A high-profile London estate agency has been chided by iconic Hollywood actor Sir Michael Caine for using his image and one of his classic film lines in an agent advertisement, without securing his permission first.
According to a report in the Daily Mail yesterday, the star of The Italian Job, Alfie, Harry Brown and Get Carter was fuming that Marsh & Parsons – which has 33 offices across the capital and has been operating for more than 160 years – had used his face in a poster in the window of its branch in Kensington, West London.
The words alongside it read ‘Classic, double-glazed 60s build. Doors may need replacing’, in a clear nod to his iconic line in The Italian Job – and one of the most famous in all film – ‘You were only supposed to be blow the bloody doors off’.
The agency has developed a reputation in recent years for its clever advertising campaign, but the Mail reports that it previously got itself in trouble with an ad featuring then-Prime Minister Theresa May – once more without permission – with the words ‘Semi-detached, awaiting planning permission’ alongside it. The ad was later axed.
“Caine’s team were furious after learning that the property firm was attempting to cash in on their client’s fame,” the paper added, with his Los Angeles agent allegedly sending emails with the words ‘without his permission’ written in capitals and the star seeking legal advice.
*Image courtesy of Shutterstock
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