Don Stannard
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Don Stannard | |
|---|---|
 Dick Barton publicity still | |
| Born | 1915 |
| Died | 9 July 1949 (aged 33–34) Cookham Dean, Berkshire, England, UK |
| Alma mater | RADA |
| Occupation | Actor |
Don Stannard (10 September 1915 – 9 July 1949) was a British actor.[1]
Born in Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex,[2] Stannard was the son of a banker,[3] A. Gordon Smythe Stannard, and Abigail Stannard. He attended Lindisfarne College[4] and trained at RADA, graduating in 1935.[2] He acted in repertory theater and had bit parts in English films, and inability to gain recognition nearly caused him to give up acting and join his father in banking.[4]
He was a stand-in for Robert Donat before a screen test led to his being signed by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer in 1937.[3] The subject of the test in England was a young woman, and Stannard's face was seen only in flashes opposite her. Louis B. Mayer, who was in London on a talent search, saw the test and signed Stannard to a contract.[4]
He is best remembered for playing the secret agent Dick Barton in three Hammer films: Dick Barton: Special Agent, Dick Barton Strikes Back and Dick Barton at Bay.[5] A fourth Barton film was scheduled, Dick Barton in Africa, but Stannard was killed in a car crash driving back from the wrap party and Hammer elected not to continue the series.[6][7]
Stannard was also an author, playwright, and poet.[4]
