The Expressions of Harry Granville (1921) 🇬🇧

A short biography and a good story.

Harry Granville, well known to patrons of picture palaces, began his professional career on the music-hall stage. Before that, he had been employed in his father’s tobacco factory, but, to quote his own words, “I was sacked for smoking too much.”

At this time he says he thought he would like to be a doctor, but altered his mind when a chance came for him to appear on the music hall stage. This first appearance decided his career. He made a decided hit with the public in the turn we remember as Haines and Granville.

Then followed his screen career.

A Small Beginning

His first engagement was with “Cricks and Martin,” (Lion’s Head Films), in which he played a double part in “Out of His Element,” at the colossal salary of two-and-sixpence a day. He can afford to look back on those early struggles, and regard them is stepping-stones to the success which he has since achieved. Having made a name, he played with such well-known film companies as the Hepworth Productions [Cecil M. Hepworth], Windor Film Company, Sam Nelson Film Company, and in the Victory Films both in England and America.

Coming Photo-Plays

The last productions in which he played were “Up, Boys, and At ‘Em,” and in smaller parts in “To Save to a King,” “The Man Who Bought London,” “Deadwood Dick,” and “A Pair of Spectacles.” Mr. Granville has produced many pictures in America, but is now with the J. B. Film Productions, under which banner we shall see him shortly.

Enjoys Being Bad

Mr. Granville has played all parts and characters on the screen, but confesses to a partiality to being the bad man of the play. Harry tells the following good story against himself.

“While walking in the West End of London, some little while ago, after a hard day’s work in the studio, I passed a well-known picture house.

“On the streamers displayed above the theatre was the notice: ‘Harry Granville, in ‘Detective Burge and the Counterfeiters.’”

“On the pavement was a little urchin holding on to a big dog with a piece of string. The kiddie was looking at the display of the photograph with envy.

“This aroused my curiosity, and I went up to the child and asked him why. he was looking so sad.

“With a broad Cockney accent he replied: ‘Lumme, guv’nor, my mates is inside seeing this bloke Granville as a ‘tec. I ain’t got no money. So, I say, guv’nor, do you want to buy a dog so’s I kin see ‘im?’

Why He Was Most Pleased

Feeling sorry for the kid, and not wanting the dog, I gave him a coin; and, after thanking me, he made a bolt into the picture show. “Later that evening I happened to be strolling in the vicinity of the same picture house, and met the same kid. I recognised him, and he me. This time he was hugging the dog round the neck.

”I went to him, and asked him if he had seen the picture, and also ‘tec Granville? “He said: ‘Yes, guv’nor.’

”I asked him then if he were pleased with himself, and again he replied: ‘ Yus, guv’nor, very; but I am more pleased that I did not sell you my dog.’

”I do not mind telling you that I faded away quickly into the night.”

Twenty-Nine

Mr. Granville was born twenty-nine years ago on the 20th of October, in Manchester, Lancashire. His hobbies are motoring and writing picture plays. He is not married.

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Photo captions:

• He sees the joke.
• Deep in thought.
• What is it?
• Say that again.
• Just doubtful.
• A hearty laugh.

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It you want to write to him, address your letter —

c/o J. B. Productions.
5, St. Ann’s Chambers,Broadway,
Ludgate Hill,
E.C.4.

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(Special to the “Picture Show.”)

Collection: Picture Show Magazine, January 1921