The new Wall Writing photo discovery – a joint statement

[Bridewell]

Helmets

As a professional actress, I can tell you, it's not the actors fault most of the time. It's the director not knowing what that small piece is supposed to look like and so telling the actor to wear it differently. Or it's the lighting guy saying "when it's forward like that, it puts shadows on your face and that doesn't work." Or the Director of Photography saying "That helmet is in the way of the shot of this other actor, fudge it to the top of your head"...

Hi Fireskin,

I'm sure you're right but it certainly removes the realism from the production. Why do all these directors want their actors to look like people in fancy dress? Why don't they want them to look like police officers? Agatha Christie productions seem particularly prone to this - especially the Poirot TV series with David Suchet. Sorry. A bit off topic there, but I guess that's inevitable until something of relevance comes along.

Regards, Bridewell.

[Monty]

Things are progressing Jason,

Albeit slowly.

One of the issues is the availability of those concerned. Some of the staff work part time hours and this, coupled with leave, illness and the recent Jubilee celebrations have bogged things down a little.

Also, on top of that, further avenues have opened up which are, at the moment, being explored.

Believe me, Rob and I are still on this.

Monty

[Jason]

any updates on this new wall writing photo ? or are we still where we were ?

[fireskin]

To be honest Colin,

The Watkins actor got it wrong.

Hold your thumb knuckle at the tip of your nose, and where the tip of your thumb finishes, that's where the helmet peak should sit.

However this guy didn't do that. Apparently actors like to get their faces seen.

Monty

As a professional actress, I can tell you, it's not the actors fault most of the time. It's the director not knowing what that small piece is supposed to look like and so telling the actor to wear it differently. Or it's the lighting guy saying "when it's forward like that, it puts shadows on your face and that doesn't work." Or the Director of Photography saying "That helmet is in the way of the shot of this other actor, fudge it to the top of your head"...

[Bridewell]

True

City PC Donald Rumbelow, Simon.

He told me that's how he was told to wear his helmet when he was a young Bobby.

Monty

It's also how I was told to wear mine. There should be an inch between the tip of the helmet and the tip of the nose. The shape of a traditional police helmet is such that it can only be securely worn in this way. The chinstrap should also be on the chin, never under it (to reduce the risk of strangulation by an attacker during an attack from the rear). I would have attached a photo of David Tennant as Dixon of Dock Green (showing how not to do it!), but there are copyright considerations.


Regards, Bridewell.

[Simon Wood]

Hi Monty,

Thank you.

There's a gag in here somewhere, but I'm buggered if I can find it.

Please give my very best to the Donald.

Regards,

Simon

[Monty]

City PC Donald Rumbelow, Simon.

He told me that's how he was told to wear his helmet when he was a young Bobby.

Monty

[Simon Wood]

Hi Monty,

I don't doubt you for a second, but who dreamed up that regulation?

Regards,

Simon

[Monty]

Hi Monty,



Actors playing policemen never wear their helmets properly. They're usually perched on top of the head, instead of at the front, with the chinstrap under the chin, instead of on it. Then again, half the police you see nowadays don't know how to wear them either.

Apologies for the rant - it's a constant bugbear with me!

Regards, Colin.

To be honest Colin,

The Watkins actor got it wrong.

Hold your thumb knuckle at the tip of your nose, and where the tip of your thumb finishes, that's where the helmet peak should sit.

However this guy didn't do that. Apparently actors like to get their faces seen.

Monty

[Bridewell]

Hi Monty,

I was fortunate to set straight the Mitre Square Watkins scene, even if the actor wore his helmet too high.

Actors playing policemen never wear their helmets properly. They're usually perched on top of the head, instead of at the front, with the chinstrap under the chin, instead of on it. Then again, half the police you see nowadays don't know how to wear them either.

Apologies for the rant - it's a constant bugbear with me!

Regards, Colin.

[Tom_Wescott]

Hi Monty. That was a very fair post. So fair I'm afraid Ally will lose her lunch! You've pretty much nailed it on the head.

Yours truly,

Tom Wescott

[Monty]

Tom,

Maybe I was being unfair.

Philip freely admits that your work in Ripper Notes on Berner Street was very beneficial to him. In fact he reccomends your piece, as do I, to anyone who wants a overview on Strides murder. It is a fantastic reference.

Your point about Mitre Square is valid also, I cannot lie. I would be pi$$ed if I saw errors. I was fortunate to set straight the Mitre Square watkins scene, even if the actor wore his helmet too high.

With that in mind I rectract comments I made regarding those matters. Its only fair.

I'm not in London, so this insular London group is not exactly true. However there is a core of friends who enjoy each others company and exchange opinion and information on Jack.

That said, that is done across the globe. It must be frustrating for those, like you, who cannot meet up or, more importantly, get to London regularly to conduct research, as most of the information is held in the UK. So it is important that those of us who can do, and present it properly for those who cannot, for whatever reason. It doesn't help when comments of secrecy, unfounded comment, emerge when one is working their balls off trying to get it out there.

And that is when antagonism turns to frustration and posts like mine above sometimes come out.

I hope that explains my reasons and, as stated, I take on board your points.

All I ask is a little consideration until all is out and then unload both barrels if you must.

Monty

[Tom_Wescott]

You are a fine researcher and writer Tom

Thank you, Monty. And you're probably correct about everything else, except the 'faux praise' bit. I'm rarely disingenuous when it comes to my kudos, unless for some reason it would serve me a purpose to be. But thankfully, that's rare. And whereas Philip could have served himself by coming to me, his not doing so was clearly out of simple bad decision making and I hold no grudge there. I have no problems with Jake, because I'm not sure the two of us have ever exchanged two words, so I don't see why he would contact me, thus his friends did him a disservice by not doing so. But try talking Mitre Square with Jeff Leahy and have him tell you a bunch of nonsense and then realize he's overseeing some project about Mitre Square but gets it all wrong because he doesn't ask you and then he's all "Oh I wanted to ask you but the boss men said NO". That does tend to get on your tits after a while.

There may not be a 'Cartel' in the strictest sense, but there is an insular 'London Group', so to speak, and then the rest of us. It didn't use to be that way.

Yours truly,

Tom Wescott

[The Good Michael]

And for what its worth, Karen Trenouth was consulted before Ally.

Really? I always thought of Karen and Ally as a Lechmere/Cross combo; different names same person.

Mike

[Cogidubnus]

Just not cricket!

Don't questions re playing a straight bat, or batting for both sides belong more properly on a Druitt thread?

All the best

Dave