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The War Horse story began in the 1980s away from Dartmoor at the Duke of York pub at Iddesleigh, Devon. It was here that author Michael Morpurgo first met Captain Arthur Budgett who inspired the author with his experiences of life with his horse in the cavalry during the First World War. The pub has changed little since the First World War and Michael Morpurgo 'occasionally pops in for a visit' according to landlord, John Pittam. Following the success of War Horse the author presented the village with a picture representing Joey, which now hangs in the village hall. The movie even references the pub with the line 'race you to the Duke of York'.
During filming Spielberg and some of his crew stayed at Browns Hotel in Tavistock. The hotel was originally a 17th century coaching inn which has been restored to combine old English charm with contemporary boutique design. Spielberg was seen dining in the hotel's award winning restaurant with his family.
Dartmoor looks set to become an influence on Hollywood in 2012. As well as War Horse a Hollywood version of another local book, 'We Bought a Zoo' by Benjamin Mee, recently hit the big screen. The story, based on the true story of a family who bought Dartmoor Zoo, has been translated to Southern California and stars Matt Damon and Scarlett Johansson.
Sarah Bryans 16/1/12 |