Tom Walls was an English actor who is best known for his work in early 20th-century film and theatre, particularly the Aldwych Theatre farces. He was born on February 18, 1883, in Kingsthorpe, Northampton, England, and passed away on November 27, 1949, in Ewell, Surrey, England.
Personal and Family Life
Tom Walls was educated at Northampton County School and initially worked as a constable and jockey before pursuing a career in the arts. He was married to Hilary Edwards and had one child, Tom Walls Jr., who appeared alongside him in two films. Walls had a passion for theatre, making his stage debut in 1905 with the pantomime “Aladdin”.
Career
Walls made a significant impact on British theatre during the 1920s and 1930s, especially through his collaborations with playwright Ben Travers and fellow actors Ralph Lynn and Robertson Hare. He was known for directing and starring in a series of comedic farces, which often included clever wordplay and physical comedy. His transition to film saw many successful stage productions adapted for the screen during the 1930s.
Death and Legacy
Tom Walls died on November 27, 1949. His contributions to both stage and film have left a lasting legacy in British comedy. Despite his career winding down later in life, he continued to act in both comedic and serious roles until his passing, making him a memorable figure in entertainment history.
Filmography
Title | Year | Role | Rating |
---|---|---|---|
The Interrupted Journey | 1949 | Clayton | 6.7 |
Maytime in Mayfair | 1949 | Inspector | 5.8 |
Spring in Park Lane | 1948 | Uncle Joshua | 7.1 |
While I Live | 1947 | Nehemiah | 6.5 |
The Master of Bankdam | 1947 | Simeon Crowther Sr. | 6.9 |
This Man Is Mine | 1946 | Philip Ferguson | 5.9 |
Johnny Frenchman | 1945 | Nat Pomeroy | 6.3 |
A Lady Surrenders | 1945 | Tom Tanner | 6.6 |
The Halfway House | 1944 | Captain Meadows | 6.6 |
They Met in the Dark | 1943 | Christopher Child | 6.1 |
Underground Guerrillas | 1943 | Kossan Petrovitch | 6.1 |
The Van Dyck | 1939 | Arthur Blair Woldingham | 6.1 |
The Man with 100 Faces | 1938 | Jack Drake | 6.1 |
Old Iron | 1938 | Sir Henry Woodstock | 6.7 |
Strange Boarders | 1938 | Tommy Blythe | 6.9 |