Will Hay
English comedian, actor, film director & astronomer (1888-1949)
William Thomson Hay was an English comedian best known for playing authority figures with comic failings in several films, most notably as a schoolmaster. His film Oh, Mr Porter! (1937), made by Gainsborough Pictures, is often cited as the supreme British-produced film-comedy, and in 1938 he was the third highest-grossing star in the UK. Many comedians have acknowledged him as a major influence. Hay was also a keen amateur astronomer.
Filmography in the catalog
Credited on 5 films (1935–1942) — matched by name in the Creator or Credits field. Also mentioned in 17 other records (descriptions, transcriptions, copyright notes).
| Year ▲ | Title | Creator | Length | Format | Color | Sound |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1935 | [Boys will be boys]. | William Beaudine | 275 | 16mm | B&W | silent |
| 1935 | BOYS WILL BE BOYS. | Gaumont British Picture Corp. of America | 8 reels | 16mm | B&W | Silent |
| 1935 | Dandy Dick | William Beaudine | B&W | |||
| 1942 | The Goose Steps Out | Basil Dearden | B&W | |||
| Voice of Hollywood Number 7 | 1 reel | 16mm | Sound |