James Robertson Justice

[NappieB]

He was a great narrator ("The Guns of Navarone" opening sequence... among many others.)

I saw one of his first film appearances in the John Mills' classic "Scott of the Antarctic". Very stirring performance (circa 1949?)

Great "Carry On" character too, of course. Most memorable as Sir Lancelot Spratt (Carry On Doctor) quote: "I've never believed in keyhole surgery!"

[Aaryk Noctivagus]

Originally Posted by NappieB I saw one of his first film appearances in the John Mills' classic "Scott of the Antarctic". Very stirring performance (circa 1949?)

That's my favourite of his performances.

[Dame Starry]

Didn't Molly Parkin admit to having a long adulterous relationship with JRJ?

Mind you, were there many men who escaped a long adulterous relationship with Molly Parkin? I understand George Melly's wife came home one day to find that Ms Parkin had taken root in her home with her husband!
When I was a Directory Enquiry operator, I spoke to her one day and she really is a lovely lady. Her past is another matter!

Starry x.

[hoggers]

Originally Posted by smudge There's a book coming out about him soon ; co-wriitten by our very own HOGGERS. An Amazon search might help, or they might (I think) have the details at CARRY ON LINE. The title is 'What's The Bleeding Time ?' Smudge

Thanks for the plug Smudge! Very much appreciated. The book's finished now and is all ready for publication. We're just waiting to hear from Prince Phillip as to whether he'll agree to write the foreword.

The website has a picture of the cover on the homepage. www.jamesrobertsonjustice.moonfruit.com

Best!

Hoggers

[smudge]

You're most welcome Hoggers ! I, like lots of other folks, am eagerly awaiting this one. Nice to have you drop into the board BTW !

Smudge

[Fareham_Bee]

I read somewhere that he was "discovered" when he went to help filming a falconry scene, because, as someone rightly says, he was an expert in falconry. He impressed them so much he was invited to do another film and the rest as they say.....

As a side note, my family and I went to a Bird of Prey place near Andover and the guidebook has a picture of the guy that originally started the place. I said to Mrs Fareham Bee that he was a ringer for JRJ. Different name but I was sure it was him. I'm not saying it was, but having found out that he was an expert in falconry since, I am tending to believe it was.

[Steve Crook]

Originally Posted by Fareham_Bee As a side note, my family and I went to a Bird of Prey place near Andover and the guidebook has a picture of the guy that originally started the place. I said to Mrs Fareham Bee that he was a ringer for JRJ. Different name but I was sure it was him. I'm not saying it was, but having found out that he was an expert in falconry since, I am tending to believe it was.

Close, but no prize. That's the The Hawk Conservancy Trust near Andover. It was founded by Reg Smith (& Hilary) who did wear a beard but wasn't JRJ.
There's a page on their site about their history that includes a picture of Reg. I can see why you thought it might be JRJ, but it isn't

Steve

[Fareham_Bee]

Cheers Steve, but that is spooky ain't it? LOL.

[hoggers]

Originally Posted by Fareham_Bee I read somewhere that he was "discovered" when he went to help filming a falconry scene, because, as someone rightly says, he was an expert in falconry. He impressed them so much he was invited to do another film and the rest as they say.....

Originally Posted by Fareham_Bee As a side note, my family and I went to a Bird of Prey place near Andover and the guidebook has a picture of the guy that originally started the place. I said to Mrs Fareham Bee that he was a ringer for JRJ. Different name but I was sure it was him. I'm not saying it was, but having found out that he was an expert in falconry since, I am tending to believe it was.

JRJ was discovered by the film director Harry Watt, back in 1943. He was filling in as chairman at the Players Theatre (then based in Albermarle St) and Harry spotted him.

He was a keen falconer bot not really an expert. His friend Roger Upton (who is indeed an expert), always described JRJ as the worlds greatest enthusiast. He never had time to become a true expert because of filming etc. That said, such was his passion for the sport that he always refused film work during the month of August, the height of the grouse season.

The picture you saw at the Bird of Prey Centre was probably that of Phillip Glasier. He was to falconry what Sir Peter Scott was to Wildfowl and he founded the National Bird of Prey Centre back in 1967. He was also a great friend of JRJ's and was, for a time his personal falconer.

Best,

Hoggers

[hoggers]

Originally Posted by Steve Crook Close, but no prize. That's the The Hawk Conservancy Trust near Andover. It was founded by Reg Smith (& Hilary) who did wear a beard but wasn't JRJ. There's a page on their site about their history that includes a picture of Reg. I can see why you thought it might be JRJ, but it isn't Steve

First one to name a falconry expert without a beard wins a prize!

Hoggers

[Moor Larkin]

Originally Posted by hoggers First one to name a falconry expert without a beard wins a prize!

Free copy?......

[smudge]

How about JRJ's protege, the heir to the throne... ?

Smudge

EDIT : Moor's idea is MUCH better !

[Steve Crook]

Originally Posted by hoggers First one to name a falconry expert without a beard wins a prize! Hoggers

Esmond Knight?
Capt. C.W.R Knight?
Jemima Parry-Jones (ex of the National Birds of Prey Centre at Newent)?
Emma Ford (British School of Falconry at Gleneagles)?

I can't include myself because I'm just an enthusiast, not an expert. And I do wear a beard.

Steve

[Fareham_Bee]

Can I make the obvious joke that Emma and Jemima may have beards?

[hoggers]

Originally Posted by Moor Larkin Free copy?......

Fantastic!

That's made my Sunday that has..