
Robert Newton was one of the great character actors -- and great characters -- of the British cinema, best remembered today for playing Long John Silver in Treasure Island (1950) and its sequel in 1954. His portrayal of Long John Silver and of Blackbeard, the Pirate (1952) created a persona that was so indelible that his vocal intonations created the paradigm for scores of people who want to "Talk Like a Pirate." The performance overshadows Newton's legacy, which is based on many first-rate performances in such movies as This Happy Breed (1944), Odd Man Out (1947) and Oliver Twist (1948), where his Bill Sykes is truly chilling. Oliver Reed, who played Sykes in the Oscar-winning movie musical Oliver! (1968) was influenced by Newton.

Oliver Twist
1948 · as Bill Sykes

Around the World in 80 Days
1956 · as Mr. Fix

Treasure Island
1950 · as Long John Silver

Obsession
1949 · as Dr. Clive Riordan

21 Days
1940 · as Tolly

Jamaica Inn
1939 · as James "Jem" Trehearne

The High and the Mighty
1954 · as Gustave Pardee

This Happy Breed
1944 · as Frank Gibbons

Les Miserables
1952 · as Etienne Javert

Androcles and the Lion
1952 · as Ferrovius

The Desert Rats
1953 · as Tom Bartlett

Poison Pen
1939 · as Sam Hurrin

Henry V
1944 · as Ancient Pistol

Blackbeard, the Pirate
1952 · as Blackbeard

Odd Man Out
1947 · as Lukey

Long John Silver
1954 · as Long John Silver

Gaslight
1940 · as Ullswater

Major Barbara
1941 · as Bill Walker