In the shadow of The Saint

Yvonne Stoll, a Company Press Officer, has just spent a year in the shadow of The Saint.

Since he came over from Hollywood to star in the Company’s series of 26 hour-long TV films based on the Leslie Charteris fictional hero, Roger Moore has been featured in hundreds of magazines and newspapers ranging from “Roxy” to the half-crown glossies. Yvonne has been the link between Roger and the journalists.

In this article, Yvonne (pictured below with Roger) tells you what it has been like…

 

FOR the past 12 months my work-a-day activities have been mainly centred around “The Saint” series and consequently ROGER MOORE. In fact by now I think I must know more about this handsome British actor than his own family do.

Constant studio visits, press interviews, lunches, cocktails and photographic sessions have given me the opportunity to form a very clear picture of this television idol—a picture that is not visible to the average “Saint” viewer.

In my opinion the suave, sophisticated figure of Simon Templar is in fact Roger Moore with a new career.

In Leslie Charteris’ own words “The Saint” a roaring adventurer who loves a fight … a dashing dare-devil, imperturbable, debonair, preposterously handsome”.

FAST CARS

He loves fast cars, abhors badly cooked food and inefficiency. At times I wonder whether he was speaking of the fictional Simon Templar or the actor Roger Moore — as these words befit Roger as if they were written for him.

FIRST MEETING

My first meeting with Roger was in a taxi on the way to a lunch interview with a member of the press. As my latest memories of him were as Beau Maverick in the western series I suppose sub-consciously I was expecting a good-looking American-speaking cowboy, toting gun and stetson.

ASTOUNDED

Instead I was astounded to discover an impeccably dressed, cigarette-smoking Englishman, not toting a gun but a cellophane box containing an orchid which was gallantly handed to me in the most gentlemanly fashion.

Over my initial surprise, we all settled down to a hilarious lunch. Hilarious from the point of view that Roger has a very infectious sense of humour and not only were we entertained but it was noticeable that nearby tables were also affected.

The reporter almost forgot he was there for a story until I reminded him about the time. Well, he went back to the office with his story, rescued between quips, and I returned with a large box of chocolates, the orchid and a souvenir guardsman which Roger insisted on buying me from the confectioners next door. This now stands in a place of honour on my desk.

WON OVER

So much for our first meeting. From that moment I was won over. Of course it might have been the gifts that helped — being the early days of our relationship — but as the months passed I found the first impressions of Roger were proving to be correct.

Although they will never admit it, I believe that women both young and old enjoy feeling important in the presence of the opposite sex.

With Roger Moore around you are made to feel like a queen with every rule in the book of etiquette being put to use, from walking on the right side of the pavement, opening the door for you, your arm crossing the road, to the flick of his lighter for your cigarette.

Perhaps all this is just to create a first impression? Women journalists have said to me “Is he always like this or is it just because I’m a stranger?” All I can answer is “I’ve never known him to act differently during the time I’ve known him”.

EXCHANGING JOKES

To walk on the set during break in filming a visitor would have difficulty singling him out from the ordinary workers. He can generally be found clutching a huge mug of tea among a group of jolly cockney scene-shifters and prop men, exchanging jokes.

So the easiest thing to do is wait for peels of laughter then head in their direction.

Nine out of ten times you will find Roger amidst it all. I have been associated with many film productions in the past but can genuinely say I have never known a happier crew/actor relationship as that which exists on “The Saint” production stages.

RENOWNED

The film world is renowned for its stories of artists temperaments and tantrums on the set. This I have never witnessed from Roger Moore, in fact I have never even known him to be in a bad mood.

Obviously we all have our ‘down’ days as must he. Generally we find ourselves taking it out on other people, but not in his case unless it is something directly associated with production.

His outlook on life is ‘live and let live’. He’s always ready to give a helping hand or a word of praise to those around him. But he is equally ready to speak his mind on things which don’t please him.

In conclusion I feel all I can say is that “it’s hectic but a pleasure working in the shadow of such a perfect saint”.