Sweeney Todd Early Draft

**Josh Dorsheimer** · 19th April 2008, 04:53 AM

Hey all! As some of you may know, Mr. Lee was originally cast in the Tim Burton film "Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street".

I have recently obtained the original screenplay for the film which includes the omitted characters (which includes Mr. Lee's Gentleman). I must say that when I read it, I was disappointed that he didn't perform the role, but at the same time, realized that Tim Burton knew what he was doing as the movie's pace was perfect.

Anywhoooooooooo.......I was wondering if there was anyone who wanted to read the script for the sake of seeing how his role would have played out. If so, just leave me your e-mail and I'll send it off! ^_^

**Richard Squires** · 19th April 2008, 06:56 PM

Hey, Josh! I'd LOVE to see the script! Thanks very much for making the offer! My email address is: richarddsquires@gmail.com

**Nicholas Morrell** · 21st April 2008, 10:08 AM

His role was basically a cameo as the Gentleman Ghost. he also recorded for some of musical numbers. I'm not sure of any of those were used either. He's worked with Burton on other films . Remember sleepy Hollow? he was the judge who sends Depp's character to Sleepy Hollow to investigate a murder.

**Josh Dorsheimer** · 21st April 2008, 02:46 PM

Yes, I am indeed aware of what his role was. I was offering the script of the film, if anyone wanted to read his omitted part.

Also, the role is hardly a cameo, from what I read. His character is featured quite a bit in the film...because the Ballads are spread throughout.

And Richard, I will definitely send it out as soon as I'm able. I am going to at least wait until tonight to see if I get anymore hits.

**Stephen Welbourn** · 21st April 2008, 09:44 PM

Dear Josh,
I would also be very interested in reading the Sweeney Todd script that featured the part that Christopher Lee was going to play. My email address is deltic1@btinternet.com.
Many thanks.

**Josh Dorsheimer** · 26th April 2008, 06:42 AM

Okay then....I suppose I'll send out my first e-mail of the script! ^_^

**Aaron Singh** · 26th April 2008, 02:31 PM

Hey Josh, I just stumbled onto this, which is why I'm adding my email to the list just now - otherwise you may always assume that I am ALWAYS interested in things like this (you could see scorch marks on the floor outside my local video store the day Return of the King Extended Edition DVD came out) :P my email's saruman@asia.com

Sweeney Todd was a big hit here in England, and I knew it was a Tim Burton film but had no idea Christopher Lee was meant to appear in it - fortunately I only found out he was cut after I'd watched it, so I didn't sob that much. It would have been an AWESOME film if he'd been in it though.

Thanks for the script in advance!

**Aaron Singh** · 26th April 2008, 02:37 PM

Oh and was it you who put this up of this clip on YouTube (YouTube - Christopher Lee Performs Epiphany from Sweeney Todd) of Christopher Lee rehearsing 'Epiphany' from Sweeney Todd? It was my only glimpse of the film that might have been with CL in it... :( but it sounds great, even as a rehearsal. Where do you GET this stuff? :)

**Josh Dorsheimer** · 26th April 2008, 04:07 PM

Yes, I did post that clip. Mr. Lee however, was not rehearsing "Epiphany", actually. He was not even to perform this in the film....the song is actually a song that he performed on one of his album.

He was actually to perform "The Ballad", which was an opening, closing and middle number. And from the script, he would have ha a decent amount of screen time. Soo....yea.....I'll send if off this evening guys!

**Aaron Singh** · 28th April 2008, 01:48 AM

Thanks mate. Being a medical student by day, I have been inexcusably lazy at updating my CL musical collection. But hey, 'Revelations' is only a click away at Amazon...

Haven't received the script yet but I assume it's on its way - thanks! Wonder if they'll ever release the recorded Ballad with the entire chorus - maybe this site could do it as a special. Or do you with your insider connections have some way of obtaining that as well? :)

**Josh Dorsheimer** · 28th April 2008, 02:26 PM

Just sent it out now.

Yea....I don't have a way of getting "The Ballad", but it would be nice to hear Mr. Lee perform it some day.

**louise allen** · 18th May 2008, 11:45 AM

i have seen the musical version of sweeney todd the demon barber of fleet street starring: Johnny Depp, Alan Rickman. It was a bit sad at the end of the movie, he slashed his own throat along side a man who already slashed the throat of.

**Isabel Alves** · 20th May 2008, 12:22 AM

I love this film.

**Josh Dorsheimer** · 22nd May 2008, 06:18 PM

It was indeed quite good....and Mr. Lee's part wasn't really necessary. I'm sure we will get to see him sing on screen again ans well as work with Mr. Burton...or maybe both hehe.