Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular Music

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DALE, Jim

(b James Smith, 15 Aug. '39, Rothwell, Horthants) Actor, Comedian, singer. Studied judo and dance as a boy. Discovered by talent spotter Carroll Levis '52, toured with him as a comic who fell around a lot; sang for a laugh while warming up BBC's rock'n'roll TV show 6:5 Special '57; stayed for three years as singer /compŠre; UK hits '57-58 incl. no. 2 "Be My Girl'; LP Jim '58. Wrote and recorded "Picadilly Line', parody of Lonnie Donegan hit "Rock Island Line'. Turned to acting '60s; joined Carry On low comedy film team. Wrote lyric for Tom Springfield's music for film title Georgy Girl '66; single by the Seekers sold a million. Legit. work incl. Shakespeare with National Theatre Co. at Old Vic; toured USA with them '74; rave reviews in title role of MoliŠre farce Scapino. Films incl. Disney's Pete's Dragon '77; career highspot and Tony award at age 45 with demanding title role of Phineas T. Barnum in Michael Stewart/Cy Coleman circus musical '80: back to his roots, falling over skilfully. Highly praised in Broadway revival '85 of Peter Nicholl's tragi-comic Joe Egg.