Review Of 2017 – Twelve Top Stories Selected From The Last Year
As 2017 draws to a close, here’s a quick look back at some of the highlights, discoveries, announcements and sad losses covered by the Ian Hendry website over the last year.
The twelve stories which stood out are:
1. Alan Gibson Discusses His School Boy Friendship With Ian Hendry – Ipswich School In The 1940s
Octagenarian Alan Gibson and his partner, Penny, contacted me in September 2017. What followed was a rare glimpse into Ian Hendry’s school-life in the 1940s.
Thanks to Alan and Penny for all their help with this article and their research.
This is Alan’s story:
2. David Perkes And Ian Hendry Form A Motorcyle Display Team – National Service 1949-1951
Another octagenarian, David Perkes, also shared his memories of Ian Hendry, this time during their National Service Days in Scotland. David Perkes’ love of motorcycles and tricks inspired Ian and they both then formed a motorcycle display team.
This is David’s story:
3. Theatre Of Blood [1973] Rare Autographed Colour Lobby Card Discovered
Rare memorabilia continues to surface. This colour lobby card from Theatre Of Blood [1973] was autographed by all the actors in it. A bit of a gem:
4. Ian Hendry – Rowing Home Across The Thames To ‘Sphinx’, Pharaohs Island
An atmospheric candid shot of Ian Hendry rowing home across the Thames, was also discovered. The article also includes some ‘then and now’ pictures of Janet Munro and his home, ‘Sphinx’, located on Pharaohs Island – as well as a connection with Lord Nelson:
Ian Hendry – Rowing Home Across The Thames To ‘Sphinx’, Pharaohs Island, Shepperton [1966]
5. Stefan Gryff – Perhaps Best Known As Captain Michael Krasakis In The Lotus Eaters, Dies Age 79
This event went unnoticed with the mainstream press, but was reported by the Michael J. Bird tribute website. Chris Williams, a long-time devoted fan of The Lotus Eaters, Michael J. Bird and enthusiastic supporter of the Ian Hendry website was determined that we should pay a tribute to this actor.
In his research he uncovered a remarkable personal family story behind the man and spoke with his widow.
Here is Chris’ tribute to Stefan:
6. Police Surgeon Book Published – Retelling The Story Behind The Series That Led To The Avengers
Alan Hayes, Richard McGinaly and Alys Hayes completed their ‘trilogy’, with the publication of the story behind Police Surgeon – the series that ultimately led to the creation of The Avengers.
Police Surgeon gave Ian his first big break in television and would lead to even bigger things, when he was cast a year later as Dr. Keel in The Avengers:
7. Rare Still Of Ian Hendry And Roy Thinnes In Spaceship Found – Journey To The Far Side Of The Sun [1969]
Another rare still discovered. This one is a classic black and white of Ian Hendry and Roy Thinnes in a spaceship, for promting the film, Journey To The Far Side Of The Sun [ 1969]. Space travel was everywhere at the end of the 60s. David Bowies was singing about it and the historic first human manned moon landing occured.
Here Ian Hendry and Roy Thinnes also play at being spacemen:
8. Ian Hendry And Britt Ekland At The Westbury Hotel, London [1965]
Several pictures have emerged of the ABC headline stars taken for the autumn 1965 season promotion.
Patrick Macnee, Diana Rigg, Bruce Forsyth, Dickie Davies and Dusty Springfield were others included in this photoshoot.
This picture is of Britt Ekland, with her arms linked with Bruce Forsyth’s to our left [also sadly lost this year] and Ian Hendry to our right.
Ian Hendry + Britt Ekland – ABC TV’s Reception Held At The Westbury Hotel, London[1965]
9. Ian Hendry [1962] and Patrick Macnee [1964] – Rare UTV Interviews Discovered In Northern Ireland
Kaleidosciope announced the discovery of some rare footage in Norther Ireland, produced originally by UTV. This included a very rare 1962 interview with Ian Hendry, in which he discusses some of the reasons why he left The Avengers; and a Patrick Macnee interview from 1964, in which he also discusses the first series.
10. Sir John Hurt Dies, Age 77
Sir John hurt died after a long battle with cancer. He appeared with Ian Hendry and June Ritchie in the film This Is My Street way back in 1964].
Here we pay tribute to the very talented and versatile actor:
11. Rare Ian Hendry Scrapbook Discovered And Acquired
The discovery and acqusition of this very rare scrapbook will provide a lot of very useful material for the website in 2018.
It was collated over three decades by Ian Scoones, a long-time friend of Ian’s. Ian Scoones worked in special effects, including Dr. Who, and was clearly also a big fan of Ian’s work.
When the scrapbook became available, I jumped at the chance to add it to the collection. I haven’t had enough time to add any articles yet, but here is a sneak preview of what to expect in 2018:
And Finally…
12. The Avengers ‘Tunnel Of Fear’ – Studio Canal Announce Forthcoming Release On DVD
Studio Canal announced the forthcoming planned release of The Avengers, ‘Tunnel Of Fear’ episode, discovered after having been ‘lost’ for over 55 years!
Originally scheduled for released in mid-January 2018, Studio Canal have advised me that this was a ‘placeholder’ date. It is likely to slip a little, but you should still expect it to be released in the first quater of 2018.
I’ve been working behind the scenes and helping the Studio Canal team over the last couple of months; providing some input material, background research and have also written the foreword for the booklet which will accompany this DVD release. Alan Hayes has written an essay which will also be included.
Expect more announcements soon:
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You can keep up-to-date with all our latest articles and updates by following us on Facebook and / or Twitter:
Ian Hendry Appreciation Society Facebook Page
and:
Ian Hendry Tribute – Twitter Page
Wishing you all a very Happy New Year and see you all again in 2018!
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
The Avengers Series 1 (1961) The Search For The Missing Episodes – Ian Hendry + Patrick Macnee
Ian Hendry + Tommy Cooper: Cooper To Play John Steed Of The Avengers? Royston Mayoh, Victor Spinetti And An Overheard Conversation At ‘The Agglers’…
The Sweeney ‘Ringer’ (1975) – On Set With Ian Hendry + John Thaw + Dennis Waterman
Children Of The Damned [1963] – Original MGM Promotional Still Of Ian Hendry + Alan Badel + Alfred Burke
The Informer (1967) – Rare Still Found From ‘Your Secret’s Are Safe With Us, Mr Lambert’ Starring Ian Hendry + Jane Blackburn [Dir. Ridley Scott]
The Goldfinch (1977) – Anglia Television
The Avengers – ‘The Deadly Air’ [Series 1 Ep.24 – 1961] – Ian Hendry [as David Keel] and Patrick Macnee [as John Steed]
Birth Of The Avengers
Comic Strip Presents! The Avengers ‘The Drug Pedlar’ TV CRIMEBUSTERS Annual (1962) – Ian Hendry (As Dr. David Keel) + Patrick Macnee (As John Steed)
Welcome to the Official Website of Ian Hendry
J.P. Donleavy – Acclaimed Auther Dies At 91 – Ian Hendry Starred As Dangerfield In The BBC TV Film Version Of ‘The Ginger Man’ In 1962
Theatre of Blood [1973] – Autographed By Milo O’Shea, Harry Andrews, Ian Hendry, Arthur Lowe, Robert Coote and Jack Hawkins
Alessandro Destamio (Ian Hendry) Character Card #51 – Produced in 2003 For The Saint ‘Vendetta For The Saint (1969)
Ian Hendry + Britt Ekland – ABC TV’s Reception Held At The Westbury Hotel, London[1965]
Ian Hendry With His Wonderful Wife Sandy – Early ’80s Press Photograph
Early Promotional Photograph (1963) – Ian Hendry With Gauloises Cigarette
Ian Hendry + June Ritchie – Original Lobby Cards – Live Now Pay Later (1962)
Police Surgeon – The Launch Of A New TV Series: TV Times Northern Edition No. 253 September 4th – 10th 1960
Official Website of Ian Hendry – Our 2nd Anniversary Celebration!
The Avengers (1961) – Ian Hendry In Make-Up With Joan Watson Prior To Filming
Ian Hendry – This Is Your Life (March 1978) – The Director’s 4:3 Ratio Cut! Eamonn Andrews + Patrick Macnee + Ian Bannen + Wanda Ventham + Tommy Cooper + More….
David Perkes, Ian Hendry And The Formation Of The 32nd Medium Regiment Royal Artillery Motorcycle Display Team, Gordon Barracks, Scotland [1949-1951]
The Avengers – Ian Hendry ‘In His Own Words’ Reflects On The Avengers, Patrick Macnee And The Birth Of A Cult TV Series [From 1976]
Ian Hendry + Janet Munro – Wearing A Pair Of Coco The Clown’s Boots At Bertram Mills’ Circus, Olympia, London [November 1962]
Murder On Arrival (1959) Westminster Theatre, London – Rare Poster + Programme Found!
The Sandwich Man (1966) Motorcycle Policeman Scene – Ian Hendry + Terry Thomas
Repulsion [1965] – Original Italian Film Poster ‘Fotobusta’ Featuring Ian Hendry, Catherine Deneuve + Yvonne Furneaux
This Is Your Life – Coco The Clown (1962) + Ian Hendry (1978) : Article
Film Still – The Beauty Jungle (1964)
Drama ’63 – 54 Minute Affair – Ian Hendry and Jeanette Sterke