Henri Vidon(1907-1988)
- Actor
Although his parents Finlay and Grace Dunn were both music hall entertainers, Henry Vidon aspired to more artistic endeavours. After WW2 service in Italy with the Eighth Army where he attained the rank of colonel, he and colleague Richard McNamara decided to stay on in Italy and try their luck at the Rome film studios. In O.K. Nero (1951), Vidon played the Comandante on the naval bus and McNamara was his Sergente. However, whilst McNamara became a prolific voice dubber in Italy, Vidon preferred to follow his three main pursuits, namely acting, writing and painting. His Holy Year guide book "The Pilgrim’s Guide to Rome" was published in 1975, and he co-authored "Vintage Chinese Painting" with Mario Bussagli in 1969, plus "The Age of Louis XV" with Alvar Gonzales Palacios also in 1969.
As for his acting career, Vidon appeared in numerous European films, nearly always in small supporting roles. A notable walk-on part was Alida Valli’s first client at the brothel in Ultimo incontro (1951), although his screen time was less than a minute. By stark contrast, his big starring role was in The Secret Conclave (1952), where he played Pope Pius X, a part he won because the Rome studios felt that he bore a strong resemblance to the late Pontiff. Not surprisingly, therefore, Vidon was invited to do a number of broadcasts from Vatican Radio.
As for his acting career, Vidon appeared in numerous European films, nearly always in small supporting roles. A notable walk-on part was Alida Valli’s first client at the brothel in Ultimo incontro (1951), although his screen time was less than a minute. By stark contrast, his big starring role was in The Secret Conclave (1952), where he played Pope Pius X, a part he won because the Rome studios felt that he bore a strong resemblance to the late Pontiff. Not surprisingly, therefore, Vidon was invited to do a number of broadcasts from Vatican Radio.
