The Cine Technician (1953-1956)

52 THE CINE-TECHNICIAN March-April, 1953 A.C.T. News — Obituaries — continued John E. Hancock, first assistant director at M.G.M.'s British studios, was killed instantly on 16th January, 1953, when he was working with the 2nd unit filming sequences for Mogambo. Hancock, who was twenty-six years old, was driving an African hunting wagon near the location site at the Kasinga Channel in Tanganyika, British East Africa, when the vehicle overturned and rolled down a steep hill. Three other passengers walked away unhurt from the wrecked vehicle. Hancock was pronounced dead when a company physician arrived on the scene within five minutes after the accident. Son of Edward Hancock, General Sales Manager for M.G.M. in Great Britain, the young assistant director had been associating himself with M.G.M. for six years. His last assignment before going to Africa on Mogambo was as assistant on Never Let Me Go which, like Mogambo, stars Clark Gable. Hancock served with distinction in the Royal Marines during the war and emerged as a Captain. With a feeling of shocked sorrow, reports Jock May, of British Acoustic, we heard of Roy Waters' death at home in his sleep on 5th January. We were aware that he had been ill for a long time, and yet he worked among us doing his job without complaint. Successive winters took their toll of his health until the effects of the recent fogs closed a life which a sunnier climate could have prolonged. We knew him as a kindly companion in the work and a wise counsellor in the A.C.T. Branch Chair. In discussions he would lead us from the tangle of VITAL A.C.T. POLICY TALKS AT A.G.M. The 20th Annual General Meeting is to be held on the 25th and 26th of April at the Beaver Hall. Garlick Hill, E.C.4, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both days. Resolutions being discussed cover such things as the Quota, the Eady Plan, Sound Recording Units, the new Short Documentary Agreements, Sponsored TV., Feature Agreements and Lab Conditions. Controversial political topics scheduled for discussion include the Korean War Stop Fire and affiliation to the Labour Party. A resolution from the Camera Section proposes the shutting down of the Cine Technician. irrelevancies into which we invariably slipped to the well-defined plan of action for which we searched. His failing health eventually forced him to resign this office; but his advice was still sought and accepted on many Trades Union matters. In his job he had contact with many people outside the firm and we feel sure they share our sorrow at the news of his death, and our respect for his memory. They will, we know, join with us in offering our deepest sympathies to his wife and two young children whose loss we can but share. THE CROWN THEATRE Provides Complete Studio Projection Service at Any Time to Suit Your Requirements DOUBLE HEAD PROJECTION MIXING PANELS FOR TRACKS also SUB-STANDARD PROJECTION SEATING FOR 70 PERSONS SOUND SYSTEM ALSO THREE EDITING BAYS 86 Wardour St., London. W.l Th e Fi nal Tes t — eo n t i n tied be oneseli, but Len did it with charm and ease, after an initial embarrassment in front of a crowd of nearly a hundred from the Press. Denis Compton, with far less to say, always got it right the first time, without any difficulty and was known generally as " One-take Compton." Gover " directed " the cricket sequences and contributed many helpful suggestions generally. Asquith is convinced that he could be an excellent film director if he wished. The cricket shots were taken in the studio for the most part. We began out of doors on the lot, with a pale sun boosted by lights. The day was bitterly cold, and blue, frozen faces had to be painted over with sun-tan before we could shoot. All the unions worked in enthusiastic cooperation with us and we finished, not only within schedule, but about ten thousand pounds under budget. From the Rank Organisation too, at whose Studio at Pinewood the picture was made, we received unstinted support — from Earl St. John, Arthur Alcott, Frank Godwin, Hugh Parton and others there, all of whom did everything possible to make our path smooth and our task a little easier.