Putting aside all the controversy on this board about remakes, who-should-play-whom, Gibson's true character, and (groan!) the name of the bloody dog, give a moment's regard for Richard Todd, who died December 3, 2009. A war hero in real life and by all accounts a decent man, he personified heroism on film, not the least as the leader of 617 Squadron.
shareAbsolutely true : Richard Todd is excellent in this film.
shareActually I think he's a little wooden but then the script is very much of its time. On two occasions whilst he's giving the lads lectures he stands with hands on hips - reminded me of Errol Flynn's Robin Hood. Very heroic and full of British pluck. Bizarrely, his close relationship with *beep* makes him more human for me.
shareMay have been the military uniform and his hairstyle here, but he reminded me a lot of Sean Connery from the early Bond films. And now I learn via Wikipedia:
Todd was the first choice of author Ian Fleming to play James Bond in Dr. No, but a scheduling conflict gave the role to Sean Connery.
Bizarrely, his close relationship with *beep* makes him more human for me.
He's talking about the the character of Gibson, not the person of Todd.
shareI think he's referring to his relationship with the canine (Black Labrador) rather than any supposed dalliance with human females......
shareBTW Todd was a 2nd Lt in the operation to seize Pegasus Bridge that is portrayed in "The Longest Day". He played his commanding officer in the operation, and along with his C.O. was a technical advisor on the film,and coached the other actors on how to move and behave as commandos.
He was very nervous about playing this C.O,since his CO was there during the filming.
I'll Teach You To Laugh At Something's That's Funny
Homer Simpson
I had the good fortune/honour of being trapped in the entrance of our local Post Office with Richard Todd whilst it was pouring with rain, and neither of us had brought umbrellas. I plucked up the courage to address him and was struck by his courtesy and good humour. We must have spoken for fifteen minutes or so.
I can pin down the date by the fact that it was only a few days after the death of Major John Howard, and I commiserated with him upon this sad news, reflecting afterwards that I had discussed Major Howard with "Major Howard".
He was modest enough to say that my children would never have heard of him, which I contradicted by saying that all four had been brought up to have an appreciation of British and American cinema, and that they were all fully aware of The Dam Busters. He also said, I think, that at that time it had been perhaps eighteen months since he had been to see a film!
wonderful anecdote. it was doubtless gratifying to Todd that he'd made such an impression on you and your family.
share