Screen test: The Virgin Soldiers

David Bowie had a small role in the 1969 film The Virgin Soldiers. On 16 July 1968 he took part in a screen test ahead of his appearance on camera.

His involvement in the project went back to late 1967. On 13 October he visited producer Ned Sherrin to discuss a part in the production. This was followed on 30 May 1968 by another meeting at Sherrin’s apartment on Bywater Street, London, also attended by director John Dexter.

On that occasion Bowie dined with Sherrin and Dexter at Chelsea restaurant Alvaro’s, and it was agreed that he would take part in a screen test. A costume fitting took place on 12 July, four days ahead of the test.

The screen test took place at Twickenham Film Studios. Bowie eventually had a role as an extra in The Virgin Soldiers, and filmed his parts at Twickenham from 29 October to 4 November 1968. The film starred Lynn Redgrave, Hywel Bennett, Nigel Davenport, and Nigel Patrick.