FLASH GORDON’s Melody Anderson / Tonys salute to David Byrd

I’ve written in the past about 1980’s FLASH GORDON, which has grown hugely popular over the years, and whose poster remains one of Richard Amsel’s most enduring works.

Some years ago I did a quick interview with FLASH himself, actor Sam J. Jones. So when I learned at the last minute that he and former actress Melody Anderson, who played Dale, Flash’s spirited love interest, were both attending a recent convention in Pasadena, I jumped at the chance to go.

It was great meeting up with Jones again. He’s a physically formidable, towering figure, but his personality is so open and affable, it’s easy to see why he was cast as our Savior of the Universe.

“Dude, I saw your trailer! It’s on my IMDB page!” Jones smiled, referring to our film’s early teaser trailer from two years ago. “Did you make that yourself?”

“Yes I did, with a little help.” I answered.

“It looked great! How’s the film coming?”

“Slowly,” I said sheepishly, “but we’re getting there.”

Nearby Jones’ table was Ms. Anderson, who I was a little nervous about meeting. She rarely does conventions, and I went to this one completely unprepared – armed only with my cell phone.

Every interview I’d done for the film up until now, even for the briefest sound byte, involved a query and discussion in advance. The process has taken me weeks, months, and even years for some people. For me to approach someone out of the blue, with no introductions, and ask them, then and there, if they’d be willing to say something on camera and immediately sign a release form… Well… That can (very justifiably) be taken as both presumptuous and rude.

Ms. Anderson, however, practically did the asking for me. When I told her about the film, she enthusiastically volunteered to participate on the spot.

It’s that kind of graciousness and generosity that makes me love Dale Arden even more, as well as the actress who played her.

My heartfelt thanks to Anderson and Jones for their contributions to the film.

“Go, Flash, Go!” indeed.

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Followers of this project should be well familiar with my late friend, David Edward Byrd – the artist behind such legendary Broadway posters as Follies, Godspell, and Little Shop of Horrors. David passed away last February, and his loss still resonates with his husband, Jolino Beserra, and untold number of friends and admirers around the world.

Jolino has informed me that tonight’s TONYS telecast shall include mention of David, during their IN MEMORIAM segment. It’s going to be a poignant and bittersweet moment to watch.

UPDATE:

Oh, David, how I miss you my friend. I can't get through the 1:53 mark without welling up.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5NSzhA7wrkc