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News article: Bristol Evening Post, 13 July 1972
Thursday, 13 July 1972 06:00 pmKing Arthur’s duel to the death was too realistic …
By Paul Dalby
Filming on HTV’s £500,000 serial “Arthur” will be held up for several days after the star Oliver Tobias, was speared in a mock duel.
Oliver (24), who plays the young King, is being held for observation in Bristol Royal Infirmary, where he was said to be “satisfactory” today.
The accident happened last night in a field near Compton Dando as Oliver and actor Michael Gothard fought a furious duel “to the death.”
Gothard, who plays rival warlord Kai, aimed a spear thrust at King Arthur’s head and Oliver Tobias parried the blow with his shield.
‘PRECAUTION’
But, in doing so, he slipped and the spear glanced off the shield, cutting open the back of his head.
Producer Peter Miller said today: “We take every precaution but it was supposed to be a fight to the death and it’s got to look good.”
Oliver, the former lead star of the musical “Hair,” said from his bedside today: “I’ve been fighting Michael all week and this was the last shot.”
The bad news for Oliver is that when he’s fit again and filming resumes the scene will be done again.
This report doesn't entirely agree with the way Oliver described events, at a meeting with fans during 2010. For one thing, the spear was thrown rather than thrust, and not by Michael Gothard himself. However, it does give an exact date for the accident. Oliver's remembrance can be found here.
By Paul Dalby
Filming on HTV’s £500,000 serial “Arthur” will be held up for several days after the star Oliver Tobias, was speared in a mock duel.
Oliver (24), who plays the young King, is being held for observation in Bristol Royal Infirmary, where he was said to be “satisfactory” today.
The accident happened last night in a field near Compton Dando as Oliver and actor Michael Gothard fought a furious duel “to the death.”
Gothard, who plays rival warlord Kai, aimed a spear thrust at King Arthur’s head and Oliver Tobias parried the blow with his shield.
‘PRECAUTION’
But, in doing so, he slipped and the spear glanced off the shield, cutting open the back of his head.
Producer Peter Miller said today: “We take every precaution but it was supposed to be a fight to the death and it’s got to look good.”
Oliver, the former lead star of the musical “Hair,” said from his bedside today: “I’ve been fighting Michael all week and this was the last shot.”
The bad news for Oliver is that when he’s fit again and filming resumes the scene will be done again.
This report doesn't entirely agree with the way Oliver described events, at a meeting with fans during 2010. For one thing, the spear was thrown rather than thrust, and not by Michael Gothard himself. However, it does give an exact date for the accident. Oliver's remembrance can be found here.