Richard Todd at the Dundee Rep

Shortly before receiving his call-up papers in July 1940, Richard Todd had become a co-founder of the Dundee Repertory Theatre. In his autobiography, ‘Caught in the Act’, Todd describes how the small-time impresario Robert Thornley had  asked him to join his recently formed small  company and had chosen Her Majesty’s Theatre Dundee by closing his eyes and jabbing a list of theatres with a pin!

Richard Todd was delighted to accept Thornley’s invitation and appeared in the opening play, ‘On the Spot.’ The huge theatre was very run down and in need of a great deal of repair, so Thornley eventually managed to acquire Dundee’s Forester’s Hall. After gathering together a consortium of businessmen in three days, he was able to finance a reconstruction of the Hall and by the end of the year it became the new permanent theatre. So on Wednesday 20^th December 1939 the Dundee Repertory Theatre was finally launched with a gala performance of ‘Hassan.’

With the clouds of war looming in the background, the aspiring young actor Richard Todd, (who was eagerly awaiting his call-up papers) was beginning his now legendary stage and film career.

Above is a programme, provided by Neil, from March 1940 showing the Dundee Rep with Richard Todd in ‘The Case of The Frightened Lady.’ Four months later, he received his call-up papers and was sent to Strensall Camp, the site of the King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry and the start of his heroic war years. Later, as a member of the 6^th Airborne Division he became the first man of the main force to parachute out over Normandy on D-Day.

To read a lot more about the life of Richard Todd (1919-2009) please click here.

Italian Lobby Card

Above is another of the well illustrated Italian lobby cards produced  to promote Walt Disney's Story of Robin Hood and his Merrie Men (1952). It is interesting to see how the colour and tints of the costumes of both Richard Todd (Robin Hood) and James Hayter (Friar Tuck) have been changed by the designer.

Robin Hood's Merry Jokes

With all the doom and gloom around at the moment and the continual rain here in England, I thought it was time to lighten up. So let’s have a laugh along with Little John (James Robertson Justice) Robin Hood (Richard Todd) and Will Scarlet (Antony Forwood) at some Robin Hood jokes.

Why did Robin Hood steal from the rich?
Because the poor didn't have anything worth stealing!

Why couldn't Robin Hood hit the target? 

Because his arrows were all in a quiver!

Where did Robin's Merry Men go to buy their sweets?
The Friar's Tuck-shop!

What did Robin say when he nearly got hit at the archery contest?
"That was an arrow escape!"

How did Robin Hood tie his shoe-laces?
With a long bow!

Friar Tuck was a monk, so why did he get involved in a life of crime?
It was his habit!

Robin Hood lay dying, and all the faithful gathered round. With his weak and fading breath, Robin asked Marion to bring him the best arrow from the quiver beside his bed, and then asked Little John to bring him his bow. He put the arrow to the bow and aimed through the open window into the generous green sward of Sherwood Forest beyond which he loved so much. He asked of Friar Tuck, "Promise me that wherever the arrow falls, there you will bury me." And when Tuck had sworn, Robin Hood demanded the same of the others. Then with his last strength he drew on the bow and let the arrow fly.

And then he died, smiling. And next day, they did as they had promised; they buried Robin Hood ....... on top of his wardrobe!

Richard Todd as Robin Hood

I’m back posting now after a lovely holiday and would like to thank Mike for sending in a great colour publicity still of Richard Todd as Robin Hood from the Disney live-action movie.

Joan Rice meets Walt Disney

Because I will not be posting for a fortnight I have decided to leave you with my favourite publicity still from Disney’s Story of Robin Hood and his Merrie Men (1952).

It is from my own collection and shows Walt Disney meeting Joan Rice (Maid Marian) with Richard Todd (Robin Hood) looking on. This must have been a breathtaking moment for the young actress, who had only recently worked as a waitress in a Lyons Corner House.

It is a Reuters image and on the back it has:

“In The Greenwood-

Master of fantasy Walt Disney meets Maid Marian (his newest star Joan Rice) and Robin Hood (Richard Todd) on location at Burnham Beeches, Buckinghamshire, for Disney’s all-live Technicolor production ‘Robin Hood.’

Disney visited both location and floor units of the film, which is produced by Perce Pearce at Denham Studios.

June 24th 1951 PAR 24808-1 (PNR-G)”

As always I would be pleased to read your comments about this picture or about anything else on this blog. Thank you for your continued input and support and I will be posting again soon.

Elspeth's Memories of Robin Hood

Elspeth with Richard Todd

I was thrilled last week to finally get the chance to talk with Elspeth Gill, daughter of Alex Bryce the second unit director on Walt Disney’s Story of Robin Hood and his Merrie Men (1952). Elspeth is a charming lady and we had quite a chat about those golden days. It was Neil who initially made contact with her last year and she shared with him some wonderful photographs taken behind the scenes, which can be seen here.

Alex Bryce second unit director with Richard Todd

At the age of sixteen, Elspeth had the enviable experience of watching the filming of Robin Hood at not only Burnham Beeches but also the huge sound stages at Denham Studios. During that period she was living in a house approximately four miles from the legendary studios. When Elspeth entered a fancy dress costume at that time, she was lucky enough to be allowed to borrow one of Richard Todd’s ‘Robin Hood’ costumes. She won the contest-of course!And afterwards rode her horse all the way to the Denham Studios. The security men on the gate were apparently pre-warned of her arrival!

Although it was over sixty years ago, she could vaguely remember meeting Walt Disney and described the Art Director, Carmen Dillon, as a formidable woman.  Richard Todd she said “was such a lovely, lovely, man.” He became a friend of the family and Elspeth had fond memories of Scottish dancing with him during the making of the later movie, Rob Roy.  Her father, she explained, loved making those live-action Disney movies.

James Hayter (Friar Tuck) and Richard Todd (Robin Hood)

During the filming of the scene in which Robin Hood meets Friar Tuck (James Hayter), Richard Todd asked Elspeth to keep hold of Barron, his Great Dane. Unfortunately Baron was a great deal stronger than Elspeth and she was dragged by the huge dog downwards towards the river!

Nottingham Town Square

Elspeth could also remember being somewhere high up during the filming of a scene in ‘Nottingham Town Square.’ But she kept feeling something hitting her body and when she looked around, she realised it was Peter Finch (Sheriff of Nottingham) throwing pebbles at her!

Peter Finch as the Sheriff of Nottingham

I hope to be able to talk to Elspeth again very soon, and capture some more of her  wonderful memories of those golden days!

  

Richard Todd & Joan Rice

To celebrate the most romantic day of the year, Valentine’s Day, I have posted one of my favourite stills from Walt Disney’s Story of Robin Hood (1952). Above is Richard Todd as Robin Hood and Joan Rice as Maid Marian in a passionate pose to promote the live-action movie. I think you will agree that it’s quite a steamy shot for a Disney film!

To see many other promotional stills from Disney’s Robin Hood, just click on Picture Gallery.

The Production Unit in Nottinghamshire

I was thrilled to discover this press picture (above) for sale on Ebay recently. It is a very rare image of Walt Disney’s legendary producer Perce Pearce (1899-1955) and Richard Todd (1919-2009) practising a quarter-staff fight during their fact-finding trip to Nottinghamshire before the filming of the Story of Robin Hood and his Merrie Men.

Below is an extract from the magazine Photoplay dated June 1951 about the trip:

“When Walt Disney first announced that he was to make ‘Robin Hood’ he received a letter from the Sheriff of Nottingham inviting him to visit the City Library and inspect the collection of over a thousand books of ‘Robin Hood’ lore. Walt Disney replied that he himself would be unable to go to England until the film actually went before the cameras, but that he would extend the kind invitation to Richard Todd and his production unit under the supervision of producer Perce Pearce.

When Richard Todd and the production unit visited Nottingham this spring [1951], they were received by the Lord Mayor, the Sheriff and other civic dignitaries and were afforded every possible local facility to retrace the footsteps of the famous outlaw.

Richard Todd absorbed a mine of information which gave him a penetrating insight into the character of Robin Hood when he came to portray his historic counterpart. The production unit, too, covered many miles of Robin Hood country, to ensure that local settings reproduced at Denham Studios under the supervision of Art Director Carmen Dillon, should maintain the highest degree of authenticity.”

Some of the places that the production crew visited included Nottingham City Library, Nottingham Castle, Newstead Abbey, Edwinstowe, Sherwood Forest including Robin Hood’s Larder (now gone) and the Major Oak, Ollerton, Creswell Crags, Nottingham’s Caves, the Salutation Inn and the Trip to Jerusalem Inn.

Walt Disney’s production crew included producer Perce Pearce, script writer Lawrence Watkin, historical advisor Dr. Charles Beard and art director Carmen Dillon.



Information on Catherine Grant-Bogle

Richard Todd and Catherine-Grant-Bogle in 1954

It is always very rewarding for me to get some feedback from readers of my blog. So I was thrilled to receive an email from Pam this week about the mysterious later years of Catherine Grant-Bogle. Up until now, very little was known about her life after she was divorced from movie legend Richard Todd (1919-2009). So I am sure my readers will be very interested in what Pam has to say:

“I was looking up info on Richard Todd when I saw this article on Catherine Grant-Bogle. She was my landlady in 1970/71 in London, in a flat near the Tate Gallery.

I am Canadian and was backpacking through Europe with my girlfriend. She took me, my girlfriend and a girl from Hawaii in for room and board. The rooms were as the children left them and she didn't want us to touch or move anything. She also didn't want us using the kitchen and when she found the three of us making dinner, she was very upset.

She was very bitter about the divorce and told us stories. Her son Peter also came by a few times to check on her. I also have a picture of her with her cat in my photo album.

I went back to London with my first husband in 1978 and went to show him the flat. And there she was walking down the street coming out of the liquor store, looking a little worse for wear.

I am surprised to see that she lived another 20 years after I last saw her. She didn't look well and the difference in her from 1971 to 1978 was astounding!”

Pam continued:

“She did seem so sad, not only when I was rooming at her flat, but especially when I saw her walking down the street a few years later. She was a sweet lady.

Anyway, just thought I would share this with you.”

I would like to thank Pam very much for this glimpse into the later years of Richard Todd’s first wife. If anyone can add some more to this information, or would like to comment on anything concerning the movie or its actors please get in touch at disneysrobin@googlemail.com.

A Letter from Richard Todd

Mike has very kindly sent in a letter he received from the late actor Richard Todd (1919-2009).

He says:

"I thought you might like to see this thank you letter I got from Richard Todd. As you will see he was very good to reply in a personal way. The card I sent was the original poster [Robin Hood], I added birthday wishes etc which made it a bit special."

I am sure you will all agree that this is yet another example of the genuine warmth and kindness of the great man.

Elspeth Gill

We have made some amazing discoveries on this site over the last four years and this is certainly one of the best. Neil has recently managed to contact the daughter of Alex Bryce (1905-1961), the Second Unit Director on Walt Disney’s Story of Robin Hood (1952). Elspeth Gill has very kindly sent Neil some unique photographs of her visit on set during the making of Disney’s live-action motion picture at Burnham Beeches in Buckinghamshire.

Elspeth’s father was in charge of the Second Unit, which specialised in all the action shots and fight scenes of this wonderful Disney movie. These included the ambush of the royal coach, the rescue of Scathelok in the market square and Robin’s various battles with the Sheriff. She was about sixteen years old at the time and remembers the filming very well.

In Elspeth’s first photograph we can see Richard Todd (Robin Hood), behind the scenes giving her archery lessons and in the second, she is in full costume and riding one of the horses.

I would like to thank Elspeth for sharing with us these wonderful photographs and Neil for sending them to me. Perhaps she can share some more of her magical memories with us all in the future.

Catherine Grant-Bogle

Above is a rare picture sent in by Neil, of the actress Catherine-Grant Bogle, the first wife of Richard Todd (1919-2009). She married the star of Robin Hood, The Dambusters and The Longest Day on 13th September 1949. But sadly the couple divorced in 1970 and she passed away in 1997. What Catherine did after her divorce from Richard Todd remains a mystery, so if anyone can help with information on her later life, please get in touch at: disneysrobin@googlemail.com



For more information on Richard Todd please click here.

Joan Rice and Richard Todd

I was thrilled to discover this very rare picture recently of Joan Rice (Maid Marian) and Richard Todd (Robin Hood). This was possibly taken during a break from the casting test of Walt Disney’s Story of Robin Hood and his Merrie Men at Elstree in March 1951.

Richard Todd described it as a ‘happy picture’ and in this photograph, we can see a good example of some of the fun they had making it!

Richard Todd and Burnham Beeches

Recently, Laurence thrilled us all, when he very kindly sent in a picture of his copy of the stunning original premier programme of Walt Disney’s Story of Robin Hood from 1952. Well, I am sure you will all be amazed by this fantastic painting (above) by Laurence of Burnham Beeches in Buckinhamshire, which he created over thirty years ago.

Laurence told me:

“It is of one of my favourite places, Burnham Beeches (not least because of its connection with Robin Hood). In point of fact, it was Mr. Todd who told me that this was the location for Sherwood Forest. Up to that point I never knew. The spot depicted doesn't actually exist - it is a kind of composite of the place I know and how it is in the movie. I even painted my, then, two young sons into the scene, though they are quite well hidden.

Below is Laurence with the late great Richard Todd, backstage at the Theatre Royal in Brighton in 1980. Laurence and his wife had just seen the legendary star in the excellent stage version of ‘This Happy Breed.’

Laurence says:

“Richard Todd had always been my boyhood hero (Robin Hood, Sword and the Rose and Rob Roy etc.) and when I met him I told him so. He replied that he assumed Richard Greene was every ones idea of Robin Hood - I corrected him- "Oh no, Mr. Todd, you are!"


Many thanks Laurence; I am sure my blog readers will be keen to see some more of your wonderful artwork.

Richard Todd's Secretary - Joan Wilkie

Geoff Waite has recently sent me a fascinating article by Richard Todd’s secretary Pat Wilkie and published in Girl Film & Television Annual in 1958. It gives a little insight into the life of the Todd household at that time. The photo of Richard Todd with his first wife Catherine and the dogs is nice. Pat Wilkie mentions their son Peter who sadly committed suicide in 2005 and daughter Fiona who became the wife of the Hon. Rollo Hugh Clifford in 1977.

The article begins:

“By the way,” said Richard Todd, “You do like dogs, don’t you?”

At first I didn’t see the point. After all, he was interviewing me to be his secretary.

After five years in the film business-two of them as assistant to Associated British Casting Director, Robert Lennard, my mind was going over what shorthand speed I could honestly claim, and just how to describe my efficiency as a book-keeper. Actually, I’d never done it in my life.

But as it happened I’m quite idiotic over animals. And I said so. I have learned that it was the best thing I could have said. Anyway, it got me the job. Not only would I be working as personal secretary to Richard Todd, but I would also be living in the country. I knew that his interest lay in farming and the countryside, and I had for some time been suffering with that ‘hemmed in’ feeling that city workers sometimes get.

But soon after I had got to live with the Todd’s, who at that time had their home near Maidenhead, my mother began to get worried:

“Are you sure you’re going to be a secretary and not a land girl?” she wrote.

Well might she ask, for in practically every letter home there had been frantic cries from me, such as ‘send gumboots,’ ‘send old coat,’’ send thick underwear,’ ‘send bike!’ This really worried her as she wasn’t at all sure I’d remember how to balance on this relic from my school days.

If ever a prospective boss was able to put an equally prospective secretary at ease better than Dick, then he deserves a medal. During my time in the Casting Department I had been reporting on all new plays, films and student performances, I hadn’t once touched my shorthand. My speed would be dismal confessed.

“Shouldn’t worry,” said Dick easily. “You’ll soon get it back.”

“But the book-keeping,” I said hesitantly.”I was always hopeless at maths at school.”

“Nothing to it,” said Dick. “You’ll manage fine.”

This is easy attitude to life is typical of Richard Todd, but I must have worried him a little. On my first day, and with a large grin on his face, he presented me with a brand-new Ready Reckoner!

I soon found my job was one of those delightful occupations where two days are never the same. Basically, it is a normal office job with plenty to keep one occupied. Mountainous piles of dictation-both fan and ordinary mail-book-keeping, PAYE for staff and farm workers, travel arrangements to be organised, and script reading-just to mention some of the things.

But it is the odd, unexpected things that crop up, as they do continually in the Todd household, that make for laughter and fun and change from routine. For instance, in an ordinary office it is not unusual to have a little boy (Richard’s son, Peter) wander in and ask, “I know God made the world, but who made God?” When you’re in the middle of balancing the petty cash!

Nor to have the door pushed open and see a normally white dog, now black with wet mud, looking sheepishly at you, knowing full well that it’s got to be bathed. Nor to have your employer turn to you on a hot summer’s day and say, “We’ll work in the evening, go change into your swimsuit and we’ll join the rest of the family in the pool!

Yes it’s good to get out of the routine-rut. But it can just as easily work the other way. You see, farming is not just something does as a hobby, to fill in the time when he’s not filming. It’s a much more personal thing.

Many’s the weekend I spent at his home catching up on all manner of work for films and farm, probably sandwiching a letter to a film producer in between orders for fertilizer. When the family moved to a 90 acre farm in Buckinghamshire life became more hectic than ever. When Dick is filming he generally stays at his flat in London during the week-then turns up with a briefcase full of work, and bang goes my free weekend.

Five dogs-two Great Danes, two Corgis and one pointer-can be a source of amusement at work. Baron, particularly can become a very gloomy Great Dane when Dick is away, and on these occasions will always insist upon sleeping just inside my bedroom door. This is all very well when the nights are dead quiet, but the slightest sound will produce an ominous tummy-rumble developing into a roar should the sound continue.

Once when left in charge of the house, I woke to hear Baron’s thundering growls. The other dogs were equally restive. Grabbing a thick stick in one hand, and hanging onto baron’s tail with the other, I toured the whole place, to find eventually that it was the local policeman, plus dog, giving the outside of the house a check over.

Then there was the day I took over Nanny’s job. Luckily Peter, than five, and Fiona, two, seemed to enjoy the novelty as much as I did, but I don’t think I have ever before been quite so exhausted at the end of the day.

And finally, to the employer himself. What is Richard Todd like to work for? I can only tell you that stories of Dick being stuffy and stiff-upper lipped, always fill me with amazement. If he were really like that, I wouldn’t be working for him.

I like to laugh, and working for Dick provides plenty of opportunities. He has a sense of humour that can be riotous.

For instance there was the day the young cook announced her intention of trying an entirely Chinese meal on us. It was her first attempt at Chinese cookery and we teased her unmercifully. However with the proper solemnity-and a little trepidation-we eventually sat down to eat. Half-way through the meal, Dick started to grin, and afterwards he and Mrs. Todd rushed upstairs.

A little while he entered the kitchen-a Chinaman! Wearing a gown put on back to front, a black stocking on his head, eyes turned upwards, and black moustachios painted on with eyebrow pencil-he looked terrifying.

“Excellent meal afectee me very muchee!” he said bowing solemnly from the waist.

We spent the next ten minutes reviving the cook who had collapsed hysterically on the floor, still hugging the coffee pot.

Dick is also the kindest and most considerate person, and I’m not just saying that because I’m his secretary and he’s my favourite actor.

As a matter of fact, he shares the favourite place with several others-Alecs Guinness, George Nader, Spencer Tracey, Fernandel and Jerry Lewis.

I only know that he inspires loyalty and affection because he himself is loyal to those who work for him. And even if next harvest-time, he does ask me to become a ‘land-girl’-I’ll do it willingly.”


Pat Wilkie (1958)

A special thanks to Geoff for sending this article in. I am sure you will agree that this piece asserts what a warm, kind and thoughtful human being Richard Todd was.

To read more about the life of Richard Todd please click on the Label below.

A Box of Gems

I am so pleased that this week is nearly over! I won’t bore you all with the details but, everything that could go wrong seems to have gone wrong with, my car, my computer, work UGH!

So I would like to say sorry to those of you who have tried to contact me this week. My computer was infested with nasties and I was almost completely out of action. Luckily my daughter's boyfriend has got me back up and running.

Anyway, every cloud has a silver lining and this week Maria has really cheered me up. She has sent me a collection of stills that are owned by her friend Thys in the Netherlands.

Maria described Thys’s collection as a box of gems-and she is right. The picture of Richard Todd as Robin Hood (above) is my particular favorite and I will be posting more of them very soon.

So a special thanks to Thys for allowing us to see some of his gems!

Joan Rice's First Orchids

Above is a great picture of Richard Todd and Joan Rice taken in London (possibly at the Dorchester Hotel) on the 28th February 1951 in London. It had just been announced that they would star together in Walt Disney’s second live-action movie the ‘Story of Robin Hood and his Merrie Men (1952).’

The back of the picture explains that Richard is giving Joan her ‘first orchids’.

Was it an old theatrical tradition for the leading man to give his leading lady orchids when they sign their contracts? Perhaps my readers could let me know.

Walt Disney's First Maid Marian

This blog is dedicated to the memory of Joan Rice. So it is always a great thrill to receive an email from someone who has memories that they can share with us of the beautiful actress of the 1950’s who played Maid Marian in Walt Disney’s Story of Robin Hood (1952). A couple of weeks ago I was contacted via disneysrobin@googlemail.com by Teresa who sent me this:

“Hi.

Just wanted to drop you a line after reading your piece on Joan Rice.

I worked at The Kings Arms in Cookham from summer '88 to summer '89, during which time Joan was a regular customer. It is true to say as was mentioned in your article that Joan was smoking and drinking a lot, however it was clear that she was a fascinating lady. I don't recall any other person living with her at this time, although this is not to say that she did live alone. She was always accompanied by her German Shepherd who would lay loyally and obediently by her feet.

She was very kind - hiding a Christmas gift for me in her own home which I collected on Christmas Eve. She showed me photos of herself in her movie days.

I remember her appearance on ‘This is Your Life’. She had been incredibly nervous and wasn't entirely sure she could do it. She had also had to keep it secret so help and support was not readily available to her.

What I remember most was her great pride in her role as Maid Marian, telling anyone who would listen that she was Walt Disneys' first Maid Marion. She talked little of her other roles, although she did talk about how things had changed within the movie industry which she felt had hampered her career.

I have thought of Joan many times over the years and was saddened if not surprised to hear that she had passed away some time ago. I am glad that your work will help to ensure that she will not be forgotten.

Remembering Joan Rice - Walt Disneys' First Maid Marion.

Yours

Teresa"

Joan Rice’s appearance on Thames TV’s This Is Your Life was first broadcast on 23rd November 1988. It was hosted by Michael Aspel who presented the life of Richard Todd. Joan appeared near the end of the program after a short clip from Disney’s Story of Robin Hood was shown in which she is captured by the outlaw. Here is the dialogue from her appearance on the show:

“Michael Aspel: The lovely young actress who played your Maid Marian went on to make more than 20 films, but it is 35 years since last you met.

[Joan’s voice is heard saying, “But I’ll never forget being thrown into your arms Richard-In fact I’ve still got the marks to prove it!”]

Michael Aspel: Re-united with Robin Hood for the first time since 1953, Maid Marian herself, Joan Rice!

Richard Todd: How marvellous!

Michael Aspel to Joan: Actually we have just seen you being thrown into Richard’s arms, is the memory still strong after all these years?

Joan Rice: How could I forget? Richard always did his own stunts. Little John was played by James Robertson Justice, he picked me up and threw me into Richard’s arms and he went flying!

Michael Aspel: You both went flying?

Joan Rice: [Laughing] I went flying as well!

Michael Aspel: Has he changed at all?

Joan Rice: No. He’s still as gallant and as dashing as ever.

Michael Aspel: He’s glad you said that. Thank you very much Joan Rice! Thank you.

Richard Todd: Lovely to see you.”

Thank you Teresa for taking the time to send this email and giving us your fond memories of Joan, please stay in touch. I will certainly do my best to make sure Joan Rice is never forgotten.

As usual I am indebted to Neil, this time for sending me a copy of the program This Is Your Life, with Richard Todd from 1988.

To read more about Joan Rice, Walt Disney’s ‘first’ Maid Marian, please click on the Label Joan Rice.

Richard Todd's Former Home at Little Humby

Here are a couple of pictures that were kindly sent to me in March 2009 by Mike, of the house in Little Humby in which Richard Todd lived, up until his sad death aged 90 in December of that same year. Little Humby is a small hamlet about 8 miles from Grantham in Lincolnshire, England; Richard described the small peaceful village jokingly as the ‘great metropolis’.


Throughout his time in Lincolnshire the legendary film star and war veteran worked for charities such as Age Concern and raised huge sums for his talks at local events. Richard was a patron of Share The Care and St. Barnabas Hospice and was actively involved in military commemorations with The British Legion and Normandy Veterans’Association.

What can I say that hasn’t been said about him across the Internet and around the media since the great man’s death. This blog will certainly keep his memory alive with articles and pictures of his fascinating career. Today I would like to include an article from a Richard Todd tribute site from Ellen in the USA which very kindly also gives this blog a mention:


Richard Todd

"I was born a week before D-Day and my childhood was full of the same Richard Todd movies. I first saw him (as Robin Hood) on the big screen at the age of eight, and it was truly love at first sight. He was the only movie star I ever loved -- for years, when I was young, I would look through the movie section of the TV guide every week, hoping to find one of his movies. The Robin Hood movie (http://disneysrobin.blogspot.com/ (ed. note: just checked out that page and there is a very moving obituary and wonderful pictures)) was and still is my favorite. Richard Todd was a HUGE presence in my life.

I was constantly looking for pictures of him and information about his life, which were almost impossible to find over here. How can I say what he meant to me? I not only adored him, he was the very embodiment of everything a man should be (I felt) and his "presence" was enormously comforting to me in a world that seemed to grow more insane with every passing year as I grew out of childhood.

About ten years ago, I was glad to read in his autobiography of his real-life reaction to the drugged-out decadent and dirty hippies he encountered in SF in 1967. About that same time on the other coast of the USA, I was having a similar reaction to similar hordes who suddenly popped up everywhere in Cambridge Mass. That I immediately got out of there in active search of something (and someone) solid and good and wholesome had a great deal to do with Richard Todd and all he had meant to me. He embodied THE GOOD WORLD where people behaved nobly and honorably and lived simple decent dignified lives. Reading mostly between the lines of his two volumes of autobiography -- Caught in the Act and In Camera, very intelligent & well-written, which everyone who loves him should search out and read -- I gather that he was not a saint and like anyone had his faults and failings. Nevertheless, I think that Richard Todd really was in some deep authentic way everything that I thought he was when I was a starry-eyed little kid. Ever since his movies became available on video, I bought them all and watched most of them several times, some many times. The few nasty, weak, or decadent roles he played seem cast against type, whereas high ideals and true gentlemanly character still shine through his many heroic roles.

No wonder he inspired me to do better all my life and even helped me to marry well! I so wish I could have met him, but it changed my life just to see him and love what I saw. That there is no one like him to inspire today's children is very sad indeed.

- Ellen USA "

Ellen, please get in touch, it would be great to hear from you!

Richard Todd v Richard Todd!

I noticed this on YouTube recently, which is a bit of fun.