Originally a baritone in opera, Langley made his film debut in 1922 for Herbert Wilcox and was an instant hit in heavy, villainous roles gaining the description of ‘Britain’s best ‘bad man’ and the British Lon Chaney.
Tag Archives: 1920s film star
British SIlent Film Star Malcolm Tod
The British Silent Film Star Malcolm Tod 1897-1968
‘A rising notability on British screens,’ Motion Picture Studio 2/6/23 Malcolm Tod was ‘blessed with plenty of push and go.’ Picturegoer February 1924
Quintessential English looking and with youth and good looks on his side, Tod became a rising star on the British screen, first in juvenile roles and then playing smart, slightly snobbish aristocrats and gentlemen. He became even more prominent in continental productions during the slump of the mid-1920s but faded from view by the early 1930s.
Valia (1899-1993)
Her philosophy of life was simple ‘you know… I am really a fatalist at heart – I live for today. Tomorrow can look after itself.’ Picturegoer July 1923
Christened the British Barbara Le Marr, Valia was somewhat type-cast as ‘the charming movie vamp’ which was in stark contrast to her real personality. Valia starred in numerous melodramas in just a three-year period from 1921, but made a big splash and was highly regarded, before marrying an American millionaire and deserting the screen forever in 1924.
