The Powell & Pressburger Pages Dedicated to the work of Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger and all the other people, both actors and technicians who helped them make those wonderful films. A lot of the documents have been sent to me or have come from other web sites. The name of the web site is given where known. If I have unintentionally included an image or document that is copyrighted or that I shouldn't have done then please email me and I'll remove it. I make no money from this site, it's purely for the love of the films. [Any comments are by me (Steve Crook) and other members of the email list]

Submitted by Roger Mellor
Original at The Egyptian Theatre

American Cinematheque Presents...
In Spite of Himself: A Tribute to Patrick Macnee In-Person!
Presented in association with the British
Academy of Film & Television Arts - Los Angeles

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"I prefer umbrellas to guns." - Patrick Macnee, on "The Avengers"

Few performers have ever captured the heart and imagination of the public as superbly as actor Patrick Macnee in his role as John Steed in "The Avengers," secret agent extraordinaire, enjoyer of fine wine and elegant clothes, guardian of all that is good and holy about the British way of life. From 1961 to 1969 (and again, briefly, in 1976 - 77), Macnee fought off a surreal rogues' gallery of cybernauts, winged crusaders, space artichokes and more with partners Ian Hendry, Honor Blackman, Linda Thorson, Joanna Lumley and - most memorably - Diana Rigg as Mrs. Emma Peel. Macnee's effortless charm and impeccable comic timing made it seem like he'd been born in the role - but in fact, his acting career began on the British stage in the early 1940's and (following a stint in the Royal Navy during World War II), continued with supporting roles in films such as Laurence Olivier's HAMLET and Michael Powell's THE BATTLE OF THE RIVER PLATE. [Patrick is Lieutenant Commander Medley, secretary to Commodore Harwood] Following the success of "The Avengers," Macnee has appeared in dozens of film and television programs, including THE HOWLING, A VIEW TO A KILL and THIS IS SPINAL TAP - but by his own admission, Steed remains his favorite role. "John Steed was more than a part to me, he was an extension of myself," Macnee wrote in his autobiography, Blind In One Ear. (Recently, Macnee was instrumental in prompting the mega-successful re-release of "The Avengers" on video and DVD through A&E Home Video.)