Golden Age of Hollywood Book Club discussion

#64.....Bebe Daniels? I know she left the US for England with her husband, Ben Lyon, and became quite popular in the UK, especially on the BBC. In fact, #63 looks like her husband, Ben Lyon but I don't think he had a mustache.

Jill wrote: "Great job, Betsy on #54."

Thanks, I'm so glad that one is done.

'no' to Bebe Daniels...

Darn, I thought sure I had that one.

Any clues for #63 and #64?

striking-looking woman for Quiz #65

#65 looks so familiar. British?

Yes --the last three (since John Boxer solution) are all Brits. And these were fairly big names too (in their day).

I need a moment to think of some clues for #63 and #64, stand by ...

#63 is Welsh; and not just an stage/screen actor but eventually a writer, producer, and director. But while still an actor he appears in an extraordinary number of films in the 1930s. In the 40s, movies trickled down as his other pursuits gained ascendance. He is the co-author of a hit comedy play/film. He was long-lived; and in the 50s/60s can still be find playing Scotland Yard inspectors or British colonial officials. He was happily married, and retained his dashing good looks throughout his days.

Clue for #64: if I grasp the information correctly, she is one of the few stars who have recognition on both the Hollywood Walk-of-Fame and an order-of-merit (or one of those types of things), from the Queen of England.

There's better clues I might offer but this strikes me as worth mentioning.

#63.....Emlyn Williams?

no banana

#64 was a 'Goldwyn Girl' (more or less) and before relocating to GB, was big in Hollywood between 31 and 34. Working with Harold Lloyd and for Capra. And the achievements kept coming well into the twilight of her career; Tony awards, and the like. She eventually worked with Olivier and performed the works of O'Neill and Albee.

making up for 'stingy' clues this past couple weeks!

#64......Constance Cummings?

Yes! a winner!

It took me a while since the photo was her at a younger age. Now we have #63 and #65. And I know that I recognize #65 if I can dig out the name or a film she was in. #63 is another problem. C'mon, Betsy.

Moreover, because I am positive that you are quite familiar with a specific film in which #65 appears.

Very good, Jill. Have been working on #65, but she is proving elusive.

#65 comes from the far north of England; and she also had a younger brother who was also a fairly well-known actor.

Almost all of your clues for #63 fit Ivor Novello, The picture kind of looks like him but he died in 1951, so that puts him out of the dates you mentioned. He was gay and partnered with Bobbie Andrews for his adult life but I don't think the UK recognized same sex marriage. If so, yes, he was happily married. But I don't think it is him but I'm trying to talk myself into it!!!

Naah. I wouldn't submit anyone for a quiz candidate if we've been speaking about them directly in the context of another thread.

#65 looks like Elizabeth Russell but I don't think she is British.

I thought about Ivor Novello too, but as you say, Jill, it didn't quite fit. You're doing much better on #65, and I know I've seen her.

I am sure I know who she is but just can't quite come up with it. The clue about her brother should job the memory but it it isn't for some reason.

Perhaps a fresh picture for #65 will get you a step closer.

Guess for #63 - Eynon Evans?

#63 & #65 still unguessed

additional clue for #63:
the drawing-room comedy he co-wrote is a vehicle which hosts several famous stars of a later generation than his. Deb Kerr, among others

#65....Linden Travers!!! I think the second photo is from The Lady Vanishes. She played the mistress of Cecil Parker. If it isn't her, then I don't have a clue.

Yes! A winnah! #65 it certainly is Linden Travers. Yep. From 'The Lady Vanishes'.

Elder sis of Bill Travers. You recall him as the Scot - speaking company commander in the fine Sidney Poitier/James Garner cult western, 'Duel at Diablo'.

Linden was also in the notorious 'worst film ever shown in Britain', 'No Orchids for Miss Blandish'

I didn't know she was Bill Travers' sister.

Now, who in the devil is #63. Are we going to be embarrassed if we don't figure it out.....the clues are terrific and he should be easy to find. (Is it Ivor Novello? Just kidding.)

Great going, Jill. No wonder she seemed familiar since I saw that not long ago.

Bill Travers was also married to Virginia McKenna of 'Carve Her Name With Pride.' Talk about a sad story.

I kept saying to myself "I know this woman, I know this woman" and the second photo which I believe is from The Lady Vanishes gave it to me. She was a very striking beauty.

Perhaps #63 needs to be seen in a more mature photo. But I assure you he was in some of the major British films of the 1930s.

Jack Warner?

Cold guess. cold cold cold...

Brrrrrrr!!!!

Nigel Patrick? Or is he another ice cube?:0)

no banana

He looks like he could be Roger Moore's brother, if Roger Moore had a brother.

Did he ever appear in any of Hitchcock's British made films?

I don't see any nope

I'm trying to trace him through his films and the play he wrote rather than his looks which seem to change in every picture and stump me. One question......was the play presented in England or in America?

the play opened in London; did not run in the USA. The movie did well in GB but bombed in the States.

the playwrights were lucky enough to also write the adaptation from stage to film

It's a very 'nice' movie; a flick where everyone behaves themselves; cocktails and canapes and manservants

I like that Travers was more than just an actor. Fervent animal rights activist, according to his bio. Anyway I love 'Duel at Diablo'. Superb western.

I've been working on the Welsh angle. Maybe the new photos will help. He's certainly intense in the second, and is he in uniform?

I think this is the longest stumper we have ever had, except for the guy, early on who we couldn't get at all and Feliks had to tell us.

H'mmm, I can't find any convenient info about his war service. It may be that he was well above draft age when war broke out.

Another pic:


I think you will be slightly pained when his name finally emerges because it's the same kind of thing as with 'Lady Vanishes' --he's been in not just one but several massively famous, 'veddy veddy British' movie spectacles which I am sure you both know very well. I mean just look at that face! He's a star from head to toe.

the Welsh and the Scots are certainly a handsome people