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Last updated on the 21 June 2024 by Evandrus
Mini Biography
Born: 20 September 1914, Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire, England.Â
Kenneth More was born in Gerrards Cross, at ‘Raeden’ on Vicarage Way. His parents were Charles Gilbert More, a Royal Naval Air Service pilot and Edith Winifred Watkins, the daughter of a Cardiff solicitor. He spent part of his early years in the Channel Islands, where his father managed the Jersey Eastern Railway. More attended Victoria College in Jersey for his education.
Following his graduation, Kenneth More initially pursued civil engineering in line with family tradition. However, he eventually changed course and briefly worked at Sainsbury’s on the Strand instead.
Following his father’s death, More attempted to join the Royal Air Force but was rejected due to an equilibrium issue. This setback did not deter him; instead, it propelled him towards a new path. He ventured to Canada with the intention of becoming a fur trapper but was deported due to inadequate immigration documentation. Upon his return to England, More found work at the Windmill Theatre, thanks to a family friend, which sparked his interest in acting.
Kenneth More’s acting career began in earnest with his stage debut in 1935. His breakthrough came with the film “Genevieve” in 1953, which established him as a leading man in British cinema. He shone in a variety of roles, from the carefree protagonist in “Doctor in the House” (1954) and “The Admirable Crichton” (1957), to more serious characters in “The Deep Blue Sea” (1955) and “Reach for the Sky” (1956). His portrayal of the heroic Douglas Bader in the latter remains one of his most celebrated performances.
Kenneth More’s career continued to flourish with memorable roles in “A Night to Remember” (1958), “North West Frontier” (1959), and “Sink the Bismarck” (1960). Despite a decline in the early 1960s, he experienced a resurgence with “The Forsyte Saga” (1967) and the “Father Brown” series (1974).
Kenneth More’s personal life was as eventful as his career. He married three times, first to Beryl Johnstone in 1939, then to Mabel Barkby in 1952 and finally to actress Angela Douglas in 1968. His marriages reflect the changing phases of his life, from his early struggles to his later successes. More was also a father, a role that he cherished alongside his professional achievements.
In conclusion, Kenneth More’s life was a tapestry of personal and professional triumphs. His legacy in British cinema is marked by a range of iconic performances that showcased his ability to connect with audiences through his genuine and relatable screen presence. More’s journey from a young man facing adversity to a celebrated actor is a testament to his resilience and talent.
Suggested viewing
North West Frontier (1959)
Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 7.1 Set against the backdrop of colonial India, the film centers on a British soldier stationed on the volatile North West Frontier. Rebel tensions rise among the local tribes, forcing him to navigate between his duty to the British Empire and his growing respect for the indigenous way of life. Caught in this cultural clash, he grapples with the harsh realities of war and colonialism, all while facing the dangers of the rugged frontier. Top cast: Kenneth More, Lauren Bacall, Herbert Lom, Wilfrid Hyde-White, I.S. Johar, Ursula Jeans, Eugene Deckers, Ian Hunter, Jack Gwillim. |
Sink the Bismarck! (1960)
Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 7.1 In the tense atmosphere of World War II, the British Navy relentlessly pursues the mighty German battleship Bismarck across the North Atlantic. The thrilling hunt tests the courage of both sides as the British strategise to overcome the seemingly invincible vessel, utilising every weapon at their disposal in a climactic battle that will ultimately alter the course of the war. Top cast: Kenneth More, Dana Wynter, Carl Möhner, Laurence Naismith, Geoffrey Keen, Karl Stepanek, Michael Hordern, Maurice Denham, Michael Goodliffe. |
Genevieve (1953)
Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 7.1 Two couples participate in a classic car rally from London to Brighton. Their lighthearted competition turns fierce as they race their vintage vehicles, with one car named Genevieve. The journey tests not only their mechanical skills but also their relationships, as breakdowns, competitiveness and potential sabotage add humour and tension to their adventure. Top cast: Dinah Sheridan, John Gregson, Kenneth More, Kay Kendall, Geoffrey Keen, Reginald Beckwith, Arthur Wontner, Joyce Grenfell, Leslie Mitchell. |
The Comedy Man (1964)
Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 6.8 The film follows an aging comedic actor struggling to find work in London’s bustling theatre scene. Despite his talent, his career dwindles as he stubbornly rejects opportunities he deems beneath him. Witnessing a younger colleague’s success and facing personal setbacks, he’s forced to confront his pride and adapt to the changing entertainment landscape, all while the harsh realities of life as a struggling actor threaten to dim his passion for the stage. Top cast: Kenneth More, Cecil Parker, Dennis Price, Billie Whitelaw, Norman Rossington, Angela Douglas, Edmund Purdom, Frank Finlay, Alan Dobie. |
The Admirable Crichton (1957)
Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 7.1 A shipwreck strands a group of wealthy passengers on a deserted island. Their butler, who previously deferred to their every whim, surprises everyone with his resourcefulness and leadership skills, guiding them towards survival. Meanwhile, a formerly high-society gentleman struggles to adapt to his new circumstances, highlighting the themes of social class, human nature and societal roles in the face of adversity. Top cast: Kenneth More, Diane Cilento, Cecil Parker, Sally Ann Howes, Martita Hunt, Jack Watling, Peter Graves, Gerald Harper. |
Reach for the Sky (1956)
Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 7.2 The story follows Douglas Bader who overcomes the loss of both legs in a pre-war flying accident. Refusing to be grounded, he endures grueling physical therapy to walk again and fight for his return to the skies. This perseverance pays off as he becomes a skilled fighter pilot during World War II, but his challenges aren’t over. Even after being shot down and captured, his spirit leads him to attempt numerous escapes, inspiring his fellow servicemen with his courage. Top cast: Kenneth More, Muriel Pavlow, Lyndon Brook, Lee Patterson, Alexander Knox, Dorothy Alison, Michael Warre, Sydney Tafler, Howard Marion-Crawford. Related to    |
The Greengage Summer (1961)
Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 6.7 During a summer vacation in France, five British siblings find themselves unexpectedly left to fend for themselves when their mother becomes ill. The glamorous owner of their small hotel reluctantly allows a mysterious Englishman to help them and as jealousy and intrigue simmer beneath the surface, the eldest daughter navigates a pivotal summer of freedom, discovery, and awakening desires. Top cast: Kenneth More, Danielle Darrieux, Susannah York, Claude Nollier, Jane Asher, Raymond Gérôme, Maurice Denham, Harold Kasket, André Maranne. |
![The Admirable Crichton (1957) ORIGINAL TRAILER [HD 1080p]](https://britishftv.co.uk/wp-content/cache/flying-press/IsBnDLe8dxg-hqdefault.jpg)
