Christopher Sandford:
The '60s were remarkable years, fizzing with possibilites, of sudden opportunities and lingering disappointments. Christopher Sandford's story is fascinating in the way it touches obliquely on some pivotal pop-culture moments. Without knowing it, I'd watched him in a number of my favourite films and television programmes, without a glimmer of recognition or connection.
'Coronation Street' Oct 1963, as would-be beat sensation Walter Potts |
Early roles as a teenager included a few TV shows, mostly now lost, and typical light comedies such as the inevitable cruise-ship romp 'Next To No Time' (1958) with Kenneth More and Sid James, and the equally inevitable schoolboy hi jinks of 'A French Mistress' (1960), with James Robertson Justice. But it was his role as Walter Potts, the gormless window cleaner of 'Coronation Street' that brought him to the public's attention. In 1963, as Beatlemania was gathering momentum, the primetime soap's storyline saw Walter transformed into "Brett Falcon" by would-be impresario Dennis Tanner. This neat TV-pop crossover even resulted in a flurry of real-life singles on Decca and Fontana.
His solo album on Transatlantic from the mid-'60s. |
Demonstrating a radio tracking device to Patrick McGoohan in 'Danger Man' |
Flash bang wallop what a picture. In 'Half A Sixpence' (1967) with Tommy Steele (and the late great Julian Orchard). |
As Brett Sinclair's tuneless cousin Onslow, about to get electrocuted in a 'Kind Hearts & Coronets'-influenced episode of 'The Persuaders' |
Great character name. With a curious mix of guest stars in the Robin Askwith sexploitation movie 'Cool It Carol' (1970) |
As the fiancé of Sue (Jane Asher) in 'Deep End' (1971) |
'Die Screaming Marianne' (1971) |
A mixed bag, but some real gems, some terrific oddball stuff and a fascinating story.
Christopher Sandford-imdb
I know him to be one great Guy, and an Excellent Angler. Also, full of good humor, and a LOT of fun.
ReplyDeleteI'm always really happy to hear that an actor is as engaging off-screen as on, for some reason. Thanks for posting!
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