John McCallum (actor)
Encyclopedia
John Neil McCallum, AO, CBE (14 March 19183 February 2010) was an Australia
n theatre and film actor. He was also a television producer.
McCallum was born in Brisbane
, Queensland
, in 1918, son of theatre owner and entrepreneur John Neil McCallum Sr., who built and for many years ran the 2,000 seat Cremorne Theatre
on the banks of the Brisbane River
. McCallum Jr. was born during an opening night comedy performance and a friend sent his father a telegraph, reading Congratulations on two howling successes.
McCallum Sr. had emigrated from Scotland
. He became an accomplished musician and was soon involved in the Brisbane entertainment scene. McCallum's childhood memories were full of backstage encounters at the Cremorne Theatre with the variety of performers peopling a multitude of hit shows. His mother was an accomplished amateur actress who was born in England
. The eldest of three boys, McCallum and his brothers received their primary school education in England. When the Great Depression
forced the family to return to Australia, McCallum entered a Church of England
grammar school
in Brisbane and "liked it enormously".
His early theatrical training was with Barbara Sisely at the Brisbane Repertory Company. He later did two years at RADA
in London under Kenneth Barnes
and his sisters Violet and Irene Vanburgh. From there he went into repertory
at Tunbridge
and Northampton
. In 1939 he did a season at Stratford-upon-Avon
playing small roles and understudying. From there he moved to similar roles at the Old Vic
under Harley Granville-Barker
in which he appeared in the historic 1939 production of King Lear
which featured Jack Hawkins
with Peggy Ashcroft
, Fay Compton
and Cathleen Nesbitt
.
McCallum returned to Australia shortly afterwards in order to join the AIF
for the duration of World War II
, in which he served in New Guinea
. After the war he joined the J. C. Williamson
company for a while, working with Gladys Moncrieff
in The Maid of the Mountains
. Because there were limited theatrical choices in Australia at the time, McCallum returned to England where he soon went back into to films; he had already appeared in two films before returning to Australia: Heritage
(1935) and Held for Ransom
(1938).
McCallum became a leading man in Australian films of the 1940s and 1950s. In 1948 he married the British actress Googie Withers
, with whom he appeared in a large number of films. They made their home in Australia from 1958. McCallum also wrote, directed and produced numerous films and television series, particularly the international TV series Skippy the Bush Kangaroo
(1966–68) which he co-produced with Lee Robinson
. Television series he produced in the 1970s include Boney, Barrier Reef and Shannon's Mob. McCallum also widely acted on the stage. A particular favourite role was in The Circle by W. Somerset Maugham
. In this production he acted alongside Googie Withers in the U.K. as well as in Australia.
At the invitation of Sir Frank Tait of J. C. Williamson's, McCallum became joint managing director. McCallum was keen to encourage the casting of talented Australians in leading roles and was instrumental in beginning the starring careers of Kevin Colson
, Jill Perryman
, Nancye Hayes, Barbara Angell
and others. His contribution to the Australian performing arts is considerable and, in 1971, he was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire
(CBE). In 1992, he was made an Officer of the Order of Australia
(AO). Both honours were made for services to drama and theatre.
John McCallum died in Sydney
at the age of 91. He had been suffering from leukemia
.
Australia
Australia , officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area...
n theatre and film actor. He was also a television producer.
McCallum was born in Brisbane
Brisbane
Brisbane is the capital and most populous city in the Australian state of Queensland and the third most populous city in Australia. Brisbane's metropolitan area has a population of over 2 million, and the South East Queensland urban conurbation, centred around Brisbane, encompasses a population of...
, Queensland
Queensland
Queensland is a state of Australia, occupying the north-eastern section of the mainland continent. It is bordered by the Northern Territory, South Australia and New South Wales to the west, south-west and south respectively. To the east, Queensland is bordered by the Coral Sea and Pacific Ocean...
, in 1918, son of theatre owner and entrepreneur John Neil McCallum Sr., who built and for many years ran the 2,000 seat Cremorne Theatre
Cremorne Theatre
The Cremorne Theatre was a theatre in Brisbane in Brisbane, Australia. QPAC was constructed in 1985, however the location had been culturally significant for some time before this due to the presence of the Cremorne Theatre.-History:...
on the banks of the Brisbane River
Brisbane River
The Brisbane River is the longest river in south east Queensland, Australia, and flows through the city of Brisbane, before emptying into Moreton Bay. John Oxley was the first European to explore the river who named it after the Governor of New South Wales, Thomas Brisbane in 1823...
. McCallum Jr. was born during an opening night comedy performance and a friend sent his father a telegraph, reading Congratulations on two howling successes.
McCallum Sr. had emigrated from Scotland
Scotland
Scotland is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. Occupying the northern third of the island of Great Britain, it shares a border with England to the south and is bounded by the North Sea to the east, the Atlantic Ocean to the north and west, and the North Channel and Irish Sea to the...
. He became an accomplished musician and was soon involved in the Brisbane entertainment scene. McCallum's childhood memories were full of backstage encounters at the Cremorne Theatre with the variety of performers peopling a multitude of hit shows. His mother was an accomplished amateur actress who was born in England
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
. The eldest of three boys, McCallum and his brothers received their primary school education in England. When the Great Depression
Great Depression
The Great Depression was a severe worldwide economic depression in the decade preceding World War II. The timing of the Great Depression varied across nations, but in most countries it started in about 1929 and lasted until the late 1930s or early 1940s...
forced the family to return to Australia, McCallum entered a Church of England
Church of England
The Church of England is the officially established Christian church in England and the Mother Church of the worldwide Anglican Communion. The church considers itself within the tradition of Western Christianity and dates its formal establishment principally to the mission to England by St...
grammar school
Grammar school
A grammar school is one of several different types of school in the history of education in the United Kingdom and some other English-speaking countries, originally a school teaching classical languages but more recently an academically-oriented secondary school.The original purpose of mediaeval...
in Brisbane and "liked it enormously".
His early theatrical training was with Barbara Sisely at the Brisbane Repertory Company. He later did two years at RADA
Rada
Rada is the term for "council" or "assembly"borrowed by Polish from the Low Franconian "Rad" and later passed into the Czech, Ukrainian, and Belarusian languages....
in London under Kenneth Barnes
Kenneth Barnes
Sir Kenneth Ralph Barnes, KGB, CBE was director of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London, from 1909 until 1955.He was born in Heavitree, near Exeter, one of six siblings...
and his sisters Violet and Irene Vanburgh. From there he went into repertory
Repertory
Repertory or rep, also called stock in the United States, is a term used in Western theatre and opera.A repertory theatre can be a theatre in which a resident company presents works from a specified repertoire, usually in alternation or rotation...
at Tunbridge
Tunbridge
Tunbridge may refer to:* Tunbridge, Tasmania, Australia* The old spelling of Tonbridge, UK* Royal Tunbridge Wells, UK* Tunbridge, Vermont, USA...
and Northampton
Northampton
Northampton is a large market town and local government district in the East Midlands region of England. Situated about north-west of London and around south-east of Birmingham, Northampton lies on the River Nene and is the county town of Northamptonshire. The demonym of Northampton is...
. In 1939 he did a season at Stratford-upon-Avon
Stratford-upon-Avon
Stratford-upon-Avon is a market town and civil parish in south Warwickshire, England. It lies on the River Avon, south east of Birmingham and south west of Warwick. It is the largest and most populous town of the District of Stratford-on-Avon, which uses the term "on" to indicate that it covers...
playing small roles and understudying. From there he moved to similar roles at the Old Vic
Old Vic
The Old Vic is a theatre located just south-east of Waterloo Station in London on the corner of The Cut and Waterloo Road. Established in 1818 as the Royal Coburg Theatre, it was taken over by Emma Cons in 1880 when it was known formally as the Royal Victoria Hall. In 1898, a niece of Cons, Lilian...
under Harley Granville-Barker
Harley Granville-Barker
Harley Granville-Barker was an English actor-manager, director, producer, critic and playwright....
in which he appeared in the historic 1939 production of King Lear
King Lear
King Lear is a tragedy by William Shakespeare. The title character descends into madness after foolishly disposing of his estate between two of his three daughters based on their flattery, bringing tragic consequences for all. The play is based on the legend of Leir of Britain, a mythological...
which featured Jack Hawkins
Jack Hawkins
Colonel John Edward "Jack" Hawkins CBE was an English actor of the 1950s, 1960s and early 1970s.-Career:Hawkins was born at Lyndhurst Road, Wood Green, Middlesex, the son of master builder Thomas George Hawkins and his wife, Phoebe née Goodman. The youngest of four children in a close-knit family,...
with Peggy Ashcroft
Peggy Ashcroft
Dame Peggy Ashcroft, DBE was an English actress.-Early years:Born as Edith Margaret Emily Ashcroft in Croydon, Ashcroft attended the Woodford School, Croydon and the Central School of Speech and Drama...
, Fay Compton
Fay Compton
Fay Compton was an English actress from a notable acting lineage; her father was actor/manager Edward Compton; her mother, Virginia Bateman, was a distinguished member of the profession, as were her sister, the actress Viola Compton, and her uncles and aunts. Her grandfather was the 19th-century...
and Cathleen Nesbitt
Cathleen Nesbitt
Cathleen Mary Nesbitt, CBE was an English stage and film actress.-Biography:Born in Cheshire, England in 1888, of Welsh and Irish descent, Nesbitt was educated in Lisieux, France, and at the Queen's University of Belfast and the Sorbonne...
.
McCallum returned to Australia shortly afterwards in order to join the AIF
Second Australian Imperial Force
The Second Australian Imperial Force was the name given to the volunteer personnel of the Australian Army in World War II. Under the Defence Act , neither the part-time Militia nor the full-time Permanent Military Force could serve outside Australia or its territories unless they volunteered to...
for the duration of World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
, in which he served in New Guinea
New Guinea
New Guinea is the world's second largest island, after Greenland, covering a land area of 786,000 km2. Located in the southwest Pacific Ocean, it lies geographically to the east of the Malay Archipelago, with which it is sometimes included as part of a greater Indo-Australian Archipelago...
. After the war he joined the J. C. Williamson
J. C. Williamson
James Cassius Williamson was an American actor and later Australia's foremost theatrical manager, founding J. C. Williamson Ltd....
company for a while, working with Gladys Moncrieff
Gladys Moncrieff
Gladys Moncrieff OBE was an Australian singer who was so successful in musical theatre and recordings that she became known as 'Australia's Queen of Song' and 'Our Glad'.-Early years:...
in The Maid of the Mountains
The Maid of the Mountains
The Maid of the Mountains, called in its original score a musical play, is an operetta or musical comedy in three acts. The music was by Harold Fraser-Simson, with additional music by James W...
. Because there were limited theatrical choices in Australia at the time, McCallum returned to England where he soon went back into to films; he had already appeared in two films before returning to Australia: Heritage
Heritage (film)
Heritage is a 1935 Australian historical film directed by Charles Chauvel.-Production:Heritage was originally conceived in 1933, while Charles Chauvel was organising publicity for his previous film, In the Wake of the Bounty. The Australian government, in a bid to encourage the local film industry,...
(1935) and Held for Ransom
Held for Ransom (1938 film)
- Cast :*Blanche Mehaffey as Betty Mason*Grant Withers as Larry Scott*Bruce Warren as Don - Larry's Pal*Jack Mulhall as Det. J.J. Morrison*Kenneth Harlan as Boss McBride*Harry Harvey as Mole, Henchman*Eddie Foster as Joe - Kidnapper...
(1938).
McCallum became a leading man in Australian films of the 1940s and 1950s. In 1948 he married the British actress Googie Withers
Googie Withers
Georgette Lizette "Googie" Withers CBE, AO was an English theatre, film and television actress. She was a longtime resident of Australia with her husband, the actor John McCallum, with whom she often appeared.-Biography:...
, with whom he appeared in a large number of films. They made their home in Australia from 1958. McCallum also wrote, directed and produced numerous films and television series, particularly the international TV series Skippy the Bush Kangaroo
Skippy the Bush Kangaroo
Skippy the Bush Kangaroo is an Australian television series for children created by John McCallum, produced from 1966–1968, telling the adventures of a young boy and his intelligent pet kangaroo, in the Waratah National Park in Duffys Forest, near Sydney, New South Wales.Ninety-one 30-minute...
(1966–68) which he co-produced with Lee Robinson
Lee Robinson (director)
Lee Robinson was an Australian producer, director and screenwriter.-Biography:A short story writer prior to the war, Robinson first entered film as a member of the Australian Army History Unit where he filmed Australian troops in Rabaul and East Timor.After the war he joined the Australian...
. Television series he produced in the 1970s include Boney, Barrier Reef and Shannon's Mob. McCallum also widely acted on the stage. A particular favourite role was in The Circle by W. Somerset Maugham
W. Somerset Maugham
William Somerset Maugham , CH was an English playwright, novelist and short story writer. He was among the most popular writers of his era and, reputedly, the highest paid author during the 1930s.-Childhood and education:...
. In this production he acted alongside Googie Withers in the U.K. as well as in Australia.
At the invitation of Sir Frank Tait of J. C. Williamson's, McCallum became joint managing director. McCallum was keen to encourage the casting of talented Australians in leading roles and was instrumental in beginning the starring careers of Kevin Colson
Kevin Colson
Kevin Colson is an Australian stage, film and television actor best known for his portrayal of Sir George Dillingham in the musical Aspects of Love, for which he received a Tony nomination, and his early role as Cliff in the original London production of Cabaret opposite Judi Dench...
, Jill Perryman
Jill Perryman
Jill Perryman AM MBE is an Australian stage actress and singer, born in Melbourne. Her parents and her sister were all prominent in Australian theatre. At the age of 19, she joined J.C...
, Nancye Hayes, Barbara Angell
Barbara Angell
Barbara Angell – also known as Barb Angell and sometimes wrongly credited as Barbara Angel – Australian writer and actor was Australia's first female television comedy writer-entertainer...
and others. His contribution to the Australian performing arts is considerable and, in 1971, he was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire
Order of the British Empire
The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire is an order of chivalry established on 4 June 1917 by George V of the United Kingdom. The Order comprises five classes in civil and military divisions...
(CBE). In 1992, he was made an Officer of the Order of Australia
Order of Australia
The Order of Australia is an order of chivalry established on 14 February 1975 by Elizabeth II, Queen of Australia, "for the purpose of according recognition to Australian citizens and other persons for achievement or for meritorious service"...
(AO). Both honours were made for services to drama and theatre.
John McCallum died in Sydney
Sydney
Sydney is the most populous city in Australia and the state capital of New South Wales. Sydney is located on Australia's south-east coast of the Tasman Sea. As of June 2010, the greater metropolitan area had an approximate population of 4.6 million people...
at the age of 91. He had been suffering from leukemia
Leukemia
Leukemia or leukaemia is a type of cancer of the blood or bone marrow characterized by an abnormal increase of immature white blood cells called "blasts". Leukemia is a broad term covering a spectrum of diseases...
.
Selected filmography
- The Root of All EvilThe Root of All Evil (1947 film)The Root of All Evil is a 1947 British drama film, directed by Brock Williams for Gainsborough Pictures and starring Phyllis Calvert and Michael Rennie. The film was the first directorial assignment for Williams, who was better known as a screenwriter, and also produced the screenplay based on a...
(1947) - It Always Rains on SundayIt Always Rains on SundayIt Always Rains on Sunday is a film adaptation of the novel by Arthur La Bern, adapted and directed by Robert Hamer. In its gritty, unsentimental depiction of everyday life in post-war Britain, and in its exploration of the tedium, frustration and desperation wrought by grinding poverty, the film...
(1947) - The CalendarThe Calendar (1948 film)The Calendar is a 1948 British drama film directed by Arthur Crabtree and starring Greta Gynt, John McCallum, Raymond Lovell and Leslie Dwyer...
(1948) - A Boy, a Girl and a Bike (1949)
- The Woman in QuestionThe Woman in QuestionThe Woman in Question is 1950 British mystery film directed by Anthony Asquith and starring Jean Kent, Dirk Bogarde and John McCallum...
(1950) - Valley of EaglesValley of EaglesValley of Eagles is a 1951 British drama film directed by Terence Young and starring Jack Warner, Nadia Gray and John McCallum. A Norwegian scientist's crucial new invention is stolen by his wife who tries to take it to the Soviet Union.-Cast:...
(1951) - Lady Godiva Rides AgainLady Godiva Rides AgainLady Godiva Rides Again is a 1951 British comedy film starring Diana Dors, about a small-town English girl who wins a beauty contest and heads for greater fame. It features Joan Collins in her movie debut as an uncredited beauty contestant...
(1951) - The Magic BoxThe Magic BoxThe Magic Box is a fictional magic shop in the TV series Buffy the Vampire Slayer, created by Joss Whedon. It is located in Sunnydale and was last owned and operated by Rupert Giles, and served as the primary headquarters of the Scooby Gang for seasons five and six.-Ownership history:The shop went...
(1951) - The Long MemoryThe Long MemoryThe Long Memory is a 1952 film directed by Robert Hamer and based on the 1951 novel of the same name by Howard Clewes. A crime thriller filmed on the North Kent Marshes on the Thames Estuary and the dingy backstreets of Gravesend its bleak setting and grim atmosphere have led to its acclaim as a...
(1952) - Trent's Last CaseTrent's Last Case (film)Trent's Last Case is a British detective film directed by Herbert Wilcox and starring Michael Wilding, Margaret Lockwood, Orson Welles and John McCallum. It was based on the novel Trent's Last Case by E. C...
(1952) - Derby DayDerby Day (1952 film)Derby Day is a 1952 British drama film directed by Herbert Wilcox and starring Anna Neagle, Michael Wilding, Googie Withers, John McCallum and Alfie Bass. An ensemble piece, it portrays several characters on their way to the Derby Day races at Epsom Downs Racecourse...
(1952) - MelbaMelbaMelba may refer to:* Dame Nellie Melba, Australian soprano opera singer* Melba , a 1953 film directed by Lewis Milestone* Melba Montgomery, a country music singer* Melba Moore, an American R&B singer and actress...
(1953) - Trouble in the GlenTrouble in the GlenTrouble in the Glen is a 1954 British comedy film directed by Herbert Wilcox and starring Margaret Lockwood, Orson Welles and Forrest Tucker...
(1954) - Devil on HorsebackDevil on HorsebackDevil on Horseback is a 1954 British drama film directed by Cyril Frankel and starring Googie Withers, John McCallum and Jeremy Spenser. Its plot involves a boy who pursues his ambition to be a jockey...
(1954) - Port of EscapePort of EscapePort of Escape is a 1956 British thriller film starring Googie Withers, John McCallum, Bill Kerr and Joan Hickson. Two American sailors kicked off their ship when it docks in London, go on a killing spree....
(1956) - SmileySmiley (film)Smiley is an American-British film made in 1956 and set in Australia. It was produced and directed by Anthony Kimmins. It starred Ralph Richardson, Chips Rafferty, and Colin Petersen as Smiley. Other cast members were Bruce Archer, Guy Doleman, Reg Lye, John McCallum, Leonard Teale and Bud Tingwell...
(1956) - Three in One (1957)
External links
- Theatre performances listed in Theatre Archive University of Bristol
- John McCallum at Live Performance Australia Hall of Fame