Don Stannard (10 September 1915 – 9 July 1949) was a British actor.
Born in Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex, Stannard was the son of a banker, A. Gordon Smythe Stannard, and Abigail Stannard. He attended Lindisfarne College and trained at RADA, graduating in 1935. 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.
He was a stand-in for Robert Donat before a screen test led to his being signed by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer in 1937. 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.
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. 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.Bruce G. Hallenbeck, British Cult Cinema: Hammer Fantasy and Sci-Fi, Hemlock Books 2011 p46
Stannard was also an author, playwright, and poet.
Filmography Year Title Role Notes1938 Hold That Kiss Captain in Moving Picture Uncredited1939 Bridal Suite Best Man Uncredited1945 Don Chicago Ken Cressing 1945 Pink String and Sealing Wax John Bevan 1945 Caesar and Cleopatra Roman Officer Uncredited1946 I'll Turn to You Roger Meredith 1947 Death in High Heels Detective Charlesworth 1948 Dick Barton: Special Agent Dick Barton 1949 The Temptress Derek Clifford 1949 Dick Barton Strikes Back Dick Barton 1950 Dick Barton at Bay (final film role)
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