Fred Groves (actor)
Fred Groves was a British actor of the celebrated Groves acting family. On stage from 1896, he appeared in the original West End production of Noël Coward's Cavalcade ; and was a leading man in silent films, latterly becoming a character player in movies. He appeared in the 1925 play Number 17 in the West End.
He was a son of Charles Groves, a well-known Victorian and Edwardian comedic actor who made appearances on Broadway and in London's West End. He was also a nephew of the Fred Karno comedian Walter Groves, and a half-brother to the film and stage actor Charles Groves.
Among his feature film appearances was the comedy Sally In Our Alley. It marked the screen debut of Gracie Fields, an established music hall star. Gracie's husband, the screenwriter Archie Pitt was set to play the leading role of Alf Cope, but during the first week of filming, as Fields and Pitt were travelling back from shooting, their car crashed. Though Fields escaped injury, Pitt was forced to withdraw from the cast in order to recuperate. Due to his experience and availability, the role was quickly recast with Groves taking Pitt's place.
Selected filmography
Maria Marten - William CorderPopsy Wopsy The Suicide Club - The PresidentThe Loss of the Birkenhead - SethHer Luck in London - Richard LenowenThe Idol of Paris - Philippe CastelleHoneymoon for Three - Cornelius V. Van DamGilbert Gets Tiger-It is - GilbertGilbert Dying to Die - GilbertFlorence Nightingale - DoctorFrom Shopgirl to Duchess - Duke of St. BaynumThe World's Desire - Sir Richard BennettHer Nameless Child - Arthur FordHome - Steven ArmitageMr. Lyndon at Liberty - Tom MorrisonFine Feathers - Richard DeanCharity Ann - Graham TrevorA Will of Her Own - Dr. BlakeThe Firm of Girdlestone - Ezra GirdlestoneMeg the Lady - Giles CurwenEsther - HamanDriven - John StaffurthThe Two Roads - Reverend Basil EgertonThe Manxman - Pete Quillian - A fishermanMother Love - AlfieSmith - Tom FreemanDrink - CoupeauThe Grit of a Jew - RussellThe Labour Leader - John WebsterCastle of Dreams - John MortonLondon Pride - Cuthbert TunksGarryowen - Michael FrenchJudge Not - BurkeSquibs - PC Charlie LeeThe Mayor of Casterbridge - Michael HenchardA Master of Craft - Captain FlowerThe Crimson Circle - Inspector ParrSquibs Wins the Calcutta Sweep - P. C. LeeRogues of the Turf - Bill HigginsSquibs M.P. - PC Charlie LeeSquibs' Honeymoon - PC Charlie LeeMemories - The HusbandSuspense - Pvt. LomaxEscape - ShopkeeperSally in Our Alley - Alf CopeOut of the Blue - Bannister BlairThe World, the Flesh, the Devil - Dick MorganThe Ghost Camera - InnkeeperPuppets of Fate - Arthur BrandonA Glimpse of Paradise - Joshua WareThe Old Curiosity Shop - Showman Dance Band - Pantomime ActBeloved Imposter - Jack HardingRoyal Cavalcade - Sam WaldockSecond Bureau - Sgt. ColleretThe Squeaker - Martin Vessel of Wrath - Dutch Sea Captain The Viper - Inspector BradlawThe Challenge - FavreStrange Boarders - No Parking - WalshClimbing High - Doorman 21 Days - BarnesAn Ideal Husband - Phipps, Goring's ButlerNight Beat - PC KendallMy Brother Jonathan - Lisha HodgkissMy Brother's Keeper - LandlordOld Mother Riley's New Venture - GrigsbyYour Witness - Dart Player #6 The Girl Who Couldn't Quite - ManservantUp for the Cup - Hardcastle