Ed Wade

Jefferson Productions shot a Ford Capri commercial at Grandfather Mountain in the late seventies. Tape footage was accomplished in four days in spite of high winds, rain, and John Reichard's driving the hero vehicle (for which, by the way, he allegedly collected top talent fee, 'though he wasn't recognized.) Upon returning to Charlotte for the edit, the art director (remember "the midgets?") allowed to all concerned that for the voice-over, he must have "a voice that would have all convinced that the guy had to carry his balls around in a wheelbarrow." I handed him Jim Cremin's audition tape.

Jim collected the national talent fee plus residuals. Two days after Jim recorded his voice-over, a small walnut box showed up on my desk with an envelope attached. The note read: "Thanks. Jim."  Inside, resting in green plush velvet, was a reproduction of the 1861 Navy Colt revolver. I've misplaced the note, but not my affection for a talented man, too soon departed. That wheelbarrow would be a real collector's item.