Emlyn Williams

Playwright famous for works such as 'Night Must Fall' and 'The Corn Is Green'.

Born:

1905

Died:

1987

Place of Birth:

Pen-y-Ffordd, Mostyn

School:

Holywell High

Biography:

George Emlyn Williams was born in Mostyn, in Flintshire, writes contributor William I. Williams. He seemed destined to live a modest existence based on hard labour, but he found hope of a better life through education. He credits his school teacher, on whom he modelled the character of Miss Moffat in 'The Corn is Green', which was twice made into a Hollywood film, with enabling him to become a success.

He attended Holywell High School and studied both in Geneva, Switzerland and at Christ Church, Oxford. He joined repertory theatre and soon after made his acting debut in 'And So To Bed' at the Schubert Theatre in London in November 1927. He eventually penned a total of 20 plays as well as becoming an accomplished stage and screen actor.

His first success as a playwright was 'A Murder Has Been Arranged'. He authored 'Night Must Fall' which later made its Broadway debut in September 1936 at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre. His plays 'Yesterday's Magic', 'The Morning Star' and 'Someone Waiting' were also performed on Broadway. He performed solo as Charles Dickens on Broadway for three separate runs. He was also nominated for Best Actor in Play for 'A Boy Growing Up' (1958), a Dylan Thomas adaptation.

There was a growing trend for playwrights and film makers to collaborate as the film industry matured. Stage legend Ethel Barrymore's last great perfomance was as Miss Moffat in Williams' 'The Corn is Green' in 1940. Actor Richard Burton's professional stage debut 'Druid's Rest' and Burton's first screen acting performance were both written by Emlyn Williams, the latter: 'The Last Days of Dolwyn' (1949) Williams directed. Williams collaborated with director Alfred Hitchcock by acting in both 'The Man Who Knew Too Much' (1934) and 'Jamaica Inn' (1939) and by writing additional dialogue for the both films. Two of Williams' plays, 'The Corn is Green' (1945) and 'Night Must Fall' (1964), later became popular films. Literary giant George Bernard Shaw wrote new dialogue for 'Major Barbara' (1941) which Emlyn acted in. Williams acted in the unfinished Robert Graves' based 'I Claudius' (1937), later released as 'The Epic That Never Was', and he was the lead player in 'I Accuse' (1958), a biography of Emile Zola.

Acting performances include 'The Walking Stick' (1970), 'L-Shaped Room' (1962), 'David Copperfield' (1970), 'The Wreck of the Mary Deare' (1959), 'Deep Blue Sea' (1955), 'Ivanhoe' (1952), 'Another Man's Poison' (1952), 'The Magic Box' (1951), 'Three Husbands' (1950), 'This England' (1941), 'The Citadel' (1938) which he screenwrote along with 'Evergreen' (1934).

Williams also worked in television. He wrote for the Chevrolet Tele-Theater (1948) and portrayed the voice of Lloyd George in 'The Great War' (1964). He had plays produced for television, such as 'The Corn is Green' starring Katherine Hepburn and directed by George Cukor, as well as making several guest appearances on television shows such as John Mortimer's 'Rumpole of the Bailey'.

Emlyn Williams wrote two books: 'George, An Early Autobiography' published in 1961 and 'Emlyn: An Early Autography, 1927-1935' published in 1974. He penned a controversial non-fiction account of the Moors Murders in 1967 called 'Beyond Belief'. He also wrote the novel 'Headlong' (1980) which was the basis for the movie 'King Ralph' (1991).

His final performance was as Edward in the television production of 'Past Caring' (1985).

By the time of his death in 1987, he had appeared in 41 films and teleplays, and written and/or co-written 20 screenplays.

your comments

Pat Crompton, St Helens
I was always led to believe that Emlyn Williams' father was a brother of my grandfather. Seemingly, the whole Williams family, apart from one brother called David, moved to south Lancs to work in the coalfields. David was Emlyn's dad. I've often wondered if this was correct.
Thu Jul 3 08:32:07 2008

Candida Jones from London
My grandad was in the same class as Emlyn Williams and was very proud of this fact.
Mon Jun 16 08:22:15 2008

Bob Gray from London
Wadham Players Theatre Company will be staging 'Spring 1600' by Emlyn Williams as an Open-Air Theatre Production at three venues around London during July 2008. For further information visit our website at wadhamplayers.co.uk
Thu Jun 12 08:09:51 2008

Evie from Colwyn Bay
I'm only 13 but I'm very interested about Emlyn's life. Emlyn is actually my 4th cousin I think, well he's definitely my grandad's 2nd cousin - my grandad's grandad's nephew. About 10 or so years ago a relative of mine did a family tree. My grandad often speaks of Emlyn and I've seen many films with him in. I only wish that I could have met Emlyn in person, as I'm into acting and drama myself, I'm also fairly good at English and I'd like to do as well as him in life. If anyone has any information about is life before death it would be much appreciated.
Tue Apr 1 09:22:20 2008

William Knowles, Calne
My mother, Eluned Jones, before she married, taught Emlyn mathematics at Holywell Grammar School. She recalled that, as a new teacher in the school, she was coming down the short flight of stairs from the ladies staff room when a pupil approached her and said tentatively, "Please miss. Can you show me the way to Miss Cooke's room?" That was her first meeting with Emlyn. The staff at Holywell were very supportive of Emlyn for they could see his potential. His supporters included Miss Swinnerton and Miss Morris but especially Miss Cooke who "saw him through Oxford, right down to the silver cane". As a playwright Emlyn would send all his work to Miss Cooke for her to read before it was published. Emlyn gave my mother an autographed first edition of his play 'The Corn is Green' in recognition of her support.
Mon Feb 11 10:22:25 2008

Mlke Parry from Bagillt, Flintshire
My mother, Sophia Parry{nee Evans}, was taught by Miss Cook at Holywell School. She says Miss Cook was always mentioning Emlyn Williams as being her best pupil ever. Today, after finishing a walk, some friends and I called to a tiny pub the White Lion in the hamlet of Glanyrafon, Flintshire, and were surprised to see a plaque outside stating that Emlyn Williams lived there. Also, photos of him inside the pub.
Mon Jan 28 09:12:52 2008

Steve Rogers from Wallasey
Being related to Emlyn Williams seems to be a bit of a pastime! My grandfather, Thomas Maldwyn Rogers, said we were related to Emlyn. Thomas was born in Birkenhead in 1904 and died in 1962, but his father, George, was born in Llanraehder between Denbigh and Ruthin. My grandfather's siblings were Emlyn, James Cedwyn, Marion Gwenfa, Gwladys, John Edward, Alsace Lorriane. Elizabeth, and Eleanor May Rogers. I would love to know if anyone could help me out. My grandfather bore a striking resemblance to Emlyn Williams.
Mon Dec 10 09:04:54 2007

Rose Rumney from Ontario
I recently came across Emlyn Williams portraying 'Harry' in Jamaica Inn. I loved it! I found his portrayal of Harry incredible. I've watched the film hundreds of times, but never tire of Williams' character!
Mon Dec 10 07:55:48 2007

Richard Urquhart
I am the grandson of Emlyn's brother Jobe. I can recall being taken on several occasions to the Grosvenor Hotel in Chester by my grandparents to meet him whenever he was in the area. My recollection was of a very well spoken man who would always revert to Welsh when he spoke to my grandfather as it was their first tongue. My mother, Ceinwen, was named after one of the characters in one of Emlyn's books "The corn is green" by my grandfather as a mark of respect to his brother. I can also recall being present when he was presented with the keys to Flintshire by the local authority back in the early seventies. Later that day he visited my grandfather's farm in Hawarden in his chauffeur driven Rolls Royce and stayed for tea and bread & butter pudding before leaving for his London home. All the direct family believe that Emlyn's theatrical talent has jumped two generations and has re-emerged in my 9 year old son Andrew who has already appeared in two major theatrical productions, Andrew Lloyd Webber's Joseph and Doctor Dolittle with the very talented Tommy Steele. Who knows, there may well be another Emlyn soon?
Mon Nov 19 08:12:26 2007

Sandra Griffiths from Manchester
Many years ago I was in Emlyn Williams' play Night Must Fall. I played Olivia Graine and although I did many plays before and after nothing could ever match the feeling I had doing that play. I would love to direct this play and would hope at some further time I may get my lifelong ambition.
Thu Aug 23 14:16:32 2007

Jan de Swarte, London
Many years ago, as a ten year old Holywell convent boarder, I and the other boarders were taken to see Emlyn Williams performing his one man Dickens show at the Holywell Assembly Rooms. It was absolutely stunning and we children were enthralled and suitably terrified by his very realistic rendering of the murder of Nancy by Bill Sykes. After the performance we learnt that the actor was staying with his old school teacher Miss Cook who lived next door to Gerdi Bueno (the Convent Dormitory house) so like little wild animals we raced up there and, much to Miss Cooks's disapproval, knocked on her door to ask for autographs, which as I remember he very graciously and good humouredly signed. Many many years later he did an absolutely brilliant one-man Dylan Thomas show in London which a Welsh friend and I attended. Despite its good reviews the theatre was practically empty. Going backstage after the performance to congratulate him we found him frail and tired - but there had been no hint of this in his performance. I reminded him about his 1950s Holywell performance which amused him. He was a very good actor and writer of a calibre not seen today - more in the tradition of the old actor-manager. A privilege to have met him.
Tue Aug 7 09:43:12 2007

Edna Palmer, Southport, Merseyside
All those looking for family tree research can join me on the BBC Website Family History Board. I am known as Clematised on there and am said to be related to George by way of my father, who was a Williams, and his father was Richard Williams born Holyhead 1842.
Mon Jul 30 08:50:17 2007

Lee Tregellis, Sutton Coldfield
I was lucky enough to play Danny in Night Must Fall at the Old Rep Theatre Birmingham in 1993, and won best actor in the fame festival. I think about this play often, and can still remember most of the speeches. It remains my favourite play.
Mon Jun 18 08:21:46 2007

Raymond Bacon, Neath
As a non professional artist I painted a portrait of Emlyn Williams in 1965. The likeness has always been recognised. I would like this to go to the family of Emlyn as I'm now approaching a later life, and I would hate to see this destroyed. Relatives only please. Thank you.
Fri Apr 27 08:27:56 2007

Eileen Bowen, Prestatyn
My Nain was a cousin of George Emlyn Williams. I am beginning to research Nain's family history (her mother was an Evans before marriage). If anyone is willing to share their info, I would be grateful.
Wed Feb 14 11:07:56 2007

Edward Donnelly, Holywell
A few years ago I was told that Emlyn Williams is my family's cousin. Being an actor myself you can imagine how excited having such distinguished company in our family. With a few other comments of people saying that they too are related I was wondering if they could help me find out how far back he's realated to us. My mum's maiden name is Pearce and her family is from the Holway. I know it's a bit of a long shot but any suggestions?
Thu Dec 7 14:41:22 2006

Edna Palmer from Southport Merseyside
I am currently researching my family tree and am told that Emrys Williams is related. does anyone have any family history that they can share with me so I can find further information on my grandparents from Holyhead Pen-Y-Bonc Farm in the 1840/50s
Thu Sep 7 08:59:07 2006

Richard DeTar from Denver, Colorado
I just read the first of his autobiographies, 'George', liked it, and shall be using it as the basis for a little talk I give on him later this month to the Colorado Welsh Society.
Mon Aug 14 09:16:46 2006

Katey Williams
I am a relative of Emlyn Williams and I love learning about him and my great uncle Rhydwyn Williams, I have read George and his later book and too loved him in Jamaica Inn. I recently learnt of his freindship with the director Alfred Hitchcock and I must say I was pretty impressed, it all makes me very proud to be part of such a creative family(excluding me!). I really enjoyed reading all your comments.
Mon May 8 10:57:43 2006

Jenny Hofer
I remember meeting Emlyn Williams several times at Grace Cook`s house in Roundhay, Leeds. She lived for many years with May Swallow, my mother`s godmother. We also went several times to see him perform in the West End - and were always welcome backstage in the interval or after
Tue Apr 18 09:36:31 2006

Marsha and JJ, Montclair, New Jersey
Greetings, We're trying to find a copy of a TV broadcast of Emlyn Williams playing Charles Dickens (1983) We would be happy to pay for a copy of the video would like to share. Thank you. Please email us at: MCoupe@CoupeWoman.com
Sun Feb 19 17:38:56 2006

Nadya Meadows, Whangarei,New Zealand
My study of literature is much delayed but several years ago I taped on TV 'The corn is green'. I watch it every so often and am so moved by Williams' ability to capture a teacher's discovery and love for a student. Now retired from teaching, and writing plays myself, I hope to study more of his writings and be further inspired.
Sat Dec 17 06:20:13 2005

Meg Turner from NC
I saw "Jamaica Inn" and he blew my socks off. I'm a fan for life.
Tue Nov 1 04:05:21 2005

Oliver James (aged 14) from North Wales
I am currently studying Drama at Argoed High School and I am researching and writing up a theatre review on the amazing play of Night Must Fall. Go and see it.
Mon Oct 31 15:02:15 2005

Craig From Mold
Amazing
Wed Oct 12 09:14:04 2005

Dudley Procter from Lincoln
My grandmother was a lifelong friend of the schoolteacher to whom Emlyn Williams ascribed his success in life. The teacher was Sarah Grace Cook (known as Grace) and she was the model for Miss Moffat. She is referred to in George, an Early Autobiography. Grace Cook was the 7th child of Joseph Cook and his wife Nancy Sharp. Her father was a leather currier and his 3 eldest sons folowed that occupation. Grace was born and brought up in a house in Henconner Lane, Bramley, Leeds. In the 1901 census she is described as a pupil teacher and it is believed that she subsequently trained as a teacher at York. Her 3 eldest brothers married in the 1890s and by 1901 Grace had 7 nephews/nieces. My grandmother recounted to me that throughout their joint lives, Emlyn Williams kept in regular touch with Grace Cook who was immensely proud of his achievements.
Thu Sep 8 09:27:15 2005

Kathleen Crippen from Spring Lake, New Jersey USA
You are never too old to discover good things in film! I've studied film history for years and, while I knew Emlyn Williams's name as a writer, my knowledge of him as an actor never extended much beyond his role as Womba the Fool in the 1952 version of 'Ivanhoe'. Last night, however, I watched a generally-ignored 1939 Hitchcock film, 'Jamaica Inn'. Set in 1819, the story centers around a gang of piratical 'wreckers' on the Cornwall coast. Williams plays Harry the Pedlar, the gang leader's right-hand man. Wow! What a great, subtle performance -- Harry is a deliciously dirty, devious fellow but Williams plays him with great restraint. I found myself watching for him to come back on screen. Plus, his costuming is great -- he looks rather like the Johnny Walker Scotch character, top hat and tight jacket, but tattered and dirty. How did he ever keep his makeup so consistently dirty? The film also stars Charles Laughton, Robert Newton, and introduces Maureen O'Hara. Maybe not Hitch's best, but interesting camera work and direction. Worth a look, especially for Williams's performance! Wales always produces the best actors!
Mon Aug 15 14:35:11 2005

Jake from England
Love his Moors Murderer book 'Beyond Belief'. It's so fantastic, a must-have book. He is a very talented man. The book is written like a fact packed story and so thrilling. A great insight into the minds of Brady and Hindley.
Mon Aug 8 15:21:07 2005

David Johnson from Halstead, Essex
My grandmother Edith Hughes (nee Parry) was Emlyn Williams cousin and was two years older. She died in 1984 but she always remembered George visiting them in Newmarket (Flintshire)as a young man in the mid 1920's and riding a motorcycle and sidecar which he had just purchased with the payment from something he had written. She and my mother aged about five or six would ride from Newmarket to Gwenescor and down the mountain to Prestatyn and return by way of Mostyn after visiting his parents or some other relations. My grandmother was very upset by parts of his autobiograhy and although she was not mentioned it elaborated upon the truth. My impression is that on many occassions the book substitutes fact with fiction for dramatic emphasis. George only adopted the name Emlyn later on. I have a vaugue memory of being introduced by my grandmother to a man with white wavy hair in London about 1960 who said he was sorry to hear my father was English but would I like a sixpence as pocket money. He had been making a film. I was about 11 or twelve and I told him I wouldn't like a sixpence and I thought the film boring apart from the part where the ship sunk. He couldn't stop laughing.
Wed Apr 6 22:29:45 2005

Ian Brown from Buckley via Cardiff
Several years ago I was working for HTV as a Floor Manager and I was fortunate to work on a series of programmes featuring "One Man Shows" from the Swansea Festival. The Director John Mead our PA and myself were fortunate to visit Emlyn Williams in his London home to discuss the performance of his Dickens "Show". He greeted us chatted for a while over coffee, then disappeared into another room. Minutes later he reappeared in full make up, including beard, and costume and performed his entire show to three of us there in his front room. It was a both memorable and spine tingling performance. After his recorded performance in Swansea he did me the great courtesy of sending me a signed photo and a note of thanks, a gesture of a true man of the Theatre and genuine old school actor. The photo is on my study wall to this day.
Tue Mar 29 17:11:30 2005

Harold Whitmore from San Rafael, California
I'm currently reading a biography of Richard Burton. Seeing the name of Emlyn Williams reminded me that he had brought a one man show to the Bay Area in the 1980s. I also remember that it received quite good notices. Mr. Williams played Charles Dickens.
Fri Jan 14 19:25:40 2005

Pam Taverner from Wichita, Kansas
I came upon "George, an Early Autobiography" and enjoyed it thoroughly, despite not recognizing the author's name. I came here to learn more about him and was very pleased with this summary. I intend to find a copy of the second autobiography right away, as well as to try to find DVDs of some of the movies. Thanks for the information!
Wed Jan 5 17:19:23 2005

This comments form is now closed

more from this section

more from North East Wales

Prinder lle mewn mynwentydd  Y ffosil o oes yr arth a'r blaidd