After serving in the British Army during World War I, Alan Mowbray turned his attention to stage acting in his home country of England. Not long after, he decided to move to the United States, where he toured with the Theater Guild and eventually made his Broadway debut. As the era of “talkies” emerged, Mowbray found increasing opportunities in Hollywood, often being cast in roles that called for an upper-class gentleman, aristocrat, or member of royalty. His first credited film role came in 1931 with God’s Gift to Women, and he quickly followed that with several other films the same year, including a well-received portrayal of George Washington in Alexander Hamilton.
Alan Mowbray also starred in one of the earliest films made using three-strip Technicolor technology, Becky Sharp (1935). He continued to act in a wide variety of films through the 1950s, appearing in three Sherlock Holmes movies, two films directed by John Ford—My Darling Clementine and Wagon Master—and the Alfred Hitchcock thriller The Man Who Knew Too Much. In addition to his film work, Mowbray took on a leading role in the 1953 television series Colonel Humphrey Flack.
Beyond his acting career, Alan Mowbray is also remembered for his contributions to the founding of the Screen Actors Guild in 1933, offering support during its early days. As the 1950s progressed, he began focusing more heavily on television appearances, a trend he continued into the next decade.
When it comes to Alan Mowbray’s filmography, fans and critics alike often point to Desire (1936) as his standout performance—widely regarded as Alan Mowbray’s highest rated movie. It really showcases his talent and remains a favorite among classic film enthusiasts. On the other hand, Becky Sharp (1935) tends to receive more mixed reactions, making it, by comparison, Alan Mowbray’s lowest rated film. While it has its merits, it just didn’t resonate as strongly with audiences or reviewers. Still, both films offer insight into Alan Mowbray’s range during that era of Hollywood.