[GreenKeys] Movie loaners

[w8au at sssnet.com]

At 10:47 PM 2/9/2014, Don Robert House wrote:
>I have provided machines for several productions... with a large
>difference... They had to take ME as well as the machines.  I
>supervised every move and the use of the machines.
>
>Same goes for antique and classic automobiles.  Don't do it..!  I
>would tell you some horror stories but that would be off topic.
>I was lucky to work with a couple of very good directors.  Tug
>Yourgrau,  Errol Morris,  and Clint Eastwood.  Very professional and
>were very thankful and appreciative.
>
>Mr. E was saddened to learn that I own a 42 Packard as he would have
>liked to use it in Flags of our Fathers.  However NO ONE drives my
>Packard except me.

Don:  The US LST Memorial, Inc, owner of operational USS LST325
(of which I am a Board Member)  was asked by Eastwood's production
company if we would loan them the ship for "Flags of our Fathers." to
be filmed in Iceland.  (Nearest volcanic ash beaches similar to Iwo Jima)

Could not reach agreement on safety/insurance for the ship. (only one
left intact in USA, and operational)  They would have used our crew 
to operate it.
However we did loan them our two LCVP landing craft and sold them a junked
LCVP that they "blew up" on the beach!  (Still there, and the locals have made
a monument out of it. :-))    (LCVP= Landing Craft, Vehicle/Personnel)

When they returned them, they were not in great shape.  They did provide
about $25K each for refurbing, however.

Now...about your beautiful Packard.... at least I have a nice pix of it
that you sent a few years back.    Tnx!

Perry   w8au