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Benjamin Whitrow

Benjamin Whitrow

Actor · Died September 28, 2017, aged 80 · Oxford, Oxfordshire, England, UK

Benjamin Whitrow was a softly-spoken, RADA-trained English actor who performed on stage from 1959. He worked for seven years in the 1960s under the direction of Laurence Olivier at the National Theatre. He was also a prolific actor on screen, usually seen in avuncular roles. He is probably best remembered for his BAFTA-nominated performance as Mr. Bennet in the BBC's acclaimed version of Pride and Prejudice (1995) and he made his final appearance in Gary Oldman's Churchill film Darkest Hour (2017). In his personal life, he was fond of wild orchids, golf, bridge and collecting books, and had a son, Angus Imrie, with actress Celia Imrie.

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Biography from IMDb.

Born
February 17, 1937
Died
September 28, 2017 (aged 80)
From
Oxford, Oxfordshire, England, UK
Works as
Actor
Titles
38 on MovieCove · 94 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 64 days to Oct 27Up 24% in 30 days

What are Benjamin Whitrow's films like?

Across their 11 MovieCove titles with a thematic analysis, their films lean Morality and Bonds.

Genres

Comedy2 titlesTypical Midcredits score: 62nd percentile
: browse their Comedy movies
Drama2 titlesTypical Midcredits score: 65th percentile, at or above their average across these genres
: browse their Drama movies

Their MovieCove films by primary genre. The badge is the typical Midcredits score of the genre's films, the median percentile; an up arrow marks a genre at or above their average across these genres.

Themes

share of theme weight
Morality
26%
Bonds
24%
Power
18%
Society
13%
Self
12%
Survival
3%
Ideas
2%
Justice4 titles, browse their movies with this themeRomantic love3 titles, browse their movies with this themeCommunity3 titles, browse their movies with this themeFamily bonds3 titles, browse their movies with this themeFreedom2 titles, browse their movies with this themeClass2 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 2 · Serious 1 · Dark 3

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

Grounded 1 · Stylized 5 · Heightened 0

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

Gentle 0 · Charged 6 · Intense 0

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

Steady 1 · Shifting 3 · Whiplash 2

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

A split, not a type: Straight-faced 1 · Some laughs 2 · Funny 3

Even-paced: How fast it moves from scene to scene. Browse their even-paced movies.
Demand · Pace
slowrelentless

Slow burn 2 · Even-paced 2 · Relentless 2

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

A split, not a type: Casual 3 · Engaged 2 · Full focus 1

Affecting: How much it costs you emotionally; whether you need recovery time. Browse their affecting movies.
Demand · Emotional cost
easyheavy

A split, not a type: Easy watch 3 · Affecting 1 · Heavy 2

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

Resolved 5 · Open-ended 0 · Ambiguous 1

Roles they play

3 analyzed roles

Usually the Mentor: 2 of 3 analyzed roles.

Mentor
2 of 3
Shadow
1 of 3

Moods and endings

endings are an aggregate; no title is named

Dominant moods · mentions across their titles

Tense
6
Contemplative
5
Bittersweet
4
Joyful
4
Warm
3
Other
9

How their films linger

Feel-good5 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteFun5 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteThought-provoking3 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteRousing2 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteBittersweet2 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteHaunting2 titles, browse their movies with this aftertaste

How their films end · 1 with a twist

  • Happy5
  • Bittersweet4
  • Tragic1
  • Ambiguous1

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 Benjamin Whitrow's films?

As of October 24, 2026, 28 of their 38 MovieCove titles stream on a subscription or free service, most on BritBox (15).

Also on these channels

Subscription and free streaming for Benjamin Whitrow'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

94 credits, 38 with a MovieCove page.

  • Darkest Hour(2017)

    as Sir Samuel Hoare

    Midcredits score: 93rd percentile of all films

  • Wolf Hall(2015)

    Show 2 episodes · as Archbishop Warham

    Midcredits score: 91st percentile of all shows

  • The Musketeers(2014)

    Show 1 episode · as Priest

    Midcredits score: 83rd percentile of all shows

  • Toast of London(2012)

    Show 1 episode · Actor

    Midcredits score: 93rd percentile of all shows

  • Man Down (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2013)

    Show 1 episode · Actor

  • Bomber (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2009)

    as Alistar

  • Bonekickers(2008)

    Show 1 episode · Actor

    Midcredits score: 5th percentile of all shows

  • Scenes of a Sexual Nature(2006)

    as Eddie Wright

    Midcredits score: 35th percentile of all films

  • The Queen's Sister (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2005)

    as Cronin

  • Murder in Suburbia(2004)

    Show 1 episode · as Eric

    Midcredits score: 60th percentile of all shows

  • New Tricks(2003)

    Show 1 episode · as Edward Fraser

    Midcredits score: 88th percentile of all shows

  • Henry VIII (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2003)

    Show 2 episodes · as Tomas Bolena

  • The Royal(2003)

    Show 1 episode · as Professor Farrow

    Midcredits score: 78th percentile of all shows

  • Other People's Children (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2000)

    Show 4 episodes · as Duncan

  • Chicken Run(2000)

    as Fowler (voice)

    Midcredits score: 87th percentile of all films

  • Monarch of the Glen(2000)

    Show 1 episode · as Toad

    Midcredits score: 83rd percentile of all shows

  • Jilting Joe (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1998)

    as Arthur

  • The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling(1997)

    Show 5 episodes · as Squire Allworthy

    Midcredits score: 79th percentile of all shows

  • FairyTale: A True Story(1997)

    as Mr. Binley

    Midcredits score: 62nd percentile of all films

  • Jonathan Creek(1997)

    Show 1 episode · as Rupert Clifford-Wright

    Midcredits score: 91st percentile of all shows

  • Midsomer Murders(1997)

    Show 1 episode · as Hugo Balcombe · as Sir Malcolm Frazer

    Midcredits score: 88th percentile of all shows

  • The Merchant of Venice (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1996)

    as Antonio

  • Restoration(1995)

    as Merivel's Father

    Midcredits score: 63rd percentile of all films

  • Pride and Prejudice(1995)

    Show 6 episodes · as Mr. Bennet

    Midcredits score: 98th percentile of all shows

  • Peak Practice (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1993)

    Show 1 episode · as Dr. Laurence Reeve

  • Chaplin(1992)

    as Station Master

    Midcredits score: 90th percentile of all films

  • Damage(1992)

    as Civil Servant

    Midcredits score: 71st percentile of all films

  • Chancer(1990)

    Show 13 episodes · as Robert Douglas

    Midcredits score: 62nd percentile of all shows

  • Chillers(1990)

    Show 1 episode · as Mr Emery

    Midcredits score: 19th percentile of all shows

  • The Attractions (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1989)

    as Lawson

  • Chip 'n' Dale Rescue Rangers(1989)

    Show 1 episode · as English Citizens (voice)

    Midcredits score: 77th percentile of all shows

  • A Bit of Fry and Laurie(1987)

    Show 1 episode · Actor

    Midcredits score: 94th percentile of all shows

  • Poirot(1989)

    Show 1 episode · as Timothy Abernethie

    Midcredits score: 98th percentile of all shows

  • A Man for All Seasons(1988)

    as Thomas Cromwell

    Midcredits score: 85th percentile of all films

  • On the Black Hill(1988)

    as Arkwright

    Midcredits score: 55th percentile of all films

  • Natural Causes (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1988)

    as Walter Bryce

  • Hawks(1988)

    as Mr Granger

    Midcredits score: 70th percentile of all films

  • Lucky Sunil (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1988)

    as Mr. Slipper

  • Big Muzzy (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1987)

    Show 6 episodes · as Norman (voice)

  • The New Statesman(1987)

    Show 2 episodes · as Paddy O'Rourke

    Midcredits score: 83rd percentile of all shows

  • Ffizz (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1987)

    Show 12 episodes · as Hugo Walker

  • The Devil's Disciple (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1987)

    as Major Swindon

  • Personal Services(1987)

    as Mr. Marsden

    Midcredits score: 58th percentile of all films

  • Paying Guests (Part 2) (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1986)

    as Mr. Kemp

  • Paying Guests (Part 1) (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1986)

    as Mr. Kemp

  • Casualty(1986)

    Show 1 episode · as Douglas Cranville

    Midcredits score: 19th percentile of all shows

  • ScreenPlay (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1986)

    Show 2 episodes · as Lawson · as Mr. Kemp

  • Clockwise(1986)

    as Headmaster

    Midcredits score: 65th percentile of all films

  • The Insurance Man (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1986)

    as Lecturer in Medical School

  • A Crack in the Ice (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1985)

    as Capt. Kirov

  • Dempsey and Makepeace (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1985)

    Show 1 episode · as Lindsay

  • Hay Fever (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1984)

    as Richard Greatham

  • Sharma and Beyond (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1984)

    as Anton Heron

  • Partners in Crime(1983)

    Show 1 episode · Actor

    Midcredits score: 61st percentile of all shows

  • Shackleton (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1983)

    Show 1 episode · as Roald Amundsen

  • Harry's Game (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1982)

    Show 3 episodes · as Davidson

  • A Shocking Accident (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1982)

    as Headmaster

  • Brimstone & Treacle (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1982)

    as Businessman

  • A Bit of Singing and Dancing (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1982)

    as Mr. Curry

  • All for Love (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1982)

    Show 1 episode · as Mr. Curry

  • On Approval (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1982)

    as Richard

  • By George (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1982)

    as George

  • The Factory (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1981)

    as James Sellars

  • Troilus & Cressida (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1981)

    as Ulysses

  • Bergerac(1981)

    Show 1 episode · as B J Farrell

    Midcredits score: 49th percentile of all shows

  • Minor Complications (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1980)

    as Phillips

  • We Think the World of You (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1980)

    as Joe Ackerley

  • Minder (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1979)

    Show 1 episode · as Doctor

  • Quadrophenia(1979)

    as Mr. Fulford

    Midcredits score: 89th percentile of all films

  • A Moment in Time (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1979)

    as Harry

  • Tales of the Unexpected(1979)

    Show 1 episode · as Fergus Locke

    Midcredits score: 74th percentile of all shows

  • One Fine Day (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1979)

    as Blake

  • Afternoon Off (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1979)

    as Father

  • Danger UXB (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1979)

    Show 1 episode · as Major Pullar

  • A Dog's Ransom (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1978)

    as Edward Reynolds

  • One Day at a Time (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1977)

    as Tom

  • Able's Will (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1977)

    as Stephen

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

    Show 1 episode · as Stephen

  • Clayhanger (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1976)

    Show 3 episodes · as Doctor Heve

  • Rumpole of the Bailey(1978)

    Show 1 episode · as The Rev. Bill Britwell

    Midcredits score: 92nd percentile of all shows

  • Two Sundays (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1975)

    as House Master

  • Plaintiffs and Defendants (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1975)

    as Josh

  • King Lear (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1975)

    as Duke of Albany

  • The Sweeney(1975)

    Show 3 episodes · as Det. Chief Supt. Braithwaite

    Midcredits score: 92nd percentile of all shows

  • The Aweful Mr Goodall (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1974)

    Show 1 episode · as Captain Ralph Stearns

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

    Show 1 episode · as George

  • The Merchant of Venice(1973)

    as Duke of Venice

    Midcredits score: 74th percentile of all films

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

    Show 1 episode · as Tom

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

    Show 1 episode · as Duke of Albany · as Richard Halton

  • Londoners (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1965)

    Show 1 episode · as The Priest

  • Theatre 625 (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1964)

    Show 1 episode · as Clerk of the Court

  • Detective (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1964)

    Show 1 episode · as Peter Binns

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

    as Party Guest (uncredited)

  • Dr. Finlay's Casebook (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1962)

    Show 1 episode · as Robert McDowell

Career shape

Star power in the 92nd percentile of 239,109 people with a billed film role, over a full career of 94 titles from 1962 to 2017; peak year 2017.

Biggest box office

Chicken Run (2000)

$225M worldwide

Highest rated

Pride and Prejudice (1995)

Midcredits 98th

Most popular right now

The Sweeney (1975)

Film career

19622017

Peak 2017 · 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.

By role

only this rolewith another role
Acting94 of 94: 94 only acting, 0 with another role · typical Midcredits score79th

By decade

1960s6 · acting1970s21 · acting1980s38 · acting1990s13 · acting2000s11 · acting2010s5 · acting

Billing

usually 12th · top billed in 0% of 10 roles
7994

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 Benjamin Whitrow's films land?

Their typical MovieCove film has a Midcredits score in the 71st percentile, the median of all 14; across their 6 films with reception data, the typical film sits in the 67th percentile for acclaim.

Acclaim · how much people like their films

67thpercentile
Typical film, the median of 6

Approval · how many liked their films

70thpercentile
Typical film, the median of 6

Reach · how many have seen their films

58thpercentile
Typical film, the median of 6

Midcredits score across 38 titles, by percentile

  • 75th and up21
  • 50th to 74th12
  • 25th to 49th2
  • Below 25th3

Shape of the crowd

23 of their 38 titles are Crowd Pleasers.

  • Universally Loved11
  • Cult Classic1
  • Crowd Pleaser23
  • Mixed3

Most divisive · actor

A Man for All Seasons (1988)

54th percentile spread · 10% rated it 4 or lower

Most loved · actor

Pride and Prejudice (1995)

Midcredits 98th · 93% liked

Reviewers score the acting 78/100 in their films, across 6 reviewed titles; fans 83, detractors 43. 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.

Is Benjamin Whitrow's work okay for kids?

Across a limited sample of up to 4 MovieCove titles with content scores.

Their medianMedian of all films
Violence & Gore4 titlesmedian 23 · mildMedian of all films: 44
Sex & Nudity4 titlesmedian 28 · mildMedian of all films: 32

Severity 0–100 from the Content Guide. Categories with under 10 votes on a title are not counted.

Who does Benjamin Whitrow work with?

People who share at least 2 of Benjamin Whitrow's MovieCove titles, grouped by what they did on them; Julia Sawalha shares the most, 2.

Actors

Composers

Producers