Family Card - Person Sheet
Family Card - Person Sheet
NameHarold Arthur George FRENCH
Birth23 Apr 1900, London, England
Death19 Oct 1997, London, England
OccupationActor, Film Director
Spouses
1Phyllis Marie SYMONDSON, 1C2R
Birth19 Jun 1901, Brighton, Sussex, England
Baptism8 Dec 1901
Death14 Oct 1940, London, Middlesex, England
OccupationActress
FatherSydney Frederick SYMONDSON (SIMMONDS) (1862-1927)
MotherWilhelmina ARNOLD (~1859-1934)
Marriage1927
ChildrenAnn Mary (1929-~1948)
Marriage1947
Notes for Harold Arthur George FRENCH
In the April to June 1900 birth index Harold Arthur G. French, Lambeth, London, volume 1d, page 486.
In the 1901 census 153 Queens Road, Wimbledon, Surrey
Head William J. French, age 46, optician, worker, born Dublin
Wife Gertrude S. French, age 38, born Bermondsey, Surrey
Son Francis J. French, single, age 18, shipping clerk, born Capberwell, Surrey
Son Louis E. French, age 15, shipping clerk, born Camberwell, Surrey
Daughter Mary E. French, age 6, born Lambeth, Surrey
Son Harold A. French, age 4, born Hampsteead, Middlesex.
[This family seems a match to the one in the 1911 census, however Harold’s age seems to be incorrect. In the 1911 census it clearly says age 10 which matches the birth index and the 1939 England and Wales Register. It should say 11 months not 4 years This would explain the different dates on other family trees]
In the 1911 census 18 Stanley Road, Wimbledon, Surrey
Head William French, age 56, thermometer maker, scientific instrument maker, worker, born Dublin.
Wife Gertrude French, age 48, married 29 years, 5 children born alive, 4 still living, born Surrey.
Daughter Mary French, age 16, student, born Surrey.
Son Harold French, age 10, student, born Surrey.
Visitor Maxim Lecouffe, age 20, single, student, born Chocques, France.
Visitor Andre Minart, age 20, single, student, born Lille, France
UK Royal Air Force Records
Harold Arthur French Official Number 178074
Enlisted Private/2
Born April 23, 1900, Brixton Parish, London
Roman Catholic
Engaged June 6, 1918, age 18 1/2 for duration of the war
Civilian occupation Actor
Person to be informed in case of casualties: Father, William J. French, 6 Avenue Gardens St Margarets Road, Twickenham
Height 5 feet 10 1/2 inches
Brown Hair, blue eyes, fair complexion
Trade Pilot (learner)
Transfer to R.A.F. Reserve February 5 1919, Class G 44458
UK Outward Passenger Lists
Departed Southampton, England July 20 1921 on the Adriatic destination New York, USA
Harold A. G. French, last address in UK 8 Sutton Court Mansions Chiswick W., actor, age 21
[He arrived in New York onJuly 20 1921, and his address includes his father’s name W.J. French, Esquire]
In the January to March 1947 marriage index Harold A. G. French and Muriel C. Baker or Bradford [perhaps this was her second marriage as well], Westminster, Middlesex, volume 5c, page 903
UK Outward Passenger Lists
Departed Southampton, England, March 31 1948 on the Queen Mary, destination New York USA, first class
Harold French, age 47, 17 Wendover Court, Finchley Road, London, Film Director
Muriel French, age 35, housewife.
UK Incoming Passenger Lists
Departed New York, New York, United States on the Queen Mary, arrived April 27 1948 at Southampton, England, first class
Harold French, age 48, proposed address 17 Wendover Court, Finchley Road, London, film director
Muriel French, age 35, housewife
In the October 1997 death index Harold Arthur G. French, born April 23, 1900 , Fulham, London, volume 85A, district 2281, entry 144.
Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harold_French
From the Trafford/Fletcher/Macklin Smith/ De weck Tree by samsara45 at ancestry.co.uk
Harold French (1897-1997) b. London, England.
London-born director who made very English entertainment for the cinema for years. French was also a prolific stage director, especially of the works of Terence Rattigan and Noel Coward. None of his films was quite a masterpiece, nor even a big box-office hit, but several of them, particularly those made between 1940 and 1955, remain pleasing, unassuming, skilful entertainment.
French had begun his career as an actor, on stage (from 1912) and in films (from 1923), performing off and on until 1936. With the coming of sound, having already made a reputation on stage, he began to star regularly for the cinema, although hardly any of his 1930s' films are remembered today. With the coming of World War II, however, French emerged fairly suddenly as a front-rank director of the British cinema. The House of the Arrow (1940) was an exciting version of A.E.W. Mason's thriller; Secret Mission (1942) and The Day Will Dawn (1942) are two stiff-upper-lip but soberly presented war films, and Dear Octopus (1943) the first of several warm and cosily amusing portraits of middleclass British family life that would also include English Without Tears (1944) and Quiet Weekend (1947). French also made some mild flights of fancy including White Cradle Inn (1946) and The Dancing Years (1948), also some stodgy romantic dramas.
French had a solid box-office success with the cunningly contrived My Brother Jonathan (1948), on the crest of the British vogue for provincial stories spread over a number of years, with triumph and tragedy coming out equal in their characters' lives. It is hard to imagine this most civilised of men turning his hand to rough-and-tumble action in glorious TechniColour, but he did in fact direct Rob Roy the Highland Rogue (1954) for the Disney Organisation, before ending his film career with The Man Who Loved Redheads (1955), another Rattigan comedy with a brilliant cast. French then turned back to writing. In later years he turned his attention to the stage. Tragedy entered French's life in 1941 when his wife Phyllis was killed in a bombing raid.
[Note other records indicate he was born in 1900 and Phyllis died in 1940.]
In the 1901 census 153 Queens Road, Wimbledon, Surrey
Head William J. French, age 46, optician, worker, born Dublin
Wife Gertrude S. French, age 38, born Bermondsey, Surrey
Son Francis J. French, single, age 18, shipping clerk, born Capberwell, Surrey
Son Louis E. French, age 15, shipping clerk, born Camberwell, Surrey
Daughter Mary E. French, age 6, born Lambeth, Surrey
Son Harold A. French, age 4, born Hampsteead, Middlesex.
[This family seems a match to the one in the 1911 census, however Harold’s age seems to be incorrect. In the 1911 census it clearly says age 10 which matches the birth index and the 1939 England and Wales Register. It should say 11 months not 4 years This would explain the different dates on other family trees]
In the 1911 census 18 Stanley Road, Wimbledon, Surrey
Head William French, age 56, thermometer maker, scientific instrument maker, worker, born Dublin.
Wife Gertrude French, age 48, married 29 years, 5 children born alive, 4 still living, born Surrey.
Daughter Mary French, age 16, student, born Surrey.
Son Harold French, age 10, student, born Surrey.
Visitor Maxim Lecouffe, age 20, single, student, born Chocques, France.
Visitor Andre Minart, age 20, single, student, born Lille, France
UK Royal Air Force Records
Harold Arthur French Official Number 178074
Enlisted Private/2
Born April 23, 1900, Brixton Parish, London
Roman Catholic
Engaged June 6, 1918, age 18 1/2 for duration of the war
Civilian occupation Actor
Person to be informed in case of casualties: Father, William J. French, 6 Avenue Gardens St Margarets Road, Twickenham
Height 5 feet 10 1/2 inches
Brown Hair, blue eyes, fair complexion
Trade Pilot (learner)
Transfer to R.A.F. Reserve February 5 1919, Class G 44458
UK Outward Passenger Lists
Departed Southampton, England July 20 1921 on the Adriatic destination New York, USA
Harold A. G. French, last address in UK 8 Sutton Court Mansions Chiswick W., actor, age 21
[He arrived in New York onJuly 20 1921, and his address includes his father’s name W.J. French, Esquire]
In the January to March 1947 marriage index Harold A. G. French and Muriel C. Baker or Bradford [perhaps this was her second marriage as well], Westminster, Middlesex, volume 5c, page 903
UK Outward Passenger Lists
Departed Southampton, England, March 31 1948 on the Queen Mary, destination New York USA, first class
Harold French, age 47, 17 Wendover Court, Finchley Road, London, Film Director
Muriel French, age 35, housewife.
UK Incoming Passenger Lists
Departed New York, New York, United States on the Queen Mary, arrived April 27 1948 at Southampton, England, first class
Harold French, age 48, proposed address 17 Wendover Court, Finchley Road, London, film director
Muriel French, age 35, housewife
In the October 1997 death index Harold Arthur G. French, born April 23, 1900 , Fulham, London, volume 85A, district 2281, entry 144.
Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harold_French
From the Trafford/Fletcher/Macklin Smith/ De weck Tree by samsara45 at ancestry.co.uk
Harold French (1897-1997) b. London, England.
London-born director who made very English entertainment for the cinema for years. French was also a prolific stage director, especially of the works of Terence Rattigan and Noel Coward. None of his films was quite a masterpiece, nor even a big box-office hit, but several of them, particularly those made between 1940 and 1955, remain pleasing, unassuming, skilful entertainment.
French had begun his career as an actor, on stage (from 1912) and in films (from 1923), performing off and on until 1936. With the coming of sound, having already made a reputation on stage, he began to star regularly for the cinema, although hardly any of his 1930s' films are remembered today. With the coming of World War II, however, French emerged fairly suddenly as a front-rank director of the British cinema. The House of the Arrow (1940) was an exciting version of A.E.W. Mason's thriller; Secret Mission (1942) and The Day Will Dawn (1942) are two stiff-upper-lip but soberly presented war films, and Dear Octopus (1943) the first of several warm and cosily amusing portraits of middleclass British family life that would also include English Without Tears (1944) and Quiet Weekend (1947). French also made some mild flights of fancy including White Cradle Inn (1946) and The Dancing Years (1948), also some stodgy romantic dramas.
French had a solid box-office success with the cunningly contrived My Brother Jonathan (1948), on the crest of the British vogue for provincial stories spread over a number of years, with triumph and tragedy coming out equal in their characters' lives. It is hard to imagine this most civilised of men turning his hand to rough-and-tumble action in glorious TechniColour, but he did in fact direct Rob Roy the Highland Rogue (1954) for the Disney Organisation, before ending his film career with The Man Who Loved Redheads (1955), another Rattigan comedy with a brilliant cast. French then turned back to writing. In later years he turned his attention to the stage. Tragedy entered French's life in 1941 when his wife Phyllis was killed in a bombing raid.
[Note other records indicate he was born in 1900 and Phyllis died in 1940.]
Notes for Phyllis Marie (Spouse 1)
an Actress
In the July to September 1901 birth index Phyllis Symondson, Steyning, Sussex, volume 2b, page 271.
Parish Records St. Gabriel, Warwick Square, Pimlico, Westminster, London
Born June 19 1901, baptism December 8 1901 Phyllis Marie Symondson, parents Sidney Frederick and Wilhelmina Symondson, of 81 Preston Road, Brighton, father is a coal merchant
Born August 3 1901, baptism December 8 1901 Sidney Albert Edward Symondson, parents Henry John and Amy Symondson, of 44 Cumberland Street, father is a musician
Ceremony by A. W. Yeatman
[Phyllis and Sidney are first cousins.]
In the 1911 census 1 St. Johns Hill Grove, Battersea SW, London
Sydney F. Simmonds, age 48, musician conductor, associated with a roller skating rink, employer, born Hounslow.
Wife Wilhelmina Simmonds, married 26 years, age 48, 10 children born alive all still living, born Holborn.
Daughter Constance Simmonds, single, age 22, musician roller skating rink, worker, born Hounslow.
Son Robert Simmonds, single, age 17, Electrician Operator at Cinematograph Theatre, worker, born Hounslow.
Son Victor Simmonds, age 14, born Hounslow.
Son Lionel Simmonds, age 11, born Brighton, Sussex.
Daughter Phyllis Simmonds, age 9, born Brighton.
Son Ernest Simmonds, age 7, born Brighton.
The house had 7 rooms.
[Note most other family members are using the name Symondson in this census.]
Listed in the New York passenger lists, departed Southampton, arrived New York, December 14, 1925 on the Mauretania,
Phyllis Symondson, born Brighton, England, age 24, single, occupation theatrical,
mother W. Symondson 89 Vicarage Rd, Neasden London NW.
[There were numerous other passengers listed on the same page as theatrical. The contact was A. L. Erlanger Esq, Liberty Theatre, New York.]
In the January to March 1927 marriage index, Phyllis M. Symondson and Harold A. G. French, Kensington District, London, volume 1a, page 301.
London Electoral Registers 1930
10 Wilton Mews, Westminster
Lilly Amour [This sounds like a stage name to me!]
Harold French
Phyllis Marie French
London Electoral Registers 1936, 1937, 1938
Top Flat, 25 Gloucester Gardens, Paddington, Westminster
Harold French
Phyllis Marie French
Jean Mary Nutley [1938 only]
1939 England and Wales Register
6 Marlborough Road, St. Marylebone, London
1. Harold A. G. French, born April 23 1900 married, theatrical producer and film director
2. Phyllis M. French, born June 19 1901, married, unpaid domestic duties
3. George Parnes, born May 26 1905, married, servant
4. Freda Parnes, born June 1? 1910, married, servant
5. Rowland J? Culver, born August 31 1900, married, actor
Drove an ambulance during the London Blitz. [From Laughter in the Air by Georgina Morgan (nee Symondson)]
World War II Civilian Deaths, UK
Phyllis French, age 38; of 10 Wilton Mews, Knightsbridge. Wife of Harold French. 14 October 1940 at 10 Wilton Mews.
wikipedia says she died in a Luftwaffe bombing raid.
In the December 1940 death index Phyllis French, age 38, Westminster, London, volume 1a, page 802
National Probate Calendar
Phyllis Marie French or Marie Arnold of 10 Wilton-mews Westminster (wife of Harold Arthur George French) died 14 October 1940 Probate Llandudno 22 April 1941 to the said Harold Arthur George French theatre and film director and Gilbert Hugh Beyfus kings council. Effects 241 pounds.
[The Oxford Dictionary of National Biography Index - Harold Arthur George French (1900-1997) actor and director]
In the July to September 1901 birth index Phyllis Symondson, Steyning, Sussex, volume 2b, page 271.
Parish Records St. Gabriel, Warwick Square, Pimlico, Westminster, London
Born June 19 1901, baptism December 8 1901 Phyllis Marie Symondson, parents Sidney Frederick and Wilhelmina Symondson, of 81 Preston Road, Brighton, father is a coal merchant
Born August 3 1901, baptism December 8 1901 Sidney Albert Edward Symondson, parents Henry John and Amy Symondson, of 44 Cumberland Street, father is a musician
Ceremony by A. W. Yeatman
[Phyllis and Sidney are first cousins.]
In the 1911 census 1 St. Johns Hill Grove, Battersea SW, London
Sydney F. Simmonds, age 48, musician conductor, associated with a roller skating rink, employer, born Hounslow.
Wife Wilhelmina Simmonds, married 26 years, age 48, 10 children born alive all still living, born Holborn.
Daughter Constance Simmonds, single, age 22, musician roller skating rink, worker, born Hounslow.
Son Robert Simmonds, single, age 17, Electrician Operator at Cinematograph Theatre, worker, born Hounslow.
Son Victor Simmonds, age 14, born Hounslow.
Son Lionel Simmonds, age 11, born Brighton, Sussex.
Daughter Phyllis Simmonds, age 9, born Brighton.
Son Ernest Simmonds, age 7, born Brighton.
The house had 7 rooms.
[Note most other family members are using the name Symondson in this census.]
Listed in the New York passenger lists, departed Southampton, arrived New York, December 14, 1925 on the Mauretania,
Phyllis Symondson, born Brighton, England, age 24, single, occupation theatrical,
mother W. Symondson 89 Vicarage Rd, Neasden London NW.
[There were numerous other passengers listed on the same page as theatrical. The contact was A. L. Erlanger Esq, Liberty Theatre, New York.]
In the January to March 1927 marriage index, Phyllis M. Symondson and Harold A. G. French, Kensington District, London, volume 1a, page 301.
London Electoral Registers 1930
10 Wilton Mews, Westminster
Lilly Amour [This sounds like a stage name to me!]
Harold French
Phyllis Marie French
London Electoral Registers 1936, 1937, 1938
Top Flat, 25 Gloucester Gardens, Paddington, Westminster
Harold French
Phyllis Marie French
Jean Mary Nutley [1938 only]
1939 England and Wales Register
6 Marlborough Road, St. Marylebone, London
1. Harold A. G. French, born April 23 1900 married, theatrical producer and film director
2. Phyllis M. French, born June 19 1901, married, unpaid domestic duties
3. George Parnes, born May 26 1905, married, servant
4. Freda Parnes, born June 1? 1910, married, servant
5. Rowland J? Culver, born August 31 1900, married, actor
Drove an ambulance during the London Blitz. [From Laughter in the Air by Georgina Morgan (nee Symondson)]
World War II Civilian Deaths, UK
Phyllis French, age 38; of 10 Wilton Mews, Knightsbridge. Wife of Harold French. 14 October 1940 at 10 Wilton Mews.
wikipedia says she died in a Luftwaffe bombing raid.
In the December 1940 death index Phyllis French, age 38, Westminster, London, volume 1a, page 802
National Probate Calendar
Phyllis Marie French or Marie Arnold of 10 Wilton-mews Westminster (wife of Harold Arthur George French) died 14 October 1940 Probate Llandudno 22 April 1941 to the said Harold Arthur George French theatre and film director and Gilbert Hugh Beyfus kings council. Effects 241 pounds.
[The Oxford Dictionary of National Biography Index - Harold Arthur George French (1900-1997) actor and director]
Notes for Muriel Constsnce (Spouse 2)
National Probate Calendar
Muriel Constance French of 12 Castelnau Mansions Castelnau London S.W.13 died 5 April 1993 Probate London 20 July 1993 252245 pounds
Muriel Constance French of 12 Castelnau Mansions Castelnau London S.W.13 died 5 April 1993 Probate London 20 July 1993 252245 pounds