Cecil Parker

Born:September 2, 1897

Place of Birth:Hastings, Sussex, England, UK

Died:April 20, 1971

Known For:Acting

Biography

Cecil Parker, born Cecil Schwabe in 1897 in Hastings, Sussex, was an English character and comedy actor known for his distinctive husky voice. After serving in World War I, he ventured into the world of theater in London in 1922, marking the beginning of a remarkable career that spanned over four decades. Parker's talent and versatility shone through in the 91 films he appeared in from 1928 to 1969, where he predominantly took on supporting roles.

Throughout his career, Parker showcased his acting prowess in a variety of genres, from dramas like "The Citadel" (1938) and "The Stars Look Down" (1940) to comedies such as "The Ladykillers" (1955) and "The Court Jester" (1955). His collaborations with renowned directors like Alfred Hitchcock in films like "The Lady Vanishes" (1938) and "Under Capricorn" (1949) further solidified his reputation as a versatile and reliable actor in the industry.

One of Parker's most memorable roles was portraying the original Charles Condomine in the West End production of Noel Coward's "Blithe Spirit." His portrayal of the character set the stage for other actors to follow in his footsteps, including Clifton Webb on Broadway and Rex Harrison in the 1945 film adaptation. This role showcased Parker's ability to bring depth and humor to his characters, leaving a lasting impact on audiences and critics alike.

Known for his portrayal of touchy senior officers and British upper-class characters, Parker's on-screen presence was always commanding and engaging. His final two films, "The Magnificent Two" (1967) alongside Morecambe and Wise, and "Oh! What A Lovely War" (1969) directed by Richard Attenborough, further highlighted his versatility as an actor, showcasing his ability to adapt to different roles and genres effortlessly.

In addition to his film career, Parker also made notable television appearances, including a memorable turn as an evil and scheming butler on an episode of "The Avengers" titled "The £50,000 Breakfast." Despite appearing less frequently on television, Parker's impact on the silver screen endured, with many of his films remaining popular and cherished by audiences worldwide.

Cecil Parker's legacy as a talented and respected actor continues to be celebrated by fans and critics alike. His contributions to the entertainment industry have left an indelible mark, with his performances standing the test of time and solidifying his status as a beloved figure in British cinema history.

Images

Filmography

Acting

The Lady Vanishes

Eric Todhunter

1938

On a train headed for England a group of travelers is delayed by an avalanche. Holed up in a hotel in a fictional European country, young Iris befriends elderly Miss Froy. When the train resumes, Iris suffers a bout of unconsciousness and wakes to find the old woman has disappeared. The other passengers ominously deny Miss Froy ever existed, so Iris begins to investigate with another traveler and, as the pair sleuth, romantic sparks fly.

Swiss Family Robinson

Captain Moreland

1960

After being shipwrecked, the Robinson family is marooned on an island inhabited only by an impressive array of wildlife. In true pioneer spirit, they quickly make themselves at home but soon face a danger even greater than nature: dastardly pirates.

The Ladykillers

Claude, alias 'Major Courtney'

1955

Five oddball criminals planning a bank robbery rent rooms on a cul-de-sac from an octogenarian widow under the pretext that they are classical musicians.

Indiscreet

Alfred Munson

1958

Anna Kalman is an accomplished actress who has given up hope of finding the man of her dreams. She is in the middle of taking off her face cream, while talking about this subject with her sister, when in walks Philip Adams. She loses her concentration for a moment as she realizes that this is the charming, smart, and handsome man she has been waiting for.

Heavens Above!

Archdeacon Aspinall

1963

A naive but caring prison chaplain, who happens to have the same last name as an upper class cleric, is by mistake appointed as vicar to a small and prosperous country town. His belief in charity and forgiveness sets him at odds with the conservative and narrow-minded locals, and he soon creates social ructions by appointing a black dustman as his churchwarden, taking in a gypsy family, and persuading the local landowner to provide free food for the church to distribute free to the people of the town. When the congregation leaders realise the mistake and call for the Church of England to remove him, this turns out to be a very, very difficult issue - until one clergyman realises that a British project to send a man into space is in need of an astronaut...