Clifford Clive Hardman Brook (1 June 1887 – 17 November 1974) was a British film actor.

After making his first screen appearance in 1920, Brook emerged as a leading British actor in the early 1920s. After moving to the United States, Brook became one of the major stars for Paramount Pictures in the late silent era. During 1928–29 Brook successfully made the transition to sound and continued to feature in many of Hollywood's most prestigious films, including a number of literary adaptations. In the mid-1930s he returned to Britain, where he appeared regularly in leading film roles for a further decade.

Early life

Brook was born and died in London. Brook was 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m) tall and had brown hair with grey eyes. He was the son of an opera singer, a published writer and a violinist. He was educated at Dulwich College and served in the Artists' Rifles in the First World War. He first appeared on stage in 1918 and also in films from 1919. He worked first in British films then in Hollywood.

Hollywood

One of his best remembered appearances was playing opposite Marlene Dietrich in Shanghai Express (1932). He played Sherlock Holmes three times: The Return of Sherlock Holmes and Sherlock Holmes (in that order), and as part of an anthology film, Paramount on Parade (1930).

In 1934 he was voted one of the most popular stars at the British box office.

Return to Britain

In 1943, he adapted the comedy On Approval by Frederick Lonsdale and wrote, produced, directed and starred in the film with Beatrice Lillie, Googie Withers and Roland Culver. The costumes were by Cecil Beaton.

In 1949 he presented the radio series The Secrets of Scotland Yard. In 1956 he appeared on stage in One Bright Day at the Apollo Theatre in London.

Family

Brook married Mildred Evelyn, and their daughter, Faith Brook was an actress. Their son Lyndon Brook was also an actor.