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Gerald Sim

Gerald Sim

Actor · Died December 11, 2014, aged 89 · Liverpool, England, UK

A stalwart, subtle presence of British stage and screen, Gerald Sim's work was both prolific and varied. Nonetheless, he will be best remembered by the majority of viewers as the wily rector of To the Manor Born (1979). The son of a Barings Bank employee, Gerald was born in Liverpool on June 4, 1925. His elder sister was the actress Sheila Sim. After schooling in Kent he was trained at RADA, apparently having become enamored with acting after listening to a 1943 radio broadcast of John Gielgud (entitled "The Great Ship"). Then followed extensive repertory experience, both in England, and in Durban, South Africa (1954, with the McNeale Company). Beginning with a small role in Fame Is the Spur (1947), Sim was to eventually become one of Britain's most reliable, yet ever-so-discreet screen character players, his profile firmly established in several films directed by Bryan Forbes, including Whistle Down the Wind (1961), King Rat (1965) and The Wrong Box (1966). He was most often featured as bumptious upper crusts (suitably convincing because of his clear voice and precise diction), obtuse vicars, police inspectors, barristers and very British stiff-upper-lip military types. He appeared in seven films directed by his brother-in-law Richard Attenborough: Oh! What a Lovely War (1969), Young Winston (1972), A Bridge Too Far (1977), Gandhi (1982), Cry Freedom (1987), Chaplin (1992) and Shadowlands (1993). After repeated guest roles in such prime time shows as Dixon of Dock Green (1955) and The Avengers (1961), Sim became firmly entrenched in the medium and never looked back. He briefly returned to the stage in 1979 and made one final TV appearance in 2007 in a 25th anniversary special of To the Manor Born (1979).

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Biography from IMDb.

Born
February 4, 1925
Died
December 11, 2014 (aged 89)
From
Liverpool, England, UK
Works as
Actor
Titles
35 on MovieCove · 99 credits in all
Links
IMDb (opens in a new tab)TMDB (opens in a new tab)Wikidata (opens in a new tab)

Known for

TMDB popularity, last 39 days to Oct 28Down 30% in 30 days

What are Gerald Sim's films like?

Across their 6 MovieCove titles with a thematic analysis, their films lean Self and Bonds.

Themes

share of theme weight
Self
36%
Bonds
25%
Society
19%
Survival
15%
Morality
5%
Family bonds2 titles, browse their movies with this theme

What they feel like to watch

their average across 6 films
ToneFeelDemandtheir average · filled zone: the category
Serious: How heavy the subject matter and outlook get. Browse their serious movies.
Tone · Weight
lightdark

A split, not a type: Light 3 · Serious 2 · Dark 1

Stylized: How far its world departs from everyday reality. Browse their stylized movies.
Tone · Style
naturalisticheightened

A split, not a type: Grounded 3 · Stylized 2 · Heightened 1

Charged: How hard the emotional peaks hit while you watch. Browse their charged movies.
Feel · Intensity
gentleintense

Gentle 2 · Charged 3 · Intense 1

Steady: How much it swings between very different feelings. Browse their steady movies.
Feel · Swings
steadyswings

Steady 5 · Shifting 1 · Whiplash 0

Some laughs: How much of the runtime is played for laughs. Browse their some laughs movies.
Feel · Humor
noneconstant

Straight-faced 2 · Some laughs 4 · Funny 0

Slow burn: How fast it moves from scene to scene. Browse their slow burn movies.
Demand · Pace
slowrelentless

Slow burn 4 · Even-paced 2 · Relentless 0

Engaged: How much focus it asks of you — look away and lose the thread? Browse their engaged movies.
Demand · Attention
casualfull focus

Casual 2 · Engaged 4 · Full focus 0

Resolved: How much is left for you to interpret. Browse their resolved movies.
Demand · Resolution
resolvedambiguous

Resolved 4 · Open-ended 2 · Ambiguous 0

Roles they play

2 analyzed roles

Moods and endings

endings are an aggregate; no title is named

Dominant moods · mentions across their titles

Warm
4
Melancholic
2
Bittersweet
2
Dread
2
Tense
1
Other
4

How their films linger

Haunting3 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteBittersweet2 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteWistful2 titles, browse their movies with this aftertaste

How their films end

  • Happy1
  • Bittersweet4
  • Tragic1

AI-generated from each title's plot synopsis and cast list, with extra plot summaries, reviews and Parents Guide notes for titles the model may not know, and the model's own knowledge of the ones it recognizes. Only analyzed titles count, so this covers part of the filmography; the feel axes count films only for now.

Where can I watch Gerald Sim's films?

As of October 24, 2026, 20 of their 35 MovieCove titles stream on a subscription or free service, most on Tubi (9).

Also on these channels

Subscription and free streaming for Gerald Sim's titles on MovieCove; rent and buy are not counted. Titles are listed by Midcredits score, highest first, at most 12 per service; a dashed chip is a producer credit or a minor one, such as a thanks. A service opens the browse page, which counts movies only, so its number can differ.

Filmography

99 credits, 35 with a MovieCove page; 1 appearance as themselves is hidden until asked for.

  • The Legacy of Reginald Perrin (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1996)

    Show 1 episode · as Vicar

  • Madson (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1996)

    Show 1 episode · as Appeal Judge

  • Santa's Christmas Crash (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1995)

    Actor

  • Shadowlands(1993)

    as Superintendent Registrar

    Midcredits score: 90th percentile of all films

  • The Vision Thing (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1993)

    as Retired Building Society Manager

  • Chaplin(1992)

    as Doctor

    Midcredits score: 90th percentile of all films

  • Patriot Games(1992)

    as Lord Justice

    Midcredits score: 77th percentile of all films

  • Keeping Up Appearances(1990)

    Show 1 episode · as The Vicar

    Midcredits score: 86th percentile of all shows

  • Number One Gun (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1990)

    as Stockwell - MI5 Boss

  • Jack the Ripper (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1988)

    Show 2 episodes · as Dr Bagster Phillips

  • Cry Freedom(1987)

    as Police Doctor

    Midcredits score: 89th percentile of all films

  • A Little Princess(1986)

    Show 1 episode · as Colonel

    Midcredits score: 93rd percentile of all shows

  • Miss Marple: The Moving Finger (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1985)

    Show 2 episodes · as Coroner

  • Paint Me a Murder (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1984)

    as Vicar

  • Chance in a Million (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1984)

    Show 1 episode · as Bank Manager

  • Hammer House of Mystery and Suspense (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1984)

    Show 1 episode · as Vicar

  • Wilfred and Eileen (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1983)

    Show 4 episodes · as Mr. Stenhouse

  • Gandhi(1982)

    as Magistrate

    Midcredits score: 97th percentile of all films

  • Bergerac(1981)

    Show 1 episode · as Major Cranshaw

    Midcredits score: 49th percentile of all shows

  • The Trial of Lady Chatterley (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1980)

    as Bishop of Woolwich

  • Cribb (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1980)

    Show 1 episode · as DI Waterlow

  • The Victim (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1980)

    as Francis Durrant

  • Whinfrey's Last Case (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1979)

    as Lord Raglin

  • To the Manor Born (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1979)

    Show 14 episodes · as The Rector

  • Death Becomes Me (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1979)

    as Dr Gordon (archive footage)

  • Renoir, My Father (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1978)

    as Gentleman Traveller

  • Edward and Mrs Simpson (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1978)

    Show 2 episodes · as Theodore Goddard

  • Edward & Mrs. Simpson (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1978)

    as Theodore Goddard

  • Armchair Thriller (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1978)

    Show 4 episodes · as Francis Durrant

  • The Professionals (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1977)

    Show 1 episode · as Colonel Masterson · as Minister

  • BBC2 Play of the Week (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1977)

    Show 1 episode · as Gentleman Traveller

  • A Bridge Too Far(1977)

    as Col. Sims

    Midcredits score: 92nd percentile of all films

  • The New Avengers (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1976)

    Show 1 episode · as Minister

  • The Slipper and the Rose: The Story of Cinderella(1976)

    as 1st Lord of the Navy

    Midcredits score: 80th percentile of all films

  • Ripping Yarns (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1976)

    Show 1 episode · as Lord Raglan

  • Headmaster (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1974)

    Actor

  • Once the Killing Starts (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1974)

    as Peterson

  • No Sex Please - We're British(1973)

    as Reverend John Mower

    Midcredits score: 32nd percentile of all films

  • Thriller(1973)

    Show 1 episode · as Peterson

    Midcredits score: 79th percentile of all shows

  • Young Winston(1972)

    as Engineer

    Midcredits score: 67th percentile of all films

  • Dr. Phibes Rises Again(1972)

    as Hackett

    Midcredits score: 55th percentile of all films

  • Frenzy(1972)

    as Usher - Solicitor in Pub

    Midcredits score: 92nd percentile of all films

  • New Scotland Yard (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1972)

    Show 1 episode · as Elliot Ryan

  • Six Days of Justice (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1972)

    Show 1 episode · as Johnson

  • Kadoyng(1972)

    as Prof. Balfour

    Midcredits score: 24th percentile of all films (provisional, few ratings)

  • Dr Jekyll & Sister Hyde(1971)

    as Professor Robertson

    Midcredits score: 66th percentile of all films

  • Justice (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1971)

    Show 1 episode · as Walter Longman

  • The Persuaders!(1971)

    Show 1 episode · as Dr. Gordon

    Midcredits score: 90th percentile of all shows

  • Welcome Home (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1971)

    as Det. Sgt. Greene

  • The Ten Commandments (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1971)

    Show 1 episode · as Mr. Topham

  • Bless This House (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1971)

    Show 1 episode · as Mr Braithwaite

  • Long Ago, Tomorrow(1971)

    as Rev. Corbett

    Midcredits score: 74th percentile of all films

  • Ryan's Daughter(1970)

    as Captain

    Midcredits score: 89th percentile of all films

  • Play for Today (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1970)

    Show 1 episode · as Carter

  • The Man Who Haunted Himself(1970)

    as Morrison

    Midcredits score: 59th percentile of all films

  • Doctor in Trouble (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1970)

    as Doctor

  • The Last Grenade (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1970)

    as Dr. Griffiths

  • Mischief (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1969)

    Actor

  • Strange Report (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1969)

    Show 2 episodes · as Chief Superintendent Cavanagh

  • The Main Chance (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1969)

    Show 2 episodes · as Rufus Mansfield

  • Oh! What a Lovely War(1969)

    as Chaplain

    Midcredits score: 79th percentile of all films

  • Liar! (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1969)

    as Dr. Bogert

  • Nobody Runs Forever (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1968)

    as Airport Official (uncredited)

  • A Very Fine Line (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1968)

    as Sutton

  • Man in a Suitcase (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1967)

    Show 1 episode · as James Hedley

  • Our Mother's House(1967)

    as Bank Clerk (uncredited)

    Midcredits score: 88th percentile of all films

  • The Whisperers(1967)

    as Mr. Conrad

    Midcredits score: 80th percentile of all films

  • The Investigation (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1967)

    as Witness

  • The Wrong Box(1966)

    as 1st Undertaker

    Midcredits score: 69th percentile of all films

  • The Murder Game (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1965)

    as Larry Landstrom

  • King Rat(1965)

    as Jones

    Midcredits score: 93rd percentile of all films

  • BBC Play of the Month (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1965)

    Show 1 episode · as Clifford · as Col. Fitch

  • Out of the Unknown (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1965)

    Show 1 episode · as Det. Sgt. Greene

  • Legend of Death (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1965)

    Show 5 episodes · as Edgarsund

  • The Pumpkin Eater(1964)

    as Man at Party

    Midcredits score: 83rd percentile of all films

  • Seance on a Wet Afternoon(1964)

    as Beedle

    Midcredits score: 95th percentile of all films

  • The Protectors (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1964)

    Show 1 episode · as Tony Kimber

  • It's Dark Outside (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1964)

    Show 1 episode · as Wisden

  • Festival (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1963)

    Show 1 episode · as Doctor

  • West 11 (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1963)

    as Customer · as 1st Clothes Shop Customer (uncredited)

  • Heavens Above! (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1963)

    as Store Manager

  • The Wrong Arm of the Law(1963)

    as Airport Official (uncredited)

    Midcredits score: 71st percentile of all films

  • I Could Go on Singing(1963)

    as Joe

    Midcredits score: 81st percentile of all films

  • The Amorous Prawn (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1962)

    as 1st Telephone Operator

  • The L-Shaped Room(1962)

    as Doctor in Hospital

    Midcredits score: 90th percentile of all films

  • The Painted Smile (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1962)

    as Plain Clothes Policeman

  • Flat Two (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1962)

    as Uniformed Doorman

  • Only Two Can Play(1962)

    as Cigarette Thief at Party

    Midcredits score: 61st percentile of all films

  • Z-Cars (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1962)

    Show 1 episode · as Edward Hailey

  • Whistle Down the Wind(1961)

    as Detective

    Midcredits score: 94th percentile of all films

  • The Avengers (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1961)

    Show 1 episode · as Budge · as Frederick Yuill · as Kenneth · as Lovell

  • Coronation Street(1960)

    Show 2 episodes · as Ted Farrell

    Midcredits score: 12th percentile of all shows

  • Cone of Silence (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1960)

    as Operations Room Worker

  • The Angry Silence (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1960)

    as Masters

  • Armchair Theatre (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1956)

    Show 1 episode · as Journalist · as Sutton

  • Josephine and Men (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1955)

    as Detective Sgt. Allen

  • Dixon of Dock Green (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1955)

    Show 1 episode · as Mr. Golding · as Mr. Worth · as Police Surgeon

  • Sunday Night Theatre (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1950)

    Show 1 episode · as First Officer

  • Fame Is the Spur(1947)

    as Reporter (uncredited)

    Midcredits score: 71st percentile of all films

Career shape

Star power in the 95th percentile of 239,109 people with a billed film role, over a full career of 98 titles from 1947 to 1996; peak year 1971.

Highest rated

Whistle Down the Wind (1961)

Midcredits 94th

Most popular right now

Dr Jekyll & Sister Hyde (1971)

Film career

19471996

Peak 1971 · steadily prominent in film for years. Film roles by billing, audience size and rating; 25+ votes. A show carries a single first-air date, so shows are not on the curve.

  • 1960Screen debut· The Angry Silence
  • 1971Career best· Dr. Jekyll & Sister Hyde

By role

only this rolewith another role
Acting98 of 98: 98 only acting, 0 with another role · typical Midcredits score81st

By decade

1940s1 · acting1950s4 · acting1960s37 · acting1970s34 · acting1980s13 · acting1990s9 · acting

Billing

usually 15th · top billed in 0% of 20 roles
6065

Counts from TMDB across their full career, self appearances out; a title counts in every role they held on it. The ring is the typical Midcredits score (the median percentile) of the role's titles that are on MovieCove, shown from 5 scored. Billing is TMDB cast order for roles with 25+ votes, billed in the top 30; the columns are the share of top-billed roles in each era, 5-year spans from the year on the label, merged until each holds at least 5 roles.

How do Gerald Sim's films land?

Their typical MovieCove film has a Midcredits score in the 80th percentile, the median of all 29; across their 6 films with reception data, the typical film sits in the 74th percentile for acclaim.

Acclaim · how much people like their films

74thpercentile
Typical film, the median of 6

Approval · how many liked their films

77thpercentile
Typical film, the median of 6

Reach · how many have seen their films

55thpercentile
Typical film, the median of 6

Midcredits score across 35 titles, by percentile

  • 75th and up22
  • 50th to 74th9
  • 25th to 49th2
  • Below 25th2

Shape of the crowd

24 of their 35 titles are Crowd Pleasers.

  • Universally Loved8
  • Crowd Pleaser24
  • Mixed3

Most divisive · actor

Kadoyng (1972)

67th percentile spread · 29% rated it 4 or lower

Most loved · actor

Gandhi (1982)

Midcredits 97th · 88% liked

Reviewers score the acting 84/100 in their films, across 5 reviewed titles; fans 87, detractors 61. The element that speaks to their work as an actor.

Percentiles are each film's standing among all films on MovieCove; the typical film is the median, so one outlier cannot drag it. Percentiles and reviewer scores count the films IMDb credits them on, for now; the Midcredits score bands, the shape of the crowd and the two cards count their MovieCove titles, shows included (a show ranked among shows), appearances as themselves left out. A descriptor is the shape of a title's IMDb rating distribution against the catalog; "most divisive" needs a spread wider than half of all titles, and a card names only a principal credit: a craft role, and on a show a crew role or a run of episodes, never a courtesy credit or a one-off guest spot.

Who does Gerald Sim work with?

People who share at least 2 of Gerald Sim's MovieCove titles, grouped by what they did on them; Bryan Forbes shares the most, 3.

Directors

Actors

Cinematographers

Producers