Reginald Sheffield

Reginald Sheffield

Born: February 18, 1901
Died: December 8, 1957
in London, England, UK
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Reginald Sheffield was born Matthew Reginald Sheffield Cassan in the St. George's, Hanover Square district of London, to Matthew Sheffield Cassan and Alice Mary Field. He had a brother, Edward Sheffield Cassan, and a sister, Flora Kathleen Sheffield Cassan, who became an actress known as Flora Sheffield.

His father was born in Ireland and his mother in England. They were married in London in 1892. Matthew died when Reginald was nine. In 1913 Reginald (billed as Eric Desmond) appeared in David Copperfield. In 1914, Alice Sheffield and her children emigrated to the United States, where they lived in Queens, New York. Reginald acted on the stage and in films. While his sister Flora was an actress, brother Edward worked as an accountant in a bank and later became a theatrical agent.

Sheffield's Broadway performances credited as Reggie Sheffield include Evidence (1914), in which his mother also appeared, The Merry Wives of Windsor (1916), If (1917), The Betrothal (1918), and Helena's Boys (1924). His performances credited as Reginald Sheffield include Youth (1920), The Way Things Happen (1924), Hay Fever (1925), Slaves All (1926), Soldiers and Women (1929), and Dear Old England (1930).

Reginald Sheffield was married in 1927 to Louise Van Loon (21 January 1905 – 14 April 1987), a New York-born Vassar College graduate with a liberal arts education. The couple had three children: Mary Alice Sheffield Cassan (born 1928), Jon Matthew Sheffield Cassan (11 April 1931 – 15 October 2010) (aka actor Johnny Sheffield), and William Hart Sheffield Cassan (15 July 1935 – 12 December 2010) (actor Billy Sheffield).

As film production became more and more located in Southern California, Sheffield and his wife travelled back and forth between New York City and Los Angeles. After several years they moved permanently to the West Coast.

Being a trained stage actor, Sheffield easily made the transition from silent films to talkies. He was a working actor who became memorable in numerous character and supporting roles and appeared with some of the greatest film stars of the day, including Constance Bennett, William Powell, George Arliss, Loretta Young, Gary Cooper, Errol Flynn, Rosalind Russell, Cary Grant and Joan Fontaine.

In 1954, he began starring as Professor Mayberry in the television series Rocky Jones, Space Ranger. And after his son, Johnny Sheffield [of first the Tarzan then the Bomba films series], appeared in his last jungle film in 1955, Reginald created, produced and directed a pilot for a television series, Bantu, the Zebra Boy, but a sponsor was not found and the show was never produced as a weekly series.

Sheffield acted in both versions, 1938 and 1958, of Cecil B. DeMille's The Buccaneer, the latter being his last screen appearance.

Reginald Sheffield died 8 December 1957 at his home in Pacific Palisades, California, aged 56.

Movies for Reginald Sheffield...

Marjorie Morningstar
Title: Marjorie Morningstar
Character: Hotel Desk Clerk (uncredited)
Released: April 24, 1958
Type: Movie
While working as a counselor at a summer camp, college-student Marjorie Morgenstern falls for 32-year-old Noel Airman, a would-be dramatist working at a nearby summer theater. Like Marjorie, he is an upper-middle-class New York Jew, but has fallen away from his roots, and Marjorie's parents object among other things to his lack of a suitable profession. Noel himself warns Marjorie repeatedly that she's much too naive and conventional for him, but they nonetheless fall in love.
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The Story of Mankind
Title: The Story of Mankind
Character: Julius Caesar
Released: November 8, 1957
Type: Movie
The devil and the spirit of mankind argue as to whether or not humanity is ultimately good or evil.
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Secret of Treasure Mountain
Title: Secret of Treasure Mountain
Character: Edward Lancaster
Released: June 26, 1956
Type: Movie
Three bank robbers escape into the western wilderness, where they hear of a fortune in gold supposedly hidden in Treasure Mountain. Is the treasure real, and will it be discovered before greed destroys them all?
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The Black Shield of Falworth
Title: The Black Shield of Falworth
Character: Lord Constable (uncredited)
Released: September 2, 1954
Type: Movie
In the days of King Henry IV, stalwart young Myles and his sister Meg have been raised as peasants, without any knowledge of who their father really was. But one day, they journey to Macworth Castle. There, Myles falls in love with Lady Anne Macworth, makes friends and enemies, and learns to be a knight.
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Title: Rocky Jones, Space Ranger
Released: February 23, 1954
Type: TV
Rocky Jones, Space Ranger was a syndicated science fiction television serial originally broadcast in 1954. The show lasted for only two seasons and, though syndicated sporadically, dropped into obscurity. Because it was recorded on film rather than being broadcast live as were most other TV space operas of the day, it has survived in reasonably good condition. The film format also allowed more elaborate special effects and sets, exterior scenes, and much better continuity.
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Second Chance
Title: Second Chance
Character: Mr. Woburn, English tourist
Released: July 18, 1953
Type: Movie
A prize-fighting boxer with a lethal right punch falls for a gangster's moll on the run in Mexico.
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The Story of Three Loves
Title: The Story of Three Loves
Character: Coudray's Stage Manager
Released: March 26, 1953
Type: Movie
Passengers on an ocean liner recall their greatest loves.
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Title: Four Star Playhouse
Character: Inspector Blaney
Released: September 25, 1952
Type: TV
Four Star Playhouse is an American television anthology series that ran from 1952 to 1956, sponsored in its first bi-weekly season by The Singer Company; Bristol-Myers became an alternate sponsor when it became a weekly series in the fall of 1953. The original premise was that Charles Boyer, Ida Lupino, David Niven, and Dick Powell would take turns starring in episodes. However, several other performers took the lead from time to time, including Ronald Colman and Joan Fontaine. Blake Edwards was among the writers and directors who contributed to the series. Edwards created the recurring character of illegal gambling house operator Willie Dante for Dick Powell to play on this series. The character was later revamped and spun off in his own series starring Howard Duff, then-husband of Lupino. The pilot for Meet McGraw, starring Frank Lovejoy, aired here, as did another episode in which Lovejoy recreated his role of Chicago newspaper reporter Randy Stone, from the radio drama Nightbeat.
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Prison Warden
Title: Prison Warden
Character: English Charlie / Watkins the Butler
Released: October 29, 1949
Type: Movie
The new warden of a bad prison finds his biggest problem is his wife.
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A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court
Title: A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court
Character: Auctioneer (uncredited)
Released: April 18, 1949
Type: Movie
A bump on the head sends Hank Martin, 1912 mechanic, to Arthurian Britain, 528 A.D., where he is befriended by Sir Sagramore le Desirous and gains power by judicious use of technology. He and Alisande, the King's niece, fall in love at first sight, which draws unwelcome attention from her fiancée Sir Lancelot; but worse trouble befalls when Hank meddles in the kingdom's politics.
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Kiss the Blood Off My Hands
Title: Kiss the Blood Off My Hands
Character: Superintendent
Released: October 30, 1948
Type: Movie
Bill Saunders, a former prisoner of war living in England, whose experiences have left him unstable and violent, gets into a bar fight in which he in kills a man and then flees. He hides out with the assistance of a nurse, Jane Wharton, who believes his story that the killing was an accident.
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A Woman's Vengeance
Title: A Woman's Vengeance
Character: Solicitor (uncredited)
Released: March 2, 1948
Type: Movie
A cheating husband is charged in the poisoning death of his invalid wife, in spite of other women and suicide also being suspected.
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The Exile
Title: The Exile
Character: Commanding Officer (uncredited)
Released: October 17, 1947
Type: Movie
In 17th-century England, Charles II, the rightful heir to the kingdom, is driven from his country by militants working for rogue leader Oliver Cromwell. Charles ends up in the Netherlands, where he falls for local beauty Katie and spends his days happily in the quiet countryside. Unfortunately, Cromwell's associate Col. Ingram and his men track Charles down, and the would-be monarch must resort to swashbuckling his way to freedom.
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Singapore
Title: Singapore
Character: Travel Agent (uncredited)
Released: August 13, 1947
Type: Movie
After the war, Matt Gordon returns to Singapore to retrieve a fortune in smuggled pearls. Arrived, he reminisces in flashback about his prewar fiancée, alluring Linda, and her disappearance during the Japanese attack. But now Linda resurfaces...with amnesia and married to rich planter Van Leyden. Meanwhile, sinister fence Mauribus schemes to get Matt's pearls.
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Devotion
Title: Devotion
Character: Charles Dickens (uncredited)
Released: April 5, 1946
Type: Movie
In Victorian England, literary siblings Emily and Charlotte Brontë vie for the affection of the Rev. Arthur Nicholls. Along with their sister Anne, Emily and Charlotte also try to help their tormented brother Branwell, a gifted artist whose life is being destroyed by alcohol.
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Three Strangers
Title: Three Strangers
Character: Hotel Clerk
Released: January 28, 1946
Type: Movie
On the eve of the Chinese New Year, three strangers, Crystal Shackleford, married to a wealthy philanderer; Jerome Artbutny, an outwardly respectable judge; and Johnny West, a seedy sneak thief, make a pact before a small statue of the Chinese goddess of Destiny. The threesome agree to purchase a sweepstakes ticket and share whatever winnings might accrue.
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Captain Kidd
Title: Captain Kidd
Character: Captain of the King's Guard (uncredited)
Released: November 22, 1945
Type: Movie
Cutthroat pirate William Kidd captures Admiral Blayne's treasure ship and hides the bounty in a cave. Three years later, Kidd, posing as a respectable merchant captain, offers his services to the King of England. Seeking a social position, Kidd also negotiates for Blayne's title and lands, provided he can prove Blayne was associated with piracy. Launched upon his royal mission, Kidd is unaware that Blayne's son Adam is among the crew, determined to clear his father's name.
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The Man in Half Moon Street
Title: The Man in Half Moon Street
Character: Art Expert at Party
Released: January 19, 1945
Type: Movie
A British doctor and painter must kill for the glands he needs to stop the aging process.
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My Kingdom for a Cook
Title: My Kingdom for a Cook
Character: Reuter's English Reporter
Released: October 27, 1943
Type: Movie
While visiting Massachusetts, a famous English author (Charles Coburn) faces the wrath of a socialite (Isobel Elsom) after stealing her chef.
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Appointment in Berlin
Title: Appointment in Berlin
Character: Miller - Wilson's Butler (uncredited)
Released: July 15, 1943
Type: Movie
The "war of nerves" which gripped the European continent in 1938, is the background for this war thriller starring George Sanders.
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Eyes in the Night
Title: Eyes in the Night
Character: Victor
Released: October 16, 1942
Type: Movie
Blind detective Duncan Maclain gets mixed up with enemy agents and murder when he tries to help an old friend with a rebellious stepdaughter.
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Eagle Squadron
Title: Eagle Squadron
Character: Doc
Released: June 16, 1942
Type: Movie
An American joins the British Royal Air Force just before Pearl Harbor is attacked, and falls in love with a beautiful English girl.
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Suspicion
Title: Suspicion
Character: Reggie Wetherby
Released: November 14, 1941
Type: Movie
Wealthy, sheltered Lina McLaidlaw is swept off her feet by charming ne'er-do-well Johnnie Aysgarth. Though warned that Johnnie is little more than a fortune hunter, Lina marries him anyway and remains loyal to her irresponsible husband as he plows his way from one disreputable business scheme to another. Gradually Lina comes to the conclusion that Johnnie intends to kill her in order to collect her inheritance.
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The Lady Eve
Title: The Lady Eve
Character: Professor Jones (uncredited)
Released: February 25, 1941
Type: Movie
It's no accident when wealthy Charles falls for Jean. Jean is a con artist with her sights set on Charles' fortune. Matters complicate when Jean starts falling for her mark. When Charles suspects Jean is a gold digger, he dumps her. Jean, fixated on revenge and still pining for the millionaire, devises a plan to get back in Charles' life. With love and payback on her mind, she re-introduces herself to Charles, this time as an aristocrat named Lady Eve Sidwich.
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Arise, My Love
Title: Arise, My Love
Character: Steward (Uncredited)
Released: November 8, 1940
Type: Movie
A dashing pilot and a vivacious reporter have romantic and dramatic adventures in Europe as World War II begins.
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Earthbound
Title: Earthbound
Character: Defense Attorney
Released: June 6, 1940
Type: Movie
A murdered man helps his widow bring his killer to justice.
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My Son, My Son!
Title: My Son, My Son!
Character: Thurston
Released: March 21, 1940
Type: Movie
A self-made success is determined to give his son the lavish upbringing he himself was denied. Not surprisingly, the son grows up to be spoiled rotten, causing grief and pain to everyone who loves him.
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Vigil in the Night
Title: Vigil in the Night
Character: Judge Tyler
Released: February 5, 1940
Type: Movie
A good nurse ruins her career by covering up for her sister's careless mistake.
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Gunga Din
Title: Gunga Din
Character: Rudyard Kipling - Journalist
Released: January 26, 1939
Type: Movie
British army sergeants Ballantine, Cutter and MacChesney serve in India during the 1880s, along with their native water-bearer, Gunga Din. While completing a dangerous telegraph-repair mission, they unearth evidence of the suppressed Thuggee cult. When Gunga Din tells the sergeants about a secret temple made of gold, the fortune-hunting Cutter is captured by the Thuggees, and it's up to his friends to rescue him.
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Female Fugitive
Title: Female Fugitive
Character: Dr. Richardson
Released: April 15, 1938
Type: Movie
Police set up a dragnet to trap an outlaw's wife whom they believe to be his accomplice.
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The Buccaneer
Title: The Buccaneer
Character: Ship's Surgeon
Released: February 4, 1938
Type: Movie
French pirate Jean Lafitte rescues a girl and joins the War of 1812.
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The White Angel
Title: The White Angel
Character: Patient (uncredited)
Released: June 25, 1936
Type: Movie
In mid-nineteenth century England the medical establishment does not recognize the value of skilled nurses, cleanliness, nutrition and kindness. Florence Nightingale's heroic measures slowly changes all of this.
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Splendor
Title: Splendor
Character: Billy Grimes
Released: November 22, 1935
Type: Movie
When Brighton Lorrimore returns home with his new bride, Phyllis, his family makes their disappointment in his choice obvious. Facing bankruptcy and the loss of their mansion and social position, they had hoped that Brighton would marry wealthy heiress and family friend, Edith Gilbert.
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Society Fever
Title: Society Fever
Character: Lord Michael
Released: July 15, 1935
Type: Movie
A mother starts to get worried when she finds out that some wealthy friends have been invited to dinner with her somewhat screwball family.
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Cardinal Richelieu
Title: Cardinal Richelieu
Character: Richelieu's Outrider
Released: April 18, 1935
Type: Movie
The cunning Cardinal Richelieu must save King Louis XIII from treachery within his inner circle.
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Charlie Chan in London
Title: Charlie Chan in London
Character: Flight Cmdr. King (uncredited)
Released: September 12, 1934
Type: Movie
Charlie Chan is sought out by Pamela Gray, a desperate young socialite whose brother Paul awaits execution for the murder of a weapons inventor. Pamela is convinced of his innocence.
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One More River
Title: One More River
Character: Tommy
Released: August 6, 1934
Type: Movie
A young lady leaves her brutal husband and meets another man on board a ship.
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Of Human Bondage
Title: Of Human Bondage
Character: Cyril Dunsford
Released: July 20, 1934
Type: Movie
A young man finds himself attracted to a cold and unfeeling waitress who may ultimately destroy them both.
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Partners of the Trail
Title: Partners of the Trail
Character: John Durrant
Released: July 21, 1931
Type: Movie
A playboy travels west after having killed his wife's lover. By chance, he happens to run into the man who has been falsely accused of the crime, who is himself on the run.
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Old English
Title: Old English
Character: Bob Pillin
Released: August 12, 1930
Type: Movie
An old man unethically provides an income for his two grandchildren.
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The Green Goddess
Title: The Green Goddess
Character: Lieutenant Cardew
Released: February 13, 1930
Type: Movie
An airplane carrying three Brits crash lands in the kingdom of Rukh. The Rajah holds them prisoner because the British are about to execute his three half-brothers in neighboring India.
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The Adorable Cheat
Title: The Adorable Cheat
Character: Will Dorsey
Released: August 14, 1928
Type: Movie
The daughter of a wealthy industrialist wants to take over the company when her father retires, but the father--an old-fashioned sort who doesn't believe that "girls" belong in business--is planning on leaving the company to her wastrel playboy brother. In order to prove to her dad that she can handle the job, she disguises herself as an ordinary "working girl" and gets a job in her dad's plant. There she meets and falls in love with a clerk. She brings the young man home to meet her folks, but during the evening the family safe is robbed, and all signs point to her new boyfriend.
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White Mice
Title: White Mice
Character: Peter de Peyster
Released: January 31, 1926
Type: Movie
Roddy Forrester has formed the White Mice club with a pal. The purpose of the club is to help those in trouble. When Roddy's father sends him to the South American republic of Montebello, he gets his chance to be of service. General Rojas, the former president, is locked away in a prison and slowly dying. Roddy decides to rescue him, especially since he has been inspired by the general's pretty daughter, Inez.
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The Pinch Hitter
Title: The Pinch Hitter
Character: Alexis Thompson
Released: December 13, 1925
Type: Movie
Joel Parker is sent to college by his crabby farmer father only because it was his mother's dying wish that he get an education. At college, he's immediately pegged as a chump and is constantly victimized by the other students, headed by Jimmie Slater. Only Abbie Nettleton, who works at the campus bakery, has any sympathy for him.
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Classmates
Title: Classmates
Character: Bert Stafford
Released: November 19, 1924
Type: Movie
Duncan, the son of a village postmaster, is in love with Sylvia, daughter of a rich and snobbish family. He enrolls at West Point but ends up having a fist fight with Sylvia’s other suitor, Bert, his classmate at the academy.
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The Country Cousin
Title: The Country Cousin
Character: Sammy Wilson
Released: November 2, 1919
Type: Movie
The Country Cousin
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Piccadilly Jim
Title: Piccadilly Jim
Character: Ogden Pett
Released: November 1, 1919
Type: Movie
American newspaper reporter Jim Crocker's madcap escapades in London earn him notoriety and the nickname "Piccadilly Jim." When he overhears his American cousin by marriage, Ann Chester, giving her candid opinion of him, he decides to return to America to try to reform. He meets Ann on the boat, using another name. Unable to find work in New York, he goes to his step aunt Mrs. Peter Pett's home to be near Ann. Jim then helps Ann kidnap pampered cousin Ogden Pett whose overindulgence has created disruption in the household.
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The Magic Glass
Title: The Magic Glass
Character: Tommy (as Eric Desmond)
Released: June 23, 1914
Type: Movie
A boy uses a professor's liquid to make objects transparent.
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David Copperfield
Title: David Copperfield
Character: David Copperfield as a Child (as Eric Desmond)
Released: January 2, 1913
Type: Movie