Morning all, Quick overview, my grandad served in Phantom, where I assume he knew David Niven. My research hasn't quite reached conclusive evidence yet, however, the photo I have attached leads me to assume so. I'm yet to work out where the picture was taken, whether on set, or I've read a snippet about a party that Niven organised and invited Hollywood types to. The photo is autographed by Leslie Howard and Sally Gray, this lead me to assuming that there were 3 film stars on this picture. I have watched The Way Ahead tonight, and now believe that Peter Ustinov and Lesley Dwyer are possibly also on here. Could there be anyone that I don't recognise that the collective does? I also wonder whether The Way Ahead may have loose ties to Phantom, as the unit suffered as the British Air Mission in Dunkirk, to then be posted to North Africa? Just a thought with the Ustinov/Niven connection. Thoughts? Thanks guys
Great photo, thanks for sharing. Niven's book The Moons A Balloon was one of the first books my Dad recommended I read. I enjoyed his acting too.
Mongo, Your first comparison above shows Ustinov from the movie "The Goose Steps Out" (1942). He was born in 1921 so he would have been 21-22 years old in 42-43. My choice appears to be an older fellow so I'm probably off there. Regards ...
Using a snip from The Way Ahead, I'm not convinced Ustinov is in that photo. I'm focusing on things like ears and nose shapes when I say that.
Agreed. He gave me my degree, but I digress. The chap in the top left corner looks very familiar to me. I'm thinking of his face looking older, so perhaps somebody who went on to act in bigger roles or movies...
There's a couple that give me the same feeling too, but I'm not going to re-run all the St Trinian's and similar movies to find them
On another look, the ears are all different, so I'm invlined to agree. Still think it's Leslie Dwyer in the back, still none the wiser on the gathering haha
Just to add some additional detail to this, for future reference, I have found a reference to Niven being 2IC of "B" Squadron, with Major J.A. Warre MC being CO. The officer to Niven's right looks to have 12th Lancer plumes for the cap badge and wartime crossed lances on his collars, which would tie in. "B" Squadron was amalgamated into "K" squadron and sent to North Africa, led by Warre, which looks to possibly tie in (alongside my granddads embarkation dates). The hunt continues!
Mongo, As for the other woman I spent some time considering Primmie Rollo, Niven's first wife, but in the end thought no not quite. Primmie Niven, 1918-1946 Regards ...
Ok, to drag up an old thread.... thoughts on Rosamund John for the other lady? Would tie 3x First Of The Few cast in...
I have updates!! Thanks to a very clever lady on Twitter, she has spotted that the lady next to Sally Gray, is none other than Leslie Howard's mistress, Violette Cunnangton aka Suzanne Clair. The picture appears to be taken on the set of Pimpernel Smith! So happy!
