First look at THE DAMNED UNITED - Plus the day in the life of a virginale extra!

By Peter Willis / June 25, 2011

Morning folks, Peter here. From the writer of THE QUEEN and FROST/NIXON comes THE DAMNED UNITED, the story of Brian Clough's infamous 44 day role as manager of Leeds United. Back in August of last year Matt brought us a preview of the movie. Today we have a first look at the move thanks to a 2 minute trailer.

As a somewhat strange coincidence as I was sat watching the trailer a work colleague (no... OWF isn't my day job!) turned to me and said, "Hey - I was in that!". His role was limited but as he very proudly pointed out - he did have a line in the movie! Here are the thoughts of William Conboy on his role as an extra in THE DAMNED UNITED, which is released on March 29th in the UK.

Following a phone call from a casting agency, which I had joined upon chance after being spotted at university, I immediately received calls from wardrobe and make-up... The outfit and style they chose for me was a far cry from my personal style, but then the film in question was based in the swinging 60s... Tweed jackets, kipper ties and outrageous sideburns... All in a days work for a method actor... Or a student receiving his first role as an extra! After been told to arrive in a noticeably run-down area of Bradford... at 5am... with little or no knowledge of the project which awaited me.. I was unsurprisingly rather nervous, yet riddled with intrigue... been the avid film buff that I am. After a quick breakfast in a modified double decker bus.. with no other than Colm Meaney (of Layer Cake fame) for company.. I journeyed over to the wardrobe wagon, where an immediate call to remove all my clothing was thrown at me.. Much to my terror seen as several female runners were situated yards away. After 2 hours in make up... I was driven, at no less than 90mph, to the old police station in Bradford, where I was escorted into a smoky, camera filled room. After been tooled up with an old camera, several herbal cigarettes and a firm instruction to repeatedly shout Why have you left Don..!... Whos taking over Mr Revie, I was immediately greeted with the introduction of one Don Revie (or Colm Meaney) and his supporting acts... After 5 hours of filming.. a sore throat (herbal cigarettes are similar to smoking horse manure)and a thirst for fame ;)I was whisked back to the base and told to return the following morning. My first day in the movies was fun, and next up Ill be starring in WUTHERING HEIGHTS (a one-off TV feature on our screens in April) - so watch this space...