Articles/Interviews

Oliver Reed, who stars opposite Rita Tushingham in "THE TRAP", an explosive love story set in the mid-nineteenth century in Canada, decided when he became an actor to "go it alone".

For that reason he sought no help from his uncle, film director Sir Carol Reed.

He said: "I have never worked for my uncle. I think he is one of our best directors. If he wants me ever to play a part in one of his films I want to be sure it is because I am the right actor to play that part and not because I am his nephew.

I get sick of people stamping me with the Carol Reed image just as they have tried to stamp me with the 'villain image'. To me it seems an easy way out to get a story about me.

When I started out in films I did get advice from my uncle - but I did not take it".

Oliver has played many a screen villain in his acting career, but is thankful that at last his latest role, in "THE TRAP", is different.

He plays the role of a French-Canadian trapper who buys and then finally wins the affection of a bondswoman (Rita Tushingham) in the Canada of 1849.

About the 'villain' roles he has portrayed in the past he said: "I don't think I have a taste for villainous parts. They have been thrust upon me be either far-seeing or short-sighted producers".

"THE TRAP" is playing at the ............................ Theatre all .............................. week.