Leo Britt

Leo Ernest Britt (27 March 1908 – 1979) was a British-American actor whose career spanned stage, film, and television across both England and the United States. He accumulated approximately 40 film and television appearances between 1933 and 1975 and became a U.S. citizen in 1955, though he later returned to England, where he died at the age of 71.

Britt's screen career began in Britain with roles in early sound films including The Monkey's Paw (1933), in which he appeared uncredited as a Lance Corporal, and The Roof (1933), where he played Tony Freyne. He continued working in British productions through the following decade, taking the role of George in They Came by Night (1940) and John Newcombe in Take My Life (1947).

His work in American productions gained momentum in the 1950s. He appeared as Dr. Benton in The Magnetic Monster (1953) and as Planter Chisholm in Elephant Walk (1954). That same year he took the role of Sir Robert in The Black Shield of Falworth and appeared as the storyteller at a party in Alfred Hitchcock's Dial M for Murder (1954), a part for which he became particularly well remembered. He subsequently appeared in Moonfleet (1955) and The Court Jester (1955), both in uncredited roles.

On Broadway, Britt appeared in two productions between 1955 and 1956: the drama A Day By The Sea and My Fair Ladies.

Later film credits included an uncredited role as a German General in The Dirty Dozen (1967) and the named role of General James Scarlett in the historical drama The Charge of the Light Brigade (1968). He also appeared in Moon Zero Two (1969) as a Senior Customs Officer and in Goodbye, Mr. Chips (1969) as an Elder Master.