Herbert Wilcox
Encyclopedia
Herbert Sydney Wilcox was a British film producer
and director
.
. During the First World War, he served in the Royal Flying Corps
.
.
Although Alfred Hitchcock
's Blackmail
is generally regarded as the first film with sound, Wilcox's Black Waters was trade-shown several weeks earlier. He produced more than a hundred films, of which he directed half. In the 1950s he planned to make a biopic about Van Gogh starring Trevor Howard
, but it was never made. "His film production team were never laid off, even during the worst depressions of the British film industry. They were on full salary 52 weeks of the year."
Notable postwar films included Odette (1951), Trent's Last Case (1952), Yangtse Incident (1956) and The Lady is a Square (1959). His film company failed in the 1960s and he was declared bankrupt in 1964 but their finances were rescued by the success of the musical play Charlie Girl in which Dame Anna Neagle played and which ran for five years.
on 9 August 1943. His second marriage was childless.
Prior to his death aged 87 in London
, England
after a long illness, he donated four National Film Awards to the Glebelands Retirement Home in Wokingham
.
for best premiere for Victoria the Great
.
Film producer
A film producer oversees and delivers a film project to all relevant parties while preserving the integrity, voice and vision of the film. They will also often take on some financial risk by using their own money, especially during the pre-production period, before a film is fully financed.The...
and director
Film director
A film director is a person who directs the actors and film crew in filmmaking. They control a film's artistic and dramatic nathan roach, while guiding the technical crew and actors.-Responsibilities:...
.
Early life
Wilcox's mother was from County Cork, Ireland, but he was born in Norwood and attended school in BrightonBrighton
Brighton is the major part of the city of Brighton and Hove in East Sussex, England on the south coast of Great Britain...
. During the First World War, he served in the Royal Flying Corps
Royal Flying Corps
The Royal Flying Corps was the over-land air arm of the British military during most of the First World War. During the early part of the war, the RFC's responsibilities were centred on support of the British Army, via artillery co-operation and photographic reconnaissance...
.
Film career
He joined the film business in 1919 forming with his war gratuity his own company Astra Films producing and directing his first film, The Wonderful Story in a makeshift studio in Kew. He formed a company, Graham Wilcox Productions, with Jack Graham Cutts in 1920. He set up the British National Company, which was later absorbed into British International Pictures. He also set up a "British Hollywood" at Elstree StudiosElstree Studios
"Elstree Studios" refers to any of several film studios that were based in the towns of Borehamwood and Elstree in Hertfordshire, England, since film production begun in 1927.-Name:...
.
Although Alfred Hitchcock
Alfred Hitchcock
Sir Alfred Joseph Hitchcock, KBE was a British film director and producer. He pioneered many techniques in the suspense and psychological thriller genres. After a successful career in British cinema in both silent films and early talkies, Hitchcock moved to Hollywood...
's Blackmail
Blackmail (1929 film)
Blackmail is a 1929 British thriller drama film directed by Alfred Hitchcock, starring Anny Ondra, John Longden, and Cyril Ritchard, and featuring Donald Calthrop, Sara Allgood and Charles Paton. The film is based on the play Blackmail by Charles Bennett, as adapted by Hitchcock, with dialogue by...
is generally regarded as the first film with sound, Wilcox's Black Waters was trade-shown several weeks earlier. He produced more than a hundred films, of which he directed half. In the 1950s he planned to make a biopic about Van Gogh starring Trevor Howard
Trevor Howard
Trevor Howard , born Trevor Wallace Howard-Smith, was an English film, stage and television actor.-Early life:...
, but it was never made. "His film production team were never laid off, even during the worst depressions of the British film industry. They were on full salary 52 weeks of the year."
Notable postwar films included Odette (1951), Trent's Last Case (1952), Yangtse Incident (1956) and The Lady is a Square (1959). His film company failed in the 1960s and he was declared bankrupt in 1964 but their finances were rescued by the success of the musical play Charlie Girl in which Dame Anna Neagle played and which ran for five years.
Personal life
He married in 1920 Maude Bower, with whom he had four children, and, secondly, to actress Anna NeagleAnna Neagle
Forming a professional alliance with Wilcox, Neagle played her first starring film role in the musical Goodnight Vienna , again with Jack Buchanan. With this film Neagle became an overnight favourite...
on 9 August 1943. His second marriage was childless.
Prior to his death aged 87 in London
London
London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its...
, England
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
after a long illness, he donated four National Film Awards to the Glebelands Retirement Home in Wokingham
Wokingham
Wokingham is a market town and civil parish in Berkshire in South East England about west of central London. It is about east-southeast of Reading and west of Bracknell. It spans an area of and, according to the 2001 census, has a population of 30,403...
.
Awards
In 1937, he won the Nations CupNations Cup
The Nations Cup is a rugby union competition that was first held in 2006 at Estádio Universitário in Lisbon with Argentina A, Italy A, Portugal and Russia taking part...
for best premiere for Victoria the Great
Victoria the Great
Victoria the Great is a 1937 British historical film directed by Herbert Wilcox and starring Anna Neagle, Anton Walbrook and Walter Rilla. The film biography of Queen Victoria concentrating initially on the early years of her reign with her marriage to Prince Albert and her subsequent rule after...
.
Selected filmography
Director- Chu-Chin-ChowChu-Chin-Chow (1925 film)Chu-Chin-Chow is a 1925 British-German adventure film directed by Herbert Wilcox and starring Betty Blythe, Herbert Langley and Randle Ayrton....
(1923) - Southern LoveSouthern LoveSouthern Love is a 1924 British drama film directed by Herbert Wilcox and starring Betty Blythe, Herbert Langley and Randle Ayrton. It is based on the poem The Spanish Student by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. It is known by the alternative title Woman's Secret...
(1924) - Decameron NightsDecameron Nights (1924 film)Decameron Nights is a 1924 British silent drama film directed by Herbert Wilcox and starring Lionel Barrymore, Ivy Duke and Werner Krauss. It is based on the novel Decameron by Giovanni Boccaccio.-Cast:* Lionel Barrymore - Saladin* Ivy Duke - Perdita...
(1924) - Nell GwynNell Gwyn (1926 film)Nell Gwyn is a 1926 British romance film directed by Herbert Wilcox and starring Dorothy Gish, Randle Ayrton and Juliette Compton. It was based on the novel Mistress Nell Gwynne by Joseph Shearing and follows the life of Nell Gwynne the mistress of Charles II...
(1926) - LondonLondon (1926 film)London is a British silent film, directed by Herbert Wilcox and starring Dorothy Gish. The film was adapted by Wilcox from a short story by popular author Thomas Burke...
(1926) - MumsieMumsie (film)Mumsie is a 1927 British drama film directed by Herbert Wilcox and starring Pauline Frederick, Nelson Keys and Herbert Marshall. It was adapted from a play by Edward Knoblock about a favourite son of a family who proves to be a coward when war breaks out. Mumsie is a lost film.-Cast:* Pauline...
(1927) - Madame PompadourMadame Pompadour (film)Madame Pompadour is a 1927 British historical drama film directed by Herbert Wilcox and starring Dorothy Gish, Antonio Moreno and Nelson Keys...
(1927) - Tip ToesTip Toes (1927 film)Tip Toes is a 1927 British silent film comedy-drama, directed by Herbert Wilcox and starring Dorothy Gish and Will Rogers. The film is a loose adaptation of the stage musical Tip-Toes, with the action transferred from Florida to London.-Plot:...
(1927) - The Only WayThe Only WayThe Only Way is a 1927 British drama film directed by Herbert Wilcox and starring John Martin Harvey, Madge Stuart and Betty Faire. It was based on the novel A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens. It cost £24,000 to make and was shot at Twickenham Studios...
(1927) - Dawn (1928)
- The BondmanThe Bondman (film)The Bondman is a 1929 British silent film adventure directed by Herbert Wilcox and starring Norman Kerry, Frances Cuyler and Donald Macardle. It was based on a novel The Bondman by Hall Caine.-Cast:* Norman Kerry - Jason...
(1929) - The Woman in WhiteThe Woman in White (1929 film)The Woman in White is a 1929 British mystery film directed by Herbert Wilcox and starring Blanche Sweet, Haddon Mason and Cecil Humphreys. It is based on the novel The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins.-Cast:* Blanche Sweet - Laura Fairlie / Anne...
(1929) - The Loves of Robert BurnsThe Loves of Robert BurnsThe Loves of Robert Burns is a 1930 British historical musical film directed by Herbert Wilcox and starring Joseph Hislop, Dorothy Seacombe and Eve Gray. It depicts the life of the Scottish poet Robert Burns.-Cast:* Joseph Hislop ... Robert Burns...
(1930) - The Chance of a Night TimeThe Chance of a Night TimeThe Chance of a Night Time is a 1931 British comedy film directed by Herbert Wilcox and starring Ralph Lynn, Winifred Shotter and Kenneth Kove...
(1931) - Carnival (1931)
- The Blue DanubeThe Blue Danube (film)The Blue Danube is a 1932 British romance film directed by Herbert Wilcox and starring Brigitte Helm, Joseph Schildkraut and Desmond Jeans. Its plot, based on a short story by Doris Zinkeisen, concerns a Hungarian gypsy who leaves his girlfriend for a countess, but soon begins to suffer heartache....
(1932) - Good Night, ViennaGood Night, ViennaGoodnight, Vienna is a 1932 British musical film directed by Herbert Wilcox and starring Jack Buchanan and Anna Neagle and Gina Malo. Two lovers in Vienna are separated by the First World War, but are later reunited....
(1932) - Money Means NothingMoney Means NothingMoney Means Nothing is a 1932 British comedy film directed by Herbert Wilcox and starring John Loder, Irene Richards and Miles Malleson. A butler comes into some money through an inheritance, and turns the tables on his young master. It was also released as Butler's Millions....
(1932) - The King's CupThe King's CupThe King's Cup is a 1933 British drama film directed by Alan Cobham and Robert Cullen and starring Chili Bouchier, Harry Milton and William Kendall...
(1932) - The Little Damozel (1933)
- Bitter SweetBitter Sweet (1933 film)Bitter Sweet is a musical romance film directed by Herbert Wilcox and released by United Artists in 1933. It was the first film adaptation of Noel Coward's 1929 operetta Bitter Sweet. It starred Anna Neagle and Fernand Gravey, with Ivy St. Helier reviving her stage role as Manon.It tells the story...
(1933) - Yes, Mr. Brown (1933)
- The Queen's AffairThe Queen's AffairThe Queen's Affair is a 1934 British musical film directed by Herbert Wilcox and starring Anna Neagle, Fernand Gravey, Muriel Aked and Edward Chapman. An Eastern European President falls in love with the Queen whom he had previously deposed. It was also released as Queen's Affair....
(1934) - Nell Gwynn (1934)
- Peg of Old DruryPeg of Old DruryPeg of Old Drury is a 1935 British historical film directed by Herbert Wilcox and starring Anna Neagle, Cedric Hardwicke and Margaretta Scott. The film is a biopic of eighteenth century Irish actress Peg Woffington. It was based on the play Masks and Faces by Charles Reade and Tom Taylor.-Cast:*...
(1935) - Three MaximsThree MaximsThree Maxims is a 1936 British drama film directed by Herbert Wilcox and starring Anna Neagle, Tullio Carminati and Leslie Banks. It was released in the United States under the title Show Goes On. Separate French and German language versions were filmed in Paris...
(1936) - This'll Make You WhistleThis'll Make You WhistleThis'll Make You Whistle is a 1936 British musical comedy film directed by Herbert Wilcox and starring Jack Buchanan, Elsie Randolph and William Kendall.-Cast:* Jack Buchanan - Bill Hoppings* Elsie Randolph - Bobbie Rivers* Jean Gillie - Joan Longhurst...
(1936) - LimelightLimelight (1936 film)Limelight is a 1936 British, black-and-white, drama, musical, romance film directed by Herbert Wilcox starring Anna Neagle, Arthur Tracy, Jean Winton, and Ronald Shiner as the Assistant State Manager. It was produced by Herbert Wilcox Productions and British and Dominions Film Corporation....
(1937) - London MelodyLondon MelodyLondon Melody is a 1937 British, black-and-white, musical film, directed by Herbert Wilcox and starring Anna Neagle, Tullio Carminati, Robert Douglas, Horace Hodges and Ronald Shiner as the Pickpocket On Trial . It was produced by Herbert Wilcox Productions. Unfortunately, Allmovie list the film...
(1937) - Victoria the GreatVictoria the GreatVictoria the Great is a 1937 British historical film directed by Herbert Wilcox and starring Anna Neagle, Anton Walbrook and Walter Rilla. The film biography of Queen Victoria concentrating initially on the early years of her reign with her marriage to Prince Albert and her subsequent rule after...
(1937) - Sixty Glorious YearsSixty Glorious YearsSixty Glorious Years is a 1938 British film directed by Herbert Wilcox. The film is a sequel to the 1937 film Victoria the Great.The film is also known as Queen of Destiny in the US.- Cast :*Anna Neagle as Queen Victoria...
(1938) - A Royal Divorce (1938)
- Nurse Edith CavellNurse Edith CavellNurse Edith Cavell is a 1939 American film directed by Herbert Wilcox.The film was nominated at the 1939 Oscars for Best Original Score.- Cast :*Anna Neagle as Nurse Edith Cavell*Edna May Oliver as Countess de Mavon*George Sanders as Capt. Heinrichs...
(1939) - No, No, NanetteNo, No, Nanette (1940 film)No, No, Nanette is a 1940 American film directed by Herbert Wilcox and based on the musical of the same name.- Cast :*Anna Neagle as Nanette*Richard Carlson as Tom Gillespie*Victor Mature as William Trainor*Roland Young as Mr. "Happy" Jimmy Smith...
(1940) - Irene (1940)
- SunnySunny (1941 film)Sunny is a 1941 film American film directed by Herbert Wilcox. It was adapted by Sig Herzig from the Jerome Kern-Oscar Hammerstein II musical play Sunny...
(1941) - They Flew AloneThey Flew AloneThey Flew Alone is a 1942 British, black-and-white, biopic, drama, propaganda, war film, directed by Herbert Wilcox and starring Anna Neagle, Robert Newton and Edward Chapman...
(1942) - Forever and a Day (1943)
- Yellow CanaryYellow Canary (film)Yellow Canary is a 1943 British drama film starring Anna Neagle, Richard Greene and Albert Lieven. Neagle plays a British Nazi sympathiser who travels to Halifax, Canada trailed by spies from both sides during the Second World War.-Plot:...
(1943) - I Live in Grosvenor SquareI Live in Grosvenor SquareI Live in Grosvenor Square is a British war film, directed and produced by Herbert Wilcox—a forerunner of his "London films" collaboration with his wife, actress Anna Neagle. The film deploys a tragi-comic plot in a context of US-British wartime co-operation, and displays icons of popular music...
(1945) - Piccadilly IncidentPiccadilly IncidentPiccadilly Incident is a 1946 British drama film directed by Herbert Wilcox and starring Anna Neagle, Michael Wilding, Coral Browne, Edward Rigby and Leslie Dwyer. A married woman is believed dead in a shipwreck, but returns home with the Second World War at its height to find her husband remarried....
(1946) - The Courtneys of Curzon StreetThe Courtneys of Curzon StreetThe Courtneys of Curzon Street is a 1947 British drama film starring Anna Neagle and Michael Wilding....
(1947) - Spring in Park LaneSpring in Park LaneSpring in Park Lane is a 1948 British romantic comedy film directed by Herbert Wilcox.-Plot:The film tells the story of a footman, Richard, played by Michael Wilding, who is employed by Joshua Howard , an eccentric art collector. His niece and secretary, Judy , has her doubts that Richard is the...
(1948) - Elizabeth of LadymeadElizabeth of LadymeadElizabeth of Ladymead is a 1948 British drama film directed by Herbert Wilcox and starring Anna Neagle, Hugh Williams, Isabel Jeans and Bernard Lee...
(1948) - Maytime in MayfairMaytime in MayfairMaytime in Mayfair is a 1949 British musical comedy film directed by Herbert Wilcox and starring Anna Neagle, Michael Wilding, Nicholas Phipps, and Tom Walls...
(1949) - OdetteOdette (film)Odette is a 1950 film that was directed by Herbert Wilcox and used a screenplay by Warren Chetham-Strode. The film starred Anna Neagle as Odette Sansom, an Allied French-born heroine of World War II who joined the Special Operations Executive and was sent to France to work with the resistance...
(1950) - Into the Blue (1950)
- The Lady with the LampThe Lady with the Lamp (film)The Lady With The Lamp is a 1951 British historical film directed by Herbert Wilcox and starring Anna Neagle, Michael Wilding and Felix Aylmer...
(1951) - Derby DayDerby Day (1952 film)Derby Day is a 1952 British drama film directed by Herbert Wilcox and starring Anna Neagle, Michael Wilding, Googie Withers, John McCallum and Alfie Bass. An ensemble piece, it portrays several characters on their way to the Derby Day races at Epsom Downs Racecourse...
(1952) - Trent's Last CaseTrent's Last CaseTrent's Last Case is a detective novel written by E.C. Bentley and first published in 1913. Its central character reappeared subsequently in the novel Trent's Own Case and the short-story collection Trent Intervenes .-Plot summary:...
(1952) - Laughing AnneLaughing AnneLaughing Anne is a 1953 British adventure film directed by Herbert Wilcox and starring Wendell Corey, Margaret Lockwood, Forrest Tucker and Ronald Shiner. A sea captain has a tempestuous affair with a French singer...
(1953) - Trouble in the GlenTrouble in the GlenTrouble in the Glen is a 1954 British comedy film directed by Herbert Wilcox and starring Margaret Lockwood, Orson Welles and Forrest Tucker...
(1953) - Lilacs in the Spring 1954)
- King's RhapsodyKing's Rhapsody (film)King's Rhapsody is a 1955 British musical film directed by Herbert Wilcox and starring Anna Neagle, Errol Flynn and Patrice Wymore. It was based on the musical King's Rhapsody by Ivor Novello.-Cast:* Anna Neagle - Marta Karillos...
(1955) - My Teenage DaughterMy Teenage DaughterMy Teenage Daughter is a 1956 British drama film directed by Herbert Wilcox and starring Anna Neagle, Sylvia Syms and Norman Wooland. A mother tries to deal with her teenage daughter's descent into delinquency. It was intended as a British response to Rebel Without a Cause...
(1956) - These Dangerous YearsThese Dangerous YearsThese Dangerous Years is a 1957 British comedy musical film directed by Herbert Wilcox and starring George Baker, Frankie Vaughan, Carole Lesley, Thora Hird, Kenneth Cope, David Lodge and John Le Mesurier....
(1957) - The Man Who Wouldn't TalkThe Man Who Wouldn't TalkThe Man Who Wouldn't Talk is a 1958 British drama film directed by Herbert Wilcox. It starred Anna Neagle, Anthony Quayle, Zsa Zsa Gabor, Dora Bryan, John Le Mesurier and Lloyd Lamble.-Synopsis:...
(1958) - Wonderful Things!Wonderful Things!Wonderful Things! is a 1958 British comedy romance film directed by Herbert Wilcox and starring Frankie Vaughan, Jocelyn Lane and Wilfrid Hyde-White. Two fisherman brothers clash over the love of a woman.-Cast:* Frankie Vaughan ... Carmello...
(1958) - The Heart of a ManThe Heart of a ManThe Heart of a Man is a 1959 British drama film directed by Herbert Wilcox and starring Frankie Vaughan, Anne Heywood and Tony Britton. A millionaire in disguise gives a young man money to help him pursue his singing career.-Cast:...
(1959) - The Lady Is a SquareThe Lady Is a SquareThe Lady Is a Square is a 1959 British comedy musical film directed by Herbert Wilcox and featuring Anna Neagle, Frankie Vaughan and Janette Scott. An aspiring singer goes to work as a butler in the house of a classical music patron...
(1959)