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Anton Walbrook, who featured in many P&P films, was a great and duly famous actor in his era.
However, there is much less known about his life than his work. What we have found are mostly basic facts culled from places like Wikipedia, and other sources (see the Biography page). But if you know anything interesting about Anton please tell us.
Either visit the discussion board called 'Unvarnished Anton' or email webmaster@antonwalbrook.co.uk.
Thanks!
Anton Walbrook News and Site Updates
All significant Anton News and additions to the site will go here, most recent entry first.
15.05.06: Biography page updated
Hi - I've updated the Biography page to include some great stuff from a copy of "Emeric Pressburger - The Life and Death of A Screenwriter" by Kevin McDonald (EP's grandson and director of 'Touching the Void' and 'One Day in September').
10.05.06: Help Needed
Hello! This is an appeal for anyone who sent me stuff to send it again.
I don't suppose I have much chance of reaching those who've sent me tons of pictures and other contributions, but my PC was stolen recently and I've lost all the stored emails.
But, if I'm lucky and you're reading this and can re-send your contribution, please do so to webmaster@antonwalbrook.co.uk.
25.01.06: Apologies...but I'm still here!
Anyone looking at this site will notice that it's been a bit neglected lately. There are broken links (the Gallery isn't there yet) and there's a ton of stuff from the wonderful people who've written to me to publish.
Anyway, I am just too darn busy to do anything right now, but I will be back to provide some additional Anton. Just not right now.
I will send a very brief notification to all those who have, or will, email me when there's a significant update to the site. Thanks again for all the positive comments!
18.11.05: Discovery in the Amazon
I would direct all readers of this site to Amazon.co.uk - not to get Anton Walbrook stuff (though of course you should) but to enter his name into the book search. You can now search and view extracts from books, several of which provide nuggets of info about AW! Some of is now in the Biography page.
To be honest, the proof that Anton did actually have a sex life (see extracts from the Michael Redgrave biography on that page) has been curiously gratifying - I hope not because the facts in themselves are entertaining, but because they put flesh on the bones of his personality rather than just his acting career. However, I am reconcilied to the idea that in fact I am enjoying this discovery in just the same way and for the same reasons as anyone reading the usual gossip about current celebs. Ho hum. At least he's not going to get pestered by journalists from the Picture Post.
17.11.05: "Very much."
To all the people who wrote to me about this site, I'd like to give brief but heartfelt thanks. All words of encouragement and support make excellent fuel for me to do this - left to my own devices I am exceptionally lazy. And some others have made contributions that - please forgive the cliche - exceeded my wildest expectations. So thanks to Rewi, Melanie, Chicca, Robert, Philip, Judy, Jode and Paul and everyone posting on the messageboard! Apart from anything else, it's just nice to know that there are some others who think AW deserves more recognition for his superb performances. If you are waiting for a reply for me, sorry but please be patient! I do not find as much time as I would like to work on this site.
I am also starting an ad hoc email newsletter, that will include all significant items that will appear on this page and elsewhere. I promise, no junk mail or reports that I have changed the font size - only interesting items. If you'd like to subscribe, please send a email with "Subscribe" in the subject line to webmaster@antonwalbrook.co.uk.
A Blue Plaque For Anton, at 69 Frognal.
Speaking of recognition, there is one small way of giving tribute to famous people in the UK. The blue plaque.
The blue plaque scheme is run by English Heritage - view the English Heritage Blue plaque site here. A previous attempt to get a BP at his London address (69 Frognal, Hampstead) was brought to my attention by Robert W - and a huge thank you to Robert for this.
Sadly, this request was turned down in 1999 and no repeat application can be heard by the panel until February 2009! However, that isn't that far off, and it certainly means that for the next panel Anton fans can try and ensure he gets suitably lauded and applauded.
One interesting circumstance of this timing is that the BP panel now has a known Anton fan on board, which it did not previously. Yes, Stephen Fry will be one of those sifting through applications in just over three years time.
Needless to say, I will be doing my damnedest to give Mr. F a little nudge, if I can find him. The very helpful staff at English Heritage had no problem with Stephen expressing support in advance - there is no 'conflict of interest' issue thankfully.
However, English Heritage also confirmed that a 'body of support' is more more influential than an individual letter. And, of course, we cannot assume that Stephen will be ready and willing to help, so the Blue Plaque for Anton Campaign starts here! More news on this will appear later.
