Basil Radford

Basil Radford

Name	Basil Radford
Birth name
Birth date	(1897-06-25)25 June 1897
Birth place	Chester, Cheshire, England
Death date	20 October 1952(1952-10-20) (aged 55)
Death place	Westminster, London, England
Alma mater
Occupation	Actor
Years active	1929–1952
Organization
Known for
Notable works
Spouse(s)
Website

Basil Radford (25 June 1897 – 20 October 1952) was a prominent English actor, best known for his roles in British films during the 1930s and 1940s. He often appeared alongside Naunton Wayne, forming a popular comic duo.

Early Life

Basil Radford was born in Chester, Cheshire, England. He was educated at Uppingham School and later attended Repton School. His early interest in acting led him to pursue a career in the theatre.

Career

Radford began his acting career on the stage, performing in various theatrical productions. His transition to film came in the late 1920s, with his first credited film role in The Return of the Rat (1929).

Film Career

Radford's film career took off in the 1930s. He became widely recognized for his role in Alfred Hitchcock's The Lady Vanishes (1938), where he played the character Charters. This role marked the beginning of his successful partnership with Naunton Wayne, who played Caldicott. The duo became famous for their portrayals of quintessentially English gentlemen, often providing comic relief.

Radford and Wayne reprised their roles as Charters and Caldicott in several films, including Night Train to Munich (1940) and Millions Like Us (1943). Their chemistry and comedic timing made them a beloved pair in British cinema.

Radio and Television

In addition to his film work, Radford also appeared on radio and television. He was a regular performer on the BBC radio series Band Waggon and Much-Binding-in-the-Marsh. His television appearances included roles in early British TV dramas and comedies.

Personal Life

Radford was married to Shirley Deuchars, and they had one son. He was known for his love of cricket and was a member of the Marylebone Cricket Club.

Death

Basil Radford died on 20 October 1952 in Westminster, London, at the age of 55. His contribution to British cinema, particularly his work with Naunton Wayne, remains celebrated.

Legacy

Radford's work, especially his partnership with Wayne, has left a lasting impact on British film comedy. Their characters, Charters and Caldicott, have become iconic representations of British humor and wit.

Also see

• Naunton Wayne
• The Lady Vanishes
• Night Train to Munich
• British cinema of the 1930s
• Alfred Hitchcock