China Corsair is a 1951 American adventure film directed by Ray Nazarro , starring Jon Hall and Lisa Ferraday and released by Columbia Pictures . It was the film debut of Ernest Borgnine .
58-486: Filming took place in February 1951. Ron Randell was under long term contract to Columbia. McMillen is cheated out of his winnings in a gambling club. The winnings were the last of his money, so he gets a job on a ship as the engineer. Tamara rescues shipwrecked McMillen. While romance blossoms, the pair try to prevent a crook from selling her uncle’s priceless collection of antique jade. The New York Daily News described
116-548: A Camera (1955). He was to have been in The Girl Friends directed by Michelangelo Antonioni . but did not appear in the final film. From October 1954 to December 1955, Randell hosted the ABC anthology series The Vise . In the US he made a pilot to a TV show with Pat Crowley, My Man, Sing and a film Desert Sands (1956). In March 1955, Randell returned to Australia to appear in
174-608: A West End production, The Fifth Season . It did not have a long run. Randell appeared in "Theatre Royal" on the BBC then took over as the Summer replacement for the host of the British TV series What's My Line? in May 1954. He blew a kiss to viewers on air, causing controversy amongst TV critics. It led to a series of offers, including a role in a national tour of Sabrina Fair and a role in I Am
232-567: A bit like James Mason." The studio put him in a support role in a Make Believe Ballroom (1949). "This will be the final major assignment I understand", wrote the Los Angeles Times in September 1948. Filmink magazine later noted this was when Columbia seemed to lose interest in Randell. In October, Randell married for the first time. In November 1948, Randell was told he needed to leave
290-530: A deal with Columbia to make a new series of pictures about Bulldog Drummond . According to Appleton, "We wanted a new film face and someone with a British way of speaking." They were impressed with his Smithy footage and put him in Bulldog Drummond at Bay . (It was made for an independent company, Venture, but released through Columbia.) Columbia were so impressed by this that in April 1947 they cast Randell in
348-497: A first rate actor." He had a smaller part in The Brigand (1952) for Edward Small . These were all B-pictures. In September 1951 Randell went into rehearsals for a production of Candida with Olivia de Havilland . This toured America from October for the next few months, and eventually reached New York. "I don't have any desire to go back to movies", he said. "A good, adult picture, yes. But I don't care if I never do another like
406-595: A good support role in an expensive "A" production, It Had to Be You (1947). "I'm grateful for playing opposite people like Ginger Rogers and Cornel Wilde", said Randell. "They really know their business. You can't imagine what it means to get away from those 'Bulldog Drummond' detective roles. I was afraid I'd be type-cast and never play anything else." He was called back for another go as Drummond in Bulldog Drummond Strikes Back , which filmed in June 1947 at
464-689: A job in London compering TV show On the Town , replacing Jack Jackson. He had to take a leave of absence to make Beyond Mombasa (1956) in Africa. He had a support role in The Story of Esther Costello (1957) shot in London. In May 1956 he returned to Hollywood after a six-month absence and appeared in The She-Creature (1956). In September 1956 Randell told the press, "With this present phase of making films all over
522-657: A light mind." The same month it was reported he had obtained the screen rights to a story Hebridies Adventure by James MacFarlane and was trying to interest Columbia in making it. Randell wrote a short book for publication in Australia, Ron Randell in Hollywood which he dedicated "to the many Australian boys and girls who have given me loyalty and support, and to express the hope that they may enjoy some of my Hollywood experiences with me." One review said "as an account of those experiences, ending with some pious aspirations concerning
580-467: A long run and closed in December. He was announced for a film The Killer that Stalked Broadway with Maurice Evans but it was never made. Randell was meant to follow Browning Version with The Enchanted but his employment was over-ruled by Actors Equity who said that as a foreigner he should have to wait six months before appearing in another play. "They have made a martyr of me", said Randell. "It
638-952: A notable success as the comic father of four daughters in A Night Out which he played through most of 1922; it kicked off a sixteen year association with Williamsons on the Australian stage, mostly in musical comedies. . Kellaway would often return to the role in later years. For Williamsons he was in Mary (1922–23) then returned to A Night Out before going on to The Cabaret Girl (1923–24), Kissing Time (1924), Whirled into Happiness (1924), Katja (1925), The Belle of New York (1925), Primrose (1925), A Night Out revival (1926), Frasquita (1927), Princess Charming (1928), Hold Everything (1929), Florodora (1931), A Warm Corner (1931), A Night Out again, Sons o' Guns (1931), Blue Roses (1932), Hold my Hand (1932), The Gipsy Princess (1933), and Waltzes from Vienna (1936). By
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#1732855648075696-633: A short run. On American television, he made a guest appearance in 1959 on Perry Mason as chemist Darrell Metcalf in "The Case of the Glittering Goldfish", and he received a billing credit in that episode equal to Raymond Burr's. Kellaway then guest-starred two years later on CBS's Western series Rawhide , portraying the character MacKay in the episode "Incident in the Middle of Nowhere". In 1954 he guest starred as "old codger" Kirby in Episode 24 on
754-495: A stage production of The Caine Mutiny Court Martial . There was an incident when he and fellow members of the play's cast – including Americans Jeffrey Lynn and Lee Tracy – were locked in a hotel room for not paying their bill. The play was not a financial success and only played in Sydney. Randell returned to Hollywood to make Frontier Scout (1956), then went to Bermuda for Bermuda Affair (1956). In October 1955 he got
812-569: A swashbuckler for Sam Katzman , Tyrant of the Sea (1950). He filmed this at the same time he was cast in a double-bill Terence Rattigan plays, The Browning Version and Harlequinade , supporting Maurice Evans and directed by Peter Glenville . (Glenville cast Randell on the basis of his performance in Major Barbara . ) Brooks Atkinson of The New York Times said Randell was "particularly good" in his "curious part". The production did not have
870-486: A two-man revue with Lloyd Lamble . He worked in both Sydney and Melbourne. Randell made his legitimate stage debut aged 19, in a production of Quiet Wedding at the Minerva Theatre in Sydney. Randell later joked, "I moved out of radio and back into theatre because I was becoming a left-hand actor. I would hold the script in my right hand and do all my acting with my left hand." Most of his stage work at this time
928-650: Is a horrible thing and a backward step for the United States, which always has been a forward country as far as Equity is concerned. It is the first time I knew any American organisation did not welcome competition. This new part was going to be the big break for me. It would have meant a very great deal to my career. Now I am forced to go without a job for six months, and I can't afford that." He spent some time in London and considered moving there. Instead he returned to Hollywood to appear in Lorna Doone (1951), although it
986-450: The ABC at 14 for the Children's Sessions . He soon started acting regularly on children's serials. After eight months, Randell quit his office job to concentrate on acting. He soon established himself as a leading male juvenile for radio, acting for 2KY Players, George Edwards , BAP and on Lux Playhouse. He also worked as a compère for variety shows, in particular with Jack Davey and did
1044-666: The Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor twice, for The Luck of the Irish (1948) and Guess Who's Coming to Dinner (1967). Cecil Kellaway was born on 22 August 1890 in Cape Town, South Africa . He was the son of English parents, Rebecca Annie (née Brebner) and Edwin John Kellaway, an architect and engineer. Edwin had immigrated to Cape Town to work on the Houses of Parliament there. He
1102-586: The "Visions of Sugarplums" episode of Bewitched . In 1967, Kellaway played the part of a lonely, ultra-wealthy much older suitor of Ann Marie (played by Marlo Thomas ) in an episode of That Girl . Other TV appearances included Valentine's Day , Burke's Law , The F.B.I. , and The Greatest Show on Earth . Kellaway's last films included Spinout (1966), The Adventures of Bullwhip Griffin (1967) and Guess Who's Coming to Dinner (1967), which earned him another Oscar nomination. He appeared in episodes of The Ghost & Mrs. Muir and Nanny and
1160-570: The Australian Cinesound production It Isn't Done (1937), for which he also provided the original story. Directed by Ken G. Hall it was a popular success, and led to Kellaway being screen-tested and put under contract by RKO Pictures . He appeared in A Southern Maid on stage in 1937. RKO initially put Kellaway into small roles: Everybody's Doing It (1938), Double Danger (1938), Night Spot (1938), Maid's Night Out (1938), This Marriage Business (1938), and Law of
1218-782: The Beach (1955) and The Toy Tiger (1956) and was billed second (to Ethel Barrymore ) in Johnny Trouble (1957). He worked regularly on television in shows like Lux Video Theatre , The Ford Television Theatre , Schlitz Playhouse , Cavalcade of America , Schlitz Playhouse , Playhouse 90 , Studio One in Hollywood , Matinee Theatre , and Crossroads . Kellaway was in The Proud Rebel (1958), The Shaggy Dog (1959), and The Private Lives of Adam and Eve (1960). He appeared on Broadway in Greenwillow (1960) which had
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#17328556480751276-757: The Facts . In October 1944, Randell made his feature film debut in A Son Is Born , opposite Peter Finch and Muriel Steinbeck . His big break came in November 1944, when he was spotted by producer Nick Perry at the Minerva Theatre performing in While the Sun Shines with Finch. This led to Randell being cast as the lead in Smithy , a biographical film about the pioneering Australian aviator Sir Charles Kingsford Smith , who made
1334-936: The Shark God (1949). In July 1949 he appeared on stage in Los Angeles in a production of Major Barbara and said he did not want to make any more "B"s. "I know I've surprised quite a few Hollywood people, because they have never seen me working in something really good", he said. "In Major Barbara I have a chance to be charming and intelligent, a chance I was never given while working in pictures." Randell admitted that his determination to refuse offers in "B" pictures might be "tough on me financially", but he would prefer fewer but better film offers to large numbers of grade "B" roles. I wasn't happy working in those pictures, anyway." He looked to Broadway and discussed appearing in The Devil's Carnival . Instead he returned to Columbia to appear in
1392-613: The Street (1952), My Wife's Best Friend (1952), Young Bess (1953), The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms (1953), Cruisin' Down the River (1953), and Paris Model (1953). In 1954, he became an American citizen (his nationality had been South African). At MGM he was in The Prodigal (1955) and Interrupted Melody (1955), playing an Australian in the latter (the father of Marjorie Lawrence ). He did two with Jeff Chandler, Female on
1450-731: The TV special "The Blue Camelia". While playing in Sweet Peril he also made the film The Girl on the Pier (1953) and appeared in "American Duel" on TV for Douglas Fairbanks Jnr . He was interested in producing a play in New York: Pommy by William Lipscomb. After five months, Randell returned to Hollywood to play Cole Porter in MGM's Kiss Me, Kate (1953). While there he appeared on TV in "Where Lovely Women" with Arlene Dahl . He came to London to appear in
1508-527: The Underworld (1938). Kellaway was first given a sizeable role, billed third for Blond Cheat (1938), with Joan Fontaine . However his parts remained small: Smashing the Rackets (1938), Tarnished Angel (1938), Annabel Takes a Tour (1938), and Gunga Din (1939). Kellaway returned to Australia for a second Cinesound film, Mr. Chedworth Steps Out (1939), which featured a young Peter Finch . It
1566-500: The country under the terms of his visa. By January 1949, it was announced his Columbia contract had lapsed. He was mentioned as a possible star for a production of Robbery Under Arms by Michael Balcon that was not made. In April, he appeared in a production of Kraft Television Theatre , Wicked Is the Vine , based on a play by Australian Sumner Locke Elliott . He was in Omoo-Omoo,
1624-545: The early 1930s Kellaway was one of the biggest stars in Australian theatre. He made his film debut in the lead of The Hayseeds (1933), a popular local comedy, directed by Beaumont Smith . However his main focus was still the stage: The Dubarry (1934), Music in the Air (1934), Roberta (1935), High Jinks (1935), Ball at the Savoy (1935), A Southern Maid (1936) and White Horse Inn (1936). He returned to films with
1682-473: The film Smithy (1946). He also had roles in Bulldog Drummond at Bay (1947), Kiss Me Kate (1953), I Am a Camera (1955), Most Dangerous Man Alive (1961) and King of Kings (1961). Randell was the son of Ernest Randell (d. 26 May 1946) and Louisa Egan, who had married in 1912. His father was an accountant, born in Broken Hill. Randell was born in Sydney and was the youngest of three sons,
1740-490: The first flight across the Pacific (from the United States to Australia) in 1928. His casting was announced in May 1945. Producer Perry said, "Randell has been selected not only for his achievements as a fine actor, but as the type of virile Australian who embodies the spirit and qualities so typified by 'Smithy.' We have taken a long time over our selection, but we are extremely happy with our choice." The release of A Son Is Born
1798-437: The flick as "a preposterous affair" and noted Borgnine's role as a "Chinese villain" as unconvincing. Filmink called it "terrific". This article about an adventure film is a stub . You can help Misplaced Pages by expanding it . Ron Randell Ronald Egan Randell (8 October 1918 – 11 June 2005) was an Australian actor. After beginning his acting career on the stage in 1937, he played Charles Kingsford Smith in
China Corsair - Misplaced Pages Continue
1856-550: The heroine to the hero, Randell was in a rut. Feeling he was destined to play an Englishman for ever, Randell decided to go to England, where his chances of getting the girl (and the fans), might improve." He turned down a support part in The Red Beret and instead supported Michael Denison and Dulcie Grey in a play, Sweet Peril . He took time out from rehearsals to appear in a TV series shot in Germany, Orient Express , starring in
1914-716: The ill-fated husband of Lana Turner 's character in The Postman Always Rings Twice (1946), a supporting role in Easy to Wed (1946) and the villain in The Cockeyed Miracle (1946). In early 1946, he was earning $ 1,500 a week but said he was considering returning to Australia to run a film studio because he was sick of playing small roles. Back at Paramount he was in Monsieur Beaucaire (1946), Variety Girl (1947), and Unconquered (1947). Kellaway
1972-549: The kind I worked in for Columbia Pictures." Brooks Atkinson, reviewing Randell's performance in Candida , said he was "intelligent and manly but... leaves out the pompousness essential to the part and the play". Candida only had a short run on Broadway. This commitment meant he could not be in The Golden Carriage , from Jean Renoir , and Invasion U.S.A. , from the makers of Captive Woman . In August 1952, Randell's name
2030-692: The lure of acting was too strong and he became a full-time actor, making his debut in Potash and Perlmutter . Early plays included The Prince of Pilsen. He briefly served in the army in 1914 but was invalided out. On 15 November 1919 he married 17-year-old Doreen Elizabeth Joubert in Johannesburg, with whom he would later have two sons. He toured for three years through China, Japan, Siam, Borneo, Malaya, North and South Africa, and Europe, in plays such as Monsieur Beaucaire . Kellaway arrived in Australia in 1921 under contract to J. C. Williamson Ltd . He had
2088-554: The others being Reg and Norm. The family lived for a time in Western Australia but eventually settled in Sydney. Randell attended Marist Brothers in North Sydney. He left school at the age of 14, and went to work as an office boy in a Sydney finance office. Aged fourteen, Randell participated in a few sketches at a social acting club and did an unpaid job for radio station 2UE . He made his first professional appearance for
2146-459: The role of Stanley in Lifeboat (1944) for Alfred Hitchcock , but was unsuccessful – he did the test with an American accent saying he was unaware they were looking for a cockney. Through Cecil Kellaway he got a screen test at Paramount but this was unsuccessful, as was another for 20th Century Fox. He returned to Sydney in 1944 and resumed his theatre and radio career. He MC'd the show Here are
2204-465: The same time as The Mating of Millie (1948). This was followed by The Sign of the Ram (1948) and the $ 2 million spectacular The Loves of Carmen (1948), where Randell was billed after Columbia's two biggest stars, Rita Hayworth and Glenn Ford . However his part in the final movie was very small. Randell had been meant to make four Drummond films but only appeared in two. In January 1948 it
2262-524: The second season of the television show Make Room for Daddy , later renamed The Danny Thomas Show . He also made appearances in the television series Whirlybirds , The Millionaire , The Ann Sothern Show , Harrigan and Son , Hennesey , Johnny Ringo , The Twilight Zone , The New Breed , Adventures in Paradise , Mr. Smith Goes to Washington , Follow the Sun and Ben Casey , as well as
2320-506: The talkies as an instrument for world peace, it's not too bad. Over to you, boys and girls. " In February 1948 he was being sought after to appear in a Broadway play The Rats of Norway . In July 1948, Columbia announced Randell would play another detective hero, in The Lone Wolf and His Lady (1949), hoping it would lead to more but there was no follow-up. In November 1948 a Washington Post profile called Randell "a lot of fun, looks
2378-470: The television movie Destination Space . Kellaway was in Francis of Assisi (1961), Tammy Tell Me True (1961), Zotz! (1962), The Cardinal (1963), Hush… Hush, Sweet Charlotte (1964), and Quick, Let's Get Married (1964). In 1963 he guest starred as museum curator Wilbur Canfield in Episode 19 on the first season of the television show My Favorite Martian . In 1964 he played Santa Claus in
China Corsair - Misplaced Pages Continue
2436-415: The world, an actor has to be ready to pack up and keep moving. In one year I have worked in these places, in this order: Hollywood. London, Hollywood, Bermuda, London, and Kenya. It seems I only get home long enough to let the ice freeze in the refrigerator." Cecil Kellaway Cecil Lauriston Kellaway (22 August 1890 – 28 February 1973) was a South African character actor . He was nominated for
2494-610: Was a good friend of mining tycoon and nation-builder Cecil Rhodes , who became young Cecil's namesake and godfather. Cecil had two brothers, Alec Kellaway (1894–1973), who was also an actor, and Jan Kowsky, a ballet dancer. Cecil was interested in acting from an early age. He was educated at the Normal College , Cape Town, and in England at Bradford Grammar School . He studied engineering and got work at an electrical engineering firm in Cape Town after returning to South Africa. However
2552-502: Was a support role – the star was Richard Greene. He was to have appeared in a stage production of The Corn Is Green but pulled out when Columbia used him again for Counterspy Meets Scotland Yard . |author=He appeared in a play, The Amazing Adele with Ruth Gordon , which was being tried out in Westport. However, he left the production to appear in another, Angel in the Pawnshop . He
2610-692: Was announced James Hilton was writing a script as a vehicle for Kellaway, Roof of the World , based on the actor's time in India. It was not made. He was in Harvey (1950), Kim (1950), Katie Did It (1951), Francis Goes to the Races (1951), Half Angel (1951), and The Highwayman (1951). He returned to Paramount for Thunder in the East (1952) and was in Just Across
2668-574: Was borrowed by Warners for Always Together (1947) then he went to 20th Century Fox for The Luck of the Irish (1948), which earned him an Oscar nomination. Kellaway went to RKO for Joan of Arc (1948). Kellaway was in The Decision of Christopher Blake (1948), Portrait of Jennie (1948), Down to the Sea in Ships (1949), The Reformer and the Redhead (1950), back at MGM. In 1950, it
2726-488: Was cast in a play by Frederick Lonsdale, The Day After Tomorrow . However, before the play went to New York, a production was seen by Sir Cedric Hardwicke whose wife was in the show; it resulted in Randell being replaced by Jack Watling . Randell returned to movies with China Corsair (1951) at Columbia supporting Jon Hall . He followed it with Captive Women (1952), a low budget science fiction film for RKO, in which Variety said he "occasionally shows himself to be
2784-489: Was cast in two Australian wartime propaganda films - 100,000 Cobbers (1943) and South West Pacific (1943). Unable to serve because he was suffering tuberculosis (although he also claimed it was due to sinus trouble), he travelled to the US in mid 1943 and sought treatment at the Mayo Clinic . In San Francisco he was cast in a stage play with Nancy Carroll . He also appeared on radio with Robert Young in Transport for Adams . He later related that he had tested for
2842-401: Was done at the Minerva Theatre, including performances in Of Mice and Men . Randell stated police were ready to arrest the cast of Of Mice and Men because the play featured the word "whorehouse". "Fortunately we received a standing ovation and the police decided in the circumstances not to make any arrests." As late as 1974, Randell would say this was his favourite performance. In 1943 he
2900-442: Was going to do Out of This World on Broadway when he was offered the role of Edward VII in Mrs. Parkington (1944) at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer . Back at Paramount, he was in And Now Tomorrow (1944), Practically Yours (1944), and Love Letters (1945), the latter also starring Kellaway's one-time Australian co-star Ann Richards . In Kitty (1945), he was as painter Thomas Gainsborough . MGM borrowed him to play
2958-470: Was held off until after Smithy had come out, to take advantage of its publicity. Smithy was a big hit at the Australian box office, and Randell was widely acclaimed as a local star. A Ron Randell Film Club was established and Randell would be mobbed at personal appearances. Smithy had been made with funds from Columbia Pictures, who offered Randell a long-term contract and he moved to Hollywood in October 1946. Producers Lou Appleton and Bud Small had
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#17328556480753016-442: Was in Mexican Spitfire (1940) at RKO, The Invisible Man Returns (1940) and The House of the Seven Gables (1940) at Universal, Adventure in Diamonds (1940), Phantom Raiders (1940), Brother Orchid (1940), Pop Always Pays (1940), The Mummy's Hand (1940), Diamond Frontier (1940), and Mexican Spitfire Out West (1940) at RKO. He turned down Balalaika to do The Letter (1940) for Wyler. Kellaway
3074-475: Was in South of Suez (1940) at Warners, and Lady with Red Hair (1940). He received billing in The Letter , but is only glimpsed briefly in a party scene, his role having been cut. Kellaway made West Point Widow (1941) at Paramount and signed a contract with them. He did A Very Young Lady (1941) at Fox, Burma Convoy (1941), New York Town (1941), Birth of the Blues (1941), and Appointment for Love (1941) at Universal. At Paramount, he
3132-473: Was in The Night of January 16th (1941), Bahama Passage (1941), The Lady Has Plans (1941), and Take a Letter, Darling (1941). Fox borrowed him for Small Town Deb (1941), then he returned to Paramount for Are Husbands Necessary? (1942), and Night in New Orleans (1942). Kellaway had a strong part in I Married a Witch (1942) as Veronica Lake 's character's father. He followed it with My Heart Belongs to Daddy (1942). Response to this
3190-500: Was mentioned in connection with two films to be made about Australia with Paulette Goddard , The Queen's Mask and Melba . He also tried to raise finance for a film about Don Bradman . Of these projects only Melba was made, without Randell. Randell was in an A picture: The Mississippi Gambler (1953). He also worked extensively in television. By now Randell was frustrated at the progress of his career. According to one report, type cast as "the dull Englishman who invariably lost
3248-464: Was positive, and Paramount announced they would build Kellaway into a star, putting him in a remake of Ruggles of Red Gap and starring in The Incomparable Alfred . He had cameos in Star Spangled Rhythm (1943) and Forever and a Day (1943), and was in The Crystal Ball (1943), and It Ain't Hay (1943). Paramount gave him the starring role in The Good Fellows (1943). He returned to supporting parts for Frenchman's Creek (1944). He
3306-420: Was reported Tom Conway had taken over the role of Drummond and that Randell was focused on "A"s. "I would like to be busy in a picture every day for the next two years, at least," he said. "With too much free time an actor, I think, loses the emotional pitch at which he works most effectively." He added he preferred comedy to drama, saying "I have a serious face, but I think I have feeling for comedy because I have
3364-471: Was shot in October–November 1938. Back in Hollywood the scope and quality of his roles kept getting better, with Wuthering Heights (1939), for William Wyler , as Cathy's father. He was in The Sun Never Sets (1939), Man About Town (1939) at Paramount, and The Under-Pup (1939). He turned down The Private Lives of Elizabeth and Essex (1939) to do Intermezzo (1939) for David O. Selznick . He later made We Are Not Alone (1939). He
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