James Robertson Justice

James Robertson Justice (born James Norval Harald Robertson-Justice, nickname Jimmy Robertson Justice, and sometimes credited as Seamus Mor na Feaseg, James R. Justice, James Robertson, James Robertson-Justice) (15 June 1905 - 2 July 1975) was a popular character actor in British films of the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s. Born in Wigtown, Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland, he worked as a journalist and botanist, before turning to acting. With his dominant personality and booming voice he soon established himself as a major supporting player in British comedy films, especially the 'Doctor' series of the 1950s and 1960s, which began with Doctor in the House in 1954.

Related Topics:
15 June - 1905 - 2 July - 1975 - Character actor - British - Films - 1940s - 1950s - 1960s - Wigtown - Dumfries and Galloway - Scotland - Journalist - Botanist - Acting - Comedy - Doctor in the House - 1954

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He fought in the Spanish civil war, on the Republican side, served as a sailor of the Royal Navy during World War II, unsuccessfully fought a constituency for the Labour Party in the 1950 general election, and became Rector of the University of Edinburgh.

Related Topics:
Spanish civil war - Republican - Royal Navy - World War II - Labour Party - 1950 general election - Rector - University of Edinburgh

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I was privileged to have made the acquaintance of James Robertson-Justice in the 50's-60's. 'Jimmy' R-J, as he was actually referred to by his colleagues, was a very thorough man, researching his role in the Doctor films by attending medical school in London, even performing surgical procedures at St. Bart's 'body-shop' (you DIDN'T call it that in front of the Chief Surgeon!). In plain English, he cut up dead bodies and sewed them up again. In the films he wasn't acting, he KNEW what he was saying and doing. He was a committed humanist, who fought in the Spanish Civil War. A dedicated Socialist, he was the first to tell you (as he told me) that the Russians WEREN'T true communists, but a Fascist State, a la Hitler. He greatly enjoyed his country's treasures, and, had he been younger, he would have joined David Attenborough in bringing nature to 'his' people. He had a mean streak in him though: he loved nothing better than to soundly thrash Diana Dors in typing competitions! They both used to help with the scripts in the top London theatres, and, should they both be there at the same time ... sparks flew. He would look on with that leering smile we know so well, as we gently washed Diana's bleeding fingers, and gloat 'We won again, of course...'

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Strangely, in contrast to his screen persona he was a quiet, gentle, loving man, genuinely interested in life and the people around him. I liked him.

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