In the TV supplement of the Guardian last Saturday (Dec 4) the main article referred to British actors of the 60s that the newspaper would like to see back on the screen.

The reason behind such an article was Terence Stamp’s comeback in The Limey (which is out on Friday in the UK). The title is “Rita, come home: 60s stars we want back” (referring to Rita Tushingham). Of course the article is full of Smiths references since most of the actors it mentions have appeared on Smiths sleeves. They mention Terence Stamp of course (“What Difference…?”), Rita Tushingham (“Hand In Glove” feat. Sandie Shaw and “Girfriend in A Coma” video), Colin Cambell (“William…” and the German “Ask”) and the film “The Family Way” from which come the covers for “I Started Something…” (Avril Angers) and “Stop Me…”(Murray Head). The Smiths are inevitably mentioned in relation to Colin Campbell and Terence Stamp. The paragraph reads:

“Colin Campbell’s starring role in The Leather Boys largely comprised him winking and grinning and generally playing the loveable cockney geezer - “cahm awwwn!” and “cor ber-limey!” are his memorable catch phrases. Playing opposite tarty fiancee Rita Tushingham he has real vulnerability and is clearly star material. Then he tutted and blimeyed his way through Saturday Night Out, serenaded by The Searchers as a sailor on the pull, but that was just about it. He at least became the equal of Il Stampo, via immortality on a Smiths sleeve.”

If Morrissey read it I’m sure he was be more than happy with the reference and the fact that the Smiths are associated with these 60s icons.