John Mills

Acting

John Mills

Born February 22, 1908 · The Watts Naval Training College, North Elmham, Norfolk, England, UK

Died April 23, 2005 · aged 97

Sir John Mills, CBE (born Lewis Ernest Watts Mills; 22 February 1908 – 23 April 2005) was an English actor who appeared in more than 120 films in a career spanning seven decades. On screen, he often played people who are not at all exceptional, but become heroes because of their common sense, generosity and good judgement.

Known For

Who's That GirlWho's That Girl · 1987
Who's That Girl
5.51987
MovieComedyRomance
An uptight New York City tax lawyer gets his life turned upside down one day when he's asked to escort a feisty free-spirited ex-convict who asks him to help prove her innocence of her crime.
The Parent TrapThe Parent Trap · 1961
The Parent Trap
7.01961
MovieComedyFamily
Two identical twin sisters, separated at birth by their parents' divorce, are reunited years later at a summer camp, where they scheme to bring their parents back together. The girls, one of whom has been living with their mother and the other with their father, switch places after camp and go to work on their plan, the first objective being to scare off a gold-digger pursuing their father.
BeanBean · 1997
Bean
6.51997
MovieFamilyAdventure
Childlike Englishman, Mr. Bean, is an incompetent watchman at the Royal National Gallery. After the museum's board of directors' attempt to have him fired is blocked by the chairman, who has taken a liking to Bean, they send him to Los Angeles to act as their ambassador for the unveiling of a historic painting to humiliate him. Fooled, Mr. Bean must now successfully unveil the painting or risk his and a hapless Los Angeles curator's termination.
Great ExpectationsGreat Expectations · 1946
Great Expectations
7.31946
MovieDramaRomance
In this Dickens adaptation, orphan Pip discovers through lawyer Mr. Jaggers that a mysterious benefactor wishes to ensure that he becomes a gentleman. Reunited with his childhood patron, Miss Havisham, and his first love, the beautiful but emotionally cold Estella, he discovers that the elderly spinster has gone mad from having been left at the altar as a young woman, and has made her charge into a warped, unfeeling heartbreaker.
SaharaSahara · 1983
Sahara
5.71983
MovieActionAdventure
Intent on winning a competition in place of her distinguished late father, beautiful young heiress Dale takes on the guise of a man and competes in his spot, embarking on a car race that crosses the unforgiving Sahara desert.
Around the World in 80 DaysAround the World in 80 Days · 1956
Around the World in 80 Days
6.71956
MovieAdventureComedy
Based on the famous book by Jules Verne the movie follows Phileas Fogg on his journey around the world. Which has to be completed within 80 days, a very short period for those days.
CatsCats · 1998
Cats
7.31998
MovieFantasyDrama
"Jellicle" cats join for a Jellicle ball where they rejoice with their leader, Old Deuteronomy. One cat will be chosen to go to the "Heavyside Layer" and be reborn.
Bright Young ThingsBright Young Things · 2003
Bright Young Things
6.32003
MovieComedy
During the 1930s in England, a group of young socialites dominate the national gossip with extravagant and outlandish antics. Among the group is the aspiring novelist Adam Fenwick-Symes, who is attempting to raise enough money to marry fellow member Nina Blount. However, after customs officials confiscate his first manuscript, Fenwick-Symes must recover from the financial setback and figure out new ways to earn money for a wedding.

Movies

Who's That GirlWho's That Girl · 1987
Who's That Girl
5.51987
MovieComedyRomance
An uptight New York City tax lawyer gets his life turned upside down one day when he's asked to escort a feisty free-spirited ex-convict who asks him to help prove her innocence of her crime.
The Parent TrapThe Parent Trap · 1961
The Parent Trap
7.01961
MovieComedyFamily
Two identical twin sisters, separated at birth by their parents' divorce, are reunited years later at a summer camp, where they scheme to bring their parents back together. The girls, one of whom has been living with their mother and the other with their father, switch places after camp and go to work on their plan, the first objective being to scare off a gold-digger pursuing their father.
BeanBean · 1997
Bean
6.51997
MovieFamilyAdventure
Childlike Englishman, Mr. Bean, is an incompetent watchman at the Royal National Gallery. After the museum's board of directors' attempt to have him fired is blocked by the chairman, who has taken a liking to Bean, they send him to Los Angeles to act as their ambassador for the unveiling of a historic painting to humiliate him. Fooled, Mr. Bean must now successfully unveil the painting or risk his and a hapless Los Angeles curator's termination.
Great ExpectationsGreat Expectations · 1946
Great Expectations
7.31946
MovieDramaRomance
In this Dickens adaptation, orphan Pip discovers through lawyer Mr. Jaggers that a mysterious benefactor wishes to ensure that he becomes a gentleman. Reunited with his childhood patron, Miss Havisham, and his first love, the beautiful but emotionally cold Estella, he discovers that the elderly spinster has gone mad from having been left at the altar as a young woman, and has made her charge into a warped, unfeeling heartbreaker.
SaharaSahara · 1983
Sahara
5.71983
MovieActionAdventure
Intent on winning a competition in place of her distinguished late father, beautiful young heiress Dale takes on the guise of a man and competes in his spot, embarking on a car race that crosses the unforgiving Sahara desert.
Around the World in 80 DaysAround the World in 80 Days · 1956
Around the World in 80 Days
6.71956
MovieAdventureComedy
Based on the famous book by Jules Verne the movie follows Phileas Fogg on his journey around the world. Which has to be completed within 80 days, a very short period for those days.
CatsCats · 1998
Cats
7.31998
MovieFantasyDrama
"Jellicle" cats join for a Jellicle ball where they rejoice with their leader, Old Deuteronomy. One cat will be chosen to go to the "Heavyside Layer" and be reborn.
Bright Young ThingsBright Young Things · 2003
Bright Young Things
6.32003
MovieComedy
During the 1930s in England, a group of young socialites dominate the national gossip with extravagant and outlandish antics. Among the group is the aspiring novelist Adam Fenwick-Symes, who is attempting to raise enough money to marry fellow member Nina Blount. However, after customs officials confiscate his first manuscript, Fenwick-Symes must recover from the financial setback and figure out new ways to earn money for a wedding.
War and PeaceWar and Peace · 1956
War and Peace
6.71956
MovieWarRomance
The love story of young Countess Natasha Rostova and Count Pierre Bezukhov is interwoven with the Great Patriotic War of 1812 against Napoleon's invading army.
GandhiGandhi · 1982
Gandhi
7.61982
MovieDramaHistory
In the early years of the 20th century, Mohandas K. Gandhi, a British-trained lawyer, forsakes all worldly possessions to take up the cause of Indian independence. Faced with armed resistance from the British government, Gandhi adopts a policy of 'passive resistance', endeavouring to win freedom for his people without resorting to bloodshed.
ChukaChuka · 1967
Chuka
6.31967
MovieActionDrama
A group under siege at an Army fort grapple with painful memories.
HamletHamlet · 1996
Hamlet
7.31996
MovieDrama
Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, returns home to find his father murdered and his mother now marrying the murderer... his uncle. Meanwhile, war is brewing.
Swiss Family RobinsonSwiss Family Robinson · 1960
Swiss Family Robinson
6.91960
MovieAdventureFamily
After being shipwrecked, the Robinson family is marooned on an island inhabited only by an impressive array of wildlife. In true pioneer spirit, they quickly make themselves at home but soon face a danger even greater than nature: dastardly pirates.
Run Wild, Run FreeRun Wild, Run Free · 1969
Run Wild, Run Free
6.31969
MovieDramaFamily
A young boy, unable to speak, befriends a wild colt with blue eyes and a falcon named "Lady".
Forever EalingForever Ealing · 2002
Forever Ealing
7.22002
MovieDocumentary
This is a history of the England's Ealing Film Studios, from its beginnings in 1902. It follows the studio's successes through the 1930's, World War II dramas, the well-known 'Ealing comedies' with Alec Guinness, and the BBC's television productions
DunkirkDunkirk · 1958
Dunkirk
6.81958
MovieDramaWar
A British Corporal in France finds himself responsible for the lives of his men when their officer is killed. He has to get them back to Britain somehow. Meanwhile, British civilians are being dragged into the war with Operation Dynamo, the scheme to get the French and British forces back from the Dunkirk beaches. Some come forward to help, others were less willing.
Operation CrossbowOperation Crossbow · 1965
Operation Crossbow
6.71965
MovieDramaWar
Allied agents infiltrate the Nazi rocket complex at Peenemunde in order to obtain their secrets and sabotage the plant. The film alternates between German developments of the V-1 missile and V-2 rocket (with a German cast speaking their own language) and discovery by British Intelligence of the weapon.
Zulu DawnZulu Dawn · 1979
Zulu Dawn
6.11979
MovieAdventureDrama
In 1879, the British suffer a great loss at the Battle of Isandlwana due to incompetent leadership.
Tiara TahitiTiara Tahiti · 1962
Tiara Tahiti
6.21962
MovieComedyDrama
James Mason and John Mills star in this comedy-drama about a tough colonel and a refined captain who clashed during the war, and continue their personal battle in peace-time Tahiti.
In Which We ServeIn Which We Serve · 1942
In Which We Serve
6.81942
MovieDramaWar
The story of the HMS Torrin, from its construction to its sinking in the Mediterranean during action in World War II. The ship’s first and only commanding officer is Captain E.V. Kinross, who trains his men not only to be loyal to him and the country, but—most importantly—to themselves.
Ryan's DaughterRyan's Daughter · 1970
Ryan's Daughter
7.11970
MovieRomanceHistory
In the wake of the 1916 Easter Rising, a married schoolteacher in a small Irish village has an affair with a troubled British officer.
Brown on ResolutionBrown on Resolution · 1935
Brown on Resolution
6.31935
MovieActionWar
Forever England gives John Mills his first leading role as Brown. Born after a brief affair between his mother and a naval officer, he joins the Royal Navy during the First World War. There his bravery and marksmanship keeps a German ship in port so a British ship can sink it. He becomes a hero, but at what cost?
The Thirty Nine StepsThe Thirty Nine Steps · 1978
The Thirty Nine Steps
6.81978
MovieMysteryThriller
The year is 1914 and Richard Hannay, Mining Engineer who is visiting Britain for a short time before returning to South Africa, is shocked when one of his neighbours, Colonel Scudder, bursts into his rooms one night and tells him a story that Prussian 'sleeper' agents are planning to pre-start World War I by murdering a visiting foreign minister. However, Scudder is murdered and Hannay is framed for the death by the 'sleepers'. Fleeing to Scotland Hannay attempts to clear his name and to stop the agents with the aid of Alex Mackenzie but not only is he is chased by Chief Supt Lomas for Scudder's death but by the agents who are headed by Appleton who has managed to hide himself in a high-placed position in the British Government...
Night of the FoxNight of the Fox · 1990
Night of the Fox
6.11990
MovieAdventureDrama
This classic war movie stars George Peppard and Michael York in a gripping tale of danger, intrigue, and a deadly secret that could determine the fate of millions. U.S. Officer Colonel Hugh Kelso has inside knowledge about the imminent and highly secretive D-Day Invasion. When he washes ashore behind enemy lines, special agents Harry Martineau and Sara Drayton of the Allied Forces must stage a covert rescue to save his life – or end it – before the Germans acquire the valuable information he possesses. Joined by an Italian naval officer and a Jewish actor-turned-German paratrooper, the agents embark on a thrilling rescue mission with a shocking twist.

TV Shows

WoganWogan · 1982
Wogan
5.31982
Series
Chat show hosted by Terry Wogan, featuring live studio interviews with famous and notable personalities.
The Love BoatThe Love Boat · 1977
The Love Boat
6.31977
SeriesDramaComedy
Passengers who search for romantic nights aboard a beautiful ship travelling to tropical or mysterious countries, decide to pass their vacation aboard the "Love Boat", where Gopher, Dr. Bricker, Isaac, Julie, and Captain Stubing try their best to please them, and sometimes help them fall in love. Things are not always so easy, but in the end, love wins.
The Merv Griffin ShowThe Merv Griffin Show · 1962
The Merv Griffin Show
6.61962
Series
HotelHotel · 1982
Hotel
6.81982
SeriesDrama
Hotel is an American prime time drama series which aired on ABC from September 21, 1983 to May 5, 1988 in the timeslot following Dynasty. Based on Arthur Hailey's 1965 novel of the same name, the series was produced by Aaron Spelling and set in the elegant and fictitious St. Gregory Hotel in San Francisco. Establishing shots of the hotel were filmed in front of The Fairmont San Francisco atop the Nob Hill neighborhood. Episodes followed the activities of passing guests, as well as the personal and professional lives of the hotel staff.
Tales of the UnexpectedTales of the Unexpected · 1979
Tales of the Unexpected
6.81979
SeriesDrama
A British television anthology of stories, often with sinister and wryly comedic undertones, and a twist at the end. With early episodes written and presented by Roald Dahl, the series featured a plethora of big name guest stars.
ParkinsonParkinson · 1998
Parkinson
1998
Series
Michael Parkinson returns for a second run of his iconic talk show.
An Audience with...An Audience with... · 1978
An Audience with...
5.31978
Series
An Audience with... is a British entertainment television show produced by London Weekend Television, in which a host, usually a singer or comedian, performs for an invited audience of celebrity guests, interspersed with questions from the audience, in a light hearted revue/tribute style.
Friday Night with Jonathan RossFriday Night with Jonathan Ross · 2001
Friday Night with Jonathan Ross
6.12001
SeriesComedy
Jonathan Ross's take on current topics of conversation, guest interviews and live music from both a guest music group and the house band.
The Danny Kaye ShowThe Danny Kaye Show · 1963
The Danny Kaye Show
7.01963
SeriesComedy
The Danny Kaye Show is an American variety show hosted by Danny Kaye that aired on CBS from 1963 to 1967 on Wednesday nights. Directed by Robert Scheerer, the show premiered in black-and-white, but later switched to color broadcasts. At the time, Kaye was at the height of his popularity, having starred in a string of successful films in the 1940s and '50's, made successful personal appearances at such venues as the London Palladium, and appeared many times on television. His most recent films had been considered disappointing, but the television specials he starred in were triumphant, leading to this series. Prior to his television and film career, Kaye had made a name for himself with his own radio show, and numerous other guest appearances on other shows.
A Woman of SubstanceA Woman of Substance · 1985
A Woman of Substance
7.61985
SeriesDrama
The life of Emma Harte, from kitchen maid at the beginning of the 20th-century, to respected businesswoman and grandmother in the 1980s. From humble beginnings, Emma Harte starts her business with a small shop, but over the next twenty years, she expands her stores and invests in the growing textile industry in Leeds.
Nanny and the ProfessorNanny and the Professor · 1970
Nanny and the Professor
6.71970
SeriesSci-Fi & FantasyComedy
Nanny and the Professor is an American fantasy situation comedy created by AJ Carothers and Thomas L. Miller for 20th Century Fox Television. During pre-production, the proposed title was Nanny Will Do.
The American Film Institute Salute to ...The American Film Institute Salute to ... · 1973
The American Film Institute Salute to ...
6.31973
Series
In 1973 the American Film Institute initiated its Life Achievement Award, to be presented to a yearly recipient whose talent has fundamentally advanced the film art; whose accomplishments have been acknowledged by scholars, critics, professional peers and the general public; and whose work has stood the test of time.
Around the World in 80 DaysAround the World in 80 Days · 1989
Around the World in 80 Days
6.81989
SeriesDrama
The plot centres around Phileas Fogg making a £20,000 wager with three members of the Reform Club that he can circumnavigate the world in 80 days. He takes with him his newly employed French valet Passepartout, and is pursued by Detective Wilbur Fix who mistakenly thinks Fogg robbed the Bank of England and is using the wager as a cover to escape capture.
Talking PicturesTalking Pictures · 2013
Talking Pictures
6.22013
SeriesDocumentary
A look back at television appearances by legends of the silver screen, using archive footage to tell the story of their lives and careers.
Perfect ScoundrelsPerfect Scoundrels · 1990
Perfect Scoundrels
6.01990
SeriesDramaComedy
Perfect Scoundrels first broadcast in 1990 on British television. A comedy-drama following two con-men doing their best to separate various people from their money
The Zoo GangThe Zoo Gang · 1974
The Zoo Gang
7.81974
SeriesDrama
Six resistance fighters, known by their animal-based code names, fought during World War II. Their efforts came to a stop when one of their number, "the Wolf", betrayed them to the Gestapo. In their interrogation, one of their number, Claude Roget, the husband of Manouche was shot before her eyes. Thirty years later, Thomas Devon spots the Wolf in his shop. The surviving members of the Zoo Gang drop what they are doing and rendezvous for vengeance. The series follows the adventures of the remaining gang of four resistance fighters reunited 30 years later to scam habitual con artists and criminals in order to take their money and use it for good causes. Despite their ages, they put their skills and experience to use to raise enough money to construct a hospital in the memory of Claude. The gang is aided by the son of Manouche and Claude, an inspector in the French police.
Martin ChuzzlewitMartin Chuzzlewit · 1994
Martin Chuzzlewit
8.41994
SeriesDrama
Old Martin Chuzzlewit is nearing his death. Who will inherit his riches? With such a prize to play for, the Chuzzlewit family bring forth all of their cunning, greed and selfishness.
The Dame Edna ExperienceThe Dame Edna Experience · 1987
The Dame Edna Experience
5.01987
SeriesComedy
The Dame Edna Experience is a British television comedy talk-show hosted by Dame Edna Everage. It ran for twelve regular episodes on ITV, plus two Christmas specials. The first seven aired for the first time in 1987, the next seven in 1989. It was directed by Ian Hamilton and Alasdair MacMillan and produced by London Weekend Television. Regulars on the program, besides Dame Edna, were her "bridesmaid" Madge Allsop and Robin Houston who was the announcer, with orchestra conducted and arranged by Laurie Holloway. Each program featured several celebrity guests, usually three, but some programs included up to eight guests. There would also be other invited "guests" like Kurt Waldheim and Imelda Marcos who once introduced at stage right would fall victim to a trap door or something similar and fail to make it to their chair. The entire series was released on DVD by BBC Video in June 2004, and can now also be purchased as a complete set including the Christmas specials and the three An Audience with Dame Edna specials, plus other material. The series was released for Region 2 by Network DVD in the UK in 2007, as a 4-disc set. For reasons unknown, the Region 2 release does not include the 1989 Christmas special "The Dame Edna Satellite Experience" that ended the second series and featured Ursula Andress, Yehudi Menuhin, and Robert Kilroy-Silk. It does, however, include the one-off 1990 Christmas special A Night On Mount Edna with guests Mel Gibson, Charlton Heston, Gina Lollobrigida and Julio Iglesias.
Dundee and the CulhaneDundee and the Culhane · 1967
Dundee and the Culhane
5.31967
SeriesWesternDrama
Dundee and the Culhane is an American Western television series starring John Mills and Sean Garrison that aired on the CBS television network from September 7 to December 13, 1967.
QuatermassQuatermass · 1979
Quatermass
6.81979
SeriesDramaSci-Fi & Fantasy
In the near future, a now-elderly Bernard Quatermass investigates the disappearance of his granddaughter and a mysterious cult.
Hold the DreamHold the Dream · 1987
Hold the Dream
4.41987
SeriesDrama
Hold the Dream is a two-part 1987 television serial based on Barbara Taylor Bradford's 1985 novel of the same name, a sequel to the 1984 miniseries A Woman of Substance. Deborah Kerr reprises her role of Emma Harte, with Jenny Seagrove, who played the young Emma, taking the lead role as Paula Fairley. Paula Fairley, now head of the Harte chain of department stores, has taken on the burden of preserving Emma's legacy. However, she suffers dissent within her extended family, in particular from her devious cousin Jonathan Ainsley. In the United Kingdom, the series aired in four one-hour episodes, although it was initially created as two two-hour parts.
A Tale of Two CitiesA Tale of Two Cities · 1989
A Tale of Two Cities
5.71989
SeriesDrama
A pair of lookalikes, one a former French aristocrat and the other an alcoholic English lawyer, fall in love with the same woman amongst the turmoil of the French Revolution.
The Best of British CinemaThe Best of British Cinema · 1987
The Best of British Cinema
8.01987
SeriesDocumentary
Sir John Mills narrates this entertaining compilation. "The Best of British Cinema" takes an insightful look back at some of the finest and most memorable feature films to be produced in major British studios over a period of five decades. All of the major stars are here, from Olivier to Leigh, from Sabu to Robert Donat, along with eminent directors. This series confirms the power, humor and drama of the great British films.
Young at HeartYoung at Heart · 1980
Young at Heart
1980
Series
The lives of married couple Albert and Ethel Collyer, after Albert, a pottery worker for 50 years, is forced into retirement aged 65.