Just to be clear, during the time that David Niven knew this man on Malta, Britain was at peace. Niven graduated from the Royal Military College at Sandhurst in 1930 and was assigned to the Highland Light Infantry which was doing garrison duty in Malta. He was there for two years before the unit returned to Dover. In Spetember 1933 he escaped from close arrest (for insubordination) and sailed for America. Midway through his crossing he sent a telegram resigning his commission.
Before WW2 Niven had moved to Hollywood and paid his US Taxes. During the war he returned home to fight for Britain. After the war the British Tax dept declared him a returned person and issued him with a notice for back taxes on the money made while in the US. Had he not returned to fight for the UK he wouldn't have been liable for these taxes. It took him a few quite years to earn and pay this money.
I normally read the comments before I watch the clip (depends on the clip) so this one sounds really good. I always liked David Niven and whenever he comes up in conversations (I tend to talk about old movies/tv shows alot, I guess) people always have positve things to say about him. I knew he served in the war, but, wow, no idea how honored he was. Thanks for the info.
Some of the comments here are interesting because in resding the Moon's a Balloon and Bring on the Empty Horses, he doesn't seem to hold back on his memories.
I also don't think it is a big deal to recognize someone 20 years later with whom you spent considerable time.
Finally, David vehemently defended his good friend Errol Flynn from being considered a Nazi spy in the San Diego area during WWII by the nefarious Charles Higham
From the IMDB: Niven was totally silent about his war experience. He said once: I will, however, tell you just one thing about the war, my first story and my last. I was asked by some American friends to search out the grave of their son near Bastogne. I found it where they told me I would, but it was among 27,000 others, and I told myself that here, Niven, were 27,000 reasons why you should keep your mouth shut after the war."
Sidebar -- during new syndicated What's My Line's first week of videotaping in July 1968, one of the first contestants, a Rufus Hawley (I think -- I am working from memory here) played the jazz bagpipe. That got them off to a great start.
According to one article I read, Niven refused to work with Rex Harrison because of Harrison's pacifism. He also refused to work with James Mason because Mason was a conscientious objector.
Sort of a shame because a movie with Niven, Harrison, Mason and Ustinov would be a movie worth the price of admission, especially if written by Noel Coward and directed by David Lean.
Just to be clear, during the time that David Niven knew this man on Malta, Britain was at peace. Niven graduated from the Royal Military College at Sandhurst in 1930 and was assigned to the Highland Light Infantry which was doing garrison duty in Malta. He was there for two years before the unit returned to Dover. In Spetember 1933 he escaped from close arrest (for insubordination) and sailed for America. Midway through his crossing he sent a telegram resigning his commission.
ImaCOTV 1 month ago
What a cool guy haha, the sort you'd love to have as a friend (from all appearances.) Humble, 'jolly,' and plays the bagpipes, what's not to like :P
ShawDAMAN 2 months ago
David Niven is adorable.
GEVMM 3 months ago
@GEVMM I agree! He was a terrific actor, too. :)
Smalltowngal29 1 week ago
Great clip! Thank you for posting. I believe Mr. Niven recognized him around 0:27.
icman121 4 months ago
Before WW2 Niven had moved to Hollywood and paid his US Taxes. During the war he returned home to fight for Britain. After the war the British Tax dept declared him a returned person and issued him with a notice for back taxes on the money made while in the US. Had he not returned to fight for the UK he wouldn't have been liable for these taxes. It took him a few quite years to earn and pay this money.
binaway 11 months ago
I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE DAVID NIVEN!!
But wasnt he married to Hjordis here? He doesnt have any wedding ring?!!!
lou1606 1 year ago
Watching this again, I see Daly was purposely stonewalling Bennet a little, probably making sure it got to Niven. This is a really fun clip.
hkk321 2 years ago 2
It's nice to see David Niven! Thanks for posting.
hkk321 3 years ago
haha what a great surprise for Niven!!
Imthecuteone 3 years ago 2
I normally read the comments before I watch the clip (depends on the clip) so this one sounds really good. I always liked David Niven and whenever he comes up in conversations (I tend to talk about old movies/tv shows alot, I guess) people always have positve things to say about him. I knew he served in the war, but, wow, no idea how honored he was. Thanks for the info.
SueBeaWho 3 years ago 2
Some of the comments here are interesting because in resding the Moon's a Balloon and Bring on the Empty Horses, he doesn't seem to hold back on his memories.
I also don't think it is a big deal to recognize someone 20 years later with whom you spent considerable time.
Finally, David vehemently defended his good friend Errol Flynn from being considered a Nazi spy in the San Diego area during WWII by the nefarious Charles Higham
bigred997 3 years ago
From the IMDB: Niven was totally silent about his war experience. He said once: I will, however, tell you just one thing about the war, my first story and my last. I was asked by some American friends to search out the grave of their son near Bastogne. I found it where they told me I would, but it was among 27,000 others, and I told myself that here, Niven, were 27,000 reasons why you should keep your mouth shut after the war."
crepehanger47 3 years ago
Sidebar -- during new syndicated What's My Line's first week of videotaping in July 1968, one of the first contestants, a Rufus Hawley (I think -- I am working from memory here) played the jazz bagpipe. That got them off to a great start.
soulierinvestments 3 years ago
Thanx to Crepehanger47 for posting this clip and to Fenhalls for the thorough history.
This is stunning. I still cannot get over that Niven would recognize him and / or the name after all those years. Niven looks stunned, too.
soulierinvestments 3 years ago 2
That was a great surprise guest - and your background details are great. Thanks.
ParkerAllen2 3 years ago
According to one article I read, Niven refused to work with Rex Harrison because of Harrison's pacifism. He also refused to work with James Mason because Mason was a conscientious objector.
crepehanger47 3 years ago
Sort of a shame because a movie with Niven, Harrison, Mason and Ustinov would be a movie worth the price of admission, especially if written by Noel Coward and directed by David Lean.
soulierinvestments 3 years ago