Lucius Blake

Lucius Blake, born Elusha Ebenezer Blake, was a Jamaica-born actor who appeared in more than 30 British films. The Guardian describes him as "possibly the most prolific black actor in early British cinema."[1][2]

Life

Blake was born in Jamaica and initially worked with his family planting coffee.[1] He moved to Pittsburgh when he was 23, where he had jobs as a chauffeur, janitor, and mechanic, among others.[1] In the 1920s, he moved to the UK, where he began his film career. His first known film role was in the 1928 Sweeney Todd, followed by seaman Sam in The American Prisoner in 1929.[1][3] He appeared in more than 30 British films,[1][4] including a key part alongside Conrad Veidt in King of the Damned (1935).[1] He was sometimes credited as J. Blake or Sam Blake.[1] During his time in the UK there was an attempt on his life, but it is unknown when or by whom.[1] He also served as a stretcher-bearer in the London blitz.[1] His last known film appearance was an uncredited role as a witch doctor in Old Mother Riley's Jungle Treasure.[5]

Selected filmography

Year Title Role Notes Ref(s)
1928Sweeney ToddSamboCredited as J. Blake[1][6]
1929The American PrisonerCuffee/Sam/SnowballFirst credited[1][7]
1935King of the DamnedSam/convict 7011Uncredited[1][8]
McGlusky the Sea RoverSunshine[9]
The Mystery of the Mary CelesteUncredited[1]
1938Old Bones of the RiverSergeant AbibooUncredited[1][10]
1944DreamingAfrican Prince[1]
1946Men of Two WorldsRafi, the Chief[1][11]
1947The End of the RiverStevedore (dockworker)Uncredited[1][12]
1951 Cry, the Beloved CountryExtra in public galleryUncredited[1][13]
Old Mother Riley's Jungle TreasureWitch doctorFinal film, uncredited[5]

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 Khomami, Nadia (2023-10-02). "Overlooked black actor may have been most prolific in early British cinema". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2023-10-02.
  2. ↑ "BBC Radio London - Robert Elms, Dr Lynne Guyton and The Life of Lucius Blake". BBC. Retrieved 2023-10-02.
  3. ↑ "The American Prisoner (Original)". British Film Institute.
  4. ↑ "Buy cinema tickets for Library Talk: Lucius Blake, Film Artist: Britain's Pioneer Black Character Actor | BFI Southbank". BFI. Retrieved 2023-10-02.
  5. 1 2 "Old Mother Riley's Jungle Treasure (Original)". British Film Institute. Retrieved 30 June 2026.
  6. ↑ "Sweeney Todd (Original)". British Film Institute. Retrieved 30 June 2026.
  7. ↑ "The American Prisoner (Original)". British Film Institute. Retrieved 30 June 2026.
  8. ↑ "King of the Damned (Original)". British Film Institute. Retrieved 1 July 2026.
  9. ↑ "McGlusky the Sea Rover (Original)". British Film Institute. Retrieved 1 July 2026.
  10. ↑ "Old Bones of the River (Original)". British Film Institute. Retrieved 1 July 2026.
  11. ↑ "Men of Two Worlds (Original)". British Film Institute. Retrieved 1 July 2026.
  12. ↑ "The End of the River (Original)". British Film Institute.
  13. ↑ "Cry, the Beloved Country (Original)". British Film Institute. Retrieved 1 July 2026.
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