the expectation that he was, in fact, just like Richard Todd...
Although Richard T could have his moments....
I heard a good dit about RT and the filming of "Dambusters" at Scampton or wherever, which was a working station at the time. Apparently, to avoid confusing actors with real serving people (after some luvvies got bollocked for not saluting a real orfiser), it was decided that the actors would wear brown boots/shoes to distinguish them (B&W film so it wouldn't show).
Having been really commissioned, Todd insisted on wearing black shoes ..... and getting the salutes!