Actor, Director. Born Leslie James Banks, he was educated at Oxford University to become a parson. In 1911, he made his acting debut in regional vaudeville before moving to London theatres. During World War I, he served in the Essex Regiment in the British Army, suffering a serious injury that resulted in extensive scarring on the left side of his face. In spite of this handicap he was able to continue his acting career, establishing himself as a leading dramatic actor at the West End Theatres in London and from 1924 on Broadway in New York City (f.ex. as Captain Hook in "Peter Pan") where he finally got offers from Hollywood. His first film part there was as the diabolical hunter of human prey in "The Most Dangerous Game" (1932). For the rest of his career, he was working on both sides of the Atlantic, alternating between British and American theatres and English or American films. Other screen roles included Alfred Hitchcock's "The Man Who Knew Too Much" (1934), "Sanders of the River" (1935), "Fire Over England" (1937), "Jamaica Reef" (1939/again directed by Hitchcock), "The Big Blockade" (1942), Laurence Olivier's "Henry V" (1944) and "Madeleine" (1950/directed by David Lean). In 1950, he was appointed a Commander of the British Empire (CBE) for his services to drama and theatre. He died from a stroke during a walk, followed up with cremation at Golders Green.
Actor, Director. Born Leslie James Banks, he was educated at Oxford University to become a parson. In 1911, he made his acting debut in regional vaudeville before moving to London theatres. During World War I, he served in the Essex Regiment in the British Army, suffering a serious injury that resulted in extensive scarring on the left side of his face. In spite of this handicap he was able to continue his acting career, establishing himself as a leading dramatic actor at the West End Theatres in London and from 1924 on Broadway in New York City (f.ex. as Captain Hook in "Peter Pan") where he finally got offers from Hollywood. His first film part there was as the diabolical hunter of human prey in "The Most Dangerous Game" (1932). For the rest of his career, he was working on both sides of the Atlantic, alternating between British and American theatres and English or American films. Other screen roles included Alfred Hitchcock's "The Man Who Knew Too Much" (1934), "Sanders of the River" (1935), "Fire Over England" (1937), "Jamaica Reef" (1939/again directed by Hitchcock), "The Big Blockade" (1942), Laurence Olivier's "Henry V" (1944) and "Madeleine" (1950/directed by David Lean). In 1950, he was appointed a Commander of the British Empire (CBE) for his services to drama and theatre. He died from a stroke during a walk, followed up with cremation at Golders Green.
Bio by: Fritz Tauber
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