Ian Hendry In The Secret Place [1957] – Video Of His First Speaking Role In A Film
Ian Hendry was cast as Charles Maitland, a ‘getaway’ car driver, who actually manages to make a pretty quick getaway at the end of his brief appearance in this film; but only after he’s declined to take the job of trying to help the diamond robbers escape with their heist!
This was Ian’s first speaking role in a film, albeit uncredited.
His other early roles in film, with dialogue, are Room at the Top and Bobbikins – both from 1959. Videos of these cameo appearances are also included at the end of this article.
The Secret Place is a British crime film, shot in November 1956 at Pinewood Studios as well as on location in East London and released on 27th May 1957. It stars Belinda Lee, Ronald Lewis, and a young David McCallum in a supporting role.
It was also the directorial debut of Clive Donner. He was a defining part of the British New Wave, directing films such as The Caretaker, Nothing But the Best, Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush and What’s New Pussycat?.
Video Below – Ian Hendry as Charlie Maitland in The Secret Place [1957]
Click the small ‘rectangular box’ in the bottom right corner of the video to view in full-screen mode:
Dialogue
Ian Hendry as ‘Charlie’: “I’m sorry Harry, I do a lot for you but not this…”
George A. Cooper as ‘Harry’: What am I going to tell Gerry?
Ian Hendry as ‘Charlie’: “Tell him to stick to selling cars…”
Plot
Crime heist melodrama set in the bombed out East End of London. A diamond robbery is masterminded by small-time crooks, and an adolescent boy finds himself unwittingly caught up in events, after discovering they’ve hidden the loot in his home.
In East London, young Freddie Hatwood has a crush on kiosk attendant Molly Wilson, who is engaged to Gerry Garter. Gerry is part of a criminal gang who had a hide out at car dealership; Molly’s brother Mike works there.
Gerry, Mike and their friend Steve are planning a diamond robbery. They need a policeman’s uniform. Molly asks Freddie to borrow the uniform of his policeman father.
The robber goes ahead. Gerry hides the diamonds inside Molly’s record player. Not knowing this, Molly gives the player to Freddie as a thank you gift. Freddie discovers the diamonds and the gang go after him.
The Secret Place [1957] – Complete Film
Stills – The Secret Place [1957]
A classic London street scene from the 1950s; including the old public telephone box, bus, some classic cars, traditional shopfronts, fashion and a tub or two of Brylcreem too!
The stills includes Ian Hendry, George A. Cooper and a young David McCullum.
Original Film Poster – The Secret Place [1957]
Main Cast
- Belinda Lee as Molly Wilson
- Ronald Lewis as Gerry Carter
- Michael Brooke as Freddie Haywood
- Michael Gwynn as Steve Warring
- Geoffrey Keen as Mr. Haywood
- David McCallum as Mike Wilson
- Maureen Pryor as Mrs. Haywood
- George Selway as Paddy
- George A. Cooper as Harry
Ian Hendry – Other Early Cameo Roles In Film
Room at the Top [1959]
Until Ian’s role in The Secret Place was discovered recently, I’d always believed that his first speaking role in a film was as ‘Cyril’ in Room at the Top [1959]. Below are three videos which contain all his work in this film.
Bobbikins [1959]
Bobbikins is a much more recent find and addition to Ian’s recorded work. An eagle-eyed fan spotted his cameo appearance as a BBC radio news presenter in this 1959 film. Ian’s third appearance with a speaking role in a film.
Article on Bobbikins [1959]
Lastly, a big thanks to Simon M. for finding The Secret Place online and for locating Ian’s small – but important – first cameo speaking role.
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
Repulsion (1965) 50th Anniversary Tribute Part #2 – Catherine Deneuve + Ian Hendry + John Fraser + Yvonne Furneaux (dir. Roman Polanski)
Brian Clemens – Rare Interview Of Legendary Screenwriter and Producer Rediscovered And Released On DVD
Ian Hendry + Orson Welles – Rare Original Still Photograph – The Southern Star (1969)
Culford School Sports Day (1947) – Extremely Rare Footage Of A Young Ian Hendry ( Just 16 Years Old ) + His Brother Donald Hendry At The Culford School Sports Day
Official Website of Ian Hendry – Our 2nd Anniversary Celebration!
The Avengers ‘Tunnel of Fear’ [1961] Lost Episode – Studio Canal DVD Pre-Order/ Release Date Set For 9th April 2018
Get Carter [1971] ‘Shotguns, Coal And Sex’ – Original GQ Magazine Article from The 90s
100th Celebratory Post – Restrospective Of 10 Key Highlights + Discoveries From The Official Website Of Ian Hendry
Ian Hendry – The Avengers Original Promotion Portrait (1960-1961)
Peter Wyngarde – In Memory Of The Man Who Would Be King [ 1926/1927 – 2018]
Repulsion [1965] Original Stills Discovered In Paris
Interview In The Stage – 9th July 1964
This Is My Street (1964) – With June Ritchie
WATCH – Live Now Pay Later (1962) Complete Film – Ian Hendry + June Ritchie Experience The Joys Of Parenthood! Plus Jack Trevor Story And The Trouble With Harry
Get Carter [1971] ‘Eyes Look Like…Piss-Holes In The Snow’ – Tony Klinger Reveals The Story Behind THAT Famous Line
The Jerusalem File (1972) – Donald Pleasence + Nicol Williamson + Bruce Davison + Daria Halprin + Ian Hendry [+ Full Film Download Link]
Children Of The Damned (1963) Original MGM Promotional Still – Ian Hendry + Alan Badel ‘Researchers’
Comic Strip Presents! The Avengers ‘The Drug Pedlar’ TV CRIMEBUSTERS Annual (1962) – Ian Hendry (As Dr. David Keel) + Patrick Macnee (As John Steed)
Ian Hendry in Bobbikins [1959] – Previously Unknown Film Role As A BBC Radio Announcer Discovered By Film Enthusiast
Ian Hendry With His Wonderful Wife Sandy – Early ’80s Press Photograph
Journey To The Far Side Of The Sun [aka Doppleganger] – Rare Original Photographs And The ‘Real-Life’ Connection To The Cambridge Science Instruments Co. [1969]
Sir John Hurt – A Tribute
Tony Read – Obituary Of The Television Screenwriter, Producer And A Fellow Student And Friend Of Ian Hendry
Live Now Pay Later (1962) Rare Still – Ian Hendry + Nyree Dawn Porter
Sir Ridley Scott Interview Clip – Discusses Working With Ian Hendry On The Informer (1966/1967)
Ian Hendry and Janet Munro At Home c.1964
Theatre 625 Ep. ‘Miss Julie’ – Ian Hendry + Gunnel Lindblom. Review and Original Promotional Still [1965]
Staff Sergeant Williams’ Hat – The Hill (1965)
BBC Radio Suffolk – Gabriel Hershman Discusses His New Biography On Ian Hendry
Ian Hendry – Rare Promotional Still – This Is My Street (1963)