Laurence Naismith

The British character actor 'Laurence Naismith' (qv) was a Merchant Marine seaman before becoming an actor. He made his London stage debut in 1927 in the chorus of the musical "Oh, Boy." Three years later, he joined the Bristol Repertory and remained with them until the outbreak of World War II. After serving nine years in the Royal Artillery (with the final rank of Acting Battery Commander), Naismith returned to the stage and also made his film debut. His seafaring background came in handy in a number of film roles, including the steamboat captain in _Mogambo (1953)_ (qv), Dr. Hawkins in _Boy on a Dolphin (1957)_ (qv), the captain of the Titanic in _A Night to Remember (1958)_ (qv), and the First Sea Lord in _Sink the Bismarck! (1960)_ (qv). Naismith also made numerous television appearances, including the recurring roles of Judge Fulton on _The Persuaders! (1971)_ (qv) and Father Harris on _Oh, Father! (1973)_ (qv).::Lyn Hammond