TRIBUTES TO THE KING

Words from the heart by Peter’s fans and admirers

I made my own tribute to Peter using archive interviews, clips, trailers, Soundtracks and music from the Films & TV show he’s appeared in. Tony Richards

For me, Peter Wyngarde was a true star, personifying originality, style and class. He was evocative of an era when stars were people that you looked up to because they possessed special talent, and Peter had that in abundance.

If I may explain, I have been a long-time admirer of Peter since he first came to my attention through his portrayal of Jason King when I was a teenager in the late 60s and early 70s. In those days of black and white television, and long before the digital versatile disc, his impact upon me was through his celebrity status. All these years later, whilst his celebrity remains firmly intact, I am beginning to truly appreciate the depth of his artistic attributes. Peter’s appeal is inter-generational. My son Lee was born in the post-Jason King 80s yet he shares my admiration. We are still learning about Peter’s illustrious career and this article, which focuses mainly on Department S, is an affectionate tribute from two of his fans. We both regard him as one of the country’s foremost acting talents and a captivating personality.

In Department S Peter was quite simply THE Star. His distinctive characteristics produced a riveting screen presence, and he dominated the scenes in which he appeared. Peter’s star quality was precisely what differentiated Department S from its contemporaries.  In today’s world, where there may be a reticence to recognise genuine stars, I find it instructive to paraphrase Sir Noel Coward on stardom, “… if you’ve worked all those years to become a big star it’s really rather silly to pretend that you are not one” and “…the stage is a place for extraordinary people – not a series of ordinary people”.  In the nicest possible way, I feel that these quotations from one of the theatre’s most revered figures serve to endorse Peter’s star status, which he earned through his individuality and peerless talent. This individuality was perfectly illustrated by Peter’s defining performances throughout the Department S run, during which time it became one of the most popular programmes on television.

In the episode “Soup of The Day” Peter’s tongue-in cheek-humour is evident when Jason tries to initiate a romantic liaison with a lady secretary (Isobel Black) who counters his suggestion by stating that her mother will be chaperoning her that evening.  Jason’s retort is to advise her that as his mother is chaperoning him, two chaperoning mothers might become rather confusing!  The comic timing and delivery is superb.

In “The Man from X” Peter’s talent for characterization is showcased when Jason impersonates a New York safe cracker complete with an accent and mannerisms that seem much more authentic than those of the actual New Yorkers we have encountered in the Big Apple.

In “One of our Aircraft is Empty” Peter’s gift for understated witticism is revealed in an early scene when his colleague Stewart Sullivan (Joel Fabiani) is unimpressed with Jason’s innovative explanation of mysterious events. Jason’s riposte is devastating “…Stewart, when you find that my idea works – a postcard will do!

”In “The Bones of Byrom Blain” Peter effortlessly projects Jason’s bon vivant lifestyle when ordering lunch in a stylish restaurant. The waiter suggests a fish dish as an entrée and Jason elegantly corrects his culinary faux pas with “… yes quite excellent I am sure, but perhaps for the main challenge a venison D’Artagnan with a Volney ’64?” This authoritative panache underscores Jason’s mastery of all social situations and his love of high living. Throughout the episodes of Department S Peter’s stunningly original interpretation of Jason King provides the central theme of the plot lines. Peter simply takes the viewer on an exciting journey every time he appears on screen and never disappoints.

Peter’s consummate versatility as a performer is perfectly illustrated in his portrayal of Baron Gruener in the 1964 production of the Sherlock Holmes story “The Illustrious Client”. This role is the antithesis of Jason King and Peter projects the Baron’s menace with exquisite finesse. Two scenes stand out.  Firstly, when the Baron rebukes his fiancée (Jennie Linden) for entering a certain room in his home without his permission he exudes a power and authority which seem absolute. Secondly, when the Baron warns Sherlock Holmes (Douglas Wilmer) of the dangerous consequences of crossing him, there is a palpable sense of the steel fist being barely concealed within the velvet glove. Peter’s incarnation of the Baron could not be further away from the urbanity of Jason King and is a flawless demonstration of his superlative performance range.

The extent of Peter’s continuing influence was confirmed when Mike Myers based Austin Powers on a combination of Jason King and James Bond. Peter’s portrayal of Jason provided a key inspiration, particularly in the sartorial department. This is a cinematic homage indeed and may have prompted Jason to state “…remind me to sue for copyright”!  Continuing on the theme of James Bond, if ever there was a role that was tailor made for Peter then surely that was 007 himself.  Ian Fleming’s original depiction of the Bond character combined a world weary, cynical toughness with glamour and sophistication. I feel that Peter would have been perfect for the screen role, combining the charm and wit of Roger Moore and the ruthless edge of Sean Connery. Whilst the Bond movies have been hugely successful with great actors in the role, I still find it fascinating to speculate on what might have been!

The decade that followed Department S was the golden age of television drama and produced many fine actors. Edward Woodward, Bernard Hepton, Peter Barkworth, James Maxwell and T.P. McKenna are particular favourites of mine. Peter rightfully takes his place amongst this stellar cast list and, for me, is elevated to singular status because his on screen persona makes you feel better about life.  As Jason King, he is upbeat, positive and avant garde in his pleasure seeking – someone who is indisputably unburdened with the travails of the ordinary world. Peter’s appeal continues to transcend generations and ephemeral trends. Thank you Peter and long may your star shine with dazzling intensity.

By Neil Haddow and Lee Haddow  – Glasgow

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When looking at cult icons there are not many who can lay claim to going toe-to-toe with Dick Barton, Alexander the Great, Ben Gunn, Sherlock Holmes, The Baron, The Avengers, The Saint, The Prisoner, The Champions, Flash Gordon, Doctor Who and The Two Ronnies! Peter Wyngarde is a man who can and when he did, he did it in great style!

The enigmatic Peter Wyngarde transcended every screen and stage he appeared on and as people clambered to find out more about him the mystery of the man grew deeper! As Jason King, Wyngarde captured the souls of a generation. This role which began in the television series “Department S” and later in its spin-off “Jason King” remains as relevant today as it did back in 1969. What makes it even more interesting was Wyngarde revealed to CultFaction.com back in August 2017 that he “didn’t want to commit to a series, but they wore me down and I ended up signing on the dotted line. Actually, it was on a napkin in a restaurant.” It was the guarantee of “carte blanche” to do whatever he liked with the role that lead Wyngarde to developing a character that can comfortably stand next to James Bond, The Saint, The Beatles, and The Avengers in the tapestry of British iconography.

How far does this influence spread? Well between 1976 and 1979, The Bullet comic – ran a story called “Fireball” where its hero looked a lot like Peter Wyngarde; as did John Byrne’s comic book character Jason Wyngarde (big clue in the name!), leader of The Hell Fire Club in The Uncanny X-Men. Even in recent years, it is clear to see that the character of Mr. Six in Grant Morrison’s The Invisibles is heavily based on Jason King. When asked about the influence King had Wyngarde humbly responded “I just believe he was the right character at the right time. I guess he just brought some colour into people’s lives.”

Wyngarde was more than just Jason King though, his turn as John Cartney in The Avengers “A Touch of Brimstone” episode remains one of the shows most discussed episodes, as did his role as Number 2 in The Prisoner episode “Checkmate.” Wyngarde was a man who could make the most out of any role he was given and had the ability to snatch a scene from under the show’s regular stars. It was in fact the challenges he placed on himself as a character actor that led him to taking the role of Klytus in Flash Gordon as he “felt it would be a new challenge in projecting a character from behind a mask,” and project he did.

The contribution Peter Wyngarde made to popular culture is unquestionable (I haven’t even touched on his music career) and his influences lives on today. Michael Myers has stated on record that without Peter Wyngarde there would be no Austin Powers and his name remains a cool name to drop into conversation be it the Harry Enfield comedy sketch “The Playboys” or Garth Marenghi’s Darkplace noting that Wyngarde “had it all” – the fact remains like all good artists, Wyngarde’s work will be rediscovered and enjoyed for generations to come.

Thank you Peter.

By Brett Summers – The Cult Faction: https://cultfaction.com/

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The Hellfire Club: The OFFICIAL PETER WYNGARDE Appreciation Society: https://www.facebook.com/groups/813997125389790/