Frank Cellier (23 February 1884 – 27 September 1948) was an English actor. Early in his career, from 1903 to 1920, he toured in Britain, Germany, the

West Indies The West Indies is a subregion of North America, surrounded by the North Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea that includes 13 independent island countries and 18 dependencies and other territories in three major archipelagos: the Great ...

, America and South Africa. In the 1920s, he became known in the

West End West End most commonly refers to: * West End of London, an area of central London, England * West End theatre, a popular term for mainstream professional theatre staged in the large theatres of London, England West End may also refer to: Pl ...

for Shakespearean character roles, among others, and also directed some plays in which he acted. He continued to act on stage until 1946. During the 1930s and 1940s, he also appeared in more than three dozen films.

Biography

Early years

François Cellier,''The Times'', 27 March 1925, p. 5 always known as Frank, was born in

Surbiton Surbiton is a suburban neighbourhood in South West London, within the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames (RBK). It is next to the River Thames, southwest of Charing Cross. Surbiton was in the historic county of Surrey and since 1965 it h ...

, Surrey, the only son of the

conductor Conductor or conduction may refer to: Music * Conductor (music), a person who leads a musical ensemble, such as an orchestra. * ''Conductor'' (album), an album by indie rock band The Comas * Conduction, a type of structured free improvisation ...

François Cellier and his wife, Clara ''née'' Short. He had five sisters and was educated at

Cranleigh School Cranleigh School is a public school (English independent day and boarding school) in the village of Cranleigh, Surrey. History It was opened on 29 September 1865 as a boys' school 'to provide a sound and plain education, on the principle ...

.''The Times'', obituary notice, 28 September 1948, p. 7 After leaving school, he spent three years in business. In 1903, Cellier made his first stage appearance as Clement Hale in

Arthur Wing Pinero Sir Arthur Wing Pinero (24 May 185523 November 1934) was an English playwright and, early in his career, actor. Pinero was drawn to the theatre from an early age, and became a professional actor at the age of 19. He gained experience as a supp ...

's '' Sweet Lavender'' at the ''Town Hall'' in

Reigate Reigate ( ) is a town in Surrey, England, around south of central London. The settlement is recorded in Domesday Book in 1086 as ''Cherchefelle'' and first appears with its modern name in the 1190s. The earliest archaeological evidence for huma ...

and thereafter made acting his career, also doing some stage manager work. In the autumn of that year he went on tour with William Poel's company in '' Doctor Faustus'', and later toured in a number of

Shakespeare William Shakespeare ( 26 April 1564 – 23 April 1616) was an English playwright, poet and actor. He is widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language and the world's pre-eminent dramatist. He is often called England's natio ...

an roles in the company of

Ian Maclaren John Watson (3 November 1850 – 6 May 1907), was a minister of the Free Church of Scotland. He is remembered as an author of fiction, known by his pen name Ian Maclaren. Life The son of John Watson, a civil servant, he was born in Manningtre ...

. He then extended his repertory in a wide variety of roles which he undertook on tour with the actress Florence Nellie Glossop-Harris (d. 1932), daughter of the actor-manager

Augustus Harris Sir Augustus Henry Glossop Harris (18 March 1852 – 22 June 1896) was a British actor, impresario, and dramatist, a dominant figure in the West End theatre, West End theatre of the 1880s and 1890s. Born into a theatrical family, Harris briefl ...

, whom he married in 1910. She divorced him in 1925. They had a daughter,

Antoinette Antoinette is a given name, that is a diminutive feminine form of Antoine and Antonia (from Latin ''Antonius''). People with the name include: Nobles * Antoinette de Maignelais, Baroness of Villequier by marriage (1434–1474), mistress of C ...

, who became an actress and married actor

Bruce Seton Sir Bruce Lovat Seton, 11th Baronet (29 May 1909 – 28 September 1969) was a British actor and soldier. He is best remembered for his eponymous lead role in ''Fabian of the Yard''. Early life Bruce Lovat Seton was born in Simla, British Ind ...

, He also has a son,

Peter Peter may refer to: People * List of people named Peter, a list of people and fictional characters with the given name * Peter (given name) ** Saint Peter (died 60s), apostle of Jesus, leader of the early Christian Church * Peter (surname), a su ...

, who is a TV, theatre and film actor. Cellier toured not only in Britain, but in Germany and the

, and did not make his debut in London until 1914, when under his own management he appeared in ''Cheer, Boys, Cheer''. After this he toured in America and South Africa, and did not appear again in London until 1920. "By this time," wrote ''The Times'', "his solid merit was appreciated after his long and arduous apprenticeship."

Shakespearean and other stage roles

Once established, Cellier pursued a career balancing new commercial plays – sometimes farce, often murder drama – and classical roles. His favourite part was

Hamlet ''The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark'', often shortened to ''Hamlet'' (), is a tragedy written by William Shakespeare sometime between 1599 and 1601. It is Shakespeare's longest play, with 29,551 words. Set in Denmark, the play depi ...

, and his other Shakespeare roles included Apemantus in ''

Timon of Athens ''Timon of Athens'' (''The Life of Tymon of Athens'') is a play written by William Shakespeare and probably also Thomas Middleton in about 1606. It was published in the '' First Folio'' in 1623. Timon lavishes his wealth on parasitic compani ...

'', the title role in '' Henry IV, Part 2'', Cassio in ''

Othello ''Othello'' (full title: ''The Tragedy of Othello, the Moor of Venice'') is a tragedy written by William Shakespeare, probably in 1603, set in the contemporary Ottoman–Venetian War (1570–1573) fought for the control of the Island of Cyp ...

'', Touchstone in ''

As You Like It ''As You Like It'' is a pastoral comedy by William Shakespeare believed to have been written in 1599 and first published in the First Folio in 1623. The play's first performance is uncertain, though a performance at Wilton House in 1603 has ...

'', Angelo in ''

Measure for Measure ''Measure for Measure'' is a play by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written in 1603 or 1604 and first performed in 1604, according to available records. It was published in the ''First Folio'' of 1623. The play's plot features its ...

'', Ford in ''

The Merry Wives of Windsor ''The Merry Wives of Windsor'' or ''Sir John Falstaff and the Merry Wives of Windsor'' is a comedy by William Shakespeare first published in 1602, though believed to have been written in or before 1597. The Windsor of the play's title is a ref ...

'', Quince in ''

A Midsummer Night's Dream ''A Midsummer Night's Dream'' is a comedy written by William Shakespeare 1595 or 1596. The play is set in Athens, and consists of several subplots that revolve around the marriage of Theseus and Hippolyta. One subplot involves a conflict ...

'' and Kent in ''

King Lear ''King Lear'' is a tragedy written by William Shakespeare. It is based on the mythological Leir of Britain. King Lear, in preparation for his old age, divides his power and land between two of his daughters. He becomes destitute and insane a ...

''. Two of his most celebrated roles were in ''

The Merchant of Venice ''The Merchant of Venice'' is a play by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written between 1596 and 1598. A merchant in Venice named Antonio defaults on a large loan provided by a Jewish moneylender, Shylock. Although classified as ...

'' and ''

Twelfth Night ''Twelfth Night'', or ''What You Will'' is a romantic comedy by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written around 1601–1602 as a Twelfth Night's entertainment for the close of the Christmas season. The play centres on the twins V ...

'', of which ''The Times'' said, "while he could wring the last drop of dramatic tension from the role of Shylock, he could also play Sir Toby Belch in such a way as to bring out the essence of the comedy without suggesting that the old reprobate had never known better days." In the

, he directed and played in numerous plays. His roles in these included the Nobleman in ''The Man with a Load of Mischief'' (1925), one of

Marie Tempest Dame Mary Susan Etherington, (15 July 1864 – 15 October 1942), known professionally as Marie Tempest, was an English singer and actress. Tempest became a famous soprano in late Victorian light opera and Edwardian musical comedies. Later, ...

's suitors in

Noël Coward Sir Noël Peirce Coward (16 December 189926 March 1973) was an English playwright, composer, director, actor, and singer, known for his wit, flamboyance, and what ''Time (magazine), Time'' magazine called "a sense of personal style, a combina ...

's '' The Marquise'' (1927), Sir Peter Teazle in ''

The School for Scandal ''The School for Scandal'' is a comedy of manners written by Richard Brinsley Sheridan. It was first performed in London at Drury Lane Theatre on 8 May 1777. Plot Act I Scene I: Lady Sneerwell, a wealthy young widow, and her hireling Sn ...

'' (1929) and the King in the ''Improper Duchess'' (1931). He starred in '' The Duchess of Dantzic'' in 1932 and directed and appeared in ''The Mask of Virtue'' (1935) with

Vivien Leigh Vivien Leigh ( ; 5 November 1913 – 8 July 1967; born Vivian Mary Hartley), styled as Lady Olivier after 1947, was a British actress. She won the Academy Award for Best Actress twice, for her definitive performances as Scarlett O'Hara in ''Gon ...

. He also appeared that year in ''

Espionage Espionage, spying, or intelligence gathering is the act of obtaining secret or confidential information ( intelligence) from non-disclosed sources or divulging of the same without the permission of the holder of the information for a tang ...

'', a play by

Walter C. Hackett Walter C. Hackett (November 10, 1876 – January 20, 1944) was an American-British playwright. Biography Several of his stage works (such as '' Ambrose Applejohn's Adventure'', ''The Freedom of the Seas'', ''The Regeneration'', ''Hyde Park Corn ...

, at the

Apollo Theatre The Apollo Theatre is a Grade II listed West End theatre, on Shaftesbury Avenue in the City of Westminster, in central London.

. His final stage role was the father in

Terence Rattigan Sir Terence Mervyn Rattigan (10 June 191130 November 1977) was a British dramatist and screenwriter. He was one of England's most popular mid-20th-century dramatists. His plays are typically set in an upper-middle-class background.Geoffrey Wa ...

's '' The Winslow Boy'' in 1946, which he played to great praise in London and was due to take to America but was prevented by ill-health from doing so.

Films and death

Beginning in the 1930s, Cellier played roles in films, including Sheriff Watson in

Alfred Hitchcock Sir Alfred Joseph Hitchcock (13 August 1899 – 29 April 1980) was an English filmmaker. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the history of cinema. In a career spanning six decades, he directed over 50 featur ...

's '' The 39 Steps'' (1935). He was also Monsieur Barsac in the comedy film '' The Guv'nor'' (1935). Cellier died in London in 1948 aged 64. His widow was his second wife, actress Phyllis Shannaw. Actor

Peter Cellier Peter Cellier (born 12 July 1928) is an English actor who has appeared in film, stage and television. He is known for his role as Sir Frank Gordon in ''Yes Minister'' and then ''Yes, Prime Minister'' in the 1980s. Early life Cellier was born i ...

is their son.

Filmography

* ''Gloria'' (1916) - Louis Martino * '' Her Reputation'' (1931) - Henry Sloane * '' Tin Gods'' (1932) - Major Drake * '' The Golden Cage'' (1933) - Julian Sande * '' Soldiers of the King'' (1933) - Col. Philip Markham * '' Doss House'' (1933) - Editor * ''

The Song You Gave Me ''The Song You Gave Me'' is a 1933 British musical film directed by Paul L. Stein, and starring Bebe Daniels, Victor Varconi, and Frederick Lloyd. It was made at Elstree Studios.Wood, Linda. ''British Films, 1927-1939''. British Film Institut ...

'' (1933) - Golf Club Patron (uncredited) * '' Colonel Blood'' (1934) - Col. Blood * '' The Fire Raisers'' (1934) - Brent * '' Jew Süss'' (1934) - (uncredited) * ''

Lorna Doone ''Lorna Doone: A Romance of Exmoor'' is a novel by English author Richard Doddridge Blackmore, published in 1869. It is a romance based on a group of historical characters and set in the late 17th century in Devon and Somerset, particularly ar ...

'' (1934) - Capt. Jeremy Stickles * '' The Dictator'' (1935) - Sir Murray Keith * '' The 39 Steps'' (1935) - Sheriff Watson * ''

The Passing of the Third Floor Back ''The Passing of the Third Floor Back'' is a 1935 British drama film directed by Berthold Viertel and starring Conrad Veidt, Anna Lee, Rene Ray and Frank Cellier. The film is based on a 1908 play and short story by Jerome K. Jerome and depicts ...

'' (1935) - Wright * '' The Guv'nor'' (1935) - Barsac * '' Rhodes of Africa'' (1936) - Barney Barnato * ''

Tudor Rose The Tudor rose (sometimes called the Union rose) is the traditional floral heraldic emblem of England and takes its name and origins from the House of Tudor, which united the House of Lancaster and the House of York. The Tudor rose consists of ...

'' (1936) - Henry VIII * '' The Man Who Changed His Mind'' (1936) - Lord Haslewood / Clayton * '' O.H.M.S.'' (1937) - Regimental Sergeant-Major Briggs * ''

Action for Slander ''Action for Slander'' is a 1937 British drama film directed by Tim Whelan and starring Clive Brook, Ann Todd and Googie Withers. The plot is about an army officer who is falsely accused at cheating at cards by a man whose wife he had an affair ...

'' (1937) - Sir Bernard Roper * '' Take My Tip'' (1937) - Paradine * ''

Non-Stop New York ''Non-Stop New York'' (also known as ''Lisbon Clipper Mystery'') is a 1937 British science fiction crime film directed by Robert Stevenson and starring John Loder, Anna Lee and Francis L. Sullivan. It is based on the 1936 novel ''Sky Stewar ...

'' (1937) - Sam Pryor * ''

Victoria the Great ''Victoria the Great'' is a 1937 British historical film directed by Herbert Wilcox and starring Anna Neagle, Anton Walbrook and Walter Rilla. When Laurence Housman's play '' Victoria Regina'' was banned by the Lord Chamberlain (in 1935 the r ...

'' (1937) - Minor Role (uncredited) * '' Kate Plus Ten'' (1938) - Sir Ralph Sapson * '' A Royal Divorce'' (1938) - Talleyrand * ''

Sixty Glorious Years ''Sixty Glorious Years'' is a 1938 British colour film directed by Herbert Wilcox. The film is a sequel to the 1937 film '' Victoria the Great''. The film is also known as ''Queen of Destiny'' in the US. Cast *Anna Neagle as Queen Victoria * ...

'' (1938) - Lord Derby * '' The Ware Case'' (1938) - Skinner * ''

The Spider The Spider is an American pulp-magazine hero of the 1930s and 1940s. The character was created by editor Harry Steeger and written by a variety of authors for 118 monthly issues of '' The Spider'' from 1933 to 1943. A 119th Spider novel manuscr ...

'' (1940) - Julian Ismay * '' The Midas Touch'' (1940) - Corris Morgan * '' Love on the Dole'' (1941) - Sam Grundy * '' Quiet Wedding'' (1941) - Mr. Clayton * '' Cottage to Let'' (1941) - John Forest * '' Jeannie'' (1941) - Man Who Has Lost His Keys (uncredited) * ''

Ships with Wings ''Ships with Wings'' is a 1941 British war film directed by Sergei Nolbandov and starring John Clements, Leslie Banks and Jane Baxter. The film is set during the Battle of Greece (1940-1941). It depicts military aviation. Plot During the Sec ...

'' (1942) - Gen. Scarappa * ''

The Black Sheep of Whitehall ''The Black Sheep of Whitehall'' (the opening credits read ''Black Sheep of Whitehall'') is a 1942 British black-and-white comedy war film, directed by Will Hay and Basil Dearden, starring Will Hay, John Mills, Basil Sydney and Thora Hird in h ...

'' (1942) - Innsbach * ''

The Big Blockade ''The Big Blockade'' is a 1942 British black-and-white war propaganda film in the style of dramatised documentary. It is directed by Charles Frend and stars Will Hay, Leslie Banks, Michael Redgrave and John Mills. It was produced by Michael Bal ...

'' (1942) - German: Schneider * ''

Give Us the Moon ''Give Us the Moon'' is a 1944 British comedy film directed and written by Val Guest and starring Vic Oliver, Margaret Lockwood and Peter Graves. Plot Made in 1943-44, the film is set in a future peacetime Britain, after the end of World War I ...

'' (1944) - Pyke * '' Quiet Weekend'' (1946) - Adrian Barrasford * '' The Magic Bow'' (1946) - Antonio * '' Easy Money'' (1948) - Manager (segment The Teddy Ball Story) * '' The Blind Goddess'' (1948) - The Judge (final film role)

Notes

External links

* {{DEFAULTSORT:Cellier, Frank Cellier family English male film actors English people of French descent 1884 births 1948 deaths People educated at Cranleigh School People from Surbiton 20th-century English male actors English male stage actors English theatre directors Male actors from Surrey