Ian Hendry + Britt Ekland – Rare Promotional Picture For Britt’s British TV Debut In ABC’s Armchair Theatre Production Of ‘A Cold Peace’ (1965)
Picture above: Ian Hendry + Britt Ekland. Rare promotional picture for Britt’s forthcoming British TV debut in ABC’s Armchair Theatre production of ‘A Cold Peace’ (1965).
In what was one of my more surreal moments (and there have been many), I found myself chatting this week with Britt Ekland on Twitter. Whilst we were exchanging a few messages, there was a knock on the door from the postman – who had a special delivery for me. And the parcel’s contents? It was this black and white promotional photograph that I had ordered two weeks previously from a vendor in the United States. Some things just cannot be explained.
Picture: Reverse side – Ian Hendry + Britt Ekland – ABC Armchair Theatre ‘A Cold Peace’ Rare Promotional Picture discovered in the States – but original copyright of from the Daily Mirror. It appears that this photo has also spent time in Buenos Aires with the Inter-Prensa!
When Ian Hendry negotiated his contract for his lead role in the first series of The Avengers, it was agreed with ABC TV that he would also be given two roles in forthcoming productions of Armchair Theatre. The first one was significant as it introduced him for the first time to his future wife to be – Janet Munro. The production was, of course, ‘An Afternoon With A Nymph’ (1962) – also written by Robert Muller.
Picture: Ian Hendry and Britt Ekland. ABC TV’s Armchair Theatre – A Cold Peace (1965). Ian wore make-up and had his hair greyed to give a more mature appearance. This picture was kindly given to my sister by the wardrobe assistant who worked on this production.
Picture: Ian Hendry and Britt Ekland by the swimming pool. ABC TV’s Armchair Theatre – A Cold Peace (1965). This picture was also kindly given to my sister by the wardrobe assistant who worked on this production.
Picture: Stars of ABC TV – 1965. From left to right, Dickie Davies, Philip Harben, Dusty Springfield, Patrick Macnee, Diana Rigg, Bruce Forsyth, Britt Eckland, Ian Hendry and David Buck.
A Cold Peace (1965) – ABC’s Armchair Theatre
The second Armchair Theatre production occurred some time later – in 1965 – but was also significant for two other reasons. Firstly, it was to be Britt Ekland’s debut appearance on British TV
Secondly, it also marked the beginning of a very good friendship between Britt and Ian. It is well documented that her marriage to Peter Sellers was extremely difficult – perhaps a gross understatement. But during that testing time, though, a very good friendship grew between the two – both of whom were also facing their own challenges of dealing with young families whilst being in the spotlight.
First broadcast: ABC TV at 9.05pm on Saturday, 18th December 1965. 90 minutes – black and white. The BFI hold a copy – but not yet released.
Plot:
A middle-aged writer/ journalist (Ian Hendry) escapes from London, his job and failed marriage – to a villa the South of France. There he discovers romance with Karen (Britt Ekland), who distracts him from the problems of his past. A troubled visiting couple, Donald and Gwen Timwood (played by Roy Dotrice and Isabel Dean) add a stark contrast to the proceedings.
Cast:
Ian Hendry – Richard Bligh
Britt Ekland – Karen
Roy Dotrice – Donald Timwood
Isabel Dean – Gwen Timwood
David Phethean – Kirby
Kathleen Breck – Marina
Director – Don Leaver
Producer – Leonard White
Writer – Robert Muller
Leonard White’s excellent book ‘Armchair Theatre – The Lost Years‘ provides further details on this episode. In particular, he mentions two particular issues – one technical and one to do with the censors!
The technical issue was that this production was supposed to be set at a villa in the South of France and so required an opulent setting which included a large swimming pool! This had to be constructed at Studio One at Teddington and the shear weight and volume of water involved led to leaks!
As Leonard White explained in his book, this had a definite affect on the filming:
The tempo of shooting during that recording was raised considerably!
and:
We got the show in the can, but not all the water!
Picture: Ian Hendry and Britt Ekland – pictured in bed in a scene from the television drama series ‘Armchair Theatre – A Cold Peace’ in 1965. Note the studio assistant pictured just off set – top-left of the photo!
The censorship issue was a little more delicate – at least back then! But as Leonard explained, it was good for both publicity and ratings!
The Press
ITA Censors Britt Ekland Play
– Daily Telegraph
Britt Ekland’s TV Debut Censored
– Daily Mail
TV Censor Cuts Britt’s Love Scene
– Daily Express
In fact, Leonard White states that only a short piece of tape was cut – just 12 inches long – which he kept for years in his own personal scrapbook!
It was reported that the objections were that:
Ian Hendry fondled Miss Ekland a little too fondly
The particular scene in question was of course extremely mild, apparently Ian was laying fully clothed on bed! How time’s have changed.
Of course, videotapes back then were expensive and it was the first time that Leonard White had been involved in having to make such a cut – thus rendering it’s reuse impossible. The cost of the tape had to be set against the production’s costs.
Our very best wishes go to Britt Ekland – wishing you much peace.
Until next time,
Neil Hendry
Editor, Official Tribute To Ian Hendry
Further Reading
A detailed account of the life and work of Ian Hendry in the new biography:
Read: ‘Send in the Clowns – The Yo Yo Life Of Ian Hendry’ by Gabriel Hershman
More From Ian Hendry
This Is Your Life – Coco The Clown (1962) + Ian Hendry (1978) : Article
Ian Hendry And ‘The Circus That Came To Town’ – Part 2
Ian Hendry + Roy Thinnes + Lynn Loring – Journey To The Far Side Of The Sun AKA Doppleganger (1969) Universal Pictures Rare Promotional Photograph
The Hill (1965) – Australian Day Bill Poster
Ian Hendry + Britt Ekland – ABC TV Armchair Theatre ‘A Cold Peace’ (1965)
Ian Hendry – The Avengers Original Promotion Portrait (1960-1961)
The Adventures of Don Quick (1970) – Space, Comedy, Satire And The Benefits Of Earth!
Rare Still – Los Traidores de San Angel aka Traitors of San Angel (1967)
Dr. David Keel – The Avengers (1961) | Portrait
Roger Moore and Ian Hendry – ‘The Time And The Place’ The Persuaders (1971)
George Segal – On Working With Ian Hendry On The Film – The Southern Star [1969]
The Avengers – Ian Hendry ‘In His Own Words’ Reflects On The Avengers, Patrick Macnee And The Birth Of A Cult TV Series [From 1976]
Quality Concerns Over The Avengers, ‘Tunnel Of Fear’ DVD Released By Studio Canal On April 9th 2018 [Review]
With Umbrella, Scotch and Cigarettes – The Avengers, Series 1 – by Richard McGinlay and Alan Hayes
Rare Ian Hendry Autograph From The John Verzi Collection
Tales From The Crypt (1972) – Ian Hendry, Peter Cushing And The Make-Up Of Roy Ashton
Ian Hendry in Bobbikins [1959] – Previously Unknown Film Role As A BBC Radio Announcer Discovered By Film Enthusiast
Tony Read – Obituary Of The Television Screenwriter, Producer And A Fellow Student And Friend Of Ian Hendry
ABC’s Television Line-up Autumn 1965: Dickie Davies + Philip Harben + Dusty Springfield + Patrick Macnee + Diana Rigg + Bruce Forsyth + Britt Eckland + Ian Hendry + David Buck
Ian Hendry + Janet Munro – Wearing A Pair Of Coco The Clown’s Boots At Bertram Mills’ Circus, Olympia, London [November 1962]
In The Nick (1960) Clip – Anthony Newley + Ian Hendry + Bernie Winters + Harry Andrews
Ian Hendry – Magazine Portraits From The 1960s
Repulsion [1965] Original Stills Discovered In Paris
Theatre Of Blood (1973) Rare Original Still – Vincent Price + Ian Hendry + Dennis Price + Robert Morely + Robert Coote
Ian Hendry With His Wonderful Wife Sandy – Early ’80s Press Photograph
Ian Hendry + Janet Munro – Rowing On The Thames Near Their Home Called, ‘Sphinx’, Located On Pharaohs Island, London [c.1963-1965]
Ian Hendry In The Secret Place [1957] – Video Of His First Speaking Role In A Film
The Informer – Jean Marsh + Heather Sears In Rare Promotional Shot [1966]
The Sandwich Man (1966) Motorcycle Policeman Scene – Ian Hendry + Terry Thomas
Brian Clemens – Rare Interview Of Legendary Screenwriter and Producer Rediscovered And Released On DVD