Disney's British Gentleman: The Life and Career of David Tomlinson

by Nathan Morley

‘A wonderful account of a life filled with far more ups and downs than its subject’s languid demeanour ever suggested.’ Miles Jupp Even if the name doesn’t ring a bell, you’d recognise David Tomlinson’s face – genial and continually perplexed, he was Mr Banks in Mary Poppins , Professor Browne in Bedknobs and Broomsticks and Peter Thorndyke in The Love Bug . To many, he’s the epitome of post-war British comedy. But at times his life was more tragedy than comedy. A distinguished RAF pilot in the Second World War, his first marriage was to end in horrific tragedy and his next romance ended with his lover marrying the founder of the American Nazi Party. He did find love and security in his second marriage, but drama still played its part in his life – from the uncovering of an earthshattering family secret to the fight for an autism diagnosis for his son, up against the titans of the British medical establishment. Tomlinson may have died over twenty years ago, but his star continues to shine. In Disney’s British Gentleman , Nathan Morley reveals the remarkable story of one of Disney’s most beloved icons for the very first time.

Genres: Biography

256 pages, Hardcover

Published November 1, 2021

Reviews

[Sean Peters (A Good Thriller) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even if the name doesn’t ring a bell, you’d recognise David Tomlinson’s face – genial and continually perplexed, he was Mr Banks in Mary Poppins, Professor Browne in Bedknobs and Broomsticks and Peter Thorndyke in The Love Bug. To many, he’s the epitome of post-war British comedy. He really was Disney's British Gentleman, always remembered for his great comedy performances

But at times his life was more tragedy than comedy. A distinguished RAF pilot in the Second World War, his first marriage was to end in horrific tragedy and his next romance ended with his lover marrying the founder of the American Nazi Party. He did find love and security in his second marriage, but drama still played its part in his life – from the uncovering of an earthshattering family secret to the fight for an autism diagnosis for his son, up against the titans of the British medical establishment.

The stories are great, the list of films are great his friendships, learning about his life, especially his early life and heartbreak, his love of sport, especially tennis, his love of art, his long lasting friendship with Robert Morley.

David Tomlinson may have died over twenty years ago, but his star continues to shine. In Disney’s British Gentleman, Nathan Morley reveals the remarkable story of one of Disney’s most beloved icons for the very first time.

Great story, great book.

Four stars

[Malcolm Davis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Many years ago I had an acquaintance at an advertising agency who would meet actors at press junkets.I asked him about Tomlinson. He described him as "Arrogant", and that's how he comes across in this book.
It is ironic that for all his British films it is for his 3 Disney films that he is best known.

[Rhonda Fonicello · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very disappointing. With "Disney" in the title, it was disappointing to not have one of his three Disney movies mentioned until page 179, and only three of the 19 chapters even dealt with his work with Disney. It was a biography, plain and simple. The title is deceiving.