John Baxter (director)
John Philip Baxter (31 December 1896 – 21 January 1975) was a British filmmaker active from the 1930s to the late-1950s. During that time, he produced, wrote, or directed several films. He directed Deborah Kerr in her first leading role in Love on the Dole (1941), and was the producer-director for the musical-comedy films of Flanagan and Allen during World War II.
John Philip Baxter | |
|---|---|
| Born | 31 December 1896 Kent, England |
| Died | 21 January 1975 (aged 78) London, England |
| Nationality | British |
| Occupation | Film director |
Early life and career
Baxter was born on 31 December 1896 in Kent.[1] He worked as a theatrical agent and theater manager. He became an assistant director in 1932.[1] He formed his own production company with his friend John Barter. He also acted in several films produced by Lance Comfort.[1]
Baxter played a major role in the foundation of National Film Finance Corporation in 1948.[1] He also directed and produced Judgment Deferred (1952) which was the first film of Group 3, a British government backed production venture.[1] His last film as a director was Ramsbottom Rides Again (1956) which featured Arthur Askey.[1]
Filmography
| Year | Title | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1933 | Doss House | |
| Song of the Plough | ||
| 1934 | Flood Tide | |
| Lest We Forget | ||
| Music Hall | Also writer | |
| Kentucky Minstrels | ||
| Say It With Flowers | Also writer | |
| 1935 | Jimmy Boy | |
| A Real Bloke | ||
| The Small Man | ||
| 1936 | Men of Yesterday | |
| Birds of a Feather | ||
| Hearts of Humanity | ||
| 1937 | The Song of the Road | |
| The Academy Decides | ||
| Talking Feet | ||
| 1938 | Stepping Toes | |
| 1939 | Secret Journey | |
| What Would You Do, Chums? | ||
| 1940 | Old Mother Riley in Society | |
| Laugh It Off | ||
| Love on the Dole | ||
| 1941 | The Common Touch | |
| Crook's Tour | ||
| Old Mother Riley's Ghosts | ||
| Old Mother Riley in Business | ||
| 1942 | We'll Smile Again | |
| Let the People Sing | Also writer | |
| The Shipbuilders | ||
| 1943 | Theatre Royal | |
| 1944 | Dreaming | |
| 1946 | Here Comes the Sun | |
| The Grand Escapade | ||
| 1947 | Fortune Lane | |
| 1948 | Nothing Venture | |
| When You Come Home | ||
| 1949 | Three Bags Full | |
| 1950 | The Dragon of Pendragon Castle | |
| The Second Mate | ||
| 1952 | Judgment Deferred | |
| 1953 | The Last Load | |
| 1956 | Ramsbottom Rides Again | Also writer |
Writer
- The Heart Within (1957)
Further reading
- Geoff Brown and Tony Aldgate (1989). The Common Touch: The Films of John Baxter. London: British Film Institute. ISBN 0-85170-242-2.
External links
- John Baxter at IMDb
- John Baxter at the BFI's Screenonline
References
- Shail, Robert (2007). British Film Directors: A Critical Guide. Southern Illinois University Press. pp. 25–27. ISBN 9780809328321. Retrieved 2014-04-29.
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