James Mason sought to register as a conscientious objector, of course, causing a total breach with his family. Meanwhile the peerless David Niven (who had been a regular before the war) went home as soon as the conflict started, joined up and had an incredibly distinguished service career including a time in the Commandos. Great man.
Thanks Alex, this was a good read, two of my favourite silver screen actors are Richard Todd, (obviously The Dam Busters/ Longest day) and Michael Caine, and I do believe his strongest performance in a military theme was in 'Harry Brown' where he played an former soldier but as an old man. I do believe he called upon his Korean war experience for this role.
Esmond Knight was an ensign I think, aboard battleship HMS Prince of Wales during the Battle of the Denmark Strait, and was one of the very few -- including Captain Leach -- who was not killed on the bridge when Bismarck landed a devastating hit there during the fight. Knight was concussed and blinded, although he would later recover some use of his vision, but he was out of the battle. Some 20 years later Knight found himself on the bridge of HMS Prince of Wales again, this time on a film set and in the role of Captain Leach in the motion picture "Sink the Bismarck!"
James Mason sought to register as a conscientious objector, of course, causing a total breach with his family. Meanwhile the peerless David Niven (who had been a regular before the war) went home as soon as the conflict started, joined up and had an incredibly distinguished service career including a time in the Commandos. Great man.
Thanks Alex, this was a good read, two of my favourite silver screen actors are Richard Todd, (obviously The Dam Busters/ Longest day) and Michael Caine, and I do believe his strongest performance in a military theme was in 'Harry Brown' where he played an former soldier but as an old man. I do believe he called upon his Korean war experience for this role.
No mention of Dietrich?
She'd deserve a whole article! Or one on troop entertainment.
...and I met (mentioned in passing) Marika Rokk in Baden Bei Wien, Austria in 1987, while strolling through an outdoor market.
Esmond Knight was an ensign I think, aboard battleship HMS Prince of Wales during the Battle of the Denmark Strait, and was one of the very few -- including Captain Leach -- who was not killed on the bridge when Bismarck landed a devastating hit there during the fight. Knight was concussed and blinded, although he would later recover some use of his vision, but he was out of the battle. Some 20 years later Knight found himself on the bridge of HMS Prince of Wales again, this time on a film set and in the role of Captain Leach in the motion picture "Sink the Bismarck!"
Somewhere in a East Grinstead hospital visitors book at the RAF Museum is Clark Gable's signature. One of my fave things I've cataloged.