Читать книгу The Complete A–Z of Everything Carry On - Richard Webber - Страница 19

DALE, JIM

Roles: Expectant Father in Cabby, Carrier in Jack, Carstairs in Spying, Horsa in Cleo, Marshall P. Knutt in Cowboy, Albert Potter in Screaming!, Lord Darcy de Pue in Don’t Lose Your Head, Bertram Oliphant ‘Bo’ West in Follow That Camel, Dr Jim Kilmore in Doctor, Dr James Nookey in Again Doctor and Columbus in Columbus

Jim Dale, who was born in Rothwell, Northants, in 1935, imbued his characterisations with a vulnerability and naïvety, with no finer example than his beautifully portrayed Marshall P. Knutt in Cowboy. But he was equally adept at adopting a cheeky grin and have-a-laugh manner, which he used to great effect when crafting a medical persona for Doctor and Again Doctor.

A man of many talents, from singer and songwriter to comic and actor, Dale began to show an inclination towards a future life on the stage when, aged nine, he began studying dance and started performing in local amateur shows.

After leaving school he worked in a shoe factory but began developing a comedy act which he later toured around Variety music halls before having to interrupt his career to complete National Service in the RAF.

Moving into his twenties, he diversified and enjoyed success as a pop singer; four of his singles charted with his biggest hit,‘Be My Girl’, climbing to number two in October 1957. As well as appearing on the popular music show, Six·Five Special, he later hosted the show, by which time his face was instantly recognisable to the viewing public. His popularity also led to a spell spinning discs on a BBC radio show for a year.

His stage career started in earnest when he was offered the chance to play Autolycus in Shakespeare’s The Winter’s Tale, followed by the part of Bottom in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. By the beginning of the 1970s, when he’d made ten of his eleven Carry On appearances, he joined the National Theatre and proceeded to clock up numerous West End credits, including such productions as The Merchant of Venice, The Good Natured Man, The Burglar and The Card. It was his stage success that led to him settling in America. His impressive performances playing the lead in an adaptation of Molière’s Scapino in San Francisco and Broadway earned him several awards and plenty of job offers.

His screen career has mainly been in films, with credits including Raising the Wind, The Iron Maiden, Nurse on Wheels, The Big Job, The Plank, Lock Up Your Daughters!, Pete’s Dragon and Scandalous. His television roles, meanwhile, include appearances in The Equaliser and Cosby.

More recently, he’s recorded the Harry Potter audiobooks and picked up many awards for his efforts.

Albert Potter (Jim Dale) thinks he’s lost the love of his life (Screaming!)

DALE ROAD

A road mentioned in Cabby during the scene where Peggy and Sally are held at gunpoint by crooks while driving one of the Glamcabs.

DALE, SHEILA

Played by Carol White

In Teacher, Dale is one of the ringleaders among the schoolkids who wreak havoc when a school inspector and child psychiatrist visit Maudlin Street Secondary Modern School.

DALEY, LADY

Played by Margaret Nolan

The busty wife of Sir Roger Daley appears in Dick.

DALEY, SIR ROGER

Played by Bernard Bresslaw

Sir Roger is a member of the landed gentry who’s tasked with running the Bow Street Runners, a special police unit formed to stop the upsurge in crime. Seen in Dick, his main objective is to catch the master villain himself: highwayman Dick Turpin, who happens to rob Sir Roger of all his possessions, including clothes, on two occasions. Although Sir Roger is married to the delectable Lady Daley, he still likes a little fun on the side.

DANCING GIRLS

Played by The Ballet Montparnesse

When the Rumpo Kid takes over Belle’s Place in Cowboy, he transforms Stodge City’s hostelry into a rowdy, smoky establishment full of debauched customers, with entertainment provided by the dancing girls performing the cancan.

DANCY

Played by Peter Gilmore

One of the crooks in Cabby who hold Peggy and Sally at gunpoint.

DANDY

Played by Guy Ward

In Emmannuelle the effeminate dandy wanders by a sentry, makes a comment and receives a wink in return.

DANDY

Played by John Clive

In Henry a crowd at Speakers’ Corner gather to debate the new Sex Enjoyment Tax being imposed by the King. The Dandy, however, turns to his friend and remarks that it won’t affect them! (Note: the scene was cut.)