Post by D.C. Burtonshaw on May 11, 2017 20:46:12 GMT
Probably best known for Catweazle (comedy magical series about a medieval druid/wizard who was caught in a timewarp to "modern" times of 1970 onwards) and as Mr Crowman in Worzel Gummidge with John Pertwee. Coincidentally working with a one time Doctor Who actor, Geoffrey was apparently approached to play the Doctor twice (the first time before they chose William Hartnell) and the second before Patrick Troughton was chosen. He would eventually appear in the show in 1979 - playing the astrologer Organon opposite Tom Baker in the story 'The Creature from the Pit' – and also finally played the Doctor in two audio plays produced by Big Finish. He was the Headmaster in "To Sir with Love" (which starred Sidney Poitier). Was also the "Q" in the Bond spoof - Casino Royale 1967.
Also had guest start parts in The Avengers, The Saint, Danger Man, Z cars, and 2 episodes of Special Branch (one in the early Derren Nesbitt series) and most notably the Euston SB with George Sewell where Geoffrey played a deranged disgruntled ex employee who threatened to blow up an office block in London.
I remember him too as the main villain in a BBC Schools programme when I was at primary school about exotic birds being stolen - it was on Look and Read and the one about the Peregrine Falcon.
He was 93 - so a good innings and a busy actor it seems in his career.
