John East(1860-1924)
- Actor
- Writer
John M. East born John Marlborough East in London in 1860. John began on
comedy and drama theatre from the 1880's. Popular gentleman character
and support actor, appeared in more than 30 British silent drama and
adventure movies, making his film debut as Tom Cribb in Harold M.
Shaw's 'The House of Temperley' starring Ben Webster for the London
Film Co in 1913. Perhaps his best known roles was as Little John in 'In
the Days of Robin Hood' starring H. Agar Lyons in the title role made
at the Natural Colour Kinematograph studios in 1913 and as Old Kipps in
'Kipps' starring George K. Arthur at the Stoll Film Co in 1921. He made
his final movie as the Shepherd in 'Owd Bob' directed by Henry Edwards
for Atlantic Union Film Co in 1924 John died that same year in London
age 64. In the mid 1910's he became so well-known in the movies he
received over 3000 votes in Picturegoer magazine's 1916 contest to
establish the 'Greatest British Film Player. John was also a
screenwriter and one of the co-founders of the Neptune Film Company in
Borehamwood which is today the site of Elstree studios.
