Actor hero of war films

Press, 15 July 1982, Page 9

Actor hero of war films

NZPA London The actor, Kenneth More, died after years of pain and suffering caused by Parkinson’s Disease; but his most memorable performance was of a man who battled against disability and won, More, whose career spanned more than 40 years on stage, screen and television, . will be best remembered for his roles in British adventure war films. His portrayal of the air ace, Douglas Bader, who fought his way back into fighter cockpits after losing both legs, earned critical acclaim, and he won equal acclaim for his roles in such films as “North West Frontier", “Sink the Bismarck” and "The ThirtyNine Steps”. His notable career on the stage included roles in "The Winslow Boy", “The Admirable Crichton” and “The Secretary Bird". He showed his versatility with comedy roles in such films as "Genevieve.” “Doctor in the House” and "The Sheriff of Fractured Jaw". He was author of three books about himself: "Happy Go Lucky", and “Kindly Leave the Stage", and “More or Less”, which led to a famous libel action brought by a film producer, Major Danny Angel. ’ More lost, but only £2OO (now $470) damages were awarded against him. His last role was in a television production of "A Tale of Two Cities”, when it had been confirmed that he was suffering from Parkinson’s Disease. He spent his final years crippled by the wasting disease, but last year he wrote movingly of his life as a sick man. “I have to admit like

hell and in a way I find so difficult to describe. My blessings are my memories and I strive to remember the ups rather than the downs. “I have a lot of time with my thoughts these days and sometimes they hurt so much I can hardly bear it. However. my friends always associate me with the song ‘When You’re Smiling’ ... It isn’t always easy but I’m trying to live up to it" It was his personal life while suffering from the disease that made headlines in the last few years of his life, for it meant a reunion with his young wife, Angela Douglas. They had lived apart but confirmation of the disease brought them together again. She was quoted last, month as saying: “We had 14 marvellous, heavenly years, four or five ghastly ones and now our marriage has never been better, our life was never worse.” Kenneth More won many awards for his stage and screen performances. He was born and educated in Jersey and served as a Royal Navy Volunteer Reserve lieutenant during the Second World War. He was married three times and had two daughter*.