The Battle of the V1

Michael Rennie (Actor) .. Stefan Nowak

Patricia Medina (Actor) .. Zofia Nowak

Milla Vitale (Actor) .. Anna

David Knight (Actor) .. Tadek

Esmond Knight (Actor) .. Stricker

John G Heller (Actor) .. Fritz

Peter Madden (Actor) .. Stanislaw Muski

Christopher Lee (Actor) .. Labour camp captain

Born: May 27, 1922 in Belgravia, London

Best Known For: Playing Dracula.

Early-life: Born Christopher Frank Carandini Lee on May 27, 1922, in Belgravia, London, the son of an Italian aristocrat and a soldier. He had an older sister, Xandra, whose daughter is actress Harriet Walter. When their parents divorced, the children were raised by their mother and her second husband, a banker. Lee attended Wellington College, then worked in a London shipping office before serving in the RAF during the Second World War. On being demobbed, he was snapped up by Rank Studios, but failed to get a big break, appearing instead in several small roles.

Career: Lee hit the big time in 1957 when his formidable height landed him the role of the monster in Hammer's The Curse of Frankenstein. It marked the beginning of his horror movie partnership with Peter Cushing, which also included such films as Dracula, The Mummy, and The Gorgon. Lee went on to become one of the world's most prolific actors. Star Wars episodes II and III and The Lord of the Rings introduced him to a new generation of fans. Other significant titles include The Wicker Man, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Gremlins II, The Man with the Golden Gun and The Golden Compass. He also appeared in Alice in Wonderland, Burke and Hare, Season of the Witch and The Hobbit. He died on June 7, 2015, at the age of 93 due to respiratory problems and heart failure.

Quote: 'There are many vampires in the world today - you only have to think of the film business.'

Trivia: Lee was knighted in 2009. Away from acting, he was an accomplished singer and had an intriguing sideline as a heavy metal star.

Frank Thornton (Actor) .. Scientist

Born: January 15, 1921 in London

Best Known For: Are You Being Served? and Last of the Summer Wine.

Early-life: Frank Thornton Ball was born in London on January 15, 1921 to Rosina and William. Frank wanted to act from an early age but his father encouraged him to have a more stable job, so he began working in insurance after leaving school. He took evening classes at the London School of Dramatic Art and after two years, he was invited to become a day student. During the Second World War, Frank was evacuated with the drama school and his first job was touring with four plays in Ireland. He joined the RAF as an airman and ended the war as an officer. After leaving the RAF in 1947, Frank joined a repertory company. He made his film debut in Radio Cab Murder (1954).

Career: Thornton went on to become a familiar face on TV, specialising in comedy. He made guest appearances in Hancock, Sykes, The Goodies, Love Thy Neighbour and Steptoe and Son. He is best known for playing Captain Peacock in the BBC sitcom Are You Being Served? He reprised his role for the spin-off series Grace & Favour. In 1997, he joined the cast of Last of the Summer Wine as Herbert 'Truly' Truelove, a role he played until 2010. He also appeared in Robert Altman's Gosford Park (2001). Thornton died peacefully in his sleep on March 16, 2013. He was 92.

Quote: From Are You Being Served?: 'Mr Humphries, are you free?'

Trivia: Thornton was nominated of an Olivier Award for his performance in the musical Me and My Girl.

Vernon Sewell (Director)

09:00 am - 11:00 am, Monday, June 22 on Talking Pictures TV (82)

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