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A movie “On the Beach” was being filmed in Melbourne Australia. The stars Gregory Peck and Ava Gardner were staying at the Governor’s Mansion, a palatial building situated in the gardens on the edge of the city. The company I was with at the time as a television engineer looked after the media equipment there.

 

The usual engineer had  taken ill and I was asked to set up the equipment for Mr. Peck and Ms Gardner and show them how to use it for their entertainment whilst in Melbourne.
 

I arrived early to find Tony in the media room. It appeared that his illness was not going to deprive him of meeting Peck and Gardner.

With the set up finished we went to their rooms to check the TV receivers and playback equipment before going down to the main entrance to sit and wait for them to finish breakfast.

 

What happened next has stayed vividly in my memory to this day.
Peck and Gardner came down the wide semi circular staircase by themselves.
 

Tony leaped from his seat, his illness obviously forgotten, turned to me and said “ I’ll take Ava you take Gregory” I only had a split second to utter a single oath in his direction “ you rotten swine”

 

Standing next to Mr. Peck I could feel the envy emanating from a million of his fans. I found him very respectful and a thorough gentleman during those 15 minutes or so.

 

Afterwards I met Tony coming down the stairs with a broad grin on his face. I had to make a quip “did you get a date?” it went right over his head. He had no doubt experienced quite a different feeling to mine with Ava Gardner by his side. He only made one comment which remains my secret, but fully explained that cheeky grin on is face.

 

He returned to his sick bed a happier man.

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