Charles Villiers (actor)

Charles Villiers was an Australian actor and occasional director who appeared in many silent films. According to a contemporary report, "there is probably no actor in Australia that has done more consistent picture work than Mr. Villiers, both as heavy lead, and director."[1] He was particularly well known for playing villains.[2]

Biography

In 1912 Villiers managed Lytton's Picture Stadium in Orange.[1][3]

Villiers started working in films for the Australian Photoplay Company for whom he was one of their main actors. He then made a series of films for the Fraser Film Release and Photographic Company.

In 1914 he toured for 12 months with the Oliver Dramatic Company.[4]

Beaumont Smith later estimated Villiers appeared in more than 60 silent films.[5]

His wife was also an actor.[6]

Select filmography

Select theatre credits

  • The Scarlet Pimpernel (1909)[8]
  • The Sign of the Cross (1909)[9]
  • The Corsican Brothers (1909)[10]

References

  1. ^ a b "Personal". The Leader. Orange, NSW. 28 April 1919. p. 1. Retrieved 15 November 2014 – via National Library of Australia.
  2. ^ "MOVIE "HEAVY" CHATS LIGHTLY". Winner (Melbourne, Vic. : 1914–1917). Melbourne. 22 December 1915. p. 12. Retrieved 15 November 2014 – via National Library of Australia.
  3. ^ "Orange Town Band". The National Advocate. Bathurst, NSW. 22 November 1912. p. 1. Retrieved 15 November 2014 – via National Library of Australia.
  4. ^ "OFF TO SOUTH AUSTRALIA". The Leader. Orange, NSW. 16 June 1914. p. 2. Retrieved 15 November 2014 – via National Library of Australia.
  5. ^ "Who's Who in the Movies". Table Talk. Melbourne. 18 October 1928. p. 24. Retrieved 15 November 2014 – via National Library of Australia.
  6. ^ "Personal". The Leader. Orange, NSW. 12 January 1917. p. 5. Retrieved 15 November 2014 – via National Library of Australia.
  7. ^ "PERSONALITIES OF TORONTO MURDER TRIAL". The Evening News. Sydney. 30 June 1925. p. 16. Retrieved 15 November 2014 – via National Library of Australia.
  8. ^ "Advertising". The Brisbane Courier. 26 July 1909. p. 2. Retrieved 15 November 2014 – via National Library of Australia.
  9. ^ "AMUSEMENTS". The Register. Adelaide. 19 April 1909. p. 3. Retrieved 15 November 2014 – via National Library of Australia.
  10. ^ ""THE CORSICAN BROTHERS."". The Sunday Times. Sydney. 12 December 1909. p. 2. Retrieved 15 November 2014 – via National Library of Australia.


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