Ronald Shiner

Ronald Shiner

Born: June 8, 1903
Died: June 29, 1966
in London, England
Ronald Alfred Shiner (8 June 1903 in London – 29 June 1966 in London) was a British stand-up comedian and comedic actor whose career encompassed film, West End theatre and music hall. A former Royal Northwest Mounted Police Officer, farmer, greengrocer, milkman, bookie's clerk, soldier and film extra, Shiner shot to fame appearing in 1,700 performances of the stage hit Worm's Eye View from 1945 to 1947 (he would later top his own record by appearing in the play Seagulls Over Sorrento for 2,000 performances between 1950 and 1954). At the height of his career Shiner insured his nose for £10,000 because he said "it's me beak which made 'em larf." In retirement he owned a pub at Blackboys in Sussex but was plagued by ill health in his final years and retired to Eastbourne. He died there in June 1966 leaving an estate of £30,955.

Movies for Ronald Shiner...

The Night We Got the Bird
Title: The Night We Got the Bird
Character: Cecil Gibson
Released: November 3, 1960
Type: Movie
Good natured comic caper charting the misadventures of a hapless bunch of Brighton based petty crooks dogged with disaster at every turn.
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Operation Bullshine
Title: Operation Bullshine
Character: Gunner Slocum
Released: June 30, 1959
Type: Movie
During World War II, a Royal Artillery officer is assigned to an anti-aircraft battery that is filled with female soldiers of the Auxiliary Territorial Service. His wife who has enlisted is mistakenly posted to the battery in violation of regulations of husbands and wives serving together in the same formation. She becomes jealous of what she perceives as him paying too much attention to the other Auxiliary Territorial Service women.
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The Navy Lark
Title: The Navy Lark
Character: CPO Banyard
Released: January 1, 1959
Type: Movie
An Inshore Minesweeping Unit has been forgotten by the Navy after World War II on the peaceful island of Boonsley and they have adapted to their circumstances. The men still wear uniforms and the proper reports are filed, although the reports of hundreds of mines are exaggerated. The captain spends his time fishing, the Number One is busy romancing the only Wren on the island and The Chief Boatswain runs a wine smuggling business. Unfortunately the Navy start to get suspicious.
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Girls at Sea
Title: Girls at Sea
Character: Marine Ogg
Released: October 1, 1958
Type: Movie
When HMS Scotia pays a visit to the French Riviera, the officers throw a lavish party to celebrate the engagement of Captain Robert Randall to Jill Eaton, a charming American girl; among the guests are Mary Carlton, Jill's American friend, and Antoinette, a vivacious redhead. However, when the last shore-boat is deemed unseaworthy, the girls are obliged to spend the night on ship. A series of hilarious complications ensue, as the officers attempt to keep the girls away from the beady eyes of Admiral Hewitt – who chooses this very night to board the Scotia.
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Not Wanted on Voyage
Title: Not Wanted on Voyage
Character: Higgins
Released: November 1, 1957
Type: Movie
the scheming Albert Higgins and his dim witted mate Cecil Hollebone, set out on a ocean voyage under the exasperated Chief Steward. Along for the trip are the wealthy Mrs. Borough and her secretary Pat. Soon Mrs. Boroughs’ Jewels are stolen…
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Carry on Admiral
Title: Carry on Admiral
Character: Salty Simpson
Released: May 14, 1957
Type: Movie
Two friends get drunk and decide to switch identities. One is a Parliamentary Secretary, and the other is the captain of a ship. The former's lack of sea knowledge causes several catastrophes, including torpedoing the First Lord of The Admiralty. The grass is always greener.... In this British comedy, two drunken comrades find out the truth of that saying when they decide to trade places for a while. One of the boozers is a public relations man who knows nothing about sailing, while the other is a captain for the Royal Navy. Comic mayhem ensues as the hapless "captain" tries to run his ship and follow orders.
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Dry Rot
Title: Dry Rot
Character: Alf Tubbe
Released: October 31, 1956
Type: Movie
Comedy about a trio of not particularly bright bookmakers who try to fix a horse race.
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Keep It Clean
Title: Keep It Clean
Character: Bert Lane
Released: May 1, 1956
Type: Movie
A man invents a new cleaning machine. His brother in law offers to help him promote it and they get help from the Purity League.
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Aunt Clara
Title: Aunt Clara
Character: Henry Martin
Released: November 22, 1954
Type: Movie
A wealthy old man dies and leaves his holdings--including a brothel and a gambling den, racing greyhounds and a sleazy bar--to his eccentric Aunt Clara. Clara vows to "clean up" her new establishments, but complications ensue when she visits the crooked gambling den--just as it's being raided by the police.
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Up to His Neck
Title: Up to His Neck
Character: Jack Carter
Released: January 1, 1954
Type: Movie
A maritime farce set in the South Seas. A strong supporting cast includes Brian Rix, Anthony Newley & Harry Fowler.
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Laughing Anne
Title: Laughing Anne
Character: Nobby Clark
Released: September 1, 1953
Type: Movie
Story of love affair of captain who runs ship in Java Seas and a French saloon singer. From a story "Because of the dollars" by Joseph Conrad.
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Innocents in Paris
Title: Innocents in Paris
Character: Dicky Bird
Released: July 22, 1953
Type: Movie
Romantic comedy about a group of Britons flying to Paris for the weekend.
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Top of the Form
Title: Top of the Form
Released: February 1, 1953
Type: Movie
A con man hides out in a boys' school, posing as a professor. When the undisciplined and lazy boys have to pass a few tests, cheating becomes the only option.
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The Magic Box
Title: The Magic Box
Character: Fairground Barker
Released: January 1, 1952
Type: Movie
Now old, ill, poor, and largely forgotten, William Freise-Greene was once very different. As young and handsome William Green he changed his name to include his first wife's so that it sounded more impressive for the photographic portrait work he was so good at. But he was also an inventor and his search for a way to project moving pictures became an obsession that ultimately changed the life of all those he loved.
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Little Big Shot
Title: Little Big Shot
Character: Henry Harkwood
Released: January 1, 1952
Type: Movie
Harry Hawkwood is the son of 'Pa' Hawkwood, one of England's greatest crooks, and it's Harry's ambition to follow in father's footsteps and be as good as Dad. Alas! Harry has a kind heart, and it is only out of respect for the old man that his father's gang tolerates him. When the gang decides to go for the Maddox jewels, Harry is given the job of "inside man" will his good nature get the better of him once again?
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Worm's Eye View
Title: Worm's Eye View
Character: Sam Porter
Released: April 1, 1951
Type: Movie
Incidents in the lives of a group of R.A.F. men living in billets.
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Forbidden
Title: Forbidden
Character: Dan Collins
Released: February 28, 1949
Type: Movie
Set on Blackpool’s Golden Mile, Jim (Douglass Montgomery), a once promising scientist, sets up in business as a patent medicine man selling hair tonic at the fair with his ex-army colleague Dan (Ronald Shiner). Following a fight with local hoods over pitch spaces, Jim falls for Jane (Hazel Court), the girl on a nearby candy floss stall. The two begin dating but Jim fails to mention he is already married.
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The Adventures of Dusty Bates
Title: The Adventures of Dusty Bates
Character: 'Squeaky' Watts
Released: September 1, 1947
Type: Movie
Dusty Bates observes some smuggled jewels hidden in a crate aboard a ship; he is pursued by low-lifes when the crate is put ashore.
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The Man Within
Title: The Man Within
Character: Cockney Harry
Released: May 19, 1947
Type: Movie
A man goes on the run from hardened smugglers.
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George in Civvy Street
Title: George in Civvy Street
Character: Fingers
Released: July 7, 1946
Type: Movie
George Formby plays George Harper, a tavern owner, who works to turn a waitress from her current employer, a rival tavern owner, when Formby falls in love with her.
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Caesar and Cleopatra
Title: Caesar and Cleopatra
Character: 2nd Porter
Released: December 11, 1945
Type: Movie
The aging Caesar finds himself intrigued by the young Egyptian queen. Adapted by George Bernard Shaw from his own play.
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I Live in Grosvenor Square
Title: I Live in Grosvenor Square
Character: Paratrooper
Released: July 20, 1945
Type: Movie
The WW II romance set in Grosvenor square aka Eisenhower's home where the GIs stayed in London. Neagle loves Harrison. There arrives patriot GI Dean Jagger to rouse things up in the square. Snotty British Neagle and Jagger clash and fall for each other. What will Harrison have to say or do about these? What will the consequences be? Will the three finally become two and which two in this extremely patriotic love and war story.
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Bees in Paradise
Title: Bees in Paradise
Character: Ronald Wild
Released: March 20, 1944
Type: Movie
Four pilots become stranded on a tropical island inhabited by beautiful women.
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My Learned Friend
Title: My Learned Friend
Character: Man in Wilson's Bar
Released: October 25, 1943
Type: Movie
An insane murderer is on the loose, and gunning for the men who put him away. Will Hay is on the list, and co-opts Claude Hulbert to try and stop him from meeting a grisly end.
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Miss London Ltd.
Title: Miss London Ltd.
Character: Sailor Meredith
Released: June 14, 1943
Type: Movie
Askey stars as a man trying to save his flagging escort agency. A new partner suggests getting some new girls in, just in time for the soldiers' leave. The film also features the English singing favourite of the forties, Anne Shelton.
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The Gentle Sex
Title: The Gentle Sex
Character: Racegoer
Released: May 23, 1943
Type: Movie
During the War seven women from very different backgrounds find themselves together in the Auxiliary Territorial Services. They are soon drilling, driving lorries, and manning ack-ack batteries.
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Get Cracking
Title: Get Cracking
Character: Everett Manley
Released: May 17, 1943
Type: Movie
Get Cracking is a 1943 British comedy war film, directed by Marcel Varnel and starring Dinah Sheridan, Ronald Shiner and George Formby. It was produced by Marcel Varnel, Ben Henry and Columbia (British) Productions. This comedy explores the wayward rivalry between mechanic and Home Guard Lance Corporal George Singleton (George Formby) and an adversary also in the Home Guard (Ronald Shiner). When the rival Home Guard units of Major Wallop and Minor Wallop are sent on battle manoeuvres, George Singleton (Formby) launches his own unique style of commando raid against neighbouring Major Wallop to steal a Vickers machine gun. The raid fails and Singleton loses his Lance Corporal's stripe, so he and a little evacuee girl named Irene (Vera Frances) decide to fall back on 'Plan B' - to build their very own tank.
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Thursday's Child
Title: Thursday's Child
Character: Joe
Released: March 24, 1943
Type: Movie
A couple's little girl becomes a movie star, but all it seems to bring is trouble.
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King Arthur Was a Gentleman
Title: King Arthur Was a Gentleman
Character: Sergeant
Released: December 28, 1942
Type: Movie
Arthur King joins the army, and soon starts fantasizing about King Arthur and his knights.
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The Balloon Goes Up
Title: The Balloon Goes Up
Character: Sergeant Shiner
Released: December 1, 1942
Type: Movie
Balloon unit WAAFs catch German spies.
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Sabotage at Sea
Title: Sabotage at Sea
Character: Ernie (the cook)
Released: September 7, 1942
Type: Movie
The captain of a British cargo ship shanghais a group of sabateurs, unaware that the daughter of the ship’s owner is among them.
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Unpublished Story
Title: Unpublished Story
Character: Agitator
Released: August 10, 1942
Type: Movie
Morale-boosting story released in the middle of World War II. A journalist uncovers a peace organisation at the centre of disreputable dealings.
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They Flew Alone
Title: They Flew Alone
Character: Mechanic
Released: June 29, 1942
Type: Movie
The story of flyer Amy Johnson the girl from Yorkshire who won the hearts of the British public in the 1930s with her record-breaking solo flights around the world. Her marriage to fellow aviator Jim Mallison was less noteworthy.
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The Black Sheep of Whitehall
Title: The Black Sheep of Whitehall
Character: Porter
Released: February 23, 1942
Type: Movie
A professor teaching at a correspondence school discovers that a Nazi agent is trying to prevent a trade treaty being signed between England and South America.
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South American George
Title: South American George
Character: Swifty
Released: December 27, 1941
Type: Movie
To help out his exact double, George Formby (in a dual role) takes the place of a noted South American tenor. This way he can help the opera star fulfill contract obligations and also win the heart of the man's lovely press agent, Linden Travers.
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Old Bill and Son
Title: Old Bill and Son
Character: Bert
Released: March 1, 1941
Type: Movie
Old Bill has grumbled his way through the trenches of the First World War. Now it is the Second and, envious of his son, Young Bill, he decides to enlist. He finally enters the Pioneer Corps, which is based near his son. When Young Bill goes missing during a raid, Old Bill shows that there's still life in the old dog yet!
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Spare a Copper
Title: Spare a Copper
Character: Piano Mover
Released: December 2, 1940
Type: Movie
George is an inept reserve policeman working in wartime Liverpool, who is chosen by a gang of Nazi saboteurs as the stooge for their planned destruction of the British battleship HMS Hercules. Framed by the villains and forced to go on the run, George sets out to clear his name with the aid of new girlfriend, Jane.
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The Case of the Frightened Lady
Title: The Case of the Frightened Lady
Character: Sergeant Totty
Released: September 28, 1940
Type: Movie
A classic British thriller set in a sinister old house, based on a story by Edgar Wallace.
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Let George Do It!
Title: Let George Do It!
Character: Musician
Released: July 12, 1940
Type: Movie
Shortly after the start of World War II, a ukelele player (George) takes the wrong boat and finds himself in (still uninvaded) Norway. He is mistaken for a fellow British intelligence agent by a woman (Mary), and becomes involved in trying to defeat Nazi agents.
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The Middle Watch
Title: The Middle Watch
Character: Engineer
Released: May 11, 1940
Type: Movie
Through a series of unforeseen events, two glamorous young ladies find that they are obliged to spend the night on board the battleship HMS Falcon, where they have been attending a 'bon voyage' reception. At first it seems that Captain Randall will be able to keep them concealed, but then the Admiral unexpectedly arrives on board and orders the ship to sea.
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Salvage with a Smile
Title: Salvage with a Smile
Character: Dustman
Released: January 1, 1940
Type: Movie
Wartime propaganda short in which a professor enlists the help of a dustman to explain the importance of saving paper, bones and metal to help the war effort.
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Come on George!
Title: Come on George!
Character: Nat
Released: December 1, 1939
Type: Movie
George Formby, who plays George, a stable boy. He also has the unique ability to soothe an anxious racing horse. Expectedly, George races the horse and wins
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The Missing People
Title: The Missing People
Character: Sam Hackett
Released: May 1, 1939
Type: Movie
27 well-to-do people have all vanished under similar circumstances. J.G. Reeder, an elderly gentleman who fancies himself a detective, decides to investigate the matter.
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Flying Fifty-Five
Title: Flying Fifty-Five
Character: Scrubby Oaks
Released: May 1, 1939
Type: Movie
Bill Urquhart, a young wastrel disinherited by his father, tries to get a job as a jockey – just about the only thing he’s really good at. His name and position work against him, however, so he adopts an alias and prevails upon the charity of a drunken friend Charles Barrington, through whom he meets Stella Barrington - who has not only inherited her father’s racing stables but also his debts. Still incognito, he takes on the job of stable lad for Stella but little does she realise that he could be the man to finally put an end to her money worries forever.
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The Gang's All Here
Title: The Gang's All Here
Character: Spider Ferris
Released: March 4, 1939
Type: Movie
John Forrest is anticipating a quiet retirement spent penning detective fiction when he learns that a priceless collection of jewels belonging to a foreign potentate, Prince Homouska, has just vanished from the safekeeping of the Stamford Assurance Company. Aided by his butler, his Cockney assistant and his (initially) unwilling wife, Forrest sets out on the trail of the thieves.
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Trouble Brewing
Title: Trouble Brewing
Character: Bridgewater
Released: March 1, 1939
Type: Movie
Ealing comedy starring music hall star George Formby. An eager newspaper reporter (Formby) goes undercover to expose a gang of counterfeiters. Posing as a wrestler and waiter in his investigative efforts, George proves a greater menace to public order than the criminals he is chasing.
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The Nursemaid Who Disappeared
Title: The Nursemaid Who Disappeared
Released: March 1, 1939
Type: Movie
An overheard conversation leads to clues that a kidnapping plot is afoot.
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They Drive by Night
Title: They Drive by Night
Character: Charlie
Released: December 1, 1938
Type: Movie
“Shorty” Matthews having recently been released from prison visits his girlfriend in London only to discover her murdered. Fearing he will be wrongly accused of being the culprit he disappears amongst the long-distance lorry driving community. Meanwhile, the real killer, unassuming ex-schoolteacher Walter Hoover, continues to prey on London women. As Shorty had feared he has become the main suspect. He returns to London with old flame Molly to prove his innocence.
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St. Martin's Lane
Title: St. Martin's Lane
Character: Barman (uncredited)
Released: October 18, 1938
Type: Movie
On the sidewalks of the London theater district the buskers (street performers) earn enough coins for a cheap room. Charles, who recites dramatic monologues, sees that a young pickpocket, Libby, also has a talent for dancing and adds her to his act. Harley, the theater patron who never knew Libby took his gold cigarette case, is impressed by Libby's dancing and invites her to bring Charles and the other buskers in his group to an after-the-play party. Libby comes alone. A theatrical career is launched.
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A Yank at Oxford
Title: A Yank at Oxford
Character: Bicycle Repairman (uncredited)
Released: February 18, 1938
Type: Movie
A brash young American aristocrat attending Oxford University gets a chance to prove himself and win the heart of his antagonist's sister.
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Dinner at the Ritz
Title: Dinner at the Ritz
Character: Sydney
Released: November 26, 1937
Type: Movie
The daughter of a murdered financier works as a jewelry salesperson while she tracks her father's colleagues who plotted against him.
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Limelight
Title: Limelight
Character: Asst. Stage Manager
Released: June 23, 1937
Type: Movie
A chorus girl (Anna Neagle) discovers a singer (Arthur Tracy) in the streets and asks her producer to give him a shot at stardom.
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Beauty and the Barge
Title: Beauty and the Barge
Character: Augustus
Released: February 7, 1937
Type: Movie
A young girl is engaged to a man she doesn't love, and rather than marry him she decides to flee the situation altogether. She is helped by a crusty old barge captain.
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London Melody
Title: London Melody
Character: Pickpocket on Trial
Released: February 4, 1937
Type: Movie
Jacqueline intrigues a diplomat, so unbeknown to her he finds her an apartment and finances her musical training. She ends up falling in love with one of his underlings. It turns out that he is no good, will the diplomat save her?
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Excuse My Glove
Title: Excuse My Glove
Character: Perky Pat
Released: July 20, 1936
Type: Movie
A young man, whose main interest in life is stained glass, accidentally accepts a challenge to fight in a fair boxing booth.
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Once a Thief
Title: Once a Thief
Character: Alice's Young Man
Released: June 14, 1935
Type: Movie
Down on his luck inventor Roger (John Stuart) "borrows" some money from a handbag he finds but things go wrong when a necklace from the bag goes missing.
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Squibs
Title: Squibs
Character: Bill
Released: June 11, 1935
Type: Movie
Squibs, a cockney flowerseller with a father overwhelmed by gambling debts wins through with the help of assorted friends and a romantically inclined policeman.
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It's a Bet
Title: It's a Bet
Character: Fair Man
Released: February 1, 1935
Type: Movie
A young English reporter makes a bet with a wealthy publisher that he can disappear for a month. In his absence the publisher makes much of the mysterious disappearance in an attempt to boost the circulation of his newspaper.
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Gentlemen's Agreement
Title: Gentlemen's Agreement
Character: Jim Ferrin
Released: January 1, 1935
Type: Movie
A young doctor realises that his father is a quack and changes places with a down-and-out.
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Doctor's Orders
Title: Doctor's Orders
Character: Miggs
Released: November 1, 1934
Type: Movie
Leslie Fuller stars as a quack whose son qualifies as a doctor in total ignorance of his father's occupation!
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Wild Boy
Title: Wild Boy
Character: Bit
Released: January 1, 1934
Type: Movie
This film is a caper story of greyhound racing and the efforts of a crooked dog owner to stop a rival's dog, Wild Boy, from running in the Greyhound Derby.