ARCHIVES #3 March 2005 Every woman should know a David Winters at least once in her life. Linda Lovelace, star of Deep Throat in her autobiography Ordeal.
Ghost of Deep Throat Present: Inside Deep Throat Premiers: Sundance Film Festival, January 2005 American Cinematheque at the Egyptian & Aero Theatres, February 2, 2005 Limited Release through Landmark theatres, February 11, 2005 Genre: Documentary Distributor: Universal Pictures Producers: Brian Grazer, Fenton Bailey, Randy Barbato Directed by: Fenton Bailey, Randy Barbato Written by: Fenton Bailey, Randy Barbato Cast: Linda Lovelace, David Winters, Harry Reems, Gore Vidal, Norman Mailer Narrated by Dennis Hopper Inside Deep Throat examines the unanticipated lasting cultural impact generated by Deep Throat, a sexually explicit film first shown in a midtown Manhattan adult theater in June 1972 that quickly became the flashpoint for an unprecedented social and political firestorm. Examined with astonishing, fascinating clarity. : Generally considered the most profitable film of all time (produced for less than $25,000), Deep Throat unexpectedly became a cultural phenomenon at the moment when the nation's movements of sexual liberation, equal rights and questioning authority demanded a combustible focus. The barely one-hour long adult title became compulsory viewing for millions of Americans, and an individual's fascination or repulsion identified his or her place in the cultural shifts of the time. More than 30 years later, Inside Deep Throat examines the chasm between the modest intentions of the filmmakers behind Deep Throat and the unforeseen, ironic impact and legacy that their film left on society.
Ghost of Deep Throat Past: In April 1973 David received a call that even shocked him. His agent told him that Linda Lovelace and her then husband were planning a musical stage act to capitalize on her sudden fame in Deep Throat. Impressed by the critically and commercially successful shows David had created for Ann-Margret, Diana Ross and others, the infamous Deep Throat team was hoping David could do his magic with Linda. Intrigued by the chance to do something new and exciting, David met with Linda and surprisingly found himself mesmerized by a very unusual and fascinating woman. In a short time, David and Linda began their exciting romance. As with many good things, the romance eventually ended, but both parties have reflected kindly on that period David: When I think of her now I remember all the good times we had, and I still have a soft spot for her in my heart. Linda was a nice person. She was just a simple girl who really wanted to be loved for herself and to settled down with a guy and have a family and grow old together. The girl that I knew, in reality, was really Linda Boreman, not Linda Lovelace.
Linda: When I was with David Winters, I had an awesome time. I met a lot of people and had a lot of fun at that point. I went to see my first play. I saw Richard Chamberlain in Cyrano De Bergerac, I saw Grease in Manhattan. I saw the Alvin Ailey Dancers. I became cultured, I guess. I'd never been cultured." In 2004, David was interviewed for the movie entitled, INSIDE DEEP THROAT, produced by Universal Studios, HBO TV, IMAGINE ENTERTAINMENT a company owned by both Ron Howard and Brian Grazer that won the Academy award for both best film and best director with A BEAUTIFUL MIND. Other blockbuster hits they have produced include APOLLO 13, 8 MILE, THE NUTTY PROFESSOR, COCOON, SPLASH, and THE GRINCH WHO STOLE CHRISTMAS David is thanked in the closing credits for his contributions.
Ghost of Deep Throat Future: For more information on this movie and possible DVD release (which might include some more of David’s contributions) check out the official website.
Nov/Dec 2004 Susan’s Top Ten
suggestions for your David Winters’ holiday
stocking: Adding or starting your own DW DVD/CD collection? Here are my recommendations for your letters to Santa:
Must have classics: 1. Special Features on Disc 2 include West Side Memories: 1-hour retrospective documentary containing Natalie Wood's original vocal recordings and new interviews with the cast and crew, including Robert Wise, Stephen Sondheim, and Tony Mordente. Original film intermission music, restored and remixed in 5.1 surround; and collectible scrapbook. And yes, it was on the list last year, and guess what, it will be on next year’s too. If you have to ask why……………….
2. Thrashin: DVD with Radical Special Features. - Archives April 2003 Yes this international skateboarding cult favorite was on last year’s list. But when I attended the 2004 Sundance Film Festival, and kept hearing good buzz about Stacy Peralta and his surf documentary, Riding Giants, which was the first documentary to have the honor opening the festival, I kept thinking the name sounded familiar. And then it hit me: David gave Stacy his first behind the camera job as the second unit director. Just another kid David got started. This fantastic action film also boats the very first film appearance of Tony Hawke and other skateboarding legends.
. For your listening
pleasure: “But the gym’s neutral territory.” Again, if you have to ask…………….. David’s social worker alone is worth the price of admission. And Larry Kert’s Something’s Coming will send shivers up and down your spine. But again, if you have to ask……………..
Perhaps the first recording of David’s singing and the only of his tap dancing. For the young at
heart:
Before Kotter had his
sweathogs, Mr. Peepers (Wally Cox) had his Walter Murdock
(David). They don’t make ‘em like they
used to. Pity.
A truly charming fable of childhood and baseball. David shines as the leader of the local boys who ostracizes the new kid in town. But with adorable and likable cockiness.
Wow, we were just beginning this site when we featured this charming movie of love and rock and roll. We should all have a prom date like David. Directorial Debuts
I went wild when I first saw David’s name in the credits back then. The thought of Peter Tork and David Winters in the same room, involved in the same production was heaven for this teenybopper. True confession: I still go wild seeing his name on these credits.
Happy a peaceful and loving holiday! Next year: Some Elvis, some discoveries, some King Maker, etc etc. Namaste. Susan October 2004 The Golden Boy
At 17, portraying Baby John, David was the youngest member of the original Broadway cast of West Side Story, but he was no baby in the acting department, having already garnered 150 plus acting credits during his teen years alone. The British transplant of Russian Heritage, charmed producers with his All-Americans good looks and wise cracking but endearing delivery, that he ended up appearing in quite a few episodes in three of the most honored and esteemed live dramatic anthologies series that defined the Golden Age of Television.
One of his favorites was the United States Steel Hour, which was successor to the radio show of the same name. Throughout its run, it was nominated for quite a few Emmy Awards and won for both Best Dramatic Series and Best New Series. David appeared in an episode called Morning Star, a story revolving around a widow and her extended family on New York Lower East side, spanning the years 1910-1913 including such historic events and the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire, Word War I and the Great Depression that shaped the lives and destinies of the family. David starred with Gertrude Berg, who was later inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame, and Jo Van Fleet who won the Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in A Trip to Bountiful, and an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress as the long lost of mother of James Dean in East of Eden.
David also appeared in frequent episodes on The Philco Television Playhouse and The Goodyear Television Playhouse. For many years these live dramatic anthology series ran on alternate Sunday evenings and featured top name actors and actresses in adaptations of novels, short stories and plays, such as Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility. These series also presented many original dramas, such as the award-winning and touching Marty by Paddy Chayefsky and Requiem for a Heavyweight by Rod Serling of The Twilight Zone fame.
During that period, David starred with and became good friends with another young actor, Glenn Walken, and was also became good friends with his brother, a future Riff in stock theatre, Christopher Walken. David also received first class acting lessons for his many talented co-stars such Academy Award winning Walter Matthau, perennial grandfather, Pat O’Malley and, and Cyril Ritchard who not only dazzled and scared children for years but also won the Tony Award as that delightfully playful villain Captain Hook in Jerome Robin’s Peter Pan (wonder if he gave the young David hints got dealing with the genius).
Next month: Susan’s annual top ten for your holiday shopping list. September 2004 The making of the little wise apple! I took charge until you got here, Mr. Peepers. Walter Murdock (David Winters) to Mr. Peepers (Wally Cox) in Mr. Peepers Now you’re talking like a dope. Why do you think the Police Athletic team brought us here? Andy (David Winters) in Roogie’s Bump His mudder tol’ him never answer back to a cop A-Rab (David Winters) Ya little wise apple, ya want me to run ya in? Officer Krupke (William Bramley) in West Side Story
David’s resume includes over 100 acting gigs, and stints as choreographer, director, and producer, too many to count at this moment, but the one role that seems to be the most universally associated with him is that as the charming rascally juvenile delinquent known as A-Rab, from the movie, West Side Story. His constant smart alec quips may have been a thorn in Krupke’s side, but his jovial whimsical view of the world and his big brother devotion to Baby John makes him one of the more popular and perhaps best liked Jets. And while David created Baby John in the original Broadway production, it seems A-Rab was the role he was born and groomed to play.
. Born in London, David move to America with his family when he was just thirteen, in order to escape the terrible memories of the war. Although his mother was a British musical comedy dancer, she had no intentions of encouraging her son to follow in her footsteps knowing as she did, the hardship of theatrical life. But Sadie Winters’ little wise apple had his own plans. On Saturdays David would tell his parents that he was going to the movies. Instead he set up a shoeshine stand on the Brooklyn Boardwalk. From the money he made, he paid for secret dancing lessons. One day his aunt accidentally discovered his double life and informed his parents. When they learned how much he wanted to dance, they agreed to pay for the lessons. He started in a dance school in his neighborhood, Brooklyn. But after a few weeks, the teacher asked him not to return, not because he was a Krupke size thorn, but because he had already learned the curriculum
Not even in America a year, David was cast in his first Broadway role, as the youngest member of a vaudevillian’s family in a revival of On Your Toes, with music and lyrics by Richard Rodgers and Lorenzo Hart and directed by the legendary George Balanchine. The cast included Bobby Van and Elaine Stritch. When the show opened, the producers found the running time too long and two days after opening night, David’s scenes were entirely eliminated. But luckily his performance can still be appreciated in the lively Two A Day for Keith on the original cast soundtrack; and as an added bonus, you can hear David’s tapping feet, making him one of the first dancers to have his taps recorded. David still not stay inactive long. Before long he became a regular on the screen both large and small, but two roles in particular seemed to have honed his "wise apple" skills, so wonderfully used later in West Side Story.
David played the recurring role of nutty, precocious student, Walter Murdock in the delightful comedy classic Mr. Peepers, starring the Emmy-nominated Wally Cox in the title role and other such television legends as Tony Randall, Marion Lorne and Reta Shaw. Unlike other shows of that era, Mr. Peepers was not calm, collected and wise with respectful students heeding his advice. Instead, Mr. Peepers was shy, awkward and full of inner securities. But his professional pride as the junior high science teacher and his genuine care for his students enabled him to always have the affection and respect of his colleagues and his students, even his constant foil, Walter Murdock, (think Eddie Haskell as a sweathog).
Around that same time, David was cast in Roogie’s Bump, a sweet baseball fairy tale that served as the inspiration for Rookie of the Year. As Andy, the leader of a group of boys who ostracize the new kid in town, Roogie, and won’t let him join their baseball team at the park, he exhibits the same cockiness and caring nature that inspired devotion from Baby John. And like, A-Rab, Andy always seems to have a smirk on his face, and a rather familiar relationship with the local cops. The movie tells the tale of Roogie, who benefits from the magic of the ghost of a Brooklyn Dodger who gives Roogie a bump on his arm, endowing him with some fantastic strength and pitching skill. Now outclassing the kids at the park, including Andy, Roogie lands a position with the Brooklyn Dodgers. Real life Dodgers, including Roy Campanella, 1969 Hall of Fame inductee Carl Erskine, (122 regular season victories as a pitcher), Russ Meyer, and Billy Loes portray themselves (and according to David, were fun to work with). Also starring in this charmer, is Ruth Warrick as Roogie’s concerned mother. Warrick not only starred in Citizen Kane but is known as the much honored actress who portrays Phoebe Tyler in All My Children.
But apparently David was more charming than an actual "wise apple" in real life. The department store, Namm Loesers every week selected a Brooklyn resident as their Personality of the Week and awarded the recipient an honor roll with their name added to it and picture in the local paper. And unlike Walter, Andy or A-Rab, David was nominated and named Personality of the Week.
Next month: More of David’s early acting gigs. AUGUST 2004 Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde Produced by David Winters and Burt
Rosen
The original plan after Gypsy was for David to return to England and create the role of the canny Artful Dodger in the world premier of Oliver in London’s famous west end. But in the midst of rehearsing with the legendary Georgia Brown and Lionel Bart, the creator/composer/lyricist of the new musical, David received a phone call. It was from a former director, Jerome Robbins, mentioning something about David being in a film version of a musical about two New York gangs. Unfortunately his choice to work in the film version of West Side Story forced him to drop out of Oliver. But a few years later, David would get another opportunity to work with Lionel Bart, in a musical version of the Robert Louis Stephens’ story, The Strange case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. An incredible collection of talent, the cast and crew not only boasted David’ dear friend, Lionel Bart who won the Tony for Best Lyrics and Composition for Oliver, but also a script written by Sherman Yellen who won Emmy Awards for The Adams Chronicles and An Early Frost. Kirk Douglas played the lead and was supported by such luminaries as Sir Michael Regrave and Donald Pleasance, Stanley Holloway, Susan George (who briefly dated Prince Charles during that period) and Susan Hampshire, Emmy Winner for Forsythe Sage and Vanity Fair. David remembers how wonderful they all were to work with.
David got the inspiration for Jekyll and Hyde while shooting The Special London Bridge Special. In that show there was a sequence when Tom Jones and Kirk Douglas went from Cowboy outfits to English morning suits with top hat and tails, while singing When You’re a Londoner. David couldn’t help but notice the glint in Kirk's eye and how natural and debonair, but also a little evil he looked in the top hat and complete outfit. "Wow," David thought, "he kind of looks like a Dr. Jekyll", and it was then and there that David decided to create, produce and direct a new musical version of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, with Kirk Douglas in the leading role. David also decided to modify the story, in that the character of Dr. Jekyll would be an outsider from North America, so Kirk would not have to worry about perfecting an English accent.
But everything else was quite English. Using a who’s who of legendary British thespians, David opted for a live theatre feel, by shooting the entire production at the famed Shepperton Studios, Europe’s leading film and television studio. During the shoot, the British native rented a house in SW Kensington, where he enjoyed living across the street from the lovely and good neighbor, Julie Christie. Always the maverick and in love with the filmmaking process, David shocked the world by shooting the entire production on video and then transferring it to film for the theatrical releases. Today a lot of the industry is shooting on HD or Digi Beta and doing a lot of film transfer, but nobody did it then, making the filming 30 years ahead of its time. David then went on toe edit the video with a CMX machine, one of only a few in the world, so he could complete the task within two weeks. The only other person at that time who used such a technique was fellow maverick (and Monkees guest star on during David’s directorial shift) Frank Zappa. He used the same technique in his wild but well-received and commercially successful 200 Motels. Today almost everyone uses an avid, a continuation of the techniques created by the CMX, to edit their films.
When Sammy Davis Jr., a very close friend of David’s saw this production at a special screening David had, he immediately jumped up on a table and started acting like Quasimodo from The Hunchback of Notre Dame and said "David, let's do that next. I'll do it for nothing. I'm dying to do that part". David remembers Sammy "being brilliant as I looked at him creating a pitiful half man, half monster person. I felt so much pity for the character in the way that Sammy was portraying him. It was Sammy as only Sammy could do. He was magnificent. And as it turned out I am still to this day the only one in the world who ever got to see that incredible performance as it was never to become a reality." No doubt that production would have been another feather in David’s cap. Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde aired on NBC in 1973 and was the cover of the weekly LA Times TV Guide and was honored with four Emmy Awards nominations including Outstanding Achievement in Costume Design, Outstanding Achievement in Make-up and Outstand Achievement in Music Direction of a Variety Show July 2004 It is a small world, after all One of the special joys of doing this website is meeting other West Side Story fans from all over and seeing that a snap of a finger, or a high side kick, are indeed part of a universal language. Now if all the leaders of the world, would just attend a special screening of WSS…………………. Recently, David and I were contacted by Les Harrison of the Ulster Operatic Company, which will be staging West Side Story, Sept 2004. He wondered if David would mind sending the cast and crew a few words of encouragement. David replied with Dear Les, I hear that you are undertaking to present West Side Story on the stage in your town in Ireland. Well first of all let me congratulate you and all those involved. You will have to time of your lives, and it will be an experience you will never forget. Having appeared in both the Original Broadway show and the Film I can tell you it changed my life immensely and helped me with all that I have achieved since then. It takes a lot of work and dedication to even think about such a production, but I assure you and all your co-workers you will be more than happy that you did it. West Side Story in a unique and now classic piece of American Musical Theatre, and there is no other show quite like it. Best of luck to you and all your associates and as we say on Broadway "break a leg". I look forward to progress reports from you from time to time to keep me updated. Best of Luck Everyone (he yelled at the top of his lungs) David Winters For more information on
this production, please go to their website at:
On this side of the pond, my good friend, Kevin, asked if David had any clue he was making a hit movie during the actual filming. David replied: When we were shooting the film with Jerry, I knew that it would be a huge hit. With Jerry it was a very creative time for all of us and it was so exciting. We all felt like we were with something very special. But when Jerry was let go I started to worry. But then he had done all the musical numbers what could go wrong? And then the big night came and the whole cast was invited to a special first time screening of the entire film. I then found out that my concerns were well founded. Mr. Wise had a rolling star screen over Richard and Natalie when they sang Tonight and we all just burst out laughing. It was so corny and stupid. And it looked like a bad TV show. Really old fashioned and ridiculous. There were a couple of other embarrassing moments that also got us laughing. Not that they were supposed to. I also kind of remember fireworks or something bursting in the background of another scene. We, the cast, didn't hold back our feelings and I'm sure that the powers that be took note as we were not asked for our opinions during the party get together that followed. And at the party we were voicing our displeasure at all the ridiculous moments that we had just seen. The next time we saw the film all of those bad moments had been corrected and you have what you have today, a wonderful creative moving film. When the film actually opened I first saw it in NYC at the Rivoli Theatre where they have a special few seats just in front of the projection that are VIP seats and not for sale ever and the theatre was kind enough to give me those special seats .It is on the second floor and you can look down at the orchestra seats and the reaction was mind-boggling. Everyone loved it and was reacting like it was the second coming of Christ. I couldn't help thinking what if they had seen the first screening that we the cast had seen. What a different reaction they would have all had. Good luck,
And since we discuss favorite songs so often on the various message boards, Richard, another charming guy from England asked David was his favorite song was. Personally I was expecting Jet Song or Cool, but much to my surprise David’s response was, "One Hand One Heart because of the melody; and A Boy Like That because of the power of the song
David of course has sung the praises of mentor Jerome Robbins many times, but Mike, my favorite coyote asked David for his take on WSS co-director, Robert Wise. David answered: Robert Wise, by the way, is one of the nicest and sweetest and MOST UNASSUMING director/producers in Hollywood. His Body of work speaks for itself. Editor on CITIZEN KANE and THE MAGNIFICENT AMBERSONS, both with Orson Welles, director of I'll cry tomorrow, Sound of Music etc etc etc When we all got to Hollywood we all rented these thunderbirds and these other FABULOUS cars. Robert Wise came on the Samuel Goldwyn Studios Lot (that's where we shot most of the film) in an old Studebaker. We used to look at him in amazement. He didn't give a damn about anything other than the work. He was not there to impress ANYONE. It was a good lesson to all of us young kids at the time.
Talk about unassuming, my Cobra boy, Mitch, of the Rip Chords once asked David if he owned copies of all the movies and TV shows he had been in or directed. And David answered no. Not too worry, Mitch, I started my David Winters collection before I started this website and am continuously adding to it. One just added, thanks to Cool Variety that sent me a complimentary copy in exchange for some research I did for them is Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, and will be featured next month. June 2004 Choreographer David Winters won’t settle for typecasting. Since the 1920’s, the highly esteemed Dance Magazine has provided the most entertaining, the most beautiful, up-to-date, in-the-know information for serious and aspiring dancers, dance teachers, professionals, and of course, fans. Shortly after David was hired as the choreographer of Hullabaloo, reporter Jack Anderson and photographer Henri Rossier of Dance Magazine visited David on the set of Hullabaloo. For Rossier it was a great day in that he was the first to capture the young unknowns such as Michael Bennet and Donna McKechnie climbing around that pyramid spelling out Hullabaloo, which defined a generation as much as go-go boots and love beads. To add to his luck, the lovely and hot Joey Heatherton was there, rehearsing her controversial number. Anderson, who must have burned a lot of calories running after David on the set, recorded David’s thoughts on his plans for the new show and why he insisted on not being called a dancer but an actor who dances. Below are excerpts from the article along with David’s own recollections. Excerpts from the same article regarding David’s childhood career, film choreographies, and his dance school will be featured in future monthly features this year.
An Actor who dances. Although he has danced in Broadway musicals, choreographed Hollywood movies, operated his own dancing schools and is now choreographing the new NBC_TV variety show Hullabaloo, David Winters is careful to call himself, not a dancer, but an actor who dances. David’s insistence upon classifying himself has nothing to do with false modesty. Rather, it is based upon his own shrewd analysis of the theatrical scene. He is quite outspoken about it: "Broadway, TV, and Hollywood are all dominated by typecasting. You cannot escape it. But you can find ways to get around it" "If you have ambition in the musical theatre, it just won’t do to call yourself a dancer. Dancers never get lines or featured roles. As far as producers are concerned, dancers are just nice kids. It doesn’t pay to say you’re a dancer who can act. If you say that, you’ll never be more than a gypsy drifting from one show to the next. It is better to say that you are an actor who can dance. Someone like Chita Rivera who rose from being a dancer to an all-around musical star is a rare exception."
Believing this, David has actually turned down solo dancer roles in musicals with major Broadway choreographers. "I might be given a great dance," he says, "but what would happen when the show closed? I’d be typed as a dancer, not an actor. Since I eventually want to produce and direct, that would be very bad. I’m already typed as it is. Ever since I played the role of Baby John in West Side Story, people want me to play hoods." But he is also a much in demand choreographer on both coasts. His latest TV assignment is, in itself, partly the result of typecasting. Before coming to Hullabaloo, David choreographed the TAMI Show, a rock and roll spectacular filmed live before a screaming young audience at Santa Monica Civic Auditorium, which David describes as "a sort of orgy" One such dance David says will be demonstrated on the new show is the Jerk, which had its origins on the West Coast and is now spreading eastward." Joey and the jerk David created the dance specifically for the lovely Joey Heatherton, and within time, the jerk was the perfect dance for over three-hundred songs. Joey Heatherton was also photographed on the set in what is now one of David’s all time-favorite dance pictures. The picture (shown below) features assistant choreographer and fellow WSS alum, Jaime Rogers, Joey, and David performing a pure David Winters dance style, with high, high legs. David is also wearing his favorite boots, which were the same exact boots worn by the Moiseyev Dance Company in Russia---his favorite dance company in the world. David felt an affinity with the company in that three out his four grandparents were born in Russian and the company was famous for its 6 hours of classes every day----and that is before rehearsals. Almost made working for Jerome Robbins look easy.
Breaking the mold for TV variety shows. At the time, David was looking forward to the changes he would be making to the standard formula of variety television. "For example, we are the only weekly TV variety show with a racially integrated dancing ensemble; I will also have freedom to stage numbers in fresh ways. Take the opening number. Almost always, each guest star is introduced with a fanfare. I would like to begin the show with the whole cast, guests and all, dancing a number which really captures the attention. I think audiences have gotten tired of the fanfares."
David enjoyed the opportunity to mix jazz, ballet and rock during Hullabaloo, along with all the other experiments he got to conduct. David expressed interest in one day being associated with a non-commercial or subsidized theatre such as that of Tyrone Guthrie in Minneapolis. "In a theatre like that, you don’t have to depend upon commercial success alone. You can afford to experiment. And…." (he said smiling); "you don’t have to worry about typecasting." May 2004 Hey Hey, we’re the……..MMMMM---Mavericks.
Okay, so the first pairing of rock and roll and television did not fare well, with censors and society’s sensibilities insisting that Elvis display nothing below the waste on The Ed Sullivan Show. But less than a decade later, America coped just fine as a plethora of long hair Brits invaded our shores, our radio stations and even our sacred Sunday evenings with Mr. Sullivan. Added in the proven economic viability of Shindig and Hullabaloo, television seemed primed for a show that did not preach how Father knew best or how hillbillies actually belonged in Beverly Hills. Waiting for this opportunity were two mavericks known for their irreverent outrageous view of the world. Two mavericks yearning to bring a message of freedom and being yourself, along with a rock soundtrack into the living rooms of mainstream America.
Bob Rafelson was a freelance director at the time with a reputation for finding unrefined talent. This talent helped him find Jack Nicholson whom he would cast in one of his most successful producing/directing/writing endeavors, Five Easy Pieces. He may also go down in history as being one of the first to recognize the charisma of now governor of California, Arnold Schwarzenegger whom he featured in Stay Hungry. Bert Schneider, working as a Screen Gems liaison at the time, would also produce Five Easy Pieces, but would indulge the youth culture even more with such revolutionary films as Easy Rider, and Hearts and Mind, an anti-war documentary of Vietnam that won an Academy Award in 1973.
But their first Maverick Moment would be The Monkees. Somewhat inspired by the Beatles A Hard Day’s Night, the series featured Mickey Dolenz, Peter Tork, Michael Nesmith, and David Jones as four madcap members of a rock and roll band vying for their big break. Besides being one of the first series to feature a lack of a parental unit, long hair, and mod fashions, it broke new ground by featuring at least two musical videos per episode. Years later, another maverick organization, MTV, would pay homage to the Monkees, declaring them the first music video group. The show hit a nerve, winning a loyal audience, and Emmys for Outstanding Comedy Series and Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Comedy. The group even enjoyed success as a musical group, not only hitting number one on the charts, but knocking their inspiration, the Beatles, out of first place. Then……………….the backlash.
The revelation that the boys did not actually play their own instruments on their recordings did not sit well with the anti-establishment mood of the counter-culture and made them a mockery within the industry. Embarrassed and anxious to lose their synthetic reputation, the boys staged their own revolution, demanding to create their own music and to perform live on tour. With so much creditability, not to mention future royalties on the line, Rafelson and Scheinder knew the tour could not be just merely good, it had to be cutting edge enough, polished enough, and rock and roll enough to silence every cynic that would waiting for the group to fail on stage. For this monumental task, they approached David Winters, who had an impressive track record with wild and innovative productions for artists such as Elvis (including the very sizzling Viva Las Vegas), and many of the new rock and roll shows. Rafelson and Schneider tried the old fashion approach and offered a lot of money, many times in fact, but David kept turning the offers down. He had felt he had accomplished what he wanted as a choreographer and had a strong itch to direct. Then David had an epiphany. He agreed to produce, direct and choreograph their first tour in exchange for one directing assignment on their show. In the end it was a win-win situation, with the Monkees proving their worth as a live act and David getting his Director Guild Association card.
Mounting the tour was no easy task, as the Monkees had so many other obligations, including the 70 plus hours they spent filming their show. But on December 3, at the Honolulu International Center Arena, with massive screaming girls waiting, the boys burst out of mock Vox speakers and won the audience and critics over. Mickey Dolenz would later describe the show "beautifully lit, beautifully costumed and beautifully produced." It also grossed more than $540,000 within two weeks, an awesome amount at that time. So happy was everyone that the show in Phoenix was filmed and aired as part of the TV series, Monkees on Tour. And as promised, David got to direct (twice in fact). His first episode A Coffin Too Frequent aired 11-20-67. David was allowed to cast the episode and utilized the great comic talents of his good friends, Ruth Buzzi and George Furth. Furth would eventually work with two other WSS vets, Hal Prince and Stephen Sondheim, writing the libretto for Company and Merrily We Roll Along. It also featured the songs, Goin’ Down and Daydream Believer. It also was the 44th consecutive but last episode to feature Michael Nesmith topped by his famous green wool hat.
After that episode wrapped, David was offered more opportunities but time conflicts and other obligations allowed him to helm the Monkees only one last time. He directed The Monkees Blow Their Minds which aired 3-11-68. It featured the songs, Valerie and Daily Nightly, and in an acting role, frequent director, James Frawley. But perhaps the episode is most famous for its opening vignette which was a mock interview where in Michael Nesmith and Frank Zappa reverse roles and self-parodizes the show. It was also the first show to feature the Monkees out of their 8-botton shirts, Mickey with his naturally curly hair, and the final performance of the dummy, Mr. Schneider
Today those episodes are still being viewed, the Monkees still perform live, and David is still directing (along with producing, etc.) And still being the Maverick that he is. April 2004 Why David Looked East after West Side Story David was the feature article in Thailand’s premiere lifestyle and arts magazine, Big Chilli, November 2003. . Here are some excerpts from that article written by Colin Hastings.
Of all the marvelous musical to have come out of Hollywood over the decades, none was more powerful, provocative, socially important and better loved than West Side Story. And if you don’t think so, consider this. Forty-two years after its release this modern-day version of Shakespeare’s’ Romeo & Juliet, set in the violent and racially segregated ghettoes of New York, not only won ten Oscars, but also remains one of the biggest-selling movies of all time. Video and DVD versions of the West Side Story have never been off the charts and the America Film Institute has voted it the third best movie of all time.
Aficionados of the movie will remember David Winters as A-Rab, the feisty little fellow with the greased back hair who was always egging on his fellow members of the Jets, one the two gangs who gave the film its main theme. Today, more than four decades after the release, David has traded the bright lights of Hollywood for a more laid-back lifestyle in Bangkok, his home for the past few years.
But far from retiring, he remains heavily committed to the movie industry, though from behind the camera rather than in front of it. These days, he produces movies, lots of them. One Welcome 2Ibiza, a comedy adventure starring Gary Busey (he was nominated for the Academy Award for best actor in the film The Buddy Holly Story) won the Best Picture Audience Award at last year’s Bangkok Film Festival.
Besides the action, location, and lovely ladies, David enjoyed working with the elephants in Welcome 2Ibiza. One of his favorite stories from the shoot was when one of the two elephants, by the name of Pui, made a break for the water, and the comedy that ensued while the mahout (Thai for elephant handler) tried to get his elephant back in camera range. Once the mahout finally caught up with his big pet, he climbed on his back. But Pui had the last laugh because he then dove under the water and knocked his trainer off—twice—before returning for his close up. David and his crew were in stitches and Davidtold his cameraman to shoot the incident on film just for fun of it.
With his new company, Alpha Beta Films, he is producing a period action drama set in ancient Siam; while another is scheduled to begin principal photography soon has a more recent setting amid the Killing Fields of Cambodia.
David is also a major stockholder in Equator films, a UK listed production and distribution company, whose films include Time Bandits, The Long Good Friday, Runaway Train and Mona Lisa. Yet another of his businesses gives him the import rights in Thailand for CDs and cassettes by some of the world’s top performers: Tom Jones, Kenny Rogers, Santana, BB King, The Temptations, Bob Marley and many more. Despite the considerable passage of time since its release, he still talks animatedly and enthusiastic about West Side Story. But that should come to no surprise for the movie is regarded by many as the best in its genre. On a personal level, it was the project above all others that propelled David’s career to a level he could never had imagined. It also launched or consolidated the careers of many actors and actresses, including the charismatic Natalie Wood, the films "Juliet" who died so tragically in a controversial swimming accident some years later. David goes misty-eyed remembering Natalie, describing her as the "sweetest loveliest and most unassuming lady of her generation." David worked on the film for 15 months, staying on after the main production to handle voice overs and adding "snaps". He also added to the dialogue such as the chilling phrase "Knife him in the ear". It is David who screams as Baby John when that character is attacked by the sharks.
David’s move to Thailand came on the recommendation of an old friend from Hollywood, Lorraine Sky, and English-Dutch stunt actor who first came here more than 15 years ago, liked it and stayed. "Frankly, I never imagined I’d wind up here," David says quickly adding that the Thai pace of life suits him after the frenetic style of movie centers like Los Angeles and New York City and Cannes.
Although business commitments frequently take him away from Thailand, he plans to spend more time here in the future. With three marriages behind him, David is happy to be single right now. The older of his two sons, Jonathan, 16, has also made his home in Thailand. Jonathan has expressed interest in following his father’s footsteps in the film business. His youngest son Alexander, who is fourteen years old lives with his mother in Beverly Hills California.
APRIL 2005 Happy Birthday David!!!!!!!! With love, admiration, and respect for you as a person and as an artist, I truly wish for you another productive and exciting year. Love Susan, your Jet Goddess. In an early email to me, regarding this site, David warned me that he was a typical Aries, which basically means, he is. 1. Adventurous and energetic
Our self-proclaimed Citizen of the World in Switzerland 2. Full of flair and originality
David’s choreography for the Grace Kelly Special included him skydiving 3. A courageous leader with a genuine concern for those he leads.
David with then California Governor (and now Mayor of Oakland), Jerry Brown 4. But Aries, the first sign of the Zodiac, is a masculine sign ruled by the warrior planet Mars, whose motto must be Crash through, or crash!
While filming his award-winning Raquel special, David takes on the irate Mexican press 5. A cardinal (creative and inventive) sign, Aries, the Ram, governs leadership and initiative.
David with son, Jonathan, on the set of his latest movie, The King Maker 6. As someone compassionate, David has enhanced the lives of more than a few fans: Happy Birthday David! You are a true classic and have enriched my life...and all of our lives, through the great work you have done over the years. Watching you in WSS, on Hullabaloo/Shindig, and the many other projects you have been involved in, is awe inspiring. I have always been a fan, and I am honored to be your friend. Happy Birthday David...all the best, Mitch
Some of the beautiful Shindig dancers including Gina Trikonis (second row, left) and Maria Jimenez Henley (front row, right)
David and some of his Hullabaloo Dancers Here is wishing "one of the Jets" a fantastic birthday and may many more come your way! May your day be filled with much gladness. Kevin
The Jets! The Greatest!!! Hi David, "Anything's possible" is what comes to mind when I conjure up images of you and the other Jets in mid-air, mid-flight. A series of perfect moments captured. Movie roles aside, I find you special personally because of the generosity you extend in sharing your memories with us and your outspoken nature in general. It's a good way to be. Happy birthday and many more to come. - Dear David, All the best on your birthday,and wishing you great success with 'The Kingmaker'. Richard in England. Happy birthday to my favorite Jet! Thanks for sharing your memories of West Side Story with all of us. I will continue to share your work with my classes, and be honored to tell my students that I have spoken to you through email and on the internet. Have a great day!! - Ann All I can say, my dear Ram: You done good, buddy boy! |
