Monday, February 9, 2009

Clive Brook


Clive Brook was an English actor.

Brook was born in London. Brook was 5' 11" tall and had black hair with brown eyes. He was the son of an opera singer, a published writer and a violinist. He distinguished himself in the First World War. He first appeared on stage in 1918 and also in films from 1919. He worked first in British films then in Hollywood.

One of his best remembered appearances was playing opposite Marlene Dietrich in Shanghai Express (1932). He played Sherlock Holmes three times: The Return of Sherlock Holmes and Sherlock Holmes (in that order) and as part of a portmanteau film, Paramount on Parade. In 1943, he adapted the comedy On Approval by Frederick Lonsdale and wrote, produced, directed and starred in the film with Beatrice Lillie, Googie Withers and Roland Culver. The costumes were by Cecil Beaton. It is seen by many as Brooks' crowning achievement. In 1949 he presented the radio series The Secrets of Scotland Yard. He died on November 17, 1974.