Jeremy Irons: Mega-guest!
by Mervyn Hancock, Western Daily Press
October 26, 2002
AS one of the world's top Oscar-winning actors, Jeremy Irons has dined at Hollywood's most sumptuous banquets.
And while filming hits like The Man In The Iron Mask and The French Lieutenant's Woman he has shared lunch with the likes of Leonardo di Caprio and Robert de Niro.
But his appetite for the good life has turned him into a national hero on the Balkans island of Montenegro.
The star, who along with King Mswati of Swaziland is one of the better-known old boys of Sherborne School, ate and drank so much at the Sveti Stefan Hotel that the management are able to carry out urgent repairs using part of his 65,000 bill.
Astonished waiters and waitresses watched in awe as Irons - filming an anti -war movie called Mathilde - signed chitty after chitty for fine champagne, shellfish and lavish dinner parties.
His account for a single meal would often equal three months' wages for an island workers, who are lucky to get 100 a week.
They were summoned to the actor's room and table at all times of day and night to fit in with film schedules, while local dignitaries found themselves enjoying his hospitality.
It was just the shot in the arm that Montenegro needed - returning it to the days when it was a top jet-set destination for stars such as Elizabeth Taylor and Sophia Loren.
The stars went out, along with most of the high-spending tourists from around the world, after an economic crisis caused by the Balkan War. But now there are signs that the good times are rolling again.
The arrival of Irons and his film crew caused a flurry in both the dining rooms and kitchens of the 100-room hotel.
Local fishermen were sent on expeditions for lobster, fine wines were flown in from France and waiters were given crash courses to brush up their silver service skills.
The manager of the Sveti Stefan, Pero Radjenovic, said: "Jeremy Irons had the largest bill we've had for years. He spent around 65,000, which means we can now do some important repairs. He has become our saviour.
"Mr Irons demanded a lot, as famous actors do, but we hope we fulfilled his wishes. He reminded us of the old days when we used to host rich and famous guests."
Irons, who once visited a West farmhouse where he was only too pleased to tuck into chicken, chips and peas while sharing a meal with a family in Westonzoyland, Somerset, was obviously pleased with his service in Montenegro.
On top of the bill he left a 500 tip for staff.
And the word has already spread around the area that the big spender is around. Filming of the second part of Mathilde starts in Split, Croatia, from the beginning of November, and the word is that local hotels are offering all kinds of incentives to attract The Man In The Iron Mask with the golden wallet.