Derek Van den Bogaerde

An unassuming village hall in an East Sussex village where the local amatuer dramatics latest production is in rehearsals. But this village hall and amatuer dramatic society has a significant history because it was here that one Derek Bogaerde first trod the boards. In 1934 young Derek played in the Newick Amateur Dramatics Society production of 'Journeys End'. He went on to change his name to Dirk Bogarde, his first film appearance (as an extra) was in 'Come on George!' starring George Formby in 1939. A further 60 films followed after his war time service. The turning point being his portrayal of Dr. Simon Sparrow in Doctor in the House. Among many other roles, the one I recall, is Gustav von Aschenbach in Visconti's 'Death in Venice' .