First met
June Allyson on the set of
Kleine tapfere Jo (1949). June was a major star at MGM. Dirk, who was visiting his grandfather,
Harry Davenport, on the film set, was just 17. Dirk bore a striking resemblance to
Van Johnson, June's favorite on-screen partner. They were together from 1962-75. During this time, June went through a bitter court battle with her mother over custody of her son,
Richard Powell, and adopted daughter,
Pamela Powell. June's mother told the court that June "was an unfit mother". The judge apparently agreed and court records show that Dirk was named legal guardian for
Richard Powell and
Pamela Powell. This long-drawn out legal case and June's increasing alcoholism caused a major break in their relationship. Dirk finally moved on.
