Ian Hendry – Rare Candid Portrait from Police Surgeon (1960) From The Book ‘Both Sides Of The Camera’ By ABC Television
Picture above: Ian Hendry investigates a car crash as Dr. Geoffrey Brent, Police Surgeon (1960)
Ian Hendry – A Rising Star at ABC Television
With the recent find of the missing episode of The Avengers, ‘Tunnel Of Fear’, this latest find gives a glimpse into the career of Ian Hendry, shortly before he landed the role as Dr. David Keel.
In 1960, he was given the part of Dr. Geoffrey Brent in a new series titled ‘Police Surgeon’. Whilst the series achieved only moderate ratings success, ABC Television were keen to create a new vehicle for his talent – which of course became known as The Avengers. A new book, covering this early series is currently being written by authors Alan Hayes and Richard McGinlay – who have, of course, also written the definitive book on The Avengers, Series 1.
Both Sides Of The Camera – ABC Television (1960)
The following is taken from a lovely book produced by ABC Television to celebrate the early years. ‘Both Sides Of The Camera, A Souvenir Book Of Television Programmes And The People Who Make Them’ was published in 1960 by Weidenfeld and Nicholson.
Picture: Ian Hendry on first side of a double page feature titled ‘Building a reputation’ Photograph by Warwick Bedford
The text from this article is reproduced below:
Building a reputation
Developing young talent has always been an objective of ABC Television. The current drama season brought stardom to Ian Hendry, a young actor who gave a fine performance last Spring in Return To Base, an episode of Inside Story, the hour-long drama series about life in a block of flats which Ted Willis edited for Sunday afternoon viewing. During the Summer, Ian Hendry added to his reputation with John Gregson in Flight From Treason; ABC then gave him his own series with the title role in Police Surgeon, edited by Julian Bond.
Below: Ian Hendry is seen in Inside Story with Margaret Anderson and Ruth Dunning;oppposite: he investigates a car crash as Dr. Geoffrey Brent, Police Surgeon
Picture: Front Cover – ‘Both Sides Of The Camera’ By ABC TV (1960). Published By Weidenfeld and Nicholson.
Picture: Rear Cover – ‘Both Sides Of The Camera’ By ABC TV (1960). Published By Weidenfeld and Nicholson. The ITA Regions are illustrated as they were in Christmas 1960!
Thanks To Michael Harrison – Sound Crew Member At ABC Television
I’d like to thank Michael for letting me know about this book, without which I’d never have found this feature and photographs of Ian.
Also, for sharing some of his recollections of working at ABC in those early days. Involved with the sound crew, Michael worked on the first series of The Avengers, including the episodes which were broadcast live, and many other programmes as well. His memories of how nerve-wracking it was to co-ordinate the pre-recorded sound with the live shows, brings home just how pioneering those early days of television really were.
The picture, below is taken from the front inside cover of the book and shows an ABC Television studio in action during a production. And if you look very carefully, you can see a young Michael Harrison operating the microphone boom – at the centre of it all!
Picture: ABC Television Studio in action. Michael Harrison operates the microphone boom in the centre of the picture.
Until next time,
Neil Hendry
Editor, Official Website of 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
The Informer – Jean Marsh + Heather Sears In Rare Promotional Shot [1966]
The Informer (1967) – Rare Still Found From ‘Your Secret’s Are Safe With Us, Mr Lambert’ Starring Ian Hendry + Jane Blackburn [Dir. Ridley Scott]
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No.2: The Ian Hendry Files. Rare Scrapbook Extracts From The 1950s – 1980s
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Welcome to the Official Website of Ian Hendry
Theatre Of Blood (1973) Rare Original Still – Vincent Price + Ian Hendry + Dennis Price + Robert Morely + Robert Coote
Review Of 2017 – Twelve Top Stories Selected From The Last Year
The Avengers (1961) – Ian Hendry In Make-Up With Joan Watson Prior To Filming
Sir John Hurt – A Tribute
Sir Ridley Scott Interview Clip – Discusses Working With Ian Hendry On The Informer (1966/1967)
Ian Hendry Portrait ‘Clown Of Quality’ – TV Times 18th March 1972
Ian Hendry With His Wonderful Wife Sandy – Early ’80s Press Photograph
Rare Promotional Still – Tommy Cooper + Ian Hendry – Thames Television (1975)
Armchair Theatre – Ian Hendry, Kenneth More + (1965)
David Warner – BBC Radio Interview in which he discusses his life, work and Ian Hendry – who also appeared as Morgan in ‘A Suitable Case For Treatment’
Rare Still – Ian Hendry + June Ritchie: This Is My Street (1964)
Happy 5th Birthday! The Official Tribute To Ian Hendry – Website Celebrates It’s 5th Year Online
Ian Hendry – This Is Your Life 40th Anniversary – First Broadcast On 15th March 1978 [Thames Television]
Ian Hendry + Loni Von Friedl – Promotional Still For Journey To The Far Side Of The Sun/ Doppleganger (1969)
This Is Your Life – Coco The Clown (1962) + Ian Hendry (1978) : Article
Ian Hendry + Patrick Macnee – Rare Original ABC Television Still Discovered, Promoting The Return Of The Avengers ‘For A 13 Week Season’ [1961]
Ian Hendry + Dick Emery Sketch – The Dick Emery Show [1976]. A Military Attache From The Russian Embassy Meets ‘Jack’ In A London Pub. Jack’s A British Naval Officer In Search Of A Spy And A Drink!
Ian Hendry – Rare B+W Still From The Film, This Is My Street [1964]
No.1: The Ian Hendry Files. Rare Scrapbook Extracts From The 1950s – 1980s
Ian Hendry’s Last Acting Role – As Davey Jones in Brookside [1984]
Peter Wyngarde – In Memory Of The Man Who Would Be King [ 1926/1927 – 2018]
100th Celebratory Post – Restrospective Of 10 Key Highlights + Discoveries From The Official Website Of Ian Hendry
Ian Hendry + Orson Welles – Rare Original Still Photograph – The Southern Star (1969)
Ian Hendry in Bobbikins [1959] – Previously Unknown Film Role As A BBC Radio Announcer Discovered By Film Enthusiast