
Holmes Herbert
ActingAbout Holmes Herbert
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Holmes Herbert (born Horace Edward Jenner; 30 July 1882 – 26 December 1956) was an English character actor who appeared in Hollywood films from 1915 to 1952. Herbert immigrated to the United States in 1912. He never made a film in his native country, but appeared in 228 films during his career in the U.S., beginning with stalwart leading roles during the silent era, then numerous supporting roles in classic Hollywood films of the sound era, including Captain Blood (1935), The Charge of the Light Brigade (1936), The Life of Emile Zola (1937), The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938), and Foreign Correspondent (1940). He is perhaps best known for his role as Dr. Jekyll's friend Dr. Lanyon in Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1931), and made something of a career in horror films of the period, appearing in The Terror (1928), The Thirteenth Chair (1929 and 1937), The Mystery of the Wax Museum (1933), The Invisible Man (1933), Mark of the Vampire (1935), Tower of London (1939), The Ghost of Frankenstein (1942), The Undying Monster (1942), The Mummy's Curse (1944), and The Son of Dr. Jekyll (1951). He also played in several of Universal's cycle of Sherlock Holmes films during the 1940s. Holmes Herbert was married three times. His first wife was actress Beryl Mercer, and his second was Elinor Kershaw Ince, widow of film mogul Thomas H. Ince. Both marriages ended in divorce. Third wife Agnes Bartholomew died, leaving Herbert a widower, in 1955. He died in 1956 at age 74.
Holmes Herbert Movies & Career Overview
The filmography of Holmes Herbert reflects exceptional commercial consistency. Across 50 major appearances, the actor has built a reputation through performances in multiple genres and storytelling styles.
Dominant Genre
A large portion of Holmes Herbert's work falls within the Drama genre, where audiences tend to respond most strongly to their on-screen presence.
Success Ratio
Approximately 100% of Holmes Herbert's films maintain ratings above 6.5, indicating a consistent level of audience approval.
One of the most highly rated entries in their career remains Hidden Power, which stands out as a key performance.
Best Holmes Herbert Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Holmes Herbert's career based on audience ratings.
Full Filmography
Every movie Holmes Herbert has appeared in, with audience ratings and verdicts.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| N/A | The Nest | Richard Elliot | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1948 | The Swordsman | Lord Glowan | Hit | Similar → |
| 1944 | Our Hearts Were Young and Gay | Captain (uncredited) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1943 | Two Tickets to London | Kilgallen | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1942 | Strictly in the Groove | Commissioner | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1940 | The Letter | Robert's Friend at Bar at Party (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1939 | Hidden Power | Dr. Morley | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1939 | The House of Fear | Minor Role | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1939 | Trapped in the Sky | Fielding | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1939 | Mystery of the White Room | Hospital Administrator | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1938 | Say It in French | Richard Carrington Sr. | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1936 | Lloyd's of London | Spokesman | Hit | Similar → |
| 1936 | 15 Maiden Lane | Harold Anderson | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1936 | The Gentleman from Louisiana | Chief Steward | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1935 | Captain Blood | Capt. Gardner | Hit | Similar → |
| 1935 | Cardinal Richelieu | Noble | Hit | Similar → |
| 1934 | Beloved | Lord Landslake | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1933 | The Invisible Man | Chief of Police | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1932 | Sister to Judas | Bruce Rogers | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1931 | Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde | Dr. John Lanyon | Hit | Similar → |
| 1931 | Chances | Maj. Bradford | Hit | Similar → |
| 1929 | The Careless Age | Sir John | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1929 | Careers | Carouge | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1928 | The Terror | Goodman | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1928 | Gentlemen Prefer Blondes | Henry Spoffard | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1927 | The Silver Slave | Tom Richards | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1927 | The Gay Retreat | Charles Wright | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1927 | The Heart of Salome | Sir Humphrey | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1927 | Lovers | Milton | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1927 | One Increasing Purpose | Charles Paris | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1926 | The Honeymoon Express | Jim Donaldson | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1925 | Wreckage | Stuart Ames | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1924 | Love's Wilderness | David Tennant | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1924 | Sinners in Heaven | Hugh Rochedale | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1924 | Another Scandal | Pelham Franklin | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1924 | The Enchanted Cottage | Major Hillgrove | Hit | Similar → |
| 1924 | Week End Husbands | William Randall | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1922 | Moonshine Valley | Dr. Martin | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1922 | Divorce Coupons | Roland Bland | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1922 | Evidence | Judge Rowland | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1921 | Heedless Moths | The Sculptor | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1921 | Her Lord and Master | R. Honorable Thurston Ralph, Viscount Canning | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1920 | The Right to Love | Lord Falkland | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1920 | Lady Rose's Daughter | Jacob Delafield | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1920 | Black Is White | Jim Brood (as Holmes E. Herbert) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1919 | The Market of Souls | Temple Bane | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1919 | Other Men's Wives | Fenwick Flint | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1919 | The Rough Neck | A Half-Breed Indian | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1919 | The Divorcee | Sir Paradine Fuldes | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1915 | The Fisherwoman | The Son | Super Hit | Similar → |
Holmes Herbert - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of Holmes Herbert?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Holmes Herbert is "Hidden Power" with a rating of 10.0/10.
How many movies has Holmes Herbert acted in?
Holmes Herbert has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by Holmes Herbert?
Other notable films include "Lady Rose's Daughter", "Careers", and "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes".




