Nigel Bruce
ActingAbout Nigel Bruce
William Nigel Ernle Bruce, best known as Nigel Bruce, was a British character actor on stage and screen. He was best known for his portrayal of Doctor Watson in a series of films and in the radio series The New Adventures of Sherlock Holmes (starring Basil Rathbone as Sherlock Holmes). Bruce is also remembered for his roles in the Alfred Hitchcock films Rebecca and Suspicion.
Career Statistics & Market Influence
Analyzing the cinematic journey of Nigel Bruce reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 50 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.
Genre Dominance: Drama
The majority of Nigel Bruce's filmography leans towards the Drama genre. Audience data suggests that viewers respond most favorably to this persona, though their versatility has allowed for successful crossovers into other categories.
The "Box Office" Signature
With a 56% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Nigel Bruce remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in Rebecca, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.
Best Nigel Bruce Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Nigel Bruce's career based on audience ratings.
Complete Filmography & Success Status
Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Nigel Bruce.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1985 | The Many Faces of Sherlock Holmes | Dr. Watson (archive footage) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1972 | Hollywood: The Dream Factory | Self (archive footage) | Average | Similar → |
| 1952 | Limelight | Postant | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1948 | Julia Misbehaves | Col. Bruce 'Bunny' Willowbrook | Hit | Similar → |
| 1947 | The Exile | Sir Edward Hyde | Average | Similar → |
| 1947 | The Two Mrs. Carrolls | Dr. Tuttle | Average | Similar → |
| 1946 | Dressed to Kill | Dr. John H. Watson | Hit | Similar → |
| 1946 | Terror by Night | Dr. John H. Watson | Hit | Similar → |
| 1945 | Pursuit to Algiers | Doctor Watson | Hit | Similar → |
| 1945 | The Woman in Green | Dr. John Watson | Average | Similar → |
| 1945 | Son of Lassie | Duke of Radling | Average | Similar → |
| 1945 | The Corn Is Green | The Squire | Hit | Similar → |
| 1945 | The House of Fear | Dr. John Watson | Hit | Similar → |
| 1944 | The Pearl of Death | Dr. John Watson | Hit | Similar → |
| 1944 | The Scarlet Claw | Doctor Watson | Hit | Similar → |
| 1943 | The Spider Woman | Dr. John H. Watson | Hit | Similar → |
| 1943 | Lassie Come Home | Duke of Rudling | Hit | Similar → |
| 1943 | Sherlock Holmes Faces Death | Doctor Watson | Hit | Similar → |
| 1943 | Sherlock Holmes in Washington | Doctor Watson | Hit | Similar → |
| 1943 | Forever and a Day | Major Garrow | Hit | Similar → |
| 1942 | Sherlock Holmes and the Secret Weapon | Doctor Watson | Average | Similar → |
| 1942 | Journey for Margaret | Herbert V. Allison | Average | Similar → |
| 1942 | Sherlock Holmes and the Voice of Terror | Doctor Watson | Hit | Similar → |
| 1942 | This Above All | Ramsbottom | Hit | Similar → |
| 1942 | Roxie Hart | E. Clay Benham | Hit | Similar → |
| 1941 | Suspicion | Gordon Cochrane 'Beaky' Thwaite | Hit | Similar → |
| 1941 | The Chocolate Soldier | Bernard Fischer | Average | Similar → |
| 1941 | Play Girl | William McDonald Vincent | Average | Similar → |
| 1940 | Hudson's Bay | Prince Rupert | Average | Similar → |
| 1940 | A Dispatch from Reuters | Sir Randolph Persham | Average | Similar → |
| 1940 | Susan and God | 'Hutchie' | Hit | Similar → |
| 1940 | Lillian Russell | William Gilbert | Average | Similar → |
| 1940 | Rebecca | Major Giles Lacy | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1940 | The Blue Bird | Mr. Luxury | Average | Similar → |
| 1939 | The Rains Came | Lord Albert Esketh | Average | Similar → |
| 1939 | The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes | Dr. Watson | Hit | Similar → |
| 1939 | The Hound of the Baskervilles | Doctor John H. Watson | Hit | Similar → |
| 1937 | The Last of Mrs. Cheyney | Lord Willie Winton | Average | Similar → |
| 1936 | The Charge of the Light Brigade | Sir Benjamin Warrenton | Hit | Similar → |
| 1936 | Screen Snapshots (Series 16, No. 1) | Self | Average | Similar → |
| 1936 | The White Angel | Dr. West | Hit | Similar → |
| 1936 | Under Two Flags | Capt. Menzies | Average | Similar → |
| 1936 | The Trail of the Lonesome Pine | Thurber | Hit | Similar → |
| 1935 | The Man Who Broke the Bank at Monte Carlo | Ivan | Average | Similar → |
| 1934 | The Scarlet Pimpernel | The Prince of Wales | Hit | Similar → |
| 1934 | Treasure Island | Squire Trelawney | Hit | Similar → |
| 1934 | The Lady Is Willing | Welton | Average | Similar → |
| 1932 | Lord Camber's Ladies | Lord Camber | Average | Similar → |
| 1930 | Birds of Prey | Major Fothergill | Average | Similar → |
| 1930 | Escape! | Constable at Vicarage | Average | Similar → |
Nigel Bruce - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of Nigel Bruce?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Nigel Bruce is "Rebecca" with a rating of 7.9/10.
How many movies has Nigel Bruce acted in?
Nigel Bruce has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by Nigel Bruce?
Other notable films include "Limelight", "Forever and a Day", and "The Corn Is Green".