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John Davies Obituary

John Howard Davies, a wistful child actor of British movie dramas, memorable as the title orphan of "Oliver Twist," who became a comedy director and producer who nurtured such enduring programs as "Monty Python's Flying Circus" and "Fawlty Towers," died Aug. 22 Monday at his home in Blewbury, England.

He was 72 and had cancer, his son William Davies said.

Mr. Davies, the son of a film critic and screenwriter, was 8 when a family friend, director David Lean, hired the boy to star in his 1948 version of "Oliver Twist."

Lean described the actor as a "pale, angelic-looking lad, with large expressive eyes." He proved an ideal Oliver for his adaptation of the Charles Dickens novel about an orphan boy who becomes a pickpocket under the tutelage of abusive masters Fagin (Alec Guinness) and Bill Sikes (Robert Newton).

Mr. Davies starred in another grim but well-received production, "The Rocking Horse Winner" (1949), based on a D.H. Lawrence story about a child tormented by his parents' arguments over money.

He later joined BBC Television's production team in the late 1960s. In 1969, he produced and directed several of the early episodes of "Monty Python's Flying Circus."

Another "Python" alumnus, John Cleese, said that Mr. Davies was "a very, very good judge of comedy." In 1975, Mr. Davies and Cleese collaborated on "Fawlty Towers," a farce set at a dowdy English seaside hotel that is widely regarded as considered one of the most accomplished comedies ever made.

Published by The Record/Herald News on Aug. 26, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for John Davies

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39 Entries

God is a God of all Comfort and he will Comfort the Family's in this difficult time...My condolences

August 31, 2019

Valenda Newell

February 28, 2017

We toured together in "Sound of Music" in Australia, a lovely man and a gifted artist. . What a wonderful life! Thank you for all the happy hours. Lovingly remembered

Maree Austin

September 10, 2012

ROLLINS

June 21, 2012

Mr. Davies will always be in my mind and heart. I met him one morning after the "Fall Festival"in September of 2009. A one of a kind gentleman. My friend, GO WITH GOD .

Tomlinson Dagel

May 14, 2012

My belated condolences to the family. John and myself go all the way back to Australia and and then back to England and remained friends up until we lost track of each other about 20 years ago. He will be greatly missed by all.

Ray Sauvola

December 14, 2011

anthony monterroso

December 9, 2011

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

sally moore keating

October 2, 2011

Sincere condolences to John's family.A talented man and a great human being. It was a pleasure to have known him and to share his interest in shooting with the Artists RC.

M Baker

September 11, 2011

The BBC Entertainment Industry has lost a Talented Soul. His Comedy is one that will be cherished for Generations. May God give his family Comfort in their time of loss.

Moore/Stevens/Kiersey Families

August 30, 2011

I Love the comdey of the BBC it's funny you have to think about it for a mintue it dry wit. Love it, The classics were so funny. it's one of my favorite.

May his family find comfort, 2 cor. 2 May you have undeserved kindness and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Dione Taylor

August 29, 2011

To Johns family.
Members of the Chiltern RC offer their condolences on your sad loss. On the personal level I had the pleasure of getting to know John while shooting both with and against him at various meetings while we were members of the Artists RC. He was most pleasent company and a true gentleman. The world of entertainment will also have lost a talented man.

Robert Coe

August 29, 2011

My sincere condolences to the family during this difficult time.
I hope that the family finds comfort from Psalms 147:3 which says:
"He is healing the broken-hearted ones
And is binding up their painful spots."
May you find comfort in God's promises
and the support of friends and family in the difficult days ahead.

Ryan Ashley

August 27, 2011

I LOVED FAULTY TOWERS~THE VERY BEST IN COMEDY~WISH THERE WERE MORE LIKE YOUR DAD~

August 27, 2011

My sincere condolences to the family during this difficult time.
I hope that the family finds comfort from Psalms 147:3 which says:
"He is healing the broken-hearted ones
And is binding up their painful spots."
May you find comfort in God's promises
and the support of friends and family in the difficult days ahead.
Barney, Atlanta, Ga.

August 27, 2011

Knew John from shooting and meeting in Didcot Tesco. A nicer man you could not wish to meet.

Reginald John Welch

August 26, 2011

In memory of
John Howard Davies
Thank you for all the
Brillant Comedy
BBC has so many programs
A cheer with a smile and a
Big Grin ads a happier way to life'

Victoria&Andrew VZj

August 26, 2011

Great child actor. My deepest condolences to his family, friends and fans.

M. Harris

August 25, 2011

I certainly enjoyed his creative out put. My prayers for his friends and family.

Cheryl Bean

August 25, 2011

What a talented and pleasant guy. A great shock and a sad loss.I only carried out building work for him at Witheridge Hill but he treated me as a friend and our famillies exchanged cards at Christmas for many years.
We send our sympathy to his familly.

Alan Thorne

August 25, 2011

What a great child actor he was...will never forget John Brown School Days and Oliver Twist..Rest in Peace!

mary jones

August 25, 2011

I recall (if I'm not mistaken) the music conductor for "The Rocking Horse Winner"-a story I read in my college English Composition class-was no less than David McCallum's father!

Virginia Connor

August 25, 2011

Rest in peace dear cousin.
You are one of the many reasons I am so very proud of my maiden name!

Rebecca Davies-Kleitz

August 24, 2011

I loved his winsome performance in "Oliver Twist"...he was exactly the very picture of an innocent child in search of love. May the angels guide you to Heaven. God bless!

MARTHA DOLCIAMORE

August 24, 2011

My condolences to the Davies family. May the words found at Job14:13-15 bring you comfort.

Beth

August 24, 2011

Thank you for sharing your talents with us, mere spectators, and may you now rest in peace.

Henryk Zaleski

August 24, 2011

The 1948 film version of "Oliver Twist" has long been one of my favorite movies, due, in great part, to the wonderful aura of innocence and melancholy that Mr. Davies conveyed to the role of Oliver. My sincerest condolences to the family, friends, and fellow fans of a superbly gifted and talented performer.

Leslie Breese

August 24, 2011

To the Davies family: I am sorry for your loss. Hope your family finds comfort from the Bible. (Isa. 33:24)

G.R.

August 24, 2011

My condolences for your loss, I know the hurt that comes with losing a dear loved one, just know he's in a better and happier place.

August 24, 2011

To the the family of John Davies - May God give you peace and comfort through his word and the Lord Jesus Christ during this time of sorrow, I know that he will be missed by many.

R Golay

August 24, 2011

Condolences to family and loved ones. May the God of all comfort be with you.

S.Y.

August 23, 2011

rip

michelle plakas-kaiser

August 23, 2011

To the John Howard Davies Family,
Life is but a stopping place,
A pause in what's to be,
A resting place along the road,
to sweet eternity.
We all have different journeys,
Different paths along the way,
We all were meant to learn some things,
but never meant to stay...
Our destination is a place
Far greater than we know.
For some the journey's quicker,
For some the journey's slow.
And when the journey finally ends,
We'll claim a great reward,
And find an everlasting peace,
Together with the lord.
God Bless,
Kimtraila Williams

Kimtraila Williams

August 23, 2011

My deepest condolences to his family. I was absolutely enthralled by British comedies and remain so to this day. His shows brought great peales of laughter from a little girl in Missouri glued to her PBS station.
I credit much of my warped humour to these shows. I just want his family to know that his legacy will not be forgotten on this side of the Pond either. God bless and keep you.

Tamerra Bramblett

August 23, 2011

R>I>P>

steven stancia

August 23, 2011

While working at Denham Film Studios in 1949 JHD and I being about the same age, I was 15 we played together on the set of "Rocking Horse Winner"
Very nice chap.

peter harringer

August 23, 2011

The Good Life and To the Manor Born are two of my very favorite BBC comedies! To be able to supply laughter to the world takes a great talent. I am saddened to see this talent silenced. May he rest in peace. To the family, please accept my deepest sympathy at this sad time.

Dianna Hartman

August 23, 2011

Thank you from myself and all my friends who enjoyed all your wonderful shows. God bless you and your family.

John F. Perrelli

August 23, 2011

My condolence to the Davies Family. We all look forward to the day when God will wipe out every tear from our eyes and death will be no more. That is a promise to hold close to our hearts. God will comfort and sustain you doing your time of grief.

G. Finch

August 23, 2011

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