Claud Allister (born William Claud Michael Palmer, 3 October 1888 – 26 July 1970) was an English actor with an extensive film career in both Britain and Hollywood, where he appeared in more than 70 films between 1929 and 1955.

Life and career

He was born in

London London is the Capital city, capital and List of urban areas in the United Kingdom, largest city of both England and the United Kingdom, with a population of in . London metropolitan area, Its wider metropolitan area is the largest in Wester ...

. After receiving his education at

Felsted School Felsted School is a co-educational independent school, independent boarding school, boarding and Day school, day school, situated in Felsted in Essex, England. It is in the British Public school (UK), public school tradition, and was founded i ...

Essex Essex ( ) is a Ceremonial counties of England, ceremonial county in the East of England, and one of the home counties. It is bordered by Cambridgeshire and Suffolk to the north, the North Sea to the east, Kent across the Thames Estuary to the ...

, he began his career as a stockbroker's clerk in the

City of London The City of London, also known as ''the City'', is a Ceremonial counties of England, ceremonial county and Districts of England, local government district with City status in the United Kingdom, city status in England. It is the Old town, his ...

, but gave up a life in the

Square Mile The square mile (abbreviated as sq mi and sometimes as mi2)Rowlett, Russ (September 1, 2004) University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Retrieved February 22, 2012. is an imperial and US unit of measure for area. One square mile is equa ...

on deciding that he preferred the stage, upon which he made his début in 1910. He toured England's repertory theatres playing minor parts up to the outbreak of

World War I World War I or the First World War (28 July 1914 – 11 November 1918), also known as the Great War, was a World war, global conflict between two coalitions: the Allies of World War I, Allies (or Entente) and the Central Powers. Fighting to ...

, when he was commissioned into the

British Army The British Army is the principal Army, land warfare force of the United Kingdom. the British Army comprises 73,847 regular full-time personnel, 4,127 Brigade of Gurkhas, Gurkhas, 25,742 Army Reserve (United Kingdom), volunteer reserve perso ...

as a subaltern, and saw active service with the

Suffolk Regiment The Suffolk Regiment was an infantry regiment Line infantry, of the line in the British Army with a history dating back to 1685. It saw service for three centuries, participating in many wars and conflicts, including the World War I, First and ...

and the

Machine Gun Corps The Machine Gun Corps (MGC) was a Regiment, corps of the British Army, formed in October 1915 in response to the need for more effective use of machine guns on the Western Front (World War I), Western Front in the World War I, First World War. Th ...

. Post-war he returned to acting, appearing in the West End in ''

Bulldog Drummond Hugh "Bulldog" Drummond is a fictional character, created by H. C. McNeile and published under his pen name "Sapper". Following McNeile's death in 1937, the novels were continued by Gerard Fairlie. Drummond is a First World War veteran who ...

'', and in 1924 went to America to perform on the stage there initially. In 1929 he made his film début in '' The Trial of Mary Dugan''. In 1934 he appeared in the West End in the historical play ''

Mary Read Mary Read (died April 1721), was a pirate who served under John Rackham. She and Anne Bonny were among the few female pirates during the "Golden Age of Piracy". Much of Read's background is unknown. The first biography of Read comes from C ...

''. Allister died on 26 July 1970 at

Santa Barbara, California Santa Barbara (, meaning ) is a coastal city in Santa Barbara County, California, of which it is also the county seat. Situated on a south-facing section of coastline, the longest such section on the West Coast of the United States excepting A ...

, aged 81.

Filmography

* '' The Trial of Mary Dugan'' (1929) as Henry James Plaisted * ''

'' (1929) as Algy * ''

Charming Sinners ''Charming Sinners'' is a 1929 American pre-Code comedy film directed by Robert Milton and Dorothy Arzner (who was uncredited), with a screenplay by Doris Anderson adapted from the 1926 play '' The Constant Wife'' written by W. Somerset Maug ...

'' (1929) as Gregson * '' Three Live Ghosts'' (1929) as Spoofy * '' In the Next Room'' (1930) as Parks (the butler) * '' Slightly Scarlet'' (1930) as Albert Hawkins * ''

Such Men Are Dangerous ''Such Men Are Dangerous'' (a.k.a. ''The Mask of Love'') is a 1930 American pre-Code drama film directed by Kenneth Hawks and written by Ernest Vajda. The film is based on a novella by Elinor Glyn who based her story on the 1928 real-life disapp ...

'' (1930) as Fred Wyndham * '' Murder Will Out'' (1930) as Alan Fitzhugh * ''

Ladies Love Brutes ''Ladies Love Brutes'' is a 1930 American pre-Code comedy film The comedy film is a film genre that emphasizes humor. These films are designed to amuse audiences and make them laugh. Films in this genre typically have a happy ending, with ...

'' (1930) as Tailor * ''

The Czar of Broadway ''The Czar of Broadway'' is a 1930 American pre-Code crime film produced and distributed by Universal Pictures, directed by William James Craft and starring John Wray, Betty Compson, John Harron and Claud Allister. Plot Jay Grant is a journal ...

'' (1930) as Francis * ''

The Florodora Girl ''The Florodora Girl'' is a 1930 American pre-Code drama film directed by Harry Beaumont and written by Ralph Spence, Al Boasberg and Robert E. Hopkins. The film stars Marion Davies, Lawrence Gray, Walter Catlett, and Ilka Chase. The film was ...

'' (1930) as Lord Rumblesham * ''

Monte Carlo Monte Carlo ( ; ; or colloquially ; , ; ) is an official administrative area of Monaco, specifically the Ward (country subdivision), ward of Monte Carlo/Spélugues, where the Monte Carlo Casino is located. Informally, the name also refers to ...

'' (1930) as Prince Otto von Liebenheim * '' Reaching for the Moon'' (1930) as Sir Horace Partington Chelmsford * ''

Captain Applejack ''Captain Applejack'' is a 1931 American Pre-Code comedy film, produced and distributed by Warner Brothers. The film was directed by Hobart Henley and stars John Halliday, Mary Brian, and Arthur Edmund Carewe.''Pictorial History of the Talkie ...

'' (1931) as John Jason * '' Meet the Wife'' (1931) as Victor Staunton * ''

I Like Your Nerve ''I Like Your Nerve'' is a 1931 American pre-Code romantic comedy film directed by William C. McGann, starring Douglas Fairbanks, Jr. and Loretta Young. Boris Karloff has a small role. Plot In Latin America Latin America is the cultura ...

'' (1931) as Archie Lester * '' Platinum Blonde'' (1931) as Dawson, the Valet * ''

The Sea Ghost ''The Sea Ghost'' is a 1931 American pre-Code film directed by William Nigh and starring Alan Hale, Clarence Wilson, Claud Allister and Laura La Plante. The film was retitled ''U 67'' for its American reissue, stating in the foreword that "som ...

'' (1931) as Percy Atwater * '' On the Loose'' (1931) as Mr. Loder's friend * ''

The Unexpected Father ''The Unexpected Father'' is a 1932 American comedy film directed by Thornton Freeland and starring Slim Summerville, Zasu Pitts, and Cora Sue Collins.Stumpf p. 136 It was produced and distributed by Universal Pictures. The film's sets were desig ...

'' (1932) as Claude * ''

Two White Arms ''Two White Arms'', also known as ''Wives Beware'', is a 1932 British comedy film directed by Fred Niblo and starring Adolphe Menjou, Margaret Bannerman and Claud Allister. It is adapted from a play by Harold Dearden. Produced by Eric Hakim Pr ...

'' (1932) as Dr. Biggash * '' Diamond Cut Diamond'' (1932) as Joe Fragson * ''

The Return of Raffles ''The Return of Raffles'' is a 1932 British crime film directed by Mansfield Markham and starring George Barraud, Camilla Horn and Claud Allister. It is based on the A.J. Raffles stories by EW Hornung and inspired by the success of the 1930 ...

'' (1932) as Bunny * ''

The Midshipmaid ''The Midshipmaid'' is a 1932 British comedy film directed by Albert de Courville and starring Jessie Matthews, Frederick Kerr, Basil Sydney and Nigel Bruce. The film is based on the 1931 play of the same title by Ian Hay and Stephen Ki ...

'' (1932) as Chinley * '' That's My Wife'' (1933) as Archie Trevor * '' Excess Baggage'' (1933) as Col. Murgatroyd, RSVP * ''

Sleeping Car The sleeping car or sleeper (often ) is a railway passenger car (rail), passenger car that can accommodate all passengers in beds of one kind or another, for the purpose of sleeping. George Pullman was the main American innovator and owner of sl ...

'' (1933) as Baron Delande * ''

The Private Life of Henry VIII ''The Private Life of Henry VIII'' is a 1933 British biographical drama film directed and co-produced by Alexander Korda and starring Charles Laughton, Robert Donat, Merle Oberon and Elsa Lanchester. It was written by Lajos Bíró and Arthur ...

'' (1933) as Cornell * '' The Medicine Man'' (1933) as Hon. Freddie Wiltshire * ''

Those Were the Days Those Were the Days may refer to: Music Albums * ''Those Were the Days'' (Johnny Mathis album) (1968) * ''Those Were the Days'' (Cream album) (1997) * ''Those Were the Days'' (Dolly Parton album) (2005) * '' Those Were the Days – The Best of L ...

'' (1934) as Capt. Horace Vale * ''

The Return of Bulldog Drummond ''The Return of Bulldog Drummond'' is a 1934 British thriller film directed by Walter Summers and starring Ralph Richardson, Ann Todd and Claud Allister. It was based on the 1922 novel '' The Black Gang'' by H.C. McNeile and was the fourth f ...

'' (1934) as Algy Longworth * '' The Lady Is Willing'' (1934) as Brevin * ''

The Private Life of Don Juan ''The Private Life of Don Juan'' is a 1934 British comedy-drama film directed by Alexander Korda and starring Douglas Fairbanks, Merle Oberon and Benita Hume. At the age of 51, it was the final role of Fairbanks, who died five years later. Th ...

'' (1934) as The Duke, as Dukes Go * ''

Every Night at Eight ''Every Night at Eight'' is a 1935 American comedy musical film starring George Raft and Alice Faye and made by Walter Wanger Productions Inc. and Paramount Pictures. It was directed by Raoul Walsh and produced by Walter Wanger from a screenp ...

'' (1935) as Mr. Vernon (uncredited) * '' The Dark Angel'' (1935) as Lawrence Bidley * '' Three Live Ghosts'' (1936) as Lord 'Spoofy' Brockton * ''

Dracula's Daughter ''Dracula's Daughter'' is a 1936 American vampire horror film produced by Universal Pictures as a sequel to the 1931 film ''Dracula''. Directed by Lambert Hillyer from a screenplay by Garrett Fort, the film stars Otto Kruger, Gloria Holden in ...

'' (1936) as Sir Aubrey * ''

Yellowstone Yellowstone National Park is a List of national parks of the United States, national park of the United States located in the northwest corner of Wyoming, with small portions extending into Montana and Idaho. It was established by the 42nd U ...

'' (1936) as Guest with Monocole * ''

Lady Luck Lady Luck, a personification of luck, may refer to: Fiction and mythology * Fortuna, in Roman mythology, goddess of fortune * Tyche, in Greek mythology, goddess of fortune * Lady Luck (comics), a character created by Will Eisner Film * ''L ...

'' (1936) as Briggs * ''

Let's Make a Night of It ''Let's Make a Night of It'' is a 1937 British musical comedy film directed by Graham Cutts and starring Charles "Buddy" Rogers, June Clyde and Claire Luce. The screenplay concerns a husband and his wife, who acquire rival nightclubs at the same ...

'' (1937) as Monty * '' Bulldog Drummond at Bay'' (1937) as Algy Longworth * '' Danger: Love at Work'' (1937) as Salesman * ''

The Awful Truth ''The Awful Truth'' is a 1937 American screwball comedy film directed by Leo McCarey, and starring Irene Dunne and Cary Grant. Based on the 1922 play ''The Awful Truth'' by Arthur Richman, the film recounts a distrustful rich couple who begin ...

'' (1937) as Lord Fabian (uncredited) * ''

Kentucky Moonshine ''Kentucky Moonshine'' is a 1938 American comedy musical film directed by David Butler and released by 20th Century Fox. Plot Radio star Jerry Wade's program ratings are falling and he suggests to his sponsors a show that is different and he ...

'' (1938) as Lord Boffingwell (uncredited) * ''

Men Are Such Fools ''Men are Such Fools'' is a 1938 American romantic comedy directed by Busby Berkeley and written by Norman Reilly Raine and Horace Jackson. The film stars Wayne Morris, Priscilla Lane, Humphrey Bogart, Hugh Herbert, Johnnie Davis, and Penny S ...

'' (1938) as Rudolf * '' Blond Cheat'' (1938) as Lord Basil Sheldon (uncredited) * ''

Storm Over Bengal Storm Over Bengal is a 1938 American adventure film that was nominated at the 11th Academy Awards for Best Score, the nomination was for Cy Feuer. Set during the British Raj, the film's working title was ''Bengal Lancer Patrol''.p. 15 ''San Anto ...

'' (1938) as Redding * ''

Arrest Bulldog Drummond ''Arrest Bulldog Drummond'' is a 1938 American crime thriller film directed by James P. Hogan. It was the sixth of eight B-pictures featuring the character produced by Paramount Pictures in the late 1930s. All but the first starred John Howard a ...

'' (1939) as Sir Basil Leghorne * ''

Captain Fury ''Captain Fury'' is a 1939 American Western film directed by Hal Roach. It is set in colonial Australia as one of Hollywood's few attempts to depict Australian history.' Plot In the 1840s, Captain Michael Fury ( Brian Aherne) is an Irish pa ...

'' (1939) as Suco * ''

Lillian Russell Lillian Russell (born Helen Louise Leonard; December 4, 1860 or 1861 – June 6, 1922) was an American actress and singer. She became one of the most famous actresses and singers of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, praised for her beaut ...

'' (1940) as Arthur Sullivan * ''

Pride and Prejudice ''Pride and Prejudice'' is the second published novel (but third to be written) by English author Jane Austen, written when she was age 20-21, and later published in 1813. A novel of manners, it follows the character development of Elizabe ...

'' (1940) as Mr. Beck (uncredited) * '' The Reluctant Dragon'' (1941) as Sir Giles (voice) * ''

Charley's American Aunt ''Charley's Aunt'' is a 1941 American historical comedy film directed by Archie Mayo. It stars Jack Benny and Kay Francis. It was the fourth American filmed version of the 1892 stage farce of the same name by Brandon Thomas. It remained one of B ...

'' (1941) as Cricket Match Spectator * ''

A Yank in the R.A.F. ''A Yank in the R.A.F.'' is a 1941 American war drama film directed by Henry King and starring Tyrone Power, Betty Grable and John Sutton. Released three months before the attack on Pearl Harbor plunged the United States into World War II, it ...

'' (1941) as Officer/Motorist (uncredited) * ''

Never Give a Sucker an Even Break ''Never Give a Sucker an Even Break'' is a 1941 American comedy film directed by Edward F. Cline and starring W. C. Fields, Gloria Jean, and Leon Errol. Fields also wrote the original story, under the pseudonym Otis Criblecoblis. Fields plays ...

'' (1941) as Bitten Englishman (uncredited) * ''

Confirm or Deny ''Confirm or Deny'' is a 1941 war drama film directed by Archie Mayo and starring Don Ameche, Joan Bennett and Roddy McDowall. It was produced and distributed by Hollywood studio 20th Century Fox. The screenplay was written by Jo Swerling, b ...

'' (1941) as William (scenes deleted) * '' Don't Get Personal'' (1942) as Sir Cecil (uncredited) * '' Forever and a Day'' (1943) as William Barstow * ''

The Hundred Pound Window ''The Hundred Pound Window'' is a 1944 British Comedy film, comedy crime film directed by Brian Desmond Hurst and starring Anne Crawford, David Farrar (actor), David Farrar, Frederick Leister and Richard Attenborough. An accountant has to take a ...

'' (1944) as Hon. Freddie * '' The Captain from Köpenick'' (completed in 1941, released in 1945), aka ''I Was a Criminal'' as First Railroad Employee * '' Kiss the Bride Goodbye'' (1945) as Adolphus Pickering * ''

Don Chicago ''Don Chicago'' is a 1945 British B movie, second feature ('B') crime comedy film directed by Maclean Rogers and starring Jackie Hunter (actor), Jackie Hunter, Joyce Heron and Claud Allister. The screenplay was by Austin Melford based on the 19 ...

'' (1945) as Lord Piccadilly * ''

Gaiety George ''Gaiety George'' (also known as ''Showtime'') is a 1946 British historical musical film directed by George King and Leontine Sagan and starring Richard Greene, Ann Todd and Peter Graves.Harper p.179 It is set in the late Victorian music hall, wh ...

'' (1946) as Archie * ''

Dumb Dora Discovers Tobacco ''Dumb Dora Discovers Tobacco'' (also known as ''Fag End'' ) is a 1946 British second feature ('B') short film directed by Charles Hawtrey and starring Ronald Waldman, Henry Kendall and Flora Robson. It was written by Henry King, Victor Ka ...

'' (1946) as Sir Percival * ''

Quartet In music, a quartet (, , , , ) is an ensemble of four singers or instrumental performers. Classical String quartet In classical music, one of the most common combinations of four instruments in chamber music is the string quartet. String quar ...

'' (1948) as 1st. Clubman (segment "The Colonel's Lady") * ''

The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad ''The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad'' is a 1949 American animated anthology film produced by Walt Disney Productions and released by RKO Radio Pictures. It consists of two segments: the first based on Kenneth Grahame's 1908 children's novel ...

'' (1949) as Ratty (voice) * ''

Hong Kong Hong Kong)., Legally Hong Kong, China in international treaties and organizations. is a special administrative region of China. With 7.5 million residents in a territory, Hong Kong is the fourth most densely populated region in the wor ...

'' (1952) as Hotel Manager * '' Down Among the Sheltering Palms'' (1953) as Woolawei (uncredited) * ''

Kiss Me Kate ''Kiss Me, Kate'' is a musical with music and lyrics by Cole Porter and a book by Bella and Samuel Spewack. The story involves the production of a musical version of William Shakespeare's ''The Taming of the Shrew'' and the conflict on and off- ...

'' (1953) as Paul * ''

The Black Shield of Falworth ''The Black Shield of Falworth'' is a 1954 American Technicolor historical adventure film from Universal-International, produced by Robert Arthur (film producer), Robert Arthur and Melville Tucker and directed by Rudolph Maté. It stars Tony Cur ...

'' (1954) as Sir George

References

External links

* * {{DEFAULTSORT:Allister, Claud 1888 births 1970 deaths Burials at Westwood Village Memorial Park Cemetery English male film actors Male actors from London 20th-century English male actors English expatriate male actors in the United States British Army personnel of World War I Suffolk Regiment officers Machine Gun Corps officers Military personnel from London