EMILY PRESCOTT: Michael Caine's estate agent woes
EMILY PRESCOTT: Hello, my name is Michael Caine and get my photo out of your window! Hollywood legend sues London estate agent for using his image without permission
Sir Michael Caine is calling in his lawyers after an estate agent used his image and a reference to a classic line in one of his films to advertise its business – without his permission.
The actor was not happy to hear that Marsh & Parsons had used his portrait on a poster in the window of its branch in Kensington, West London.
The advert featured a picture of the star, 89, and a nod to his famous line in The Italian Job: ‘You were only supposed to blow the bloody doors off!’
The advert featured a picture of the star, 89, and a nod to his famous line in The Italian Job: ‘You were only supposed to blow the bloody doors off!’
It’s not the first time one of Marsh & Parsons’ ads, which juxtapose descriptions of property with images of people, has landed them in hot water. It was forced to withdraw an outdoor ad featuring then Prime Minister Theresa May, again without her permission, due to fears it portrayed her in a negative light. The axed ad said: ‘Semi-detached, awaiting planning permission’
The poster reads: ‘Classic, double-glazed 60s build. Doors may need replacing.’
It’s not the first time one of Marsh & Parsons’ ads, which juxtapose descriptions of property with images of people, has landed them in hot water. It was forced to withdraw an outdoor ad featuring then Prime Minister Theresa May, again without her permission, due to fears it portrayed her in a negative light.
The axed ad said: ‘Semi-detached, awaiting planning permission.’
Caine’s team were furious after learning that the property firm was attempting to cash in on their client’s fame. I understand that the news prompted his Los Angeles agent to send emails with the words ‘without his permission’ written in capitals.
Let’s hope the furore doesn’t distract Caine from his role in his current film, the Second World War drama The Great Escaper. He stars alongside Glenda Jackson as a veteran who breaks out of his care home to join in the D-Day 70th anniversary celebrations. He was spotted shooting scenes in a wheelchair in Hastings and Camber Sands last week.
Ironically, it seems Caine hardly needs estate agents’ help with property matters. He recently sold his Surrey mansion for £3.5 million – making a staggering £2.5 million profit on the property that he bought for £1 million in 2000. The seven-bedroom home that Caine lived in with his wife Shakira included an indoor pool, hot tub, gym and cinema.
I don’t suppose the Zulu and Get Carter star will be asking Marsh & Parsons to flog any of his other properties for him any time soon.
Marsh & Parsons have been approached for comment.
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