Anderson also owns a claim to fame for being the fencing a stunt double for Darth Vader in Star Wars. In a 1983 interview, however, Mark Hamill paid homage to Anderson's contribution, saying, "Bob Anderson was the man who actually did Vader's fighting. It was always supposed to be a secret, but I finally told George I didn't think it was fair any more. Bob worked so bloody hard that he deserves some recognition. It's ridiculous to preserve the myth that it's all done by one man."

As a competitive fencer, he represented Great Britain at the Olympic Games in 1952<Actinic:Variable Name = '1'/> and the World Championships in 1950 and 1953.

"My career started in the late thirties in the Marines, where I was a PTI and I taught fencing on board. It became quite popular because it was a sport that could be done in a fairly small area, as on board ship. During my time in the Marines I entered the RoyaL Tournament for the combined services, and won all 4 weapons (foil, epee', sabre and bayonet) 4 years running. I met Roger Crosnier during the 1948 London Olympics, he came down to Portsmouth and was struck by my ability for fencing and asked if I could be released under him to be trained as a fencing master for the services.

I was waiting to compete in the 1952 olympics when I was approached by Leon Pauls to double Errol Flynn for The Master of Ballantrae, and along with Renee' Paul we went off to Pinewood Studios to take part in the film. When I arrived I soon realised that Errol Flynn was already quite adebt at sword fencing and I was then asked to be his opponant as well as his coach, rather than his double. I had always acquired all of my fencing equipment from Leon Paul's, as had the studio's for many films. The marrying of the films and my fencing career seemed the natural solution to the beginning of a great life for myself and my family.

I went on to compete at Helsinki Olympics in '52 and many more International events after that, from then I became National Fencing Coach for Great Britain, I won many titles and eventually retired undefeated. I travelled the world coaching, competing and filming...It was a tough life!!! (my wife may have a few words to say about that!!)

Teaching and coaching actors has always been a fun part of my life. I particularly enjoyed the fight scenes in the Princess Bride as this was a fairy story and loved by all ages. I often get comments on the fight between Mandy Patinkin (Inigo Montoya) and Cary Elwes in the scene where Mandy was fighting lefthanded, and he was getting beaten and he said "Aha!..I know something you dont know...I am not left handed!"....and proceeded to fence with his right hand! Teaching and coaching the actors on all the films I have done has been a complete pleasure, and to see the passion in their eyes as they progress with their training, and the look of delight when a scene is shot and 'in the can' is a purely magical moment for all involved.

Training an actor up to the fencing standards required for a major block buster is no mean feat. I would spend at east 6 month's on a one to one basis, dawn till dusk until blood is drawn...well nearly. Then filming would start and still they would want to get their fight scenes spot on, no actors wanted a double to fence for them, they wanted the glory of the sword at their hand.

I remember the time I was fencing Errol Flynn on board the ship in the Master of Ballantrae and stabbed him in the leg and drew blood! Everyone was mortified, and was convinced I would get the sack, luckily Errol Flynn realised it was purely a mistake and I have to say bad form on behalf of props...where on earth did that button go??

...and finally, my life has been ruled by the sword. It has been a fantastic journey and one I feel particularly privileged to share with you. 'The point of the sword has been my destiny' "

I wanted to use my knowledge and experience of swords to create a weapon could be used to train with or as a display piece. I naturally went back to Leon Paul who have over 80 years experience in making swords and here is the finished article.

Bob Anderson 88 years old.

Written by Simone Froud on behalf of Bob Anderson Swordmaster

The Legend of Zorro

The Lord of the Rings

Pirates of the Caribbean

Die Another Day

The Mask of Zorro

First Knight

The Princess Bride

Highlander

Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope

Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi

Superman II

Casino Royale

The Master of Ballantrae