This Is Your Life: Harold French

Harold FRENCH (1897-1997)

THIS IS YOUR LIFE - Harold French, actor and film director, was surprised by Eamonn Andrews in the foyer of Thames Television's Euston Road Studios, having been led to believe he was there to be interviewed about his new book.

Harold, who was born in Wimbledon, was a successful boy actor and made his West End debut in Twelfth Night as a teenager. During the First World War, he joined the RAF as a cadet but was discharged because of bronchial trouble. Harold returned to the stage and appeared in Basil Dean's Blue Lagoon in 1920, which made him a star. He later moved into directing for theatre and had considerable success with Terence Rattigan's French Without Tears in 1936.

Having acted in several films during the 1930s, he had established himself as a successful film director by the outbreak of the Second World War. He directed such films as Secret Mission in 1942, My Brother Jonathan in 1948, and Rob Roy in 1953, which was chosen as that year's Royal Command Film. Harold retired from acting and directing in 1963.

programme details...

Edition No: 282
Subject No: 284
Broadcast date: Wed 27 May 1970
Broadcast time: 7.00-7.30pm
Recorded: Wed 13 May 1970
Venue: Euston Road Studios
Series: 10
Edition: 26

on the guest list...

Richard Briers
Mary De Weck - sister
Grace Seppings
Basil Dean
Roland Culver
Trevor Howard
Douglas Fairbanks Jr
Pegs - wife
Richard Todd
Amanda Barrie
Robin Hunter
Robert Coote
James Hayter
Cecily Courtneidge
Jack Hulbert
Rex Harrison
Kenneth More
Terence Rattigan
Yolande Turner
Brian Murray

production team...

Researcher: unknown
Writers: David Carter, Alan Haire
Director: Margery Baker
Producer: Robert Tyrrell

names above in bold indicate subjects of This Is Your Life

related pages...

Reel Life

cinematic celebrations

Series 10 subjects