Ronald Shiner
Also Known As: Ronald Alfred Shiner
Biography: 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.
Department: Acting
Place of Birth: London, England, UK
Birthday: June 08, 1903
Deathday: June 29, 1966
Adult: No
Gender: Male
Popularity:
Known For:
Limelight
Overview: A chorus girl (Anna Neagle) discovers a singer (Arthur Tracy) in the streets and asks her producer to give him a shot at stardom.
Genres: Drama Music
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1936-05-29
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The Case of the Frightened Lady
Overview: A classic British thriller set in a sinister old house, based on a story by Edgar Wallace.
Genres: Mystery Thriller Crime
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1940-09-28
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King Arthur Was a Gentleman
Overview: Arthur King joins the army, and soon starts fantasizing about King Arthur and his knights.
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1942-12-28
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Forbidden
Overview: 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.
Genres: Thriller Drama
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1949-02-28
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The Gang's All Here
Overview: 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.
Genres: Comedy
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1939-03-04
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A Yank at Oxford
Overview: A brash young American aristocrat attending Oxford University gets a chance to prove himself and win the heart of his antagonist's sister.
Genres: Drama Romance
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1938-02-18
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Dry Rot
Overview: Comedy about a trio of not particularly bright bookmakers who try to fix a horse race.
Genres: Comedy
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1956-10-31
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Innocents in Paris
Overview: Romantic comedy about a group of Britons flying to Paris for the weekend.
Genres: Comedy
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1953-07-22
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Let George Do It!
Overview: 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.
Genres: Comedy Music War
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1940-07-12
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The Night We Got the Bird
Overview: Good natured comic caper charting the misadventures of a hapless bunch of Brighton based petty crooks dogged with disaster at every turn.
Genres: Comedy
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1960-11-03
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The Adventures of Dusty Bates
Overview: 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.
Genres: Action
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1947-09-01
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Laughing Anne
Overview: 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.
Genres: Adventure Drama Romance
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1953-09-01
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Flying Fifty-Five
Overview: 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.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1939-05-01
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Get Cracking
Overview: 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.
Genres: Comedy War Romance
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1943-05-17
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George in Civvy Street
Overview: 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.
Genres: Comedy
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1946-07-07
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Girls at Sea
Overview: 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.
Genres: Comedy
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1958-10-01
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The Nursemaid Who Disappeared
Overview: An overheard conversation leads to clues that a kidnapping plot is afoot.
Genres: Crime Drama
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1939-03-01
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The Navy Lark
Overview: 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.
Genres: Comedy
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1959-01-01
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Wild Boy
Overview: 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.
Genres: Comedy Crime Drama
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1934-01-01
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St. Martin's Lane
Overview: 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.
Genres: Comedy Drama
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1938-10-18
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Aunt Clara
Overview: 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.
Genres: Comedy
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1954-11-22
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London Melody
Overview: 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?
Genres: Music
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1937-02-04
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Squibs
Overview: Squibs, a cockney flowerseller with a father overwhelmed by gambling debts wins through with the help of assorted friends and a romantically inclined policeman.
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1935-06-11
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Worm's Eye View
Overview: Incidents in the lives of a group of R.A.F. men living in billets.
Genres: Comedy
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1951-04-01
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The Missing People
Overview: 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.
Genres: Mystery Crime
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1939-05-01
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Trouble Brewing
Overview: 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.
Genres: Comedy Music Romance
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1939-03-01
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Come on George!
Overview: 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
Genres: Comedy
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1939-12-01
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Keep It Clean
Overview: 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.
Genres: Comedy
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1956-05-01
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Little Big Shot
Overview: 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?
Genres: Comedy
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1952-01-01
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Doctor's Orders
Overview: Leslie Fuller stars as a quack whose son qualifies as a doctor in total ignorance of his father's occupation!
Genres: Comedy
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1934-11-01
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Spare a Copper
Overview: 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.
Genres: Comedy
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1940-12-02
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Old Bill and Son
Overview: 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!
Genres: Comedy War
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1941-03-01
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Excuse My Glove
Overview: A young man, whose main interest in life is stained glass, accidentally accepts a challenge to fight in a fair boxing booth.
Genres: Comedy
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1936-07-20
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Top of the Form
Overview: 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.
Genres: Comedy
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1953-02-01
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The Balloon Goes Up
Overview: Balloon unit WAAFs catch German spies.
Genres: War Music Comedy
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1942-12-01
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Carry on Admiral
Overview: 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.
Genres: Comedy
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1957-05-14
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Beauty and the Barge
Overview: 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.
Genres: Comedy
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1937-02-07
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It's a Bet
Overview: 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.
Genres: Comedy Drama
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1935-02-01
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Bees in Paradise
Overview: Four pilots become stranded on a tropical island inhabited by beautiful women.
Genres: Comedy Music
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1944-03-20
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Up to His Neck
Overview: A maritime farce set in the South Seas. A strong supporting cast includes Brian Rix, Anthony Newley & Harry Fowler.
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1954-01-01
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The Middle Watch
Overview: 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.
Genres: Comedy
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1940-05-11
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Not Wanted on Voyage
Overview: 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. Brough and her secretary Pat. Soon Mrs. Broughs’ jewels are stolen…
Genres: Comedy
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1957-11-01
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The Magic Box
Overview: 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.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1952-01-01
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Once a Thief
Overview: 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.
Genres: Romance Crime
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1935-06-14
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Gentlemen's Agreement
Overview: A young doctor realises that his father is a quack and changes places with a down-and-out.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1935-01-01
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Operation Bullshine
Overview: 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.
Genres: War Comedy
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1959-06-30
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The Gentle Sex
Overview: 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.
Genres: Comedy Drama War
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1943-05-23
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Unpublished Story
Overview: Morale-boosting story released in the middle of World War II. A journalist uncovers a peace organisation at the centre of disreputable dealings.
Genres: Drama War
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1942-08-10
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The Black Sheep of Whitehall
Overview: 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.
Genres: Comedy
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1942-02-23
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My Learned Friend
Overview: 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.
Genres: Comedy Crime
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1943-10-25
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Miss London Ltd.
Overview: 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.
Genres: Comedy Music
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1943-06-14
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I Live in Grosvenor Square
Overview: 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.
Genres: Comedy Drama Romance
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1945-07-20
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Caesar and Cleopatra
Overview: The aging Caesar finds himself intrigued by the young Egyptian queen. Adapted by George Bernard Shaw from his own play.
Genres: Drama History Comedy
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1945-12-11
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They Drive by Night
Overview: “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.
Genres: Crime Thriller
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1938-12-01
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Salvage with a Smile
Overview: 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.
Genres: Documentary
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1940-01-01
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South American George
Overview: 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.
Genres: Comedy
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1941-12-27
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They Flew Alone
Overview: 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.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1942-06-29
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Thursday's Child
Overview: A couple's little girl becomes a movie star, but all it seems to bring is trouble.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1943-03-24
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Sabotage at Sea
Overview: The captain of a British cargo ship shanghais a group of sabateurs, unaware that the daughter of the ship’s owner is among them.
Genres: Drama War
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1942-09-07
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Dinner at the Ritz
Overview: The daughter of a murdered financier works as a jewelry salesperson while she tracks her father's colleagues who plotted against him.
Genres: Mystery Romance Crime
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1937-11-26
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The Man Within
Overview: A man goes on the run from hardened smugglers.
Genres: Adventure Crime Drama
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1947-05-19
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The Mind of Mr. Reeder
Overview: Mr. Reeder, a somewhat eccentric old gentleman employed by the Director of Public Prosecutions, gets it into his head to break up a counterfeiting ring.
Genres: Mystery Crime Drama
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1939-03-04
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The Young Mr. Pitt
Overview: This biopic tells the story of the life of Pitt The Younger, who became Prime Minister of Great Britain at the age of 24.
Genres: Drama History
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1942-09-21
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Reluctant Heroes
Overview: This comedy is set in an army boot camp. It displays a drill sergeant who must somehow turn an inept group of recruits into real soldiers.
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1952-02-11
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