Gilbert Emery Bensley Pottle (June 11, 1875 – October 28, 1945), known professionally as Gilbert Emery, was an American actor who appeared in over 80 movies from 1921 to his death in 1945. He was also a playwright, author of seven Broadway plays from 1921 to 1933.
Early years Gilbert Emery Bensley Pottle was born June 11, 1875, in Naples, New York, to William L. and Hariette (Gilbert) Pottle. He prepared for college at Naples High School and at the Normal School in Oneonta, New York. He graduated from Amherst College in the class of 1899.
Career Pottle started out as a short story writer, using the name Emery Pottle, and he later wrote plays. From 1899 to 1900 he was an instructor in English and public speaking at Beloit Academy in Wisconsin. In 1900 he was a reporter for the Morning Sun in New York City; from 1900-1901 he worked for the Evening Post; and from 1901-1903 he worked for Criterion Magazine. He was an instructor in English at Columbia University and a writer.
During World War I, Pottle was a member of the American Expeditionary Forces' Liaison Service, serving with French Balloon Companies 39, 49 and 74. He was later a member of the Paris Peace Conference from 1918 to 1919, and a member of the Interallied Food Commission in 1919.
He wrote a number of books in his early years, including Handicapped, The Little Village, and The Little House. He also wrote poems and short stories for magazines and several plays. Much of his writing was under the pen name Gilbert Emery.
Emery began his career as a playwright in 1921 with several of his plays produced on Broadway into the 1930's. He also acted in several other productions. His first play, "The Hero", was revived in 2014 to acclaimed reviews including the New York Times .
Personal life On November 22, 1904, Emery (using the name Emery Pottle) married Juliet Wilbour Tompkins, a writer, in New York. Tompkins sued for divorce in March 1905.
Death Emery died on October 28, 1945, in Los Angeles, California and is buried in Rose Ridge Cemetery in Naples, NY.
Playwright
"Far-Away Horses" (Mar 21, 1933 - Mar 1933) (also "staged by")
"Housewarming" (Apr 07, 1932 - Apr 1932)
"Say When" (Jun 26, 1928 - Jul 07, 1928) ("Based on a play by Gilbert Emery")
"Love in a Mist" (Apr 12, 1926 - Jul 17, 1926) (also director)
"Episode" (Feb 04, 1925 - Feb 1925) (also actor)
"Tarnish" (Oct 01, 1923 - May 1924)
"The Hero" (Mar 14, 1921 - Mar 1921), (Sep 05, 1921 - Nov 1921)
Filmography From 1921 until his death in 1945, Gilbert Emery acted in at least 88 films, including: Year Title Role Notes1921Cousin KateHeath Desmond (Film debut)1929Behind That CurtainSir Frederick Bruce1930A Lady's Morals Broughm 1931The Lady RefusesSir Gerald CourtneyThe Yellow Ticket Sir Hubert, British AmbassadorUncreditedThe Ruling VoiceAndrew Gregory 1932Okay America! Secretary John Drake A Farewell to Arms British Major 1934All of Me The Dean Coming Out PartyHerbert Emerson Stanhope The House of RothschildPrime Minister One More RiverThe Judge Now and Forever James Higginson The Man Who Reclaimed His HeadHis Excellency Uncredited1935Clive of IndiaMr. Sullivan Cardinal RichelieuNobleGoin' to TownWinslowHarmony LaneMr. FosterPeter IbbetsonWilkins Magnificent ObsessionDoctor Ramsay1936Wife vs. SecretarySimpsonLittle Lord FauntleroyPurvis Dracula's DaughterSir Basil Humphrey Bullets or Ballots Mr. Thorndyke 1937The Great BarrierGeorge Stephen Souls at SeaCaptain Martisel The Life of Emile ZolaMinister of WarDouble or Nothing Mr. Mitchell 1938The BuccaneerCaptain LockyerLord Jeff Magistrate Storm Over BengalColonel Torrance 1939The Saint Strikes BackMartin Eastman The Lady's from KentuckyPinckney Rodell Nurse Edith CavellBrand Whitlock RafflesBingham 1940The House of the Seven Gables Gerald PyncheonWaterloo Bridge Colonel at Luncheon UncreditedAnne of Windy Poplars Stephen Pringle A Dispatch from Reuters Lord Palmerston UncreditedSouth of SuezManders1941Adam Had Four SonsDr. Lane Rage in Heaven Mr. Black That Hamilton WomanLord SpencerA Woman's Face Associate Judge Singapore Woman Sir Stanley Moore The Great Awakening School Principal SundownAshburton 1942The Remarkable Andrew Thomas Jefferson Escape from Hong Kong Col. J.A. Crossley The Loves of Edgar Allan PoeThomas Jefferson King of the Mounties Commissioner Morrison 1943Sherlock Holmes in Washington Sir Henry MarchmontUncreditedAppointment in BerlinGen. MarstonUncreditedThe Return of the VampireDr. Walter Saunders 1944Between Two WorldsBenjamin Cliveden-Banks 1945The Brighton StranglerDr. Manby Final film
References
External links
Wounded Soldier at Montauville, a poem written by Emery during World War I