your comments
Michael Reese, Newport Mon.
Whilst agreeing that Stanley Baker was a good actor could we please keep a sense of proportion, a good actor? Yes, but to listen to some of the comments passed here you would think it was the bard himself that was being discussed! As to comparison to Rich Burton ... perleeze! There is no comparison - Baker was good where as Burton was great. As to his investiture as a knight of the realm, he died before he was actually knighted. There for he was not actually Sir Stanley Baker but still Mr Stanley Baker. Whilst I do not disagree with anyone that he probably deserved a knighthood for services to the film industry in actual fact it was never actually bestowed on him due to his untimely death, so can we please keep to the facts please.
Ian Fawn-Meade, Dallas Texas
Stanley was a tough, complex man, and working with him was a fantastic experience. I know all the truth about Zulu- but my lips are sealed! Being his and Cy's assistant during the shoot and post production was my first feature film job, but Stanley's attitude to me was never less than totally professional and helpful. He was a great friend.
Ian Fawn-Meade, Dallas Texas
Stanley was a tough, complex man, and working with him was a fantastic experience. I know all the truth about Zulu- but my lips are sealed! Being his and Cy's assistant during the shoot and post production was my first feature film job, but Stanley's attitude to me was never less than totally professional and helpful. He was a great friend.
Sandi Tatam, Abergavenny
At last! I've discovered that it was Stanley Baker as the marvellous Rochester in Jane Eyre. Being dissatisfied with Toby Stephens recent interpretation, I contacted the BBC about fond memories of the old, old version. I don't suppose anyone has a recording of this Stanley Baker version do they??
Maria Sutherland from Wiltshire
How lovely to read the comments from others who remember the 1956 production of Jane Eyre; both Stanley Baker and Daphne Slater were the definitive Rochester and Jane Eyre! Who can forget the candlelit scene of the bare feet of the mad wife? I contacted the BFI, I think it was, and for £45, several years ago, could have booked a session to view the whole production. I too wish they would put it on DVD.
David Morgan from Peacehaven
Stanley Baker! Richard Burton! Welshmen through and through, unbeatable characters in a difficult period in postwar Britain.
Mike Stanway,Kelowna BC Canada
HiI read with interest about our ''Stanley'',I am from Lake St.originally ,across the road from the Labour Club and In the fifties I'd see a Ford Thunderbird parked on the street as Stan would drop into the Labour Club .Another time I saw him walking from the Imperial or the Band Club and I asked him for his autograph and he graciously said yes and I had on me my Baden Powell Boy Scout Diary and I still have it . Great actor ,nice fella, died too young.
Ian Edwards
Is there any truth in the rumour that the late great Stanley Baker's mother ran the old RTBs steelworks club?
Janet Conlin from Nashville
Robinson Crusoe was on here in the states in the 70s and was wonderful! I wish that they would release it along with a lot of his other work.
Clyde Miles from Bromsgrove
Does anyone remember Mr Baker in a three hour special film of Robinson Crusoe?
George Nixon, Alberta, Canada
Just an update for Stanley Baker fans. My tribute to the movie "Hell Is A City" can now be found at www.levyboy.com. There are now lots more location matchups and some unique photos of Stanley. Has anyone read "Zulu. With Some Guts Behind It"? This is a fascinating history of the making of "Zulu", and some insights into the darker side of Stanley's personality.
Alex Amuro, Maidstone, Kent
I'm just discovering many of his earlier films: A Hill In Korea, Paratrooper - some of which are so hard to obtain now. The best performance I've seen so far is in a war film from 1959 called Yesterday's Enemy - easily one of the best British war films ever made although it's never had a commercial release on video or DVD - absolutely criminal! DVD companies, what's the matter with you???? Zulu may have been his finest hour but other notables already mentioned include Helldrivers, Prize Of Arms (now out on UK DVD) and Robbery which has a UK DVD release slated for May 2008. Superbly charismatic, tough, raw actor who I agree would have made a fantastic Bond.
Carmine Finamore from the USA
I first saw Hell Drivers on late night TV. I believe it was around 1966. British films like these always seem to turn up on school nights in the USA and I was being schooled, and learning how wonderful these movies were and still are. The fight scene between Stanley & Patrick, and how Stanley took care of the bigger foe, would make the difference for me when I faced off with a bully inhigh school. Thank you Stanley!
Damian Griffiths
My father was Stanley's 2nd cousin, John Griffiths. He was a great actor shame he died so young.
Jim from Cheshire
Stanley Baker is sadly a lost star nowadays, Zulu is best remembered for Caine, though he was not a star then. The Criminal is probably his best role and performance as it's so well made with great jazz soundtrack by John Dankworth, and theme sung so hauntingly well by wife Cleo Lane. Prize of Arms is also a wonderfully exciting film..featuring a who's who of Brit stars..Alas the later years were not kind to Baker..and this is especially sad when very good films like "the games" were made, this however is not as yet on dvd. I for one would like to mention the film "helldrivers"..always worth a watch, and on dvd it has soooo many extra's including two docu's and the 1974 "who killed lamb"..whether your welsh, english, or from any far flung country...Sir Stanley Baker was a screen great.
Claire from London
I think you must be referring to The Cruel Sea John? Wasn't a huge role he had in that one, but it was enough to really bring his name to the attention of many I think.
John from Bermuda
What was the movie ( naval ) wher he played a star role.WW2 movie
Paul Ayre born Ferndale now in Caerphilly
I am proud to say that Sir Stan was my second cousin and that I met him on several occasions, I was born in 38, New St, Ferndale and he used to visit on his returns to south Wales. A great actor and Welshman, the family looks live on in my dad, Reg Ayre and his brothers. I remember his funeral well, he is sadly missed.
Friz - Philadelphia USA
Stanley's movie "Robbery" is a true classic and simply MUST be released on DVD as a tribute to his work!!
Kevin Clark, West Midlands
Have Robbery and Violent Playground ever been released on commercial DVD anywhere?
Val Wiseman from Twickenham
It appears that it's possible to obtain most of Stanley Baker's work on video or DVD except the original BBC screening of Jane Eyre in 1956. Stanley Baker's charismatic interpretation of Rochester opposite Daphne Slater's superb Jane Eyre literally changed my life. I was a young schoolgirl at the time and this dramatisation made such an impact, I have been a keen Brontė fan ever since.I belong to the Brontė Society, have read all the novels, seen theatre productions and watched all the screen adaptions. I have to say that the power and the passion that Stanley Baker and Daphne Slater brought to their roles in this particular adaption of Charlotte Brontė's timeless classic can never be surpassed. The BBC have never released it commercially. This is such a pity.
Wendy Franklin, Birmingham
Purely from a woman's point of view, I thought Stanley B was absolutely gorgeous. He still makes me shiver when I watch him in Zulu. A very beautiful and understated actor...
Sue Street, Birmingham
I am 26 and a huge fan of Stanley Baker. In my opinion, he was one of the best actors of the 1950's and the 60's, his mysterious charisma made him the man he was - a true legend. And it's so pleasing to see his legacy still lives on.... My mother and I went to visit his hometown of Ferndale last week, and we had a splendid time touring the Rhondda valley on our exciting 'pilgrimage'. The Sir Stanley Baker Lounge at Ferndale RFC is a perfect tribute to the great man - I only wish I could have been there when it was opened and have been given the privalege of meeting his wife, Lady Ellen Baker.
Glyn Yeend
Stanley Baker lived in Albany Street, Ferndale. I lived in Brown Street from 1941 until 1972. I had an Aunty and Uncle and cousins who lived in Albany Street so I spent a lot of time there and although I never met him I do remember him coming down Brown Street in his posh car and also remember his dad sitting outside their house on the window sill and lster feeling very proud when they put up the blue plaque outside the house. I do remember seeing him once up the Imps when he visited with Donald Houston. They were just sitting at the bar enjoying their pints like two local lads not like the celebrities they were - so different from the way celebrities behave today.
Mark
Stanley was one of the finest British actors ever and would have made a superb James Bond, even tougher and truer to the novels than Connery. It seems that Stan was actually born in 1928, making him only 48 when he died.
John Hickmott, Crawley
An earlier writer has given a brief account of the Ferndale choirs part in the recording of "Men of Harlech" for the film Zulu. Although generally correct there were a few inaccuracies. I was a member of the choir, which was The Ferndale Imperial Singers and Stanley was our president. Although, as suggested, we did practice in the Band club, that was later. At the time we were still in our original home "The Ferndale Imps Club". Our recording was made at Llanwonno after the film had been completed and which contained M of H being performed by a South African choir. Apparently members of the production team weren't too happy with the outcome and decided to get in touch with our choir with a view to dubbing us onto the sound track. Which was exactly what they did. Stanley and Ivor Emanuel were there together with the sound recordist who I believe was Rusty Coppleman. Although it was only forty or so years ago, the method they employed was to hold a portable tape recorder containing the sound track of he film to the ear of our conductor, Haydn Allen, and while he was the only person able to hear it, he conducted us to sing in time with the original. Haydn had attended school with Stanley years earlier, but I can remember him telling me that for all his success, whenever he came home to Ferndale, Stanley was happy as larry to have a laugh and joke over a pint with his old mates.
Dewi Williams, Rhoose
I was born in Ferndale three streets behind Stanley Baker's birthplace (10 years later). Surprisingly, I never knew Stanley but knew his father quite well. His father was a lovely man who was in the same mining accident as my uncle Fred. As my uncle related the accident to me it appears that they were going down in the cage when the wire rope snapped and if I understood him correctly (I was only a child at the time) Stanley's father and my uncle were the only survivors. My uncle was crippled for life and used crutches until he died aged around 90. Stanley's father lost a leg and used just one crutch all his life. He never had an artificial leg. He was given a job in the Ministry of Food at Queen Square, Tylorstown, during the war years when I attended the primary school in Tylorstown. He would provide us young kids with bottles of orange juice, cod liver oil and malt(to take away the nasty taste of cod liver oil). He was always attentive and interested in us kids. Apart from this my abiding memory of him was regularly seeing him standing on one crutch wearing his "Dai" cap waiting at the bus stop in Queen Square, for his bus home. I would have loved to have met Stanley to have related this personal experience to him and remind him about his "heroic" father because in the mind of a young child this is how I saw him.
James Molloy living in France
As a former journalist who interviewed, twice, the last commanding officer of Lawrence of Arabia, Capt Bill Hurley, I liked all of Baker's performances. But my Irish blood boils when I see and read Mr Baker described as a "British actor". He was a great Welshman. God Bless Wales.
Bugs Moran
I thought he was a superb actor and would have made a great James Bond. Zulu was his best film and I visited Rorkes Drift when I lived in South Africa. Such a pity he passed on so young - the world was his oyster.
MJ, Ferndale
I remember my father talking about Stanley Baker. They were in opposing gangs at school and were apparently often found fighting/taunting each other. They never became friends!!
Carey D'Arcy from Tenby
Stanley had tremendous screen presence. Lurking beneath the masculine charisma were more human sensibilities when the need arose. The killer in 'Guns of Navarone' was one no more. Stanley portrayed this flaw with aching vulnerability. He also matched the tremendous acting and screen presence of Greg Peck, David Niven et al. He had that quality which few film actors have and that is watchability. He was unforgettable in 'Accident' where he showed that he could play parts with different shades of meaning and interpretation. Stanley was terrific in most of his roles. Not many actors could say that!! He died too young like his friend from the other valley, Richard Burton. I bet they're both somewhere, chatting up the girls and reading film parts that have come their way!
Claire Gonzalez, London
I feel a slight twang of jealousy when I read so many others here, have met this great, great actor. Being a generation or two down, I first had the privilege of watching Sir Stanley, in Zulu. It seems to have been a good start and made such an impression on me, that I've been trying to see most of his impressive 'CV' since! And such a handsome man, he always came across as a real man's man, strong and brooding. I had the honour of watching The Violent Playground the other day too. What a great performance, yet again. And I too, would dearly love to see his performance of Rochester in Jane Eyre! We lost one of finest actors, that sad day, many years ago. But it's so good to see his memory goes on. Thanks for the memories Stanley!
Jody Bower, Port Townsend, USA
I discovered Stanley Baker's films only after his death. The History Channel in the US played "Zulu" and I sat up and said "who is that????" He became one of my favorite actors and I've now got quite a collection of his work. I pray that the BBC will release Jane Eyre with him sometime - I never saw it but he would be the perfect Rochester!
Allyn Carter, Ferndale
It was a pleasure to be in Glyn's company this weekend (17 March 2007) when he came to the town to switch on the floodlights for the Rugby Club and was a guest of the club at the Millennium Stadium for the Wales v England match.
He joined in the celebrations and was heard to sing a rousing Cwm Rhondda at the final whistle. A tribute to his roots and a proud son of a famous father. Hope to see you in the near future Glyn.
Bill Richards, Tonypandy
Does anyone know the street and house number where Stanley Baker was born, and does it, like Tommy Farr's house in Blaenclydach, Tonypandy, have a blue plaque mounted outside?
Harry Proud, Nuneaton, Warwickshire
Zulu was and still is my favourite film of all time. An all star cast and marvellous acting by Michael Caine and of course Stanley Baker. The knighthood that he was awarded was truly deserved but alas never received. God bless.
Pam Evans from Douglas, Isle of Man
At last - at least two other people in the world who remember the, to me, definitive adaptation of Jane Eyre in 1956/57. Stanley Baker WAS Rochester and Daphne Slater WAS Jane Eyre. From that moment on, despite being only about 10 years of age, I think I must have been one of his biggest fans. He was a wonderful actor with a beautiful voice, he had a terrific brooding screen presence and as far as I was (and am) concerned he was absolutely drop dead gorgeous. He was my idol and my hero and could do no wrong. I never tire of watching any of his films, from his earliest appearances in the 1950s to the down to earth black & white 1960s films such as Hell is a City, Prize of Arms and The Criminal, and later The Guns of Navarone and Sodom and Gomorrah. However, I think for me, his finest performance had to be as Lt Chard in Zulu. I remember feeling great sadness on learning of his untimely death at such an early age. He should have had many many more years to enhance the acting profession and of giving untold pleasure and enjoyment to so many of us. Thank God for TV repeats, DVDs and video.
Jim Woolley from Bromsgrove, Worcs
Even today I still look out for any of his films comming up on TV. The one I would like to see is Violent Playground - I think Freddie Starr had a small part in this.
Kevin, Ferndale
Stanley Baker's funeral was held on top of Llanwonno mountain where his ashes were scattered overlooking his birth place. I remember it well - I was 12 yrs old at the time and I remember shaking hands with Sir Harry Secombe. What a sad day.
Allan Rowe, Battle, Sussex
I met Stanley Baker as his guest - I was selected from a group of kids at a club called Clubland in Walworth Road, London. He was in every sense a star and a gentleman. That was nearly 40 years ago and I will always remember him truly as a brilliant host.
Chris Buckley from Stoke on Trent
My wife and I have just come back from visiting some friends in Ferndale, they took us to see the Rugby Club that houses the Stanley Baker Lounge. It was fabulous and well worth the visit.
Liza from Belfast
Stanley was my favourite actor many years ago. I believe he had four children. I know one, Glyn, followed him into the acting profession. Does anyone know if he still acts and did any of the others also become actors?
Sarah-Lou Morley, Newmarket
My mum met Stanley Baker in the early 60's. She worked in the publicity department of a chain of cinemas and - beautiful as she was - she was picked to be Stanley's official 'escort' for a photo opportunity at the premier of one of his movies. Our family are very proud of the resulting photo, a large copy of which we still have. Mum remembers him as "ever such a nice man".
Marjorie Brodie from Bishop Auckland
All other productions of Jane Eyre pale in comparison with the Stanley Baker and Daphne Slater production. Why has it not been transferred to DVD? There were a number of first class TV drama productions made by the BBC in the 1950s/1960s which would make excellent viewing again.
Ant Pallett, Te Aroha, New Zealand
Stanley Baker was a top actor, yes - Zulu and Hell Drivers. Edge of the seat stuff, unforgettable.
Kirsty, Porth
Where was Stanley Baker's funeral held?
Edna Miller, Romford
I agree with Janet Tregenna. Stanley Baker was the one and only Rochester. I saw it as a child and have never forgotten it. Why can't we get it on DVD?
Steve Priestley, Leicester
I never had the pleasure of meeting this iconic star of his time and as a boy in the early sixties remember well of his acting ability. He actually came to Leicester to film the robbery scenes at a bridge near Market Harborough, Leicestershire in around 1963. The rushes were then taken to a cinema called the Magna in central Wigston for viewing. Any info on thic classic actor gratefully received.
Maria Thomas, Isle of Wight
My husband's uncle was Stanley Baker - I have just watched How Green Is My Valley BBC version on DVD (very good). My husband is David John Thomas, his mother was Susan Myra Harries which is the side related to Stanley. David was born in Trebanog, but family are still living in Toneyrefail, Rhondda Valley.
Janet Tregenna
I am finding it hard to believe that the BBC is doing an adaptation of Jane Eyre and no mention of Stanley Baker as Rochester in the 50s has been mentioned. He WAS Rochester brooding dark not handsome but very sexy and totally compelling. I know the actress playing Jane also appeared as Mary Tudor in Elizabeth R and was just perfect in the part but alas I don't remember her name.
Megan Hozier, Cheltenham
My late mother Ellen Bromham worked at the Bakers' house in Wimbledon, ironing. Being Welsh she loved Stanley's mother's visits from Wales. I would be grateful to hear how Lady Ellen's family are? They were good employers to my mum. When I went with my mum I thought their house looked like a doll's house!
Mike Mannings, Cardiff
I had the privilege of meeting Stanley Baker during the early seventies as a young firefighter on duty in Westgate Street fire station, Cardiff, opposite the old Arms Park. It was Saturday international rugby day and the fire station doors were open - he stopped and chatted to us for about 20 mins asked us if we were going to the match etc. Then fans started to come over to him, he signed some autographs then said to us 'I have to go, I'm meeting some friends - all the best lads' and off he went. Incidentally in Hell Drivers one of his co stars is Sean Connery - if you compare the two actors, the role of James Bond was without doubt created for Sir Stanley Baker.
Lilwyn Larner, Caerphilly
He was a wonderful actor, his life far too short.
I remember visiting the family home in Ferndale with my aunt but was never fortunate to meet Stanley. He was distantly related to my father and visited my dad's sister in Ynysybwl many times. We were all very proud of his acheivements, and now my grandchildren look upon him as a hero especially in the film Zulu. They ask a lot of questions about him - of course I wish I could have made their dream come true to actually have met them or his children.
Mike John of Newport
There is no Stanley or William Stanley Baker birth registered anywhere in Glamorgan in 1927. Does anyone know his parents' names?
Iwan Williams, Anglesey, North Wales
Several of you seem to be seeking the book "Stanley Baker - Portrait of An Actor". I have a copy and it makes a fascinating, if rather sad, read as it details the last, painful, year or so of his life. I have been told that the book is worth about £200 due to its rarity, I was very pleased to pick it up anyway and have had it for about 10 years now. My favourite film of his is probably "The Criminal", although if you have the opportunity to see it he made a film called "A Prize of Arms" which I've always really enjoyed.
Colm Walsh, Dublin, Ireland
Always look forward to a Stanley Baker film - star quality with the local touch.
Dave, Ferndale
The memory and legacy of Sir Stanley Baker will always be remembered in Ferndale and, to commemmorate this, we have named and decorated our brand new lounge at Ferndale RFC in his honour. Well worth a visit for any Stanley Baker fan.
martyn jones neath
the first time i can remember meeting stanley when i was about 10? in my granmothers house.what a character he took me and my friend in his jaguar down to church in neath. my mother who is 97 still talkes fondly of him.
Georgei from Llanelli
I think Stanley Baker was one of the greatest actors ever. His acting in Zulu was awesome.
Chris Tew, Abersychan
How Green Was My Valley is out on DVD July 2006.
Claire from Wanstead.
When I was a child in the late 50's a lady I knew as Nanny Gay was Stanley Baker's aunt. She was the nanny of the children next door to my grandmother in Buckinghamshire and what a lovely old lady she was, softly spoken and very gentle. I often wonder what how proud she must have been of her nephew. Did anyone know of her and what her first name was? I wish I had asked her about Stanley but I was only about 10 at the time.
wayne pontygwaith
can anyone confirm that stanley baker was actually born in blaenllechau,cheers.
philip rigby england
hell drivers captured the moment for me. i know i am a truck driver,nothing has changed 42 years later. violent playground excellent, and robbery well what can you say he done his homework.proper man hard,also his gentleness was not hidden which made him attractive as a human being, quality.
Marg Watson, Gold Coast, Australia (Born Ebbw Vale)
Hi I would like to get a copy of How Green Was My Valley, the BBC TV series. I saw it in South Africa as a TV series in the late 70's. Anyone out there can help?
Kent Laupus of Canterbury
Thank you, M Makepeace, for reminding me not of dear Stan (much as I admire him) but of Daphne Slater. What became of her? I saw her in a TV production of Mary Webb's 'Precious Bane' with Pat Troughton, in .. God knows when. Years ago! Daphne Slater! When actresses could boast of a name such as Daphne. Now it's all .. well, it's changed. I still admire Stan. Stan was the Man. An actor without equal. Thanks to M Makepeace though. And to every Stan lover, I say again, 'Accident'. Watch it, or forever be denied.
ralph dyer, holland.
stanley baker was without a doubt one of the strongest and most committed actors i have ever seen. i have had the pleasure of meeting lady ellen baker and stan's sister muriel, and was very fortunate to recieve a lot of personal information and items from lady ellen. many of you will not be aware that stanley intended to make the film zulu dawn. although it's a very good film, i can't help but wonder how much better it would have been under the guidance of the man who dreamt of making zulu for so long. and through his extremely hard work, finally got his wish to make it.
i have my own website dedicated to stanley and if you wish to visit and leave not just comments but any information to aid in the building of this new site, it would be appreciated.
it's awesome to read all of your comments on this site, so nice so many of you like myself appreciate this fine upstanding welshman. we shall respond to all comments and, take this opportunity to wish you all a very merry christmas. the website address is www.mijndijn.nl
M Makepeace Tyne and Wear
In reply to C Mullane of Weymouth. Stanley Baker did appear in a BBC TV adaptation of Jane Eyre in 1956 as Mr Rochester, with Daphne Slater in the title role .
Mr T Abdulla from South Shields
I'm after copies of Stanley Baker's films, DVD or video. Sea Fury (1958), Innocent Bystanders (1972), A Prize of Arms (1962).
Ralph Dyer
For a site full of pictures about Stanley Baker and Zulu and other films of him go to www.mijndijn.nl.
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external websites
C Mullane from Weymouth
Did Stan ever appear in a dramatisation of Jane Eyre probably on BBC in the fifties? I seem to remember a strong (and sexy!) performance as Mr Rochester.
Diana Blackwell, Berkeley, CA, USA
Stanley Baker was a handsome, talented actor with tremendous screen presence. He made my all-time favorite movie, "Zulu," and gave an unforgettable performance in the film as well. Too bad his other movies are so hard to see.
Jenn in Michigan, USA
My parents kept ZULU in our VHS collection and I remember watching that several times while growing up. I loved Stanley Baker in that movie, but am sad to report that I haven't seen any of his other films with the exception of the small part he had in Horatio Hornblower. I think Stanley Baker was absolutely sexy and had a presence on screen modern actors could never touch.
Well, there you have the opinion of a 25-year-old :)
Rest in peace, Sir Stanley!
Larry Bushman, Tennessee
Stanley Baker's role in 'Paratrooper' was excellent, as was his role in the 'The Cruel Sea'. Many times overlooked. The true professional.
Maureen Ward
Stanley Baker was one of my idols in the 1950s. I loved all his films, particularly Hell Drivers.
I also loved him in the BBC series Little Women with Daphne Slater. Does anyone know if this is available on video or DVD?
Philip originally from Tylorstown & now in Manches
Stanley Baker was a great British and Welsh actor - his role in Zulu was magnificent, and he is a proud part of the Rhondda's heritage. A true son from the golden valley of Wales.
Julie, N Ireland
I love Zulu. Hasn't Stanley Baker got screen presence. Isn't it a shame that he died with so much still to offer
Kent Laupus from Canterbury
I admit to feeling myself something of a 'fraud' in light of the personal remembrances of Mr Baker as emailed by Messrs Shail, Morse & Owen, and Yes, I've gone to this site once or twice before, but that was to clear my mind of something about Stanley that had been bugging me for a long time. All history now.
The reason I'm adding another message to this site tonight is that today I found a film of Stan's I'd long been looking for without avail. I refer to 'Accident' - one of his collaborations with Joseph Losey.
Browsing the bins of a High St DVD chain - no plugs on the BBC, right? - I found a disc titled 'British New Wave Vol 2' on which are entrapped the Bogarde/Baker classic 'Accident' (here unaccountably titled 'The Accident' - there was never any definite article in the 1960s) yoked together with Roy Boulting's 'The Family Way'. Well, it might have been worse. Warner Home Video and Studio Canal seem to have conspired to get the film's title wrong. But so what? StanFans will know the film, inaccurate title notwithstanding. I played it this afternoon, as it was a day of some 'longueurs'. It's a good transfer, but more than that, it gives me to keep one of what I regard as Mr Baker's finest performances in 'late career'.
His Oxford don Charley is a masterpiece of acting and of knowing the pitfalls that yawn in front of the successful, 'still (to women)attractive', 'still virile' male of 45-50. Whilst Dirk was pensive, Stanley was animalistic. And what else?
Bogarde plays Bogarde, and does it as well as ever. But Stanley acts him off the screen! It's Stanley's film (after it's Losey's & Pinter's film). I'm SO pleased to have got 'Accident' on disc that I can live with owning 'The Family Way' as well.
(I knew Barry Foster, so that can serve me as his memorial!)
To all of you devoted Bakerites who add your contributions to this site - from far and wide, globally - I would urge any of you who have not yet seen Stanley's role in 'Accident' to do so. It comes up on late-hours tv at regular intervals, but to have the film on DVD is more to be desired. Perhaps Harold Pinter wrote better screenplays (can't call any to mind) or at least some as good, and Losey probably helmed better films, or at least several as good, but 'Accident' is proof of that wonderful conjunction that occurs in the lives and careers of a group of people - when everything just goes right!
A Parthian shot to all you trivialists who read this site: a 'Carole Caplin' is listed in the cast. As 'Clarissa'. The Bogarde/Merchant daughter. 8 yrs old? Is this the lady who came to be a 'fashion guru' to the PM's First Lady? Who can tell me otherwise? The film has a couple of editing 'coups' and I've no idea where Mlle Sassard is today, but the last word must rest with Stanley Baker, actor exemplary. I've seen him in many a b&w 'hard man' role, and thought he was the bees knees. Of 'Zulu' it must all have been said. There was the brief interlude in 'European' films. And then there was the 'late career' in Britflicks. You will never find Stanley more on his mettle than in 'Accident'. A must-see, if you haven't already! I retire into the far distance, from where I shall regard 'Sir' Stanley with awe and affection from hereon.
Frank from London
Stanley would've made a great James Bond --- tough, determined and a brilliant actor! Such a shame he never made it in Hollywood, but at least he starred in so many great British films.
Robert Shail, University of Wales, Lampeter
I am currently working on a biography of Stanley for the University of Wales Press. If anyone reading this has any first hand memories of Stanley, particularly of his youth in Ferndale please do get in touch. Email me on r.shail@lamp.ac.uk
Gareth Morse. Fremantle, Western Australia.
Stan used to come to our house in Wood Street Ferndale twice a week to spend time with my father Glyn Morse who laid the basis for his acting and who acted (free of charge) as his agent for 'Undercover' etc. Stan had barely begun to realise his strengths - Losey was amongst his best. His death was an absolute tragedy. My father attended his funeral - utterly broken. As for 'Zulu" he was always a great Welshman.
Eric Melling Westhead Ormskirk Lancs
Stanley was one of the British greats, an actor of great screen presence. A man's man and a ladies man - never made a bad film and never underachieved in any film role.
Richard Owen
The singing featured in Zulu was recorded by Stanley Baker and his technicians at Llanwonno, just over the mountain from Ferndale. Led by Ivor Emmanuel, a group of choristers from (The Morlais?) Ferndale Band Club sang outside The Brynfynnon while a bunch of us kids, having cycled over, watched on. Stan was a regular visitor to the Band Club on his trips back home, parking his Bentley outside the back door. He was also known to sample the delicacies on offer at Vince's chip shop, opposite the New Pub and just up from where he was born.
Camilla Semoh from London
Was anyone else as thrilled as me at being able to view Stanley's interview as part of the extras for the DVD release of "Hell Drivers"?
Kent Laupus from Canterbury
Re Hell Below Zero: When the 2nd shot in a 1953 'Color' film is a back projection, in front of which runs an extra shouting (or was he dubbed?) 'Man overboard!', and a few shots later the star, Alan Ladd, snuggles up to the 'eye candy' (Joan Tetzel, er, who?) using a line such as 'It's a small world,' (well, it was for Alan Ladd!) you start to suspect you are down among the dead men. Nothing good can come from this, etc. One cinematic outrage arrives hard on the heels of the next. So who you gonna call? It's your own fault for tuning in to a 6th repeat in as many years on Channel 4. No, why I bothered to watch (when I might have been vardering Miss Sharapova) was because of ONE actor. Stanley Baker. Had he been dubbed (as he was in 'Red Beret')? Did he have to lurk in the miniscule shadow of Alan Ladd again? So, I waited on. Stanley takes his time to appear in this turkey. (After 'Beret' who can wonder at his tardiness?) Dear Stanley - when he showed up, after an age, it was a relief to hear his 'Eric' using his own, marvellous voice. One early role that got through the net! If Stanley was dubbed in 'Red Beret' on account of a supposed Welsh brogue, why wasn't Joseph Tomelty dubbed for 'crimes against the English language' for his Leprechaun-like Cap'n? Is there no justice under 'C'-movie heaven? I shall remember you, Mr Baker, for the terrific
films you made. Many thanks. They say it's tough getting that first foot on the ladder of success. It seems to be true.
Dave in Penarth
Just watching The Red Beret on Channel 4 - it seems to be the version where Stanley's voice is overdubbed. Curiously though, fellow Welshman Donald Houston HASN'T been overdubbed. Presumably the Americans thought a Welsh accent was OK for a rank-and-file airman, but the instructor being officer class had to sound English?
Kent Laupus from Canterbury
Channel 4, 1.35pm today (19 May 2005). 'The Red Beret' is showing for the gazillionth time, so come on, Stan fans, listen to the parachute instructor and tell me, Is that Stanley's voice we're hearing? I don't think so! So can anybody tell me WHO or WHY?(Editor's Note: Comments on the Britmovie Film Forum suggest Stanley Baker's voice was overdubbed by John Van Eysen in a version of the film released for the American market. Click here to read some of the theories behind this.)
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George Nixon, Alberta, Canada.
Stanley Baker, what more can you say. A fine actor with an "on screen" magnetism. No one has mentioned " Hell Is A City" which is my favourite Stanley Baker film. Check out my website, which has a page dedicated to " Hell Is A City", and some interesting Stanley Photos.
http://www3.telus.net/public/nixonkg
Incidentaly, A friend of mine just found a copy of Bakers biography here in Canada. Its probably time for someone to write the definitive account of Stanley Bakers career. Any offers!!
Kent Laupus from Canterbury
Stanley Baker was a cosummate film actor, as effective at portraying 'hard men' as he was in his more sensitive roles. I have a question, though. Can anybody out there tell me why Baker's voice was removed and overdubbed for his brief role as a parachute instructor in 'The Red Beret'. Every time I hear the barking tones of the post-synchroniser, my head swims. The role was a brief one because Baker dies as a result of a 'Roman candle'. Anybody?
Frank from Philadelphia
I first remember seeing Stanley Baker in Guns of Navarone when I was about thirteen, and remembering that I thought he was an intense actor. At film's end, as the Butcher of Barcelona, he is killed in a way that I thought was strange (there didn't seem to be a sound explanation for his death) and which occurred rather suddenly. I later read an account of the film's screenplay which indicated that the studio cut parts of the movie at the end (including the death of the James Darren character in the film).
Baker gave remarkably intense portrayals that make him stick in my mind to this day. It's a shame (and amazing as well) that most of his movies aren't available on video.
Trevor Ball from Essex
Excellent actor. First seen as a seven year old in 'Hell Drivers', later 'The Criminal', 'A Prize of Arms', 'The Good Die Young', 'Robbery'. Would like to know more about other films avaliable and love to see the biography if any one could help.
Ray from Liverpool
Good all round actor. 'Hell Drivers' and 'Zulu' were my favourites.
David Murray in Monaco
Watching the movie Zulu as a 22 year old inspired me immediately to join the army and I spent 30 wonderful years in the infantry and never regretted one day. Thank you Stanley Baker.
Jay from Hull
For a small audience I showed the making of Zulu. It was in Ferndale in a small theatre amongst old friends of Stanley Baker. One of them sang `Men of Harlech` because Stanley involved his local choir to sing for the film Zulu. The next day I visited his birth home with his date of birth showing on a blue plaque... Exactly 75 years before this film was shown. Indeed.
Mr T Abdulla from Southshields
When was the film Violent Playground (1958)last seen on BBC2?. Stanley Baker starred in it.
Harry Arnold from Hunwick Co Durham
As a boy I can remember watching in awe as Chard and Bromhead repelled the Zulu. Now as a 47 year old man, am no less impressed with Stanley Baker's interest in JRM Chard, and his and Michael Caine's performances in the great film.
D Newman from Manchester
Stanley Baker: Portrait of an Actor by Anthony Storey. Price £175. A very scarce book from bookseller Christopher Murphy in North Walsham. I'd like to read a copy myself but not to the extent of paying £175 or anywhere near it.
Jacqueline Wainwright in Melbourne, Australia
Being from Wales, I have always followed Stanley Baker's career. From the early Hollywood films such as Knights of the Round Table, he displayed his talent. Zulu, Hell Drivers just confirmed what we know - he was a great actor. By the by, has anyone seen him in The Last Grenade? I can't find it anywhere but enjoyed it when I first saw it in the cinema.
Mr T Abdulla from South Shields
Can anyone tell me where I can get a copy of Stanley Baker's biography from? It is called 'A Portrait of an Actor' by Anthony Storey (1977).
Richard Cox from Wokingham
Stanley Baker's performance in Joseph Losey's Accident was superb and showed him to be an actor of great sensitivity and depth. His scenes with Dirk Bogarde were fascinating - like many great actors he could indicate thoughts and emotions with subtle expressions of his face and body.
Janet from Nashville, TN , USA
Based on his biography, he had four children - none of whom was named Sean. One daughter, three boys - Martin, Gwyn, Adam and Sally. This assumes the biography was correct :0)
Irene Yates from Bury, Lancashire
Does anyone know if Stanley Baker had a son, Sean, who is now an actor? We saw him in a recent episode of Midsommer Murders, and without knowing his name, commented that he looked exactly like the actor. On reading the credits, we discovered his name was Sean Baker.
Mr T Abdulla from South Shields
Stanley Baker was a great actor in all of his films. The best film he was in is Hell Drivers. I liked it when they were rushing around in their trucks at fast speed all the time.
Janet in Nashville, Tennessee USA
I agree wholeheartedly with the observation that when on screen, Baker was the actor you watched. In his biography he supposedly said that he had made 5 good films. I'd choose Zulu, Accident, Eve... what would the others be? I liked all of his films.. Does How Green Was My Valley count as it was a television program?
Hugh Rogers from Marple, Stockport.
I was a kid growing up in Ebbw Vale in the sixties when 'Zulu' came to one of the local picture houses. My dad decided to take me and my brother to see it. In fact this was the only time he ever took us to the pictures, as most of his time was spent in the Steelworks or the working mens club at the top of our road. What a great film! My dad loved it, except the bit when the soldiers are singing, which dad found unrealistic. " With all those Zulus out there you'd have no time to sing" he commented, "you'd be too busy sh*tting yourself." On the way home he expressed the opinion that if Harry Secombe had been singing in the stockade, the Zulus would have immediately surrendered. He also opined that Stanley Baker was a real man, whereas Richard Burton was a fop (he didn't use the word fop but there may be children reading this.)
Some relatives of Stan's ran a corner shop in our road, so we really did think of him as one of own, a boy from the Eastern valleys made good. It seemed unfair that he died so young but like all wise thespians he left us wanting more. Does anyone know where I can get a copy of Stan's biography 'Stanley Baker, Portrait of an Actor'? I've searched every second hand bookshop in christendom : even Hay On Wye couldn't come up with the goods. This is your chance to become my friend for life. If you can help, post it up on this site.
Ian Wiltshire, Carmarthenshire
After watching Zulu from a very young age, it has always been my favorite. It has only been up until now that I have looked into the history and life of Stanley Baker - what a great man he was.
Tracey from Blaenllechau.
I remember Stanley Baker's funeral as if it were yesterday. I found myself waiting in a queue of 'old ladies' who were waiting to shake a man's hand in a very big black car (bearing in mind i was young at the time). I also queued with them and I shook hands with this man with a very wide smile. I went around and queued again - this gentleman took my hand and said "I've shaken this little hand before", and he started to laugh. I had been picking and eating at the winberries with my friends and my hand was coverd in purple stains ,and the gentleman was no other than the lovely late Harry Secombe. It is a memory I will cherish forever - seeing the choirs singing in front of me and the many people walking to Llanwonno to see his ashes scattered over looking Tylorstown.
Camilla Semoh from London
I first saw Stanley in a film called 'Hell Drivers'. I have since enjoyed his performances in many other films, particularly three directed by Joseph Losey - 'Accident', 'The Criminal' and 'Eva', as well as the excellent caper movie directed by Peter Hall, 'Perfect Friday'.There is a certain magnetism about Stanley Baker - when he is on screen with other actors, it is always him you are watching. He was always an artist of superior quality, and I believe the best Welsh actor of all time.
Toady Flintstone from Pontypool
My Dad took me to see Zulu when I was seven. The film and Stanley's performance stuck in my memory. I was gutted when a few years later Stanley died from cancer. A proud Welshman - how we could do with a bit of his 'Zulu' spirit in our rugby team now!
Eduarda de Mello in Lisbon
He presented us with a magnificient work in Zulu. He was a great hard working actor and producer.
John Howe
While growing up in Ferndale in the Rhondda, Stanley Baker was my hero. A 'boy from the valley' who managed to avoid the collery and become an international star. I longed to follow in his footsteps; but like most dreams it was not to be. Even my brief forage into 'am drams' was a disaster. However, Stanley Baker and the Houston brothers gave me a dream.Who can forget his role in Zulu, and in many other films? He was a powerful actor, but could portray sympathetic characters too. I remember watching a BBC TV adaptation of How Green Was My Valley - a long remembered scene where he was reading the signature of Queen Victoria. He read out with obvious pride 'Victoria RI'. Another character asked what did 'RI' mean? A puzzled looked flitted across Baker's face followed by the smile of a man who had discovered the answer. 'RI,' he said 'it is obvious Victoria wrote it.' A simple short scene, but one that a great actor can make memorable.
Although he lived most of his life away from Ferndale and the Rhondda, he remained essentially a Valleys man. The day his ashes were brought to the mountain top above Blaenllechau, overlooking Ferndale, and his widow scattered them to the winds was a sad yet proud day for the people of this small mining community. It was as if 'the boy made good' was at last home where he belonged.
Acclaimed actor who starred in Zulu
