David Wood, who wrote the screenplay for ‘Swallows and Amazons’ (1974), shares stories from filming ‘If….’ the British movie he starred in opposite Malcolm McDowell in 1973.

FILMING if….

David Wood OBE shares an insight into filming one of the most outrageous British films of all time.

Filming If…. is the first written memoir about the cult classic film with rather a short title directed by the talented Lindsay Anderson in 1968. David Wood co-starred as one of the three public school boys, alongside Malcolm McDowell (Mick) and Richard Warwick (Wallace), who led a revolution against authority. This was regarded by many as a metaphor for the social and political situation in the UK.

If…. celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. The book contains David’s memories of the personalities involved, the day-to-day challenges, and the reception given to the avant garde film, which won the Palme d’Or at Cannes. David Wood reflects the brilliance of Lindsay Anderson and his team. With a foreword by Malcolm McDowell and an afterword by George Perry.

Filming If…. has been highly endorsed and enjoyed by many:

“…What a brilliant thing you have done, recalling what it was like being directed by the great Lindsay Anderson, and being part of this hugely important film and its dazzling cast.” – Joanna Lumley OBE

“David Wood has written a wonderfully evocative insider’s view of the shooting of one of the best British films ever made.” – Sir Alan Parker

“If…. is a classic movie – I was at the première in 1968 and we all sensed it then… I’ve a feeling this book’s going to be something of a classic, too.” – Gyles Brandreth

“What are you waiting for? David Wood’s gentle memoir of the film and its legacy is required, one-sitting reading.” – Total Film Magazine

Copies are available from the author via Amazon: https://amzn.eu/d/9Cgiz0X 

David Wood went on to write or adapt a huge number of plays, musicals, television programmes and feature films. The first screenplay he wrote was for ‘Swallows and Amazons’ (1974). He wrote to me with stories of working with the audacious Mrs Ransome, which I posted on this website here.

David’s movie ‘Back Home’ won a gold award at the New York Film and Television Festival in 1991. He went on to receive enormous acclaim in the West End, winning an Olivier Award in 2013 for his stage adaptation of ‘Good Night Mr Tom’, and the JM Barrie lifetime achievement award for his contribution to children’s arts in 2017. You can find his website here.

David and I caught up properly when we were invited onto the CBBC programme Cinemanics – which you can read about here.