Telstar Trivia Quiz

Answer: John Leyton

John Leyton, played in the film by Callum Dixon, was a classically trained stage actor, who had become well known to television audiences when he appeared in the 1960's series "Biggles". A small part in a television series "Harpers West One", which ran from 1961 to 1963, as Johnny St. Cere, a pop singer, led to him recording with Joe Meek. The record, "Johnny Remember Me", was a number one hit on the UK charts, and opened up a singing career for him. He however always regarded himself as an actor first and foremost, and he went back to acting, appearing in "The Great Escape" (1963). "Johnny Remember Me" was the first number one hit produced by Joe Meek.

Callum Dixon is primarily a stage actor, appearing in many productions at the National Theatre, London. He has made television appearances in series such as "Hustle", "Ashes to Ashes" and "The Bill".

Answer: Handbags and Leather Goods

Mrs Shenton, played by Pam Ferris, runs a handbags and leather goods store at 304 Holloway Road London. She frequently complains about the noise from the makeshift recording studio above, but at heart is fond of Joe and the various musicians who come and go. In one scene she is shown trying to sell some expensive luggage to a couple, amidst clouds of plaster drifting down from the ceiling due to the vibration coming from the recording studio above.

Pam Ferris has starred in many films and TV series, but will possibly be best remembered as Ma Larkin in the 1990s television series, "The Darling Buds of May". This series also catapulted Catherine Zeta-Jones to stardom.

Answer: Heinz Burt

J.J. Field has appeared in several television series including "The Bill" and "Northanger Abbey". In "Telstar" he plays singing star Heinz Burt, who was noted for his dyed blonde hair. In the film much is made of the homosexual relationship between Heinz and Joe Meek, in particular the amount of money Joe Meek spent on Heinz in comparison to his other artists.

He is also portrayed as arrogant and bullying to other performers, especially his backing group. In real life Heinz was owed a great deal of money by Joe Meek, which he never received.

He died in 2000 virtually penniless, some nine years before the film was released.

Answer: Clem Cattini

In the film Clem Cattini is shown as a founding member of The Tornados. He and the other members of the band also work for Joe Meek as session musicians, providing backing on most of his early recordings. Prior to The Tornados he was with Johnny Kidd and the Pirates. and appeared on their number one hit "Shaking All Over". As a session musician he has appeared on more number one hits than any other drummer, including "Amarillo" by both Tony Christie and Peter Kay.

James Corden is a regular on British television, One of the most popular series he has appeared in is "Gavin and Stacey", which he also co-wrote.

Answer: Geoff Goddard

Played by Tom Burke, Geoff Goddard originally came to Joe Meek as a recording artist, and had some early releases under the name Anton Hollywood. His real talent though was song writing and he penned many songs for Joe Meek's artists. He also played keyboards on several records, including "Telstar".

He left the music industry after falling out with Joe Meek, and worked for many years at the University of Reading in the catering department.

Answer: Larry Parnes

Jess Conrad appears as Larry Parnes, the manager of Billy Fury. He is shown refusing to allow Billy Fury to record with Joe Meek. Jess Conrad's younger self also appears in the film, played by Nigel Harman. Larry Parnes was the manager of many famous stars of the 1960s.

As well as Bully Fury he managed Marty Wilde, Dicky Pride, Vince Eager and Tommy Steele. Jess Conrad had several minor hits in the 1960s. His highest chart place was number eighteen on the United Kingdom charts with "Mystery Girl".

Answer: Accusations of plagiarism

Joe Meek became embroiled in a long running legal case with French composer Jean Ledrut. He alleged Meek had copied the tune from his score for the film "Austerlitz". The lawsuit was filed in 1963, but as the film itself was not released in the UK until 1965 Meek was not aware of it. The French courts ruled in Joe Meek's favour three weeks after his death.

Answer: His business partner

Major Banks is the man with the money. As Joe Meek's partner he supplies the financial backing and business expertise. Initially the partnership runs smoothly, but as Joe Meek becomes more and more paranoid and depressed the two fall out and Joe Meek eventually buys him out. In real life Major Banks went on to make a considerable fortune out of wheelie bins.

Kevin Spacey has received several award nominations during his long career. He has won Best Actor Oscar for his role in "American Beauty" (1999) and Best Supporting Actor for "The Usual Suspects" (1995). He has also been artistic director of the Old Vic theatre in London.

Answer: Con O'Neill

Con O'Neill gives a masterful performance as the eccentric genius who slides into paranoia and depression. He played the role in the stage play as well as in the film. Prior to playing Joe Meek he received the 1988 Olivier Award as 'Best Actor in a Musical' for his part in "Blood Brothers".

Answer: Suicide

Joe Meek shot and killed his landlady, and then shot himself. Ironically his death fell on the anniversary of the death of Buddy Holly, someone he greatly admired. At the time of his death he was deeply in debt, was taking drugs, and was convinced people had bugged his studio and were spying on him.