Passing of an Englishman
 

St George’s Day, Such an auspicious day for an Englishman of such high standing to pass beyond this world. Sir John Mills died today at the age of 97.

Few men could bring to the silver screen what an Englishman was. Rich or Poor this man played them all. Such was his understanding of Englishness that he portray the men of his country has men showing the rest of the world what an Englishman was. May his God rest his soul and bring peace to his family.

Re: Passing of an Englishman
 

I was saddened to hear of this great actors demise. I am sure he will be up there now entertaining those in heaven. Good Night and God Bless Sir John.

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A truly fine actor and a gentleman to the core.A very sad loss.My sympathies to his family and loved ones.

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Can't argue with that.

http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/5/5_8_9.gif

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You just knew that if he was in a film it was going to be good. I think my favourite, of his, was "Ice Cold in Alex". Not only did it have John Mills' brilliant acting but there was also Anthony Quayle's legs! :)

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Don't talk about Doug in the past tense!

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yes he was one realy nice chap ..i wonder how mary will cope without him..

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great actor,decent bloke but hes had a great innings 97.

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Whistle Down The Wind, one of my favourite films of all time. Filmed in Downham, and also starring his Daughter Hayley, as well as a load of Lancashire school children.

As someone who wasn't a Northener, he did us proud by portraying some great Northern film parts, immortalised for ever. Thank you.

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Great actor, glad he had such a good innings.

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hear, hear doug, he was a lovely family man, he will be missed im sure.

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[QUOTE=garinda]Whistle Down The Wind, one of my favourite films of all time. Filmed in Downham, and also starring his Daughter Hayley, as well as a load of Lancashire school children.
.................................................. .................................................. ...........................
i loved that film too. that little lad had me in stiches when he kept saying its just a bloke...ibet he has children of his own now,,,,

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Dont be to sad folks they will be showing a lot of his films soon and there are some great 1s

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"Whistle Down the Wind" was a very good film but - John Mills wasn't in it. ;)

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Sir John Mills was a great Actor.
I have been a big fan of his daughter Hailey from the first time I saw her at the Saturday morning flicks when I was young.
She played a novice Nun but can never remember the title.
Whistle down the wind was Brilliant.
He had a good innings.
He's gone to a better place now.
His great works done.

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It was also fitting that he died on the birthday of William Shakespeare.
It is said that the part Sir John liked the best was the lowly cobbler Will Mossop in 'Hobson's Choice'..........a great man.......a gentleman......he will be missed.

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Anne the film was called “The Trouble with Angels” 1966. I fell in love with Hayley Mills on seeing the film on a wet accy afternoon in 1970, I’ve had a soft spot for her ever since. If you ever get chance read the autobiography “Mary Hayley Bell” it date to the early 70s but it’s a fantastic description of life in the Mills house hold.

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[QUOTE=grannyclaret]Sorry name droping again,
but when l was to ill to go downstairs at a party, Alan Bates who played the convict, sat on my bed and l told him it was my favourite film. l also quoted the said little lad's line to him in a squeeky voice,

"Yer not Jesus, yer just a fella."

Oopsie, just read he wasn't even in it! Sorry for thread spoiling, it did have the adorable Hayley Mills in it though. :)

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Heard the news about Sir John just after seeing James Earl Jones in "On Golden Pond" on Saturday.

A bit sad to say goodbye to Sir John, but he certainly had a very long, full, and very successful life. My daugher gave me a DVD of "Cats," filmed in 1998, in which I was delighted and amazed to see Sir John portraying the role of Gus the Theatrical Cat.

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Thanx for that Doug.
I have only seen that film the once but it left a lasting impression.
I have read the Autobiography.
Once picked up it couldn't be put down till read.
They really are an amaizing,strong close family.

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I have never liked David Niven Doug but the third book sounds interesting.
Have you read the Doris Stokes books.
If you haven't then I think you would find them interesting.
Voices in my ear is the best one.

Re: Passing of an Englishman
 

Thanks again Anne. The third book is called “Towards The Light” It’s one of those books that seem to be at the extremes of spiritualism, but offers those who are prepared to read between the lines a lot more than what been on offer from the main stream. I found my copy on the wards at the Hospital I worked at in the late 80s. There were loads of them, all new and donated by the foundation based around the teachings of this Danish spiritualist gentleman. I give my copy to a colleague who lost her husband unexpectedly, I never got it back and I have been looking for a copy for a number of years…………..But worth the read if you can get hold of a copy. I haven’t read any of Doris Stokes books, But I’m going to Lancaster tomorrow so I will have a look in the bookshop for Voices……

Just as a point of interest. My Grandmother on my mother’s side, “a Yorkshire, cum Blackpool woman” attended many sessions/appearances of Doris Stokes and was a great admirer of the lady. We never got around to discussing the subject as we never really got on. Something that now I see as a wasted opportunity as this is a subject that could have brought us together. Funny how we waist so much of our time on this earth.