Another memory-stirring Thirties and Forties Hollywood supporting actor. He was Charles Butterworth, seen here on the extreme left of a very famous line.

Fred Astaire, Paulette Goddard and Artie Shaw are flanked by Butterworth and Burgess Meredith, another famous supporting actor in his own right. The film was Second Chorus (1940).

Butterworth's particular forte was his bland, expressionless face and apparent timidity.

He was born in Indiana, graduated in law, excelled at piano and became big on the Broadway stage.

His first Hollywood picture was The Life Of The Party. Sadly, this quietly-spoken gent died in a car crash in 1946.

-Gordon Dean, St Lukes Road, Brighton