July 1, 2025 and ninety years ago on this day in 1935, actor David Prowse, who played the executioner in the 1977 Amicus film, “The People That Time Forgot,” was born in Bristol, UK. That same year, Prowse played Darth Vader in the film that would become known as “Star Wars: A New Hope.” Most folks don’t remember that Prowse was Darth Vader, they only remember that James Earl Jones did the voice. Just an aside, but Prowse could have bench pressed James Earl Jones.
For details about the film, “The People That Time Forgot,” visit https://www.erbzine.com/mag30/3029.html
In addition to Prowse, the film featured Doug McClure, Patrick Wayne, Sarah Douglas, and Dana Gillespie.
Prowse was the British heavyweight weightlifting championship in 1962. He could deadlift almost 800 pounds and was the first man to lift the “Dinnie Stones” since the 1860s.
The Dinnie Stones are a pair of Scottish lifting stones located in Potarch, Aberdeenshire. They were made famous by strongman Donald Dinnie, who reportedly carried the stones barehanded across the width of the Potarch Bridge, a distance of 17 feet in 1860. They remain in use as lifting stones and a challenge for 'strong men' around the world.
The stones are composed of granite, with iron rings affixed. They have a combined weight of 733 pounds.
The fictional drabble for today is, “Size Speaks Volumes,” and it was inspired by David Prowse.
The interviewer said, “David, you made “The People That Time Forgot,” and “Star Wars” in 1977.”
“I got both gigs because of my size. I didn’t speak in either film. James Earl Jones dubbed my voice in Star Wars.”
“Did you know they’d dub your voice?”
“I didn’t, but I guess they didn’t want a Vader with a Bristol accent.”
“What about People That Time Forgot?”
“I didn’t have any lines."
“Did that bother you?”
“David Soul said, “ I was an accidental actor.” I was Cinderella dancing at the ball. Why complain I wasn’t singing lead in the band?”
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