This Is Your Life: Louis Langford

Louis LANGFORD (1899-?)

THIS IS YOUR LIFE - Louis Langford, traveller and entrepreneur, was surprised by Eamonn Andrews outside the BBC Television Theatre, having been led to believe he was on his way to watch a boxing exhibition at nearby Lime Grove Studios.

Louis, who is described as a 'rolling stone' and a most extraordinary, ordinary character, began his working life as a motorcycle engineer in Brighton. After working as a chauffeur, he spent some time in Australia before joining a jazz band as a saxophonist in the early 1920s. He traded gowns in London's Chrisp Street market and later worked as a bit-part film actor with Gainsborough Pictures and as a prop buyer for Gaumont British.

His later ventures include time as a bush-ranger and snake charmer and running an antique shop in Newbury during the Second World War. Becoming an expert in silver plate led him to buy a converted 'B' Class naval vessel, the MVS Saltang, to enable him to trade in the US and West Indies. In 1950, he travelled to Mexico to build a motel!

programme details...

Edition No: 105
Subject No: 105
Broadcast date: Mon 12 Oct 1959
Broadcast time: 7.30-8.05pm
Venue: BBC Television Theatre
Series: 5
Edition: 7

on the guest list...

Bill Quinn
Arthur Green
Lou King
Ralph Phillips
May - wife
Ronnie Curtis
John Stuart
Barry - son
Capt George Petersen
Laurence - son
Harry Sparke
Gladys Sparke
Adan Carreon Arvide

production team...

Researcher: Ronald Vivian
Writer: Ronald Vivian
Director: unknown
Producer: T Leslie Jackson

with thanks to Jonathan Croall for his contribution to this page

related page...

Jack of all Trades

from domestic cleaner to teacher

Photographs of Louis Langford This Is Your Life

Series 5 subjects