George Mozart

George Mozart (born David John Gillings; 15 February 1864 – 10 December 1947) was a British music hall comedian, actor and singer, with a career lasting over 70 years.

Biography He was born in Great Yarmouth, and began his career at the age of nine playing side-drums at the Theatre Royal in the town. He trained with the Prince of Wales’ Own Norfolk Artillery Band, and played clarinet and violin in local music hall orchestras, before joining a circus as a clown. He became a member of the Livermore Brothers Court Minstrels, as a violinist and comedian, and made his London debut in blackface in 1886.

He formed a double act as 'Engist and Orsa - Musical Clowns', and then formed a comedy and musical duo, 'Warrington and Gillings' with Charles Warrington. They changed their name to 'The Mozarts', and first appeared together in London in 1891. They became successful, and had a 12-month season under Charles Morton at the Palace Theatre. According to writer Roy Busby, he "became one of the finest character comedians and pantomime artistes, topping bills at all the major halls for nearly 30 years notably with the one-man sketches 'A Soldier and a Maid' and 'The Family Album'".

He made several recordings of his routines, around and shortly after 1900. According to his accompanist Fred Gaisberg, he made his first recordings having changed into full costume and make-up, assuming he could also be seen by listeners. He toured the United States vaudeville circuit in 1907. He had an interest in film making, appearing in, and directing, several short silent films including Coney as Peacemaker (1913). In 1915, he made his first appearance in a revue, playing Queen Elizabeth in André Charlot's Now is the Time. His last appearance was at the Victoria Palace, London, a few nights before his death.

He died in London in 1947, at the age of 83.

Filmography Year Title Role Notes1932 The Indiscretions of Eve Smart 1933 The Medicine Man Sir Timothy Rugg 1935 The Public Life of Henry the Ninth Draughts Player 1935 The Mystery of the Mary Celeste Tommy Duggan 1936 Strange Cargo 'Orace 1936 Two on a Doorstep George 1936 Cafe Mascot George Juppley 1936 Song of Freedom Bert Puddick 1936 Full Speed Ahead Chief Smith 1936 The Bank Messenger Mystery George Brown 1937 Jump for Glory 1937 Chinatown Nights Bill 1937 Pygmalion Third Bystander (final film role)