Boys we'd like to see more of.
Topic: Boy Actors
Sam Aston is one of the best loved regulars in the ITV Soap 'Coronation Street', playing a character called Chesney. Recently he won the Cheekiest Character category at the British Soap Awards. He's also appeared in several episodes of The Bill.

During the BBC's Children In Need charity appeal of 2004, he took the lead role in a Coronation Street adaptation of the musical Oliver.

Boys we'd like to see more of.
Topic: Boy Actors
Following the successful 'Feather Boy', THOMAS SANGSTER has two new projects in production this year. He'll play Simon Brown in Nanny McFee, and Young Herman in Love is a Survivor. He's already got several notable parts to his credit, including an excellent portrayal of the young Adolf Hitler.

For those of you who still don't know, Thomas is cousin to Hugh Grant and appeared alongside him in Love Actually.

Memories
Topic: Boy Actors
JAMIE WILLIAMS was the ultimate Mowgli in the movie THE 2nd JUNGLE BOOK. You could almost imagine that he really was a wild boy.

He went on to feature in such shows as Safe Harbour and Neon Rider.
Click below to see a trailer for 2nd Jungle Book.
2nd Jungle Book
The dvd is available through both Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.com - links to both can be found on this site.

Memories
Topic: Boy Actors
JAMES AUBREY played Ralph in the 1960's version of LORD OF THE FLIES. Neither he, or any of the other boys in the movie, had ever acted before. They were ordinary English schoolboys who were taken to a remote island to act out a classic tale of life, death and savagery.

James went on to become a professional actor, but he will always be remembered for his final scenes in Lord of the Flies as he flees half naked for his life amid fire and howling pursuers.
Click the link for a video clip.
Lord Of The Flies
A special DVD edition can be found at Amazon.com
Lord of the Flies DVD

Memories
Topic: Murray Dale
BOY DOMINIC was a period drama featuring Murray Dale (son of Jim) as Dominic Bulman who had various adventures in the Yorkshire countryside. Murray also made one follow up drama entitled DOMINIC, but did not continue in acting, although he had quite a talent in front of the camera.

Click the link to see Murray in action.
Boy Dominic clip
Murray did make an attempt at the pop charts, along with his brother Toby in the 1980s. They called themselves 'Strange Relations' and their song was entitled 'Party'. Murray now runs a film/TV set design company in London.

Boys we'd like to see more of.
Topic: Boy Actors
Thomas Grant is another fine English actor. Most recently he was in the Midsomer Murders episode entitled 'Bantling Boy'. Thomas played a young psychopath who enlisted a half-wit to commit various murders for him. He played the evil side particularly well. An excellent performer!

Movie News
Topic: Matthew Borish
ROUNDING FIRST is due to be hitting cinemas early this year. It's an independant film, shot in Allentown, Pennsylivania and written and directed by Jim Fleigner. It's about three young friends played by Soren Fulton, Matthew Borish and Sam Semenza (pictured below)

It's a "coming of age" drama set in the summer of 1980. Joe's (Soren Fulton) parents have lied to him about a mysterious trip they are taking and so the boys break out of baseball camp to go trail them. Should be one cool movie!

More info can be found at the official site.
Rounding First

Mood:  celebratory
Topic: Matthew Borish
Latest re: Matthew Borish is that he has landed the leading role of Vincent in the award winning play Beast on the Moon. Here's a pic of him in costume.

When not acting, Matthew is a regular kid and plays out with neighbourhood friends. He's home schooled, takes singing lessons, likes to play the guitar, take photos and cook. He's also interested in film making - so maybe we'll see him as a director one day. He lives in the suburbs of Philadelphia.

Boys we'd like to see more of.
Topic: Boy Actors
One English boy who has impressed recently is Dane Carter. He appeared in several episodes of The Bill, and he played Tadpole in ITV's Tom Brown's Schooldays. He's a gem of an actor, good looking and versatile. Deserving of many more major roles.

To see a clip of Dane as Tadpole click below.
Tadpole's apology

The dvd of Tom Brown's Schoolday's is available from Amazon.
Tom Brown's Schooldays DVD

Topic: Acadamy Awards
Very occasionally do the major awards ceremonies acknowledge child actors. I recall Henry Thomas being nominated for Best Newcomer in the 1983 BAFTAS, but he is in the minority. It seems that children are not considered 'real' actors, despite their level of talent.

One of the finest performances in a movie has been by Christian Bale in Empire of the Sun. He did win the NBR Award for Best Juvenile Performance in 1987, and the Young Artist Award in 1989, but nothing from the BAFTAS or OSCARS.

In 1934, Shirley Temple won an 'Honourary' Oscar, and in 1973 Tatum O'Neill won a real Oscar for her part in Paper Moon ...

... but let's see much more recognition for our younger performers.