Michael George Ripper (27 January 1913 – 28 June 2000) was an English character actor. He began his film career in quota quickies in the 1930s and until the late 1950s was virtually unknown; he was seldom credited. Along with Michael Gough he played one of the two murderers in

Laurence Olivier Laurence Kerr Olivier, Baron Olivier (; 22 May 1907 – 11 July 1989) was an English actor and director who, along with his contemporaries Ralph Richardson and John Gielgud, was one of a trio of male actors who dominated the British stage o ...

's film version of ''

Richard III Richard III (2 October 145222 August 1485) was King of England and Lord of Ireland from 26 June 1483 until his death in 1485. He was the last king of the House of York and the last of the Plantagenet dynasty. His defeat and death at the Bat ...

'' (1955). Ripper became a mainstay in

Hammer Film Productions Hammer Film Productions Ltd. is a British film production company based in London. Founded in 1934, the company is best known for a series of Gothic horror and fantasy films made from the mid-1950s until the 1970s. Many of these involve classi ...

playing supporting character roles: coachmen, peasants, tavern keepers, pirates and sidekicks. Appearing in more of the company's films than any other performer, these included '' The Camp on Blood Island'' (1958), ''

The Revenge of Frankenstein ''The Revenge of Frankenstein'' is a 1958 Technicolor British horror film made by Hammer Film Productions. Directed by Terence Fisher, the film stars Peter Cushing, Francis Matthews, Michael Gwynn and Eunice Gayson. In the United States, it was ...

'' (1958), '' The Mummy'' (1959), '' The Brides of Dracula'' (1960), '' Captain Clegg'' (1962), '' The Scarlet Blade'' (1963), '' The Reptile'' (1966), '' The Plague of the Zombies'' (1966) and ''

The Mummy's Shroud ''The Mummy's Shroud'' is a 1967 British DeLuxe colour horror film made by Hammer Film Productions which was directed by John Gilling. It stars André Morell and David Buck as explorers who uncover the tomb of an ancient Egyptian mummy. It a ...

'' (1967). Some of his parts were little better than glorified bits (as in '' The Curse of the Werewolf''), but his penultimate role for

Hammer Films A hammer is a tool, most often a hand tool, consisting of a weighted "head" fixed to a long handle that is swung to deliver an impact to a small area of an object. This can be, for example, to drive nails into wood, to shape metal (as w ...

was a significant supporting part as a landlord in '' Scars of Dracula'' in 1970. (His last Hammer role was as a railway worker in the atypical comedy '' That's Your Funeral'' two years later.) He is also well remembered for his role as a jockey/horse trainer in ''

The Belles of St. Trinian's ''The Belles of St Trinian's'' is a 1954 British comedy film, directed by Frank Launder, co-written by Launder and Sidney Gilliat, and starring Alastair Sim, Joyce Grenfell, George Cole, Hermione Baddeley. Inspired by British cartoonist Ronald ...

'' and the liftman in the next three of the '' St. Trinian's'' comedies, and on television for his role as Thomas the chauffeur in the BBC comedy ''

Butterflies Butterflies are insects in the macrolepidopteran clade Rhopalocera from the order Lepidoptera, which also includes moths. Adult butterflies have large, often brightly coloured wings, and conspicuous, fluttering flight. The group comprises t ...

'' (1978–83) and as Burke, one of the two criminals in the youth television series '' Freewheelers'' (1968–71). His other TV roles include Mr Shepherd, Aunt Sally's owner, in '' Worzel Gummidge'', a judge in "Voice in The Night", a 1958 episode of '' The Adventures of William Tell'', Phunkey in ''

The Pickwick Papers ''The Posthumous Papers of the Pickwick Club'' (also known as ''The Pickwick Papers'') was Charles Dickens's first novel. Because of his success with '' Sketches by Boz'' published in 1836, Dickens was asked by the publisher Chapman & Hall to ...

'' (1985) and the Drones Porter in ''

Jeeves and Wooster ''Jeeves and Wooster'' is a British comedy-drama television series adapted by Clive Exton from P. G. Wodehouse's Jeeves#Jeeves canon, "Jeeves" stories. It aired on the ITV (TV network), ITV network from 22 April 1990 to 20 June 1993, with the ...

'' (1990–91). Michael also starred in George and Mildred, Series 1 Episode 5, Your Money or Your Life, as George's Uncle Fred.

Partial filmography

* ''

Twice Branded ''Twice Branded'' is a 1936 British drama film directed by Maclean Rogers and starring James Mason, Robert Rendel and Lucille Lisle. It was made at Walton Studios as a quota quickie. Premise A man returning home after serving a prison sentence t ...

'' (1936) – Minor role (uncredited) * '' Prison Breaker'' (1936) – (uncredited) * '' Not So Dusty'' (1936) – Bit Role (uncredited) * ''

To Catch a Thief '' To Catch a Thief'' is a 1955 American romantic thriller film directed by Alfred Hitchcock, from a screenplay by John Michael Hayes based on the 1952 novel of the same name by David Dodge. The film stars Cary Grant as a retired cat burglar w ...

'' (1936) – (uncredited) * '' The Heirloom Mystery'' (1936) * '' Nothing Like Publicity'' (1936) – (uncredited) * '' Pearls Bring Tears'' (1937) – (uncredited) * ''

Busman's Holiday ''Busman's Holiday'' is a British television game show produced by Granada for the ITV network from 26 February 1985 to 28 June 1993. Its hosts over the years were Julian Pettifer (1985–88), Sarah Kennedy (1989–91) and Elton Welsby (1993). ...

'' (1937) – Crook * ''

Farewell to Cinderella ''Farewell to Cinderella'' is a 1937 British romance film directed by Maclean Rogers and starring Anne Pichon, John Robinson and Glennis Lorimer. The film was made at the Nettlefold Studios in Walton-on-Thames as a quota quickie for release by t ...

'' (1937) – Undetermined Role (uncredited) * '' Strange Adventures of Mr. Smith'' (1937) – Undetermined Role (uncredited) * '' Fifty-Shilling Boxer'' (1937) – (uncredited) * '' Father Steps Out'' (1937) – Minor Role (uncredited) * '' Why Pick on Me?'' (1937) – (uncredited) * '' Easy Riches'' (1938) – Cuthbert * '' Paid in Error'' (1938) – Minor Role (uncredited) * '' His Lordship Regrets'' (1938) – (uncredited) * '' You're the Doctor'' (1938) – (uncredited) * '' His Lordship Goes to Press'' (1938) – (uncredited) * ''

Luck of the Navy ''Luck of the Navy'' is a 1938 British comedy thriller film directed by Norman Lee and starring Geoffrey Toone, Judy Kelly and Clifford Evans. Shot at Elstree StudiosWood p.98 it was based on the play '' The Luck of the Navy'' by Mrs Cl ...

'' (1938) * '' Miracles Do Happen'' (1938) – Morning Comet Reporter (uncredited) * '' Blind Folly'' (1939) – (uncredited) * ''

Captain Boycott Charles Cunningham Boycott (12 March 1832 – 19 June 1897) was an English land agent whose ostracism by his local community in Ireland gave the English language the verb "to boycott". He had served in the British Army 39th Foot, which b ...

'' (1947) – Pat Nolan * ''

Oliver Twist ''Oliver Twist; or, The Parish Boy's Progress'', Charles Dickens's second novel, was published as a serial from 1837 to 1839, and as a three-volume book in 1838. Born in a workhouse, the orphan Oliver Twist is bound into apprenticeship with ...

'' (1948) – Barney * ''

The Dark Road ''There is No Escape'', also known as ''The Dark Road'' and ''The Thurston Story'', is a 1948 British drama film from Hammer Films. It was Michael Ripper's first appearance in a Hammer Film. The film was based on the career of criminal Stanley Th ...

'' (1948) – Andy Anderson * '' Noose'' (1948) – Nelson (uncredited) * ''

The History of Mr. Polly ''The History of Mr. Polly'' is a 1910 comic novel by H. G. Wells. Plot summary The protagonist of ''The History of Mr. Polly'' is an antihero inspired by H. G. Wells's early experiences in the drapery trade: Alfred Polly, born circa 1 ...

'' (1949) – Third Store Employee Carrying Packages (uncredited) * '' The Rocking Horse Winner'' (1949) – 2nd Chauffeur (uncredited) * '' The Adventures of PC 49'' Investigating the Case of the Guardian Angel'' (1949) – Fingers * '' Your Witness'' (1950) – Samuel 'Sam' Baxter * ''Let's Have a Murder'' (1950) * '' A Case for PC 49'' (1951) – George Steele * '' Lady Godiva Rides Again'' (1951) – Joe (stage manager) * '' Old Mother Riley's Jungle Treasure'' (1951) – Jake * '' Secret People'' (1952) – Charlie * ''

Treasure Hunt Treasure hunt generally refers to: * Treasure hunting, the physical search for treasure, typically by finding sunken shipwrecks or buried ancient cultural sites * Treasure hunt (game), a game simulating a hunt for treasure Treasure Hunt may refer ...

'' (1952) – Removal Man (uncredited) * '' Derby Day'' (1952) – 1st Newspaper Reporter (uncredited) * ''

Folly to Be Wise ''Folly to Be Wise'' is a 1952 British comedy film directed by Frank Launder and starring Alastair Sim, Elizabeth Allan, Roland Culver, Colin Gordon, Martita Hunt and Edward Chapman. It is based on the play ''It Depends What You Mean'' by ...

'' (1952) – Drill Corporal * ''

Alf's Baby ''Alf's Baby'', also known as ''Her Three Bachelors'', is a 1953 British comedy film directed by Maclean Rogers and starring Jerry Desmonde, Pauline Stroud and Olive Sloane.Chibnall & MacFarlane p.103 It was made by ACT Films, and released a ...

'' (1953) – Mike * '' The Story of Gilbert and Sullivan'' (1953) – Louis * '' Appointment in London'' (1953) – Bomb Aimer * ''

Blood Orange The blood orange is a variety of orange ( ''Citrus'' × ''sinensis'') (also referred to as raspberry orange) with crimson, almost blood-colored flesh. The distinctive dark flesh color is due to the presence of anthocyanins, a family of poly ...

'' (1953) – Eddie * '' The Intruder'' (1953) – Mechanic * ''

Personal Affair ''Personal Affair'' is a 1953 British drama film directed by Anthony Pelissier and starring Gene Tierney, Leo Genn and Glynis Johns.''Monthly Film Bulletin'' review; 1953, page 160. It was made at Pinewood Studios by Two Cities Films. Pl ...

'' (1953) – Reporter (uncredited) * '' The Rainbow Jacket'' (1954) – Benny Loder * ''

'' (1954) – Albert Faning * '' The Sea Shall Not Have Them'' (1954) – Botterhill * ''Tale of Three Women'' (1954) – Simkins (segment "Thief of London' story) * '' The Constant Husband'' (1955) – Left Luggage Attendant * ''

Geordie Geordie () is a nickname for a person from the Tyneside area of North East England, and the dialect used by its inhabitants, also known in linguistics as Tyneside English or Newcastle English. There are different definitions of what constitute ...

'' (1955) – Reporter * '' Secret Venture'' (1955) – Bill Rymer * ''

'' (1955) – Forrest, 2nd murderer * ''

1984 Events January * January 1 – The Bornean Sultanate of Brunei gains full independence from the United Kingdom, having become a British protectorate in 1888. * January 7 – Brunei becomes the sixth member of the Association of Southeast As ...

'' (1956) – Outer Party Orator * ''

Yield to the Night ''Yield to the Night'' (also titled ''Blonde Sinner'' in the US) is a 1956 British crime drama film directed by J. Lee Thompson and starring Diana Dors. The film is based on the 1954 novel of the same name by Joan Henry. The storyline bears a ...

'' (1956) – Roy, bar good-timer * ''

Reach for the Sky ''Reach for the Sky'' is a 1956 British biographical film about aviator Douglas Bader, based on the 1954 biography of the same name by Paul Brickhill. The film stars Kenneth More and was directed by Lewis Gilbert. It won the BAFTA Award for ...

'' (1956) – Warrant Officer West * '' The Green Man'' (1956) – Waiter * '' X the Unknown'' (1956) – Sgt. Harry Grimsdyke * '' The Steel Bayonet'' (1957) – Pvt. Middleditch * '' Quatermass 2'' (1957) – Ernie * '' Woman in a Dressing Gown'' (1957) – Pawnbroker * '' These Dangerous Years'' (1957) – Pvt. Simpson * ''

Not Wanted on Voyage ''Not Wanted on Voyage'' is a 1957 British comedy film directed by Maclean Rogers and starring Ronald Shiner, Brian Rix and Catherine Boyle. The film was made at British National Studios. It is based on a play by Ken Attiwill and his wife ...

'' (1957) – Steward Macy * '' The One That Got Away'' (1957) – J.E. Freeman – Greengrocer (uncredited) * '' The Naked Truth'' (1957) – J.E. Freeman – Greengrocer (uncredited) * '' Blue Murder at St Trinian's'' (1957) – Eric – The Liftman * '' The Camp on Blood Island'' (1958) – Japanese Driver * '' Up the Creek'' (1958) – Decorator * ''

'' (1958) – Kurt * '' Girls at Sea'' (1958) – Jumper, Marine * ''

Further Up the Creek ''Further Up the Creek'' is a 1958 British comedy film written and directed by Val Guest and starring David Tomlinson, Frankie Howerd, Shirley Eaton, Thora Hird, Desmond Llewelyn and Lionel Jeffries. It served as a follow up to '' Up the ...

'' (1958) – Ticket Collector * '' I Only Arsked!'' (1958) – Azim * ''

Quatermass and the Pit ''Quatermass and the Pit'' is a British television science-fiction serial transmitted live by BBC Television in December 1958 and January 1959. It was the third and last of the BBC's ''Quatermass'' serials, although the chief character, Profe ...

'' (TV, 1959) – Sergeant * '' The Man Who Could Cheat Death'' (1959) – Morgue Attendant (uncredited) * '' Bobbikins'' (1959) – Naval Petty Officer (uncredited) * '' The Mummy'' (1959) – Poacher * ''

The Ugly Duckling "The Ugly Duckling" ( da, Den grimme ælling) is a Danish literary fairy tale by Danish poet and author Hans Christian Andersen (1805–1875). It was first published on 11 November 1843 in '' New Fairy Tales. First Volume. First Collection'' ...

'' (1959) – Benny * ''

Jackpot Jackpot or Jackpot! may refer to: * A prize, such as a progressive jackpot * Gardena jackpots, a poker variant * Jackpot, Nevada, a community on the Nevada–Idaho state border Comics * Jackpot (comics), several comic book characters * ''Jack ...

'' (1960) – Lenny Lane * '' Sink the Bismarck!'' (1960) – Able Seaman, Lookout 'Suffolk' (uncredited) * '' Dead Lucky'' (1960) – Percy Simpson * '' The Brides of Dracula'' (1960) – Coachman * ''Not a Hope in Hell'' (1960) – Sid * '' A Circle of Deception'' (1960) – Monsieur Chauvel * '' The Pure Hell of St Trinian's'' (1960) – Liftman * '' The Curse of the Werewolf'' (1961) – Old Soak * '' A Matter of WHO'' (1961) – Skipper * '' Petticoat Pirates'' (1961) – Tug * '' The Pirates of Blood River'' (1962) – Mack, a pirate * '' Captain Clegg'' (1962) – Jeremiah Mipps (coffinmaker) * ''

The Phantom of the Opera ''The Phantom of the Opera'' (french: Le Fantôme de l'Opéra) is a novel by French author Gaston Leroux. It was first published as a serial in from 23 September 1909 to 8 January 1910, and was released in volume form in late March 1910 by Pier ...

'' (1962) – Longfaced Cabbie * ''Out of the Fog'' (1962) – Tich * '' A Prize of Arms'' (1962) – Cpl. Freeman * '' The Amorous Prawn'' (1962) – Angus * '' Two Left Feet'' (1963) – Uncle Reg * '' The Punch and Judy Man'' (1963) – Waiter * '' What a Crazy World'' (1963) – The Common Man * ''

Swallows and Amazons ''Swallows and Amazons'' is a children's adventure novel by English author Arthur Ransome and first published on 21 July 1930 by Jonathan Cape. Set in the summer of 1929 in the Lake District, the book introduces the main characters of John, ...

'' (1963) – Old Billie * '' The Scarlet Blade'' (1963) – Pablo * '' The Devil-Ship Pirates'' (1964) – Pepe, a pirate * '' Every Day's a Holiday'' (1964) – Mr. George Pullman * '' The Curse of the Mummy's Tomb'' (1964) – Achmed * '' The Secret of Blood Island'' (1964) – Lt Tojoko * '' The Spy Who Came in from the Cold'' (1965) – Lofthouse (uncredited) * '' The Plague of the Zombies'' (1966) – Sergeant Jack Swift * ''

Rasputin the Mad Monk ''Rasputin the Mad Monk'' is a 1966 Hammer horror film directed by Don Sharp and starring Christopher Lee as Grigori Rasputin, the Russian peasant- mystic who gained great influence with the Tsars prior to the Russian Revolution. It also featu ...

'' (1966) – Waggoner (voice, uncredited) * '' The Reptile'' (1966) – Tom Bailey * '' The Great St Trinian's Train Robbery'' (1966) – The Liftman * '' Where the Bullets Fly'' (1966) – Angel * ''

The Deadly Bees ''The Deadly Bees'' is a 1966 British horror film based on H.F. Heard's 1941 novel '' A Taste for Honey''.Ed. Allan Bryce, ''Amicus: The Studio That Dripped Blood'', Stray Cat Publishing, 2000 p 43-45 It was directed by Freddie Francis, an ...

'' (1966) – David Hawkins * ''

'' (1967) – Longbarrow * '' Torture Garden'' (1967) – Gordon Roberts (Framework Story) * '' Inspector Clouseau'' (1968) – Steven Frey * '' The Lost Continent'' (1968) – Sea Lawyer * '' Dracula Has Risen from the Grave'' (1968) – Max * '' Journey into Darkness'' (1968) – Albert Cole (episode 'Paper Dolls') * '' Moon Zero Two'' (1969) – 1st Card Player * '' Mumsy, Nanny, Sonny and Girly'' (1970) – Zoo attendant * '' Taste the Blood of Dracula'' (1970) – Cobb * '' Scars of Dracula'' (1970) – Landlord * '' That's Your Funeral'' (1972) – Arthur (Railway Porter) * '' The Creeping Flesh'' (1973) – Carter * '' No Sex Please, We're British'' (1973) – Traffic Warden * '' Legend of the Werewolf'' (1975) – Sewerman * '' Unipart TV advert (1970s) : ' Thousands of Parts for Millions of Cars ' , with Peter Cleall * '' The Sweeney (TV 1975) Herbie Mew. * ''

The Prince and the Pauper ''The Prince and the Pauper'' is a novel by American author Mark Twain. It was first published in 1881 in Canada, before its 1882 publication in the United States. The novel represents Twain's first attempt at historical fiction. Set in 1547, ...

'' (1977) – Edith's Servant * ''Sammy's Super T-Shirt'' (1978) – Gateman * ''Danger on Dartmoor'' (1980) * ''No Surrender (film), No Surrender'' (1985) – Tony Bonaparte * ''Revenge of Billy the Kid'' (1992) – Local Pub Old (final film role)

References

External links

* {{DEFAULTSORT:Ripper, Michael 1913 births 2000 deaths English male film actors English male television actors Male actors from Portsmouth 20th-century English male actors Alumni of the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama