A pensioner from Axbridge has persuaded a cinema to screen the Oscar-winning film he worked on 50 years ago.

Weston Mercury: Tony, John and the yellow landrover they travelled the world withTony, John and the yellow landrover they travelled the world with (Image: Archant)

Tony Griggs, aged 77, worked on the production of Patton, a biographical war movie about General George S Patton, along with his friend John Taylor.

The pair were travelling across Europe in their yellow Land Rover when they were told they could find work on a movie, which was being filmed in Spain.

The lifelong friends headed to Spain from Switzerland in hope of landing roles as extras on the set, which could help them finance the rest of their journey across the world.

They accepted roles as stand-in's after auditioning and ended up working alongside famous American stars such as George C Scott, Karl Malden and Karl Michael Vogler.

Weston Mercury: George C. Scott on set for PattonGeorge C. Scott on set for Patton (Image: Archant)

Tony, who is a former sound engineer for ITV, said it is almost 50 years since the film was released.

He said: "John and I were travelling and had to finance the trip ourselves, which meant picking up odd jobs here and there.

"When we were told about the film, we headed to Barcelona and we were told they were filming in Madrid so we made our way there.

"After about a week we got a call back to the production office to ask to be stand-ins instead.

Weston Mercury: John sat on the tank on set for PattonJohn sat on the tank on set for Patton (Image: Archant)

"For four months, we spent days with the actors, they would say hi and they even knew our names.

"After the film was made, we continued to travel around the world.

"When we got to Australia and we rang the filmmakers to find out when the film was going to be released.

"While we were there we ended up on talk shows and promoting the movie."

Weston Mercury: George C. Scott on set for PattonGeorge C. Scott on set for Patton (Image: Archant)

A stand-in allows the director to light the set and focus scenes while the actor is absent.

Patton, released in 1970, has won seven Academy Awards, including best director, best picture and best original screenplay.

Tony added: "John and I went to Luxembourg this year to visit where General Patton was buried.

"I just thought it would also be nice to see the film on the big screen once again."

Weston Mercury: Road side recovery for the landroverRoad side recovery for the landrover (Image: Archant)

Tony and John will give a talk before the film is screened.

Patton will be shown at the Curzon, in Clevedon, on November 7.

Tickets, priced £5.50-23, are available online at www.curzon.org.uk

Weston Mercury: Tony standing in on set for George C ScottTony standing in on set for George C Scott (Image: Archant)