Arthur Wontner was an American actor best known for his roles in the films “Sherlock Holmes” series, “Genevieve,” and “The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp.” He was born on January 21, 1875, in London, England, and passed away on July 10, 1960, in the same city.
Personal and Family Life
Arthur Wontner, originally named Arthur Wontner Smith, had two spouses. He was married to Rosecleer Alice Amelia Blanche Kingwell from 1903 until her death in 1943, and later to Florence Eileen Lainchbury from 1947 until his own death. He had three children, one of whom, Hugh, became Lord Mayor of London in 1973. Wontner changed his name by deed poll in 1909, a decision he made alongside his eldest daughter.
Career Highlights
Wontner made his stage debut in 1897 and entered films nearly two decades later. He gained fame for his portrayal of Sherlock Holmes in five films between 1931 and 1938, which many consider his defining work. Some fans of Sherlock Holmes appreciate his more reserved and intellectual interpretation of the character compared to other actors. Wontner’s initiation into the role of Holmes came from his earlier stage performance in a play inspired by Sherlock Holmes.
Death and Legacy
Arthur Wontner died on July 10, 1960, in London, leaving behind a rich legacy as one of the significant interpreters of Sherlock Holmes. His portrayal in films has been praised for its fidelity to the character’s essence, earning him a respected place in cinematic history. The impact of his work continues to resonate with fans and scholars of Sherlock Holmes and classic British cinema.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp | 1943-07-26 | Embassy Counsellor |
| The Sign of Four: Sherlock Holmes’ Greatest Case | 1932-05-12 | Sherlock Holmes |
| Genevieve | 1953-05-28 | Old Gentleman |
| Silver Blaze | 1937-07-01 | Sherlock Holmes |
| The Triumph of Sherlock Holmes | 1935-03-24 | Sherlock Holmes |
| The Terror | 1938-05-02 | Colonel Redmayne |
| The Sleeping Cardinal | 1931-02-15 | Sherlock Holmes |
| Lady Windermere’s Fan | 1916-07-01 | Lord Darlington |
| Kate Plus Ten | 1938-03-17 | Colonel Westhanger |
| Dishonour Bright | 1936-09-21 | Judge |
| Condemned to Death | 1932-01-21 | Sir Charles Wallington |
| Sea Devils | 1953-04-12 | Baron de Baudrec |
| Bonnie Prince Charlie | 1923-11-01 | Lord Kingsburgh |
| The Diamond Man | 1924-09-30 | Lady Marshalt |
| Eugene Aram | 1924-02-28 | Eugene Aram |
| A Gentleman of Paris | 1931-12-04 | Judge Le Fevre |
| The Missing Rembrandt | 1932-02-12 | Sherlock Holmes |
| The Many Faces of Sherlock Holmes | 1985-01-01 | Sherlock Holmes (archive footage) |
| Storm in a Teacup | 1937-02-25 | Fiscal |
| Blanche Fury | 1948-02-19 | Lord Rudford |
| Thunder in the City | 1937-04-22 | Sir Peter |
| Brandy for the Parson | 1952-05-02 | Major Glockleigh |
| The Elusive Pimpernel | 1950-11-07 | Lord Grenville |
| Pygmalion | 1948-02-08 | Colonel Pickering |
| Ten Little Indians | 1949-08-20 | General Mackenzie |