André Charlot

André Charlot was a French-born impresario and character actor who produced intimate revues in London from 1912 to 1937. Born in Paris, where his father managed a theater, he studied at the Lycée Condorcet and the Paris Conservatoire, then worked for his father, became assistant manager at the Théâtre du Palais-Royal, and served as business manager at the Folies-Bergère. After opening a theatrical agency, he managed the Alhambra in London from 1912 to 1914. His small-scale revues featured quick scene changes and new talent; he helped launch the careers of Gertrude Lawrence, Beatrice Lillie, Jessie Matthews, Jack Buchanan, and Jack Hulbert, and worked with Noël Coward and Ivor Novello. Charlot's Revue of 1924 was a Broadway triumph. He produced BBC radio programs and helped direct Elstree Calling in 1930. Moving to Hollywood, he appeared in 50 films between 1942 and 1955, often in small roles, and his most memorable role was in The Song of Bernadette. He died in 1956.