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162. HENDERSON, -Bland, R. ACTOR-SOLDIER-POET. 1939. Illus. Inscription on front end paper. £8.00



Robert Henderson-Bland. (R.H.B.) He was an actor, playwright, soldier, and a playboy. Few knew he was married.

His film career, started in the role of Christ, in the first British epic movie, made in 1912. The Director was a Canadian, named Sydney Olcott, and the film, "From the Manger to the Cross", was made on location in Jerusalem, Syria and Egypt. It received rave reviews when it was released.

It was plays, rather than movies R.H.B. preferred to act in, and he made many tours around Britain, Europe and America. He also had a year touring South Africa with Lily Langtry.

In 1915 he joined up into the Gloucestershire Regiment, and fought in World War 1. After the war he stayed in the Regular Army Reserve of Officers until 1927, and attained the rank of Captain. After returning to civilian life on 22 Oct 1919 he spent a lot of time in America staging his plays.