Lionel Atwill was born into a wealthy family, and as a result, he received an elite education at London's prestigious Mercer School, where he was initially intended to become an architect. However, his interests shifted towards the stage, and he worked his way progressively into the craft, making his debut at the age of 20 at the esteemed Garrick Theatre in London.
Atwill's acting career flourished, particularly in the plays of renowned playwrights such as Henrik Ibsen and George Bernard Shaw. In 1915, he ventured to the United States, where he would go on to appear in approximately 25 plays on Broadway between 1917 and 1931. Simultaneously, he began exploring the world of silent films, with his first role dating back to 1918.
Atwill's sonorous voice and dictatorial British accent proved to be a valuable asset, serving him well for both the stage and sound movies. His early film career included working on Vitaphone short subjects in 1928, followed by his first real film role in The Silent Witness (1932),also known as "The Verdict".
As a seasoned actor, Atwill's tough-customer roles became a staple of his career, often playing shady noblemen, mad doctors, gruff military men, and police inspectors, frequently donning a signature mustache. One of his most memorable performances was as the tyrannical but unforgettable Col. Bishop in Captain Blood (1935).
Atwill's versatility as an actor was showcased in his role as the menacing Inspector Krogh in Son of Frankenstein (1939),where he famously played a game of darts with Basil Rathbone, proceeding to impale the darts through the right sleeve of his uniform. His character, Krogh, sported a wooden right arm, adding to the role's uniqueness.
In a lighter vein, Atwill demonstrated his comedic chops as the egotistical ham stage actor Rawitch in the classic comedy To Be or Not to Be (1942),starring alongside Jack Benny. However, his film career was irreparably damaged in 1943, following his implication in a scandalous "orgy" at his home, which involved naked guests, pornographic films, and a rape.
Atwill's defense in the court proceedings was marred by his "gentlemanly" lies to protect the identities of his guests, leading to his conviction of perjury and a five-year probation sentence. The aftermath of the scandal saw Atwill relegated to Poverty Row, with brief periods of employment by Universal Pictures, while the rest of Hollywood shunned him.
Despite his tarnished reputation, Atwill's horror film appearances have contributed to his enduring popularity, with a bid by the Southern California Lionel Atwill Fan Club to petition for a Hollywood Blvd. star, which unfortunately remains unfulfilled.
