Herbert Wilcox

Born 19 April 1890 West Norwood, London, England, UK

Died 15 May 1977 London, England, UK (after long illness)

Birth Name Herbert Sydney Wilcox

Mini Bio (1) Herbert Wilcox was born on April 19, 1890 in West Norwood, London, England as Herbert Sydney Wilcox. He was a producer and director, known for Victoria the Great (1937), Spring in Park Lane (1948) and Nell Gwyn (1926). He was married to Anna Neagle, Maud Violet Bower and Dorothy Brown. He died on May 15, 1977 in London.

Anna Neagle (9 August 1943 - 15 May 1977) ( his death)

Maud Violet Bower (1918 - ?) ( divorced) ( 4 children)

Dorothy Brown (1916 - 1917) ( divorced)

London, England, November 15, 1938 (by cable): Statement of affairs of Imperator Films, in voluntary liquidation, lists $622,985 owing to unsecured creditors, among whom are Herbert Wilcox ($136,165) and Anna Neagle ($127,885). Both Wilcox and Miss Neagle have cabled from Hollywood expressing the wish that their claims be set aside until other creditors have been paid. Herbert Wilcox Productions, also in voluntary liquidation, lists debts to unsecured creditors of $310,125. Sir Harold Moore is liquidator for both firms, though creditors are discussing appointment of a co-liquidator.

Co-founder of British International Pictures.

Served with the Royal Flying Corps during World War I.

Began in the motion picture industry as a salesman and distributor of American silent pictures with Astra Films in 1919. Produced films under his own banner from 1922, with imported American stars such as Dorothy Gish and Mae Marsh. Built Elstree Studios and set up British National. Experimented with color cinematography (Prizmacolour). Ousted from British National and subsequently established British & Dominions at Elstree in 1928, quick to implement Western Electric Sound. A noted entrepreneur and prolific producer of films, half of which he also directed, with varying success. In Hollywood, his films were distributed by RKO (1938, 1940-42) and 20th Century-Fox (1945). He declared bankruptcy in 1964.

After 1932 Anna Neagle only starred in two films not directed by Wilcox. They were married in 1943. Best of their joint output were such period dramas as Nell Gwyn (1934) and Peg of Old Drury (1935), and biopics of Queen Victoria.

Founder of Herbert Wilcox Productions.

Built Elstree Studios.

Co-founder, with wife Anna Neagle, of Imperator Films, which went bankrupt in 1938.

Founded British National Pictures.

Co-founder of British & Dominions Film Corp. in 1928.

Father of John Wilcox.

Great uncle of Nicholas Hoult.

He was awarded the CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) in the 1951 King's New Year Honours List for his services to the film industry.

Personal Quotes (1) [on Errol Flynn] His love of life defeated his ability as an artist.