Few child stars had the endearing appeal of Vincent Winter, who has died aged 50. As a five-year-old, he won the hearts of adults and children alike in Philip Leacock's 1953 film classic The Kidnappers. He played the younger of two Scots boys who, denied a pet dog, "borrow" a baby to look after instead.
Whether discussing with co-star Jon Whiteley what the tot should be called - young Vincent's character is in no doubt it should still be "Rover" - or in his heart-felt appeal, "Don't eat it, grandaddy, it ain't fittin!" when the gruff grandfather makes off with the baby, Winter was always natural. "Cuteness" was something of which he could never be accused, nor was there any of the simpering coyness often associated with child actors. So convincing was his performance in The Kidnappers, he won a special Academy award for "outstanding juvenile performance."
If later films failed to deliver the same quality of role, Vincent's likeable, open style lent presence to such diverse subjects as The Dark Avenger (1955) with Errol Flynn (who liked the boy so much he wanted to adopt him), Time Lock (1957), as a child trapped in an airtight bank vault, and Gorgo (1960), where he movingly found compassion for the sea monster of the title. His performance in this latter film was widely praised in America and, still in his early teens, he was taken up by Walt Disney to play in a number of successful productions, including Greyfriars Bobby (1960) and The Three Lives Of Thomasina (1963).
After the release of The Horse Without A Head in 1964, Vincent began looking for more mature roles and grew disenchanted with what was being offered. Disney producer Hugh Attwooll encouraged him to widen his range, suggesting he look at the more technical side of film-making.
So, at 19, he began a second career as runner on The Fighting Prince Of Donegal (1966). Always a quick, instinctive learner, he found work variously as an assistant director, production manager and production supervisor. High-profile films with which he was involved included The Sailor's Return (1978), Superman II (1980), The Dark Crystal (1982), Kenneth Branagh's Henry V (1989) and The Wind In The Willows (1996). Recently he had been involved on a project with American director Taylor Hackford, and only last month was in Turkey for consultation talks about the building of a new studio.
Vincent never felt any urge to return to acting, but in April this year he got a happy reminder of the affection the film business felt for him - he was called back to Hollywood to be photographed in a group shot of Academy Award winners. Warmly welcomed, he was particularly thrilled to find the likes of Gregory Peck, Dustin Hoffman and Richard Dreyfuss, all long-time fans of The Kidnappers, taking their turn to meet him. At his hotel, dozens of people waited all night to get his autograph.
Away from the cameras, Vincent enjoyed a game of bridge. He loved to travel, and had a particular fondness for Mexico. A caring, thoughtful man, he was always happy to welcome old fans to his office at Shepperton Studios, where he would regale them with tales from his career.
One particular story he enjoyed telling was from his days as a production assistant on A Clockwork Orange (1971). Director Stanley Kubrick was famously parsimonious with transport and part of Vincent's job was to see the actors got their fair share of the cars. Tired and tetchy at being kept waiting after a long day's shooting, Malcolm McDowell teased him with "Not very good at your job, are you, Vincent". "Oh, yes, I am," retorted the usually modest Winter. "I'm also rather good at yours - and I've got an Oscar to prove it!"
Vincent is survived by Barbara Harley, his partner of 24 years.
Vincent Winter, child star, film production supervisor and assistant director, born December 29, 1947; died November 2, 1998