Panavision

Afternoon, luvvies!

Just spotted character actor Wilfrid Lawson mechanicking at the front of a truck in Hell Drivers! Never noticed him in it before!

I always liked him, from being a kid.

Anyone remember that wonderful sort of speech pattern he had? Hard to describe. Like a drawl, really, with no gaps between the words!

And does Margaret Nolan live in Whitby? Must look out for her when I go next!

Johnny

Windyridge

There's a famous story about Wilfred Lawson and an acquaintance having a liquid lunch which went on into the afternoon and then at Wilfred's suggestion the two of them lurched into a theatre and began watching a rather dull play . "Things perk up a bit here" Wilfred suddenly said as there was a knock on the door on stage. "oh really?" enquired the friend. Wilfred started his wheezing laugh and replied, "yes, this is where I come on!"

Neil1889

Heh, that's pretty funny.

"I'll tell you, Governor, if you'll only let me get a word in. I'm willing to tell you. I'm wanting to tell you. I'm waiting to tell you."

I like his delivery of that line in Pygmalion better than Stanley Holloway's.

dpgmel

Well worth checking him out in Pastor Hall to show what a good actor he could be

TimR

Absolutely. A moving, understated performance.

orpheum

Unfortunately drink ruined his career in much the same way as it did for Robert Newton.Both actors in any film are a mesmerising presence.

Welcome To Highbury The Home Of Football

Lord Brett

I get the impression he remained very popular within the industry, as despite everyone knowing about his drink problem he always seemed to be in work, even though he slipped from leading man status to featured character player.

I was watching him this week in Peter Glenville's The Prisoner and he was still good value as a beery jail warden.

dremble wedge

Christopher Lee recounts a good story about Wilfred Lawson in his autobiography.