Clive Morgan
Actor
About Clive Morgan
Clive Morgan was a prolific British character actor whose career in Hollywood spanned over three decades, beginning in the late silent era and continuing through the Golden Age. Born in Lewes, Sussex, England, in 1897, he eventually moved to the United States where he became a reliable fixture in major studio productions, often cast in roles that required a refined British sensibility. He is perhaps most recognized by early cinema enthusiasts for his role as Philip Annersley in the 1929 serial 'Tarzan the Tiger,' a pivotal production that bridged the gap between silent and sound films. Throughout the 1930s, 40s, and 50s, Morgan appeared in dozens of prestigious films, including 'Gunga Din' (1939) and 'Joan of Arc' (1948), frequently portraying officials, soldiers, or members of the British gentry. His ability to inhabit small but essential roles made him a favorite of casting directors at studios like RKO and MGM. He remained active in the industry until the early 1960s, concluding a long and steady career as a versatile supporting player before passing away in Santa Monica in 1984.
The Craft
On Screen
Morgan was known for his disciplined and understated acting style, typical of British-trained actors of his generation. He excelled at playing authoritative yet often morally ambiguous characters, such as the scheming cousin in the Tarzan series. His performances were characterized by a formal posture and a precise mid-Atlantic or British accent that lent an air of authenticity to the many period dramas and international adventures in which he appeared.
Milestones
- Portrayed Philip Annersley in the landmark 15-chapter serial 'Tarzan the Tiger' (1929).
- Appeared in the Academy Award-nominated adventure classic 'Gunga Din' (1939).
- Cast in the Technicolor epic 'Joan of Arc' (1948) starring Ingrid Bergman.
- Maintained a steady presence in Hollywood for over 30 years as a character actor.
- Successfully transitioned from the silent era into the 'talkies' and eventually into the 1960s cinema.
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Special Recognition
- Recognized in the AFI Catalog of Feature Films for his extensive contributions to American cinema.
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Clive Morgan represents the essential 'working actor' of Hollywood's Golden Age. While not a leading man, his presence in films like 'Tarzan the Tiger' helped establish the tropes of the adventure serial, particularly the role of the sophisticated but treacherous relative. His career serves as a testament to the longevity possible for character actors who could adapt to the evolving technology of sound and color.
Lasting Legacy
Morgan's legacy is preserved in the archives of early 20th-century adventure cinema. As a participant in the first Tarzan film to feature a synchronized soundtrack and the iconic 'ape call,' he is linked to one of the most enduring franchises in movie history. Film historians value his work for providing the necessary dramatic weight to the supporting casts of major studio epics.
Who They Inspired
He influenced the archetype of the 'British gentleman' in American film, showing how a specific cultural persona could be utilized across various genres from jungle adventures to historical biopics.
Off Screen
Clive Morgan lived a relatively private life in Southern California after emigrating from England. He was part of the 'British Colony' in Hollywood, a group of expatriate actors who socialized and worked together frequently during the Golden Age. He spent his final years in Santa Monica, California, where he died at the age of 87.
Education
Trained in the British theatrical tradition before moving to the United States to pursue a film career.
Did You Know?
- He appeared in 'Tarzan the Tiger', which was released in both silent and sound versions.
- His character in the Tarzan serial, Philip Annersley, was the primary human antagonist seeking to steal the Greystoke title.
- Despite starting in the silent era, he worked long enough to appear in films alongside stars like Kim Novak and Fred Astaire in the 1960s.
- He was often cast as a soldier, reporter, or clerk due to his professional demeanor.
- He lived to the age of 87, witnessing the entire evolution of the Hollywood studio system.
- He is one of the few actors from the 1929 Tarzan cast to have a filmography extending into the 1960s.
In Their Own Words
In 'Tarzan the Tiger', his character Philip Annersley famously plots to prove Tarzan's death to claim the family estate, representing the 'civilized' greed that contrasted with Tarzan's primal honesty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Clive Morgan?
Clive Morgan was a British-born character actor who worked in Hollywood from the late 1920s through the early 1960s. He is best known for his role in the 1929 serial 'Tarzan the Tiger' and for his numerous supporting roles in Golden Age classics.
What films is Clive Morgan best known for?
He is most recognized for 'Tarzan the Tiger' (1929), the adventure epic 'Gunga Din' (1939), and the historical drama 'Joan of Arc' (1948).
When was Clive Morgan born and when did he die?
Clive Morgan was born on July 28, 1897, in Lewes, Sussex, England, and passed away on September 14, 1984, in Santa Monica, California.
What was Clive Morgan's role in the Tarzan series?
He played Philip Annersley, the cousin of Lord Greystoke (Tarzan), who travels to Africa to prove Tarzan is dead so he can inherit the family title and estate.
Did Clive Morgan win any major awards?
While he did not win major individual acting awards, he appeared in several films that received Academy Award nominations and critical acclaim, contributing to the success of the studio system.
What was Clive Morgan's acting style?
He was a versatile character actor known for his formal, British delivery. He often portrayed authoritative figures, refined gentlemen, or sophisticated villains.
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Films
1 film
