Henry Winkler offers rare insight into how Dolly Parton's trash became an unusual Christmas souvenir
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Henry Winkler has recalled a memorable behind-the-scenes moment from the 1986 television movie 'A Smoky Mountain Christmas', which starred the late Dolly Parton.
During an appearance at Rhode Island Comic Con on Saturday, November 7, the director shared how one actor managed to take home an unusual souvenir from the set despite his strict instructions against taking props.
Henry Winkler recalls how an actor took home Dolly Parton's discarded music
Winkler shared the story during a 'Happy Days' panel at the Omni Providence Hotel in Providence, Rhode Island. He appeared alongside his former 'Happy Days' costar Anson Williams and answered questions from the audience about his experience directing the 1986 holiday film.
Recalling one particular scene, Winkler explained that Parton's character, Lorna Davis, a famous country singer, gets kidnapped. Following the incident, police officers arrive at her apartment and begin searching for clues.
One of the actors playing a police officer approached Winkler during filming and asked whether he could take a souvenir from the set. However, Winkler was not willing to allow anyone to take props home. Recalling his response, he said, “Anything you take would be stealing.”
Despite the director's instructions, the boom microphone operator working on the scene came up with an idea that allowed the actor to leave with something from the set without breaking the rule.
Winkler explained that Parton was writing music during the scene when she crumpled up a piece of paper and threw it into the trash can. The boom microphone operator recognised an opportunity and suggested that the actor playing the policeman take one of the discarded pieces of music as his souvenir.
According to Winkler, the operator told the actor, “It was gonna be trash anyway. You could take that.” The suggestion meant that the actor could take home something associated with Parton without removing an actual prop from the set.
Remembering the incident, Winkler added, “And that was my experience with Dolly.”
Henry Winkler praises Dolly Parton's personality and star power
According to IMDb's synopsis, the Winkler-directed fantasy film follows a country-western singer travelling through the Tennessee mountains who encounters a reclusive backwoodsman and a witch. The 1986 made-for-TV production also featured Lee Majors, Bo Hopkins of 'Dynasty', Dan Hedaya and other actors.
Beyond the unusual souvenir story, Winkler also reflected on what it was like to work with Parton during the production of 'A Smoky Mountain Christmas'.
Remembering the late country music legend, he told the Rhode Island Comic Con audience that Parton was “everything you can imagine she was and more.”
The 'Happy Days' star further praised her presence and personality, describing her as “the most amazing star.” He continued, “She just was a powerful being on this earth.”
Winkler also expressed how honored he felt to have directed Parton's first television movie. Reflecting on the opportunity, he said, “Truly, I was honored to direct her first television movie.”
Parton, who starred as Lorna Davis in the 1986 holiday production, died on August 25 at the age of 80. Winkler's recollection offered a glimpse into his time working with the singer and the memorable experience he had directing her in the television film.
