Alex: Why and how did you pick Malcolm McDowell for CSATSM?
Gordon Bressack: I cast Malcolm because he blew me away at the audition. As soon as I heard him roll those words around in his mouth, I knew I wanted him to play Rhesus 2. And I was right. He was terrific.
A: What's he like in the studio? Did he mind the Clockwork Orange jokes?
GB: Well, Malcolm was always a lot of fun in the studio. It was a treat for me to direct him as I've always been a big fan. He was always full of amusing anecdotes, clearly loves being in the company of fellow actors and seemed to thoroughly enjoy himself. He didn't mind doing the Clockwork Orange gags (or hid any distaste he might have felt) and was impressed with the quality of the scripts and the high level of artistry of his co-stars.
A: Anything else you could tell me?
GB: My favorite memory is of Malcolm volunteering to run across the street to get cappuccino for all of us. When a visitor to the studio asked excitedly where Malcolm McDowell was (having heard he was in the show) I just shrugged casually and said "Oh, I sent him out for coffee." Malcolm was a great sport. I look forward to working with him again.
A: Is this a hint? Are you doing another animated series with Malcolm? Please let me in on the secret....
GB: There is no secret. I have no plans to use Malcolm in a show right now, but the first time I do (another show), I will not hesitate to request his services. Too bad CSATSM wasn't renewed. In the final episode, Rhesus 2 takes over from Nebula (who is now his slave) and, with their situation reversed, sets out for conquest on his own terms. There would have been a great many more episodes featuring Malcolm. Oh well...
A: CS is the first time lines by Malcolm from 'ACO' were heard on UK TV. Hopefully Stanley Kubrick doesn't want to ban it ;-)
GB: CSATSM has been on TV there since '96, no word from SK yet.
A: After 4 shows, I must admit I am hooked.
GB: Glad you like the show.
A: I have seen some high prices on the 'Speed Peeler' and 'Gormongus' toys. Were the Shao Lin and Psy-Figher ever produced?
GB: Yes, all the toys were produced, though not all were distributed. Shao Lin was shipped in the UK only and is the rarest of the figures (I've seen some collectors offering many times its value). The Psi-Fighter wasn't shipped, I believe and the Gormongus figure was available only through a magazine (Go Figure Magazine).
A: This is the first chance I have had to see the show and because of my site I have turned on the Malcolm fans to it.
GB: Call me crazy, but I think CSATSM will one day be appreciated for what it was. The fact is that not that many people have ever seen it or heard of it because of the lack of toy distribution and promotion. All I know is that when it IS seen, it IS appreciated. Good to know you are spreading the word. Keep it up. BTW, I checked out your site. Good job!
A: Do you have any new projects coming out?
GB: I have a few projects in the works, but none of them signed, sealed and delivered. I don't want to jinx them by talking about them just yet. As always, though, I continue to write for 'Pinky + The Brain' and/or 'Animaniacs' and was nominated yesterday for my second Emmy for 'Animaniacs'. So that may help my new projects reach fruition. Thanks for your interest.
This entire page ©1998-08 Alex D. Thawn for www.MalcolmMcDowell.com