sandeano
4 Dec 2009, 21:53
Richard Todd has died at the age of 90. Although he would not be overly remembered today, he was a major star in Britain during the 1950s, with his defining role being that of Commander Guy Gibson in The Dambusters (1955). Mostly successful in war films (Danger Within, The Long And The Short and the Tall, D-Day The Sixth Of June) he also did well in costume, most famously as Rob Roy The Highland Rogue.
By the 1960s his career was virtually over, as Tood was one of those actors who, like Kenneth More, excelled at playing 'chaps' - exactly the sort of character that fell out of favour in the 1960s as the Free Cinema movement took hold and 'angry young men' became all the rage. However Todd continued to work on television, stage and (in low budget leads or supports) on the cinema screen.
An impressive actor, a real life war hero and a fellow who, by all accounts was always modest and self-effacing, he will be missed.
By the 1960s his career was virtually over, as Tood was one of those actors who, like Kenneth More, excelled at playing 'chaps' - exactly the sort of character that fell out of favour in the 1960s as the Free Cinema movement took hold and 'angry young men' became all the rage. However Todd continued to work on television, stage and (in low budget leads or supports) on the cinema screen.
An impressive actor, a real life war hero and a fellow who, by all accounts was always modest and self-effacing, he will be missed.