Marky B

Whilst going through the IMDB on the Kenneth More version of The Thirty Nine Steps,when I went through Michael Goodliffe's filmography,I was shocked to find he had committed suicide. I always thought he had died of natural causes.
Ta Ta
Marky B

I am special. The heavens always open for me.

plasticjock

http://www.mgoodliffe.co.uk/

theuofc

Hi, Plasticjock,

Many thanks for the link to the Michael Goodliffe website created by Jonathan Goodliffe. I probably missed it, but is Jonathan his son, brother or? I had no idea, no idea at all, of Goodliffe's theatrical productions during his five years in German POW camps. That is a story crying out to be told in book form. Applause to Jonathan for bringing this to light on the website.

MG's suicide was a loss. I was reminded again by comments on the website how depression and insecurity lurk beneath the surface of many fine actors who have to resort to alcohol or like substances to keep going. I've mentioned this before, but one can't help wondering if modern anti-depressants and skilled counseling might have prevented such an ending. In his state, why would he even be allowed to walk around unattended, let alone out on a fire escape. So sad.

Best,

Barbara

Steve Crook

Jonathan's his son.
As Michael was in The Small Back Room, The Battle of the River Plate & Peeping Tom he contacted me to add a link from the PaPAS site.

Steve

Steve Crook

The same would probably happen in most countries today. But it doesn't make anyone feel better.

Steve

theuofc

Thanks, Steve. I noted the PnP/MP titles in looking over Goodliffe's excellent filmography, which makes it more the shame. He was in one Bogarde film "The Fixer" (1968). I'm very happy to see Jonathan keeping the flame burning. He has a very nice website tribute with wonderful information and photos.

Best,

Barbara

Freddy

Sadly it is not a perfect world, to have better patient care would mean having proper economic management, nurse supervision and reasonable nurse to patient ratio. Mental health does seem to have been the poor relation throughout the development of the health service. Up until a decade ago there was more money and kudos for the chemical industry and the physician in 'defeating killer diseases' than there was in unglamourous issues such as geriatric and mental health.
Even now if you took a straw poll of all first year medical students of where they want to be when qualified the majority would say in heart surgery, trauma or cancer care. Television, film and media coverage is a factor in all of this.
I don't want to go into the specifics of one case but Barbara's point about the fire escape, although fair, one has to say that Fire Regulations would I'm sure insist on easy access to escape routes. Imagine the uproar if the fire escape doors were locked.

However having said all of the above I have to ask myself why aren't mental health wards on the ground floor.

Freddy

The world wags on.

Harbottle

I knew nothing of this either, very sad indeed Michael Goodliffe was one of those stalwart actors I think who always gave a very good performance. Very interesting website thanks for the link plasticjock.

Marky B

Thanks,Plasticjock for that website and thank you all for your comments on a sadly now forgotten,but excellent actor. That's the beauty of forums like this one,sharing memories of forgotten talent.
Ta Ta
Marky B

I am special. The heavens always open for me.