Personal Info
Birth date
1912-02-25 (113 Years)
Day of death
1975-02-01
Gender
Male
Known for
Acting
Place of birth
Wednesbury, Staffordshire, England, UK
Also known as
Ричард Уоттис
Richard Cameron Wattis
Richard Wattis
Biography
Richard Cameron Wattis (25 February 1912 – 1 February 1975) was an English actor. After leaving the family business, Wattis became an actor. His debut was with Croydon Repertory Theatre, and he made many stage appearances in the West End in London. His first appearance in a film was A Yank at Oxford (1938), but war service interrupted his career as an actor. He served as a second lieutenant in the Small Arms Section of Special Operations Executive at Station VI during World War II (James Bond author, Ian Fleming worked in the same section). He is best known for his appearances, wearing his thick-rimmed round spectacles, in British comedies of the 1950s and 1960s, often as a "Man from the Ministry" or similar character. He was also involved as the secretary to Lord Scrumptious in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Such appearances included the St Trinian's films (The Belles of St Trinian's, Blue Murder at St Trinian's, and The Great St Trinian's Train Robbery) as Manton Bassett, a civil servant who was the Deputy Director of Schools in the Ministry of Education, where he was often seen frowning and expressing indignation at the outrageous behaviour of other characters. To American audiences, Wattis is probably best known for his performance as the British civil servant Northbrook in The Prince and the Showgirl (1957). He broke from this typecasting in his later films, such as his starring role in Games That Lovers Play. Wattis's other films included Hobson's Choice, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Carry On Spying, The Colditz Story, Dentist on the Job, Very Important Person, The Happiest Days of Your Life, and The Longest Day. He also appeared on television, including a long-running role in Sykes, and appearances in Danger Man, The Prisoner, The Goodies, Hancock's Half Hour, and Father, Dear Father. From 1957 to 1958, he appeared as Peter Jamison in three episodes of the American sitcom Dick and the Duchess.
Filmography
Hancock's Half Hour
7.5
Overview:
Hancock's Half Hour is a BBC television comedy series of the 1950s and 60s written by Ray Galton and Alan Simpson. The series starred Tony Hancock with Sid James. The final series, renamed simply Hancock, starred Hancock alone. Comedian Tony Hancock starred in the show, playing an exaggerated and much poorer version of his own character and lifestyle, Anthony Aloysius St John Hancock, a down-at-heel comedian living at the dilapidated 23 Railway Cuttings in East Cheam. The series was influential in the development of the situation comedy, with its move away from radio variety towards a focus on character development.The Avengers
7.734
Overview:
A quirky spy show of the adventures of eccentrically suave British Agent John Steed and his predominantly female partners. Jonathan Steed - an urbane, proper gentleman spy - teams with various assistants throughout the series' run, including Dr. David Keel, Cathy Gale, Emma Peel and Tara King, to repeatedly save the world from diabolical schemes plotted by equally diabolical evil-doers (among them robots and man-eating monsters).The Goodies
7.5
Overview:
A British television comedy series of the 1970s and early 1980s, combining surreal sketches and situation comedy.Sykes and a...
6
Overview:
A black-and-white British sitcom starring Eric Sykes and Hattie Jacques that aired on BBC1 from 1960 to 1965. It was written by Eric Sykes, Johnny Speight, John Antrobus and Spike Milligan. It was the first television series to feature both Sykes and Jacques, who later starred in 'Sykes and a Big, Big Show' and 'Sykes'.The Prisoner
7.735
Overview:
After resigning, a secret agent is abducted and taken to what looks like an idyllic village, but is really a bizarre Kafkaesque prison. His warders demand information. He gives them nothing, but only tries to escape.Sykes
6.4
Overview:
Classic sitcom starring Eric Sykes and Hattie Jacques as brother and sister twins who have to tackle the trials and tribulations of suburban life.Colonel March of Scotland Yard
7.3
Overview:
Colonel March of The Department of Queer Complaints investigates unusual cases, locked-room murders, and mysteries concerning the supernatural.Coppers End
NYR
Overview:
Coppers End is a police station where the policemen work very hard to avoid work. A crime would involve them filling in forms, making out reports and, heaven forbid, giving evidence in court. They also have more important things to do. Where else is a squad car available for hire for weddings, funerals, driving lessons and stock car racing?The Liberace Show
NYR
Overview:
This is a real treasure for the countless fans of this flamboyant pianist and singer whose talent was almost overshadowed by his glittering stage productions. With his dazzling piano virtuosity and sparkling personality, Liberace endeared himself to millions. Dressed in his exotic suits and with a candelabra always present on the piano, he brought a special magic and charm to everything he played, whether it be the classics or the latest popular song. Here he runs the full gamut... from Chopin to Tin Pan Alley and all in his own unique style.Casino Royale
5.244
Overview:
Sir James Bond is called back out of retirement to stop SMERSH. In order to trick SMERSH, James thinks up the ultimate plan - that every agent will be named 'James Bond'. One of the Bonds, whose real name is Evelyn Tremble is sent to take on Le Chiffre in a game of baccarat, but all the Bonds get more than they can handle.The Longest Day
7.583
Overview:
The retelling of June 6, 1944, from the perspectives of the Germans, US, British, Canadians, and the Free French. Marshall Erwin Rommel, touring the defenses being established as part of the Reich's Atlantic Wall, notes to his officers that when the Allied invasion comes they must be stopped on the beach. "For the Allies as well as the Germans, it will be the longest day"Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
6.796
Overview:
A hapless inventor finally finds success with a flying car, which a dictator from a foreign government sets out to take for himself.The Man Who Knew Too Much
7.5
Overview:
A couple vacationing in Morocco with their young son accidentally stumble upon an assassination plot. When the child is kidnapped to ensure their silence, they have to take matters into their own hands to save him.Confessions of a Window Cleaner
4.871
Overview:
Young Timmy starts as a window cleaner in the little company of his brother. Soon he learns that some female customers expect additional service. Young and curious as he is, he reluctantly accepts the juicy duty. However his heart belongs to Liz, who demands the highest commitment until she lets him go all the way.Kind Hearts and Coronets
7.646
Overview:
When his mother eloped with an Italian opera singer, Louis Mazzini was cut off from her aristocratic family. After the family refuses to let her be buried in the family mausoleum, Louis avenges his mother's death by attempting to murder every family member who stands between himself and the family fortune. But when he finds himself torn between his longtime love and the widow of one of his victims, his plans go awry.The Prince and the Showgirl
6.4
Overview:
An American showgirl becomes entangled in political intrigue when the Prince Regent of a foreign country attempts to seduce her.Operation Crossbow
6.745
Overview:
Allied agents infiltrate the Nazi rocket complex at Peenemunde in order to obtain their secrets and sabotage the plant. The film alternates between German developments of the V-1 missile and V-2 rocket (with a German cast speaking their own language) and discovery by British Intelligence of the weapon.Hobson's Choice
7.315
Overview:
Henry Hobson owns and tyrannically runs a successful Victorian boot maker’s shop in Salford, England. A stingy widower with a weakness for overindulging in the local Moonraker Public House, he exploits his three daughters as cheap labour. When he declares that there will be ‘no marriages’ to avoid the expense of marriage settlements at £500 each, his eldest daughter Maggie rebels.The Alphabet Murders
5.7
Overview:
The Belgian detective Hercule Poirot investigates a series of murders in London in which the victims are killed according to their initials.Barnacle Bill
6.4
Overview:
A seasick sea captain commands an amusement pier despite local opposition. Released in the U.S. as 'All at Sea'The Great St. Trinian's Train Robbery
5.9
Overview:
The all-girl school foil an attempt by train robbers to recover two and a half million pounds hidden in their school.The Importance of Being Earnest
7.2
Overview:
Algernon Moncrieff is surprised to discover that his affluent friend -- whom he knows as "Ernest" -- is actually named Jack Worthing. Jack fabricated his alter ego in order to escape his country estate where he takes care of his charge, Cecily Cardew. Cecily believes that Ernest is Jack's wayward brother and is keen on his raffish lifestyle. Algernon, seeing an opportunity, assumes Ernest's identity and sneaks off to woo Cecily.The Man Who Never Was
7
Overview:
The true story of a British effort to trick the Germans into weakening Sicily's defenses before the 1943 attack. A dead soldier is dressed as a British officer and outfitted with faked papers showing that the Allies were intending to invade occupied Greece. His body is put into the sea where it will ultimately drift ashore and the papers be passed along to German Intelligence.Libel
6.854
Overview:
A California commercial pilot sees a telecast in London of an interview with Sir Mark Lodden at his home. The Canadian is convinced that the baronet is a fraud, and he is actually a look-alike actor named Frank Welney.The Inn of the Sixth Happiness
6.7
Overview:
All her life, Englishwoman Gladys Aylward knew that China was the place where she belonged. Not qualified to be sent there as a missionary, Gladys works as a domestic to earn the money to send herself to a poor, remote village. There she eventually lives a full and happy life: running the inn, acting as "foot inspector", advising the local Mandarin, and even winning the heart of mixed race Captain Lin Nan. But Gladys discovers her real destiny when the country is invaded by Japan and the Chinese children need her to save their lives. Based on a true story.The Belles of St. Trinian's
6.278
Overview:
The unruly schoolgirls of St Trinian's are more interested in men and mischief than homework and hockey. But greater trouble than ever beckons when the arrival at the school of Princess Fatima of Makyad coincides with the return of recently expelled Arabella Fritton, who has the kidnap of a prize racehorse on her mind. The first film in the classic comedy series.The Abominable Snowman
6.2
Overview:
A kindly English botanist and a gruff American promoter lead an expedition to the Himalayas in search of the legendary Yeti.Bunny Lake Is Missing
7.2
Overview:
A woman reports that her young daughter is missing, but there seems to be no evidence that she ever existed.Acting
1981Eric Sykes: One of the Great Troupers as Self (archive material)
1974Aladdin as Emperor Nanki
1974Confessions of a Window Cleaner as Carole's Father
1973Take Me High as Sir Charles Furness
1973Diamonds on Wheels as Sir Hilary Stanton
1972Sex and the Other Woman as Presenter
1972That's Your Funeral as Simmonds
1972Sykes (39 Episodes) as Charles Brown
1971Coppers End (13 Episodes) as Unknown
1971Games That Lovers Play as Mr. Lothran
1971Too Close for Comfort as Narrator
1970The Ballad of Tam Lin as Elroy
1970The Goodies (1, 1 Episode) as Unknown, TV Show Host
1970Egghead's Robot as Unknown
1968Chitty Chitty Bang Bang as Secretary at Sweet Factory (uncredited), Secretary at Sweet Factory (Uncredited)
1968Wonderwall as Perkins
1967The Prisoner (1 Episode) as Fotheringay
1967Casino Royale as British Army Officer
1967The Troublesome Double as Mr. Wentworth
1966The Great St. Trinian's Train Robbery as Manton Bassett
1965The Alphabet Murders as Wolf
1965Up Jumped a Swagman as Lever, Music Publisher
1965The Liquidator as Flying Instructor
1965Bunny Lake Is Missing as Shipping Clerk
1965You Must Be Joking as Parkins
1965The Battle of the Villa Fiorita as Travel Agent
1965Operation Crossbow as Sir Charles Sims
1965The Bargain as Narrator
1964Carry On Spying as Cobley
1963The V.I.P.s as Sanders
1963Come Fly with Me as Oliver Garson
1962Venus fra Vestø as Unknown
1962The Longest Day as British Paratrooper
1962I Thank a Fool as Ebblington
1962Bon Voyage! as Party Guest
1962Play It Cool as Nervous Man
1961Dentist on the Job as Macreedy
1961Nearly a Nasty Accident as Wagstaffe
1961Very Important Person as Woodcock, Entertainments Officer
1961The Avengers (1 Episode) as Clarke
1960Follow That Horse! as Unknown
1960Your Money or Your Wife as Hubert Fry
1960Sykes and a... (67 Episodes) as Unknown
1959Libel as The Judge
1959The Ugly Duckling as Barclay
1959Left Right and Centre as Harding-Pratt
1959Ten Seconds to Hell as Major Haven
1959The Captain's Table as Prittlewell
1959Follow a Star as Dr. W. Chatterway
1958The Inn of the Sixth Happiness as Mr. Murfin
1957Barnacle Bill as Registrar of Shipping
1957Blue Murder at St. Trinian's as Manton Bassett
1957High Flight as Wilson
1957The Abominable Snowman as Dr. Peter Fox
1957The Prince and the Showgirl as Northbrook
1957Second Fiddle as Bill Turner
1956The Green Man as Doctor
1956The Silken Affair as Worthington
1956A Touch of the Sun as Purchase
1956The Iron Petticoat as Lingerie Clerk
1956It's a Wonderful World as Harold
1956Eyewitness as Anaesthetist
1956Hancock's Half Hour (2 Episodes) as Unknown
1956The Man Who Knew Too Much as Assistant Manager
1956The Man Who Never Was as Shop Assistant
1956Colonel March of Scotland Yard (1 Episode) as Arthur Cabot
1956Jumping for Joy as Carruthers
1955An Alligator Named Daisy as Hoskins
1955Simon and Laura as Controller of Television Drama
1955I Am a Camera as Bespectacled Man at Book Launch (uncredited)
1955As Long as They're Happy as Hippodrome Stage Manager
1955The Colditz Story as Richard Gordon
1955The Time of His Life as Edgar
1955A Yank in Ermine as Boone
1954Lease of Life as Solicitor
1954The Crowded Day as Mr. Christopher
1954The Belles of St. Trinian's as Manton Bassett
1954Hobson's Choice as Albert Prosser
1954Doctor in the House as Medical Book Salesman (uncredited)
1953Small Town Story as Marsh
1953Background as David Wallace
1953The Intruder as School Master
1953Blood Orange as Detective Inspector MacLeod
1953Park Plaza 605 as Theodore Feather
1953Innocents in Paris as Wilkinson
1953Colonel March Investigates as Cabot
1953The Final Test as Cricket Fan
1953Appointment in London as Pascal
1953Top of the Form as Unknown
1952Top Secret as Barnes
1952Made in Heaven as The vicar
1952Mother Riley Meets the Vampire as P.C. Freddie
1952Derby Day as Editor
1952The Importance of Being Earnest as Seton
1952The Liberace Show (1 Episode) as Unknown
1952Penny Princess as Hotel Desk Clerk (uncredited)
1952Song of Paris as Carter
1951Lady Godiva Rides Again as Casting Director
1951Appointment with Venus as Carruthers - Higher Executive
1950The Clouded Yellow as Employment Agent
1950The Happiest Days of Your Life as Arnold Billings: Staff of Nutbourne
1949The Chiltern Hundreds as Vicar (uncredited)
1949Kind Hearts and Coronets as Defence Counsel (uncredited)
1949Marry Me as Minor Role (uncredited)
1949Helter Skelter as Compere of Nick Nack Show
1938A Yank at Oxford as Latin Speaker at Dinner (uncredited)