I have watched the movie several times and have a great deal of difficulty believing Basil - listed as Fred Clark - is the same Fred Clark who played the baggy eyed ill tempered character we so loved in so many movies and TV shows.
Even with make up and a fake accent, the man in this movie did not look or sound like a very white man from southern California. CS
You can edit the information when you think it is wrong.
shareYou are absolutely right. If this actor is Frederic Leonard Clark (more commonly known as Fred Clark,) I will eat my hat! Fred Clark was a rather tall actor... indeed, he stood 6'1" in his stocking feet... and in this movie, William Powell towered over him, standing side by side. Also, I doubt VERY much that the make-up artistry of the day, could have turned Fred Clark into a black Caribbean man. Somebody has their wires crossed on this one!
shareOn the off chance you're serious, please note that in the cast list it states his real name is Frederick Clarke, but was billed as Fred Clark only in this movie.
shareWOW...thanks, you solved it, and looking under that name, you are clearly correct.
Thanks.
(BTW, I was serious, it's one of those "I've seen that guy before" things... and I just had to get to the bottom of it... and I am NOT OCD!!)
Steve
CS