Trivia

Father of Tom Walls Jr., with whom he made two on-screen appearances, Spring in Park Lane (1948) and Maytime in Mayfair (1949).

Was the son of a builder and educated at Northampton County School.

For a brief period in his early 20s he was an officer in the Metropolitan Police Force.

His first stage appearance was in the pantomime "Aladdin" in Glasgow in 1905 under the managership of Robert Courtneidge.

Toured America in 1906/7 and on his return to England (1907) he made his London debut at The Empire Theatre playing Ensign Ruffler in "Sir Roger de Coverley". He remained at the Empire (as well as touring) in musical comedy for the next two years.

His first managerial venture (with Leslie Henson), "Tons of Money" ran for two years at the Shaftesbury Theatre.

Formed an on-stage partnership with Ralph Lynn, "The Aldwych Farces", which became as well known as any other during this period.

In 1927 he assumed control of the Fortune Theatre before concentrating his energies on the cinema from 1929, often in collaboration with Robertson Hare.

His great passion outside of show business was horses. He moved to Ewell, Epsom, home of The Epsom Derby and triumphed there in 1932 with his colt April the Fifth which he trained himself. In all he trained about 150 winners (total wins) up until 1948. He was also a regular rider with his local foxhounds.

He died at his home at Ewell, near Epsom, aged 66.

Tom Walls worked again with Françoise Rosay in the 1944 film Johnny Frenchman. He again played a sailor, this time the Captain of a fishing boat.