Pogs, and meeting a celebrity's non-famous sibling
Apologies for pearoast, from the "How nerdy are you?" QOTW:


I am a nerd, and this is the clincher: I went to the Edinburgh premier of the re-jigged, re-released, digitalised and generally messed with Star Wars: A New Hope back in '97. There was a fancy-dress competition for this screening, with prizes presented by none other than Sean Connery's brother. Really.

So, I love Star Wars, and felt the need to show this, and after much deliberation decided on a costume which would demonstrate to the world just exactly how much love a man could have for a film. I was going to go as the Death Star. I got the official Star Wars (TM) Death Star companion technical manual, one of those big round paper lampshades, some Airfix model paint, a coat-hanger and a miniature 2 inch scale model of the Millenium Falcon.

I painted the lampshade grey, then added detail, lights and shadow with black and silver paint. I even managed to make the big planet buster laser bit look like a dip by judicious use of shading.

I cut a small horizontal hole near the base to see out of, and the lampshade sat quite happily on my shoulders (i.e. my head inside the lampshade). For the piece-de-resistance I used the coat hanger to suspend the mini Millenium Falcon from the side of my lampshade/Death Star so it looked like it was flying in. Class.

So we went to the film. On arrival, it was very busy (sold out I think, but of course we'd had our tickets for ages). My companions had also partaken in the fancy dress competition, so I was accompanied by Luke Skywalker (in his pyjamas) and the lovely Princess Leia. Of course, I could see sweet FA out of the helmet despite the gap I'd cut in it, so I was led into the auditorium by my friends, taking a couple of people out with the dangly Falcon on the way.

The fancy dress competition was before the film, and we were invited one by one to parade before the audience and judging panel (the aforementioned Sean Connery's brother and the cinema manager). When it was my turn I staggered to the front and apparently (for I could not see) received a standing ovation from my fellow Star Wars nerds making up the audience.

I won (admittedly partly due to the weak field of 2 Lukes, 2 Leias and me) and was invited to make a speech. Sean Connery's brother (I'm sure he has a first name but lets face it, he is probably only ever known as Sean's Connery brother) shoved a microphone into my vision slot, and I said the now legendary (at least to my mates who were there), "That's no moon, it's a space station". The crowd went wild ("like a million voices cried out ..."), I got two free cinema tickets, a complete set of Star Wars pogs (really), and the respect of my geeky peers. Oh, and to meet Sean Connery's brother.
( paulieg La, la, la, not listening, Thu 28 Apr 2011, 14:41, 6 replies)

love this, think I remember the pea - have clicked
Do you have any pics, so I can say, "I find your lack of face disturbing."
(sarcastic fringehead feet of clay, buns of steel, head of lettuce, Thu 28 Apr 2011, 14:49, closed)

Ta
... but no picture I'm afraid, which is a shame as it would be worth it for that line :)

I had this problem last time I posted this, people asked for photos but I just don't have any: its tragic, as (apart from meeting my wife etc etc) I suspect it will be the pinnacle of my life's achievements.
( paulieg La, la, la, not listening, Thu 28 Apr 2011, 16:18, closed)

Shame
still a good story though. Sean Connery's brother, ffs. Assume he has absolutely no connection with Star Wars?
(sarcastic fringehead feet of clay, buns of steel, head of lettuce, Thu 28 Apr 2011, 18:13, closed)

That would be Neil Connery who once starred in a dreadful sub-Bond movie:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=jckMZB854fs
(johnson, Sat 30 Apr 2011, 0:31, closed)

Jings
That looks awful. Although I am even more impressed that I have met Sean Connery's brother (for that is how I will always know him) now I know he is a "movie" star.
( paulieg La, la, la, not listening, Mon 2 May 2011, 13:59, closed)

i thought only wor wullie said Jings
have a click
(Monkeystrumpet monkey. Monkey, MONKEY!!!, Tue 3 May 2011, 14:49, closed)