the Italian producer."
Did you learn any Italian ?
"Yes, I learnt a few phrases, the one I used most 'pronto motori' was used just before a shoot. I used to stand at the back, shout it and watch the sudden spurt of action, until they realized it was just a windup."

Boston Kickout (1996) - Ray Saunders
Set in the 'new town' of Stevenage the film portrayed the effects of growing up in an area of high unemployment and low prospects, had on the youth of the town. With the children becoming increasingly dissiliusioned with life and their chances of future success it shows their fall into depravity and crime. Playing the part of Ray, Derek enjoyed a departure from his normal style of roles. Ray a native londoner moved with his young son after his wifes suicide. Falling into alcholoism Ray attempts suicide and his own destruction shows part of the gritty story.

What was your impression of Stevenage ?
"It was a true concrete jungle, the streets and houses all looked the same. This was very disconcerting, I felt that anybody could get lost very easily. The people who had moved their had, had high hopes when they moved, but regrettably these hopes failed to materialise. Their was a lot of dissapointment in the people."
What did you think of Ray as a person ?
"He seemed as though he had lost everything, he had no ambition, hope and eventually no reason to live. He thought he could find solace in the bottle."
What did you think of the young cast ?
"John Simm who played my son was very enerjetic along with the rest of the cast, they were all very talented actors and importantly we all worked well together."
What was the toughest scene to shoot ?
"After Rays attempt at suicide I had a reunion with my Son in the Kitchen, this scene was a very, very emotional scene and we both broke down during the scene, this helped with the authenticity of the scene."