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ShayleGardner

  • Actor
Shayle_Gardner_Key.jpg

From a turbulent beginning in Auckland, self-styled adventurer and traveller Shayle Gardner was regularly employed on the British stage, and managed NZ troops’ entertainment during World War I. He also played his part in UK silent film history, starring in Comin’ thro' the Rye and The Three Passions. Gardner also had a short, tantalising stay in Hollywood; but in the end he came to rest in the place of his birth.

Image credit: Alexander Turnbull Library, Eph-A-DRAMA-1922-01 (Detail)

Biography

Francis Shayle Gardner’s was a life of unusual adventure, beginning rather chaotically towards the close of his parents’ marriage. Shortly after, his father left the marriage, taking his children to their paternal grandmother’s care in England, before he left for America and a new Australian-born wife. At some stage, Shayle was sent to join him; as a nine-year-old he was selling newspapers on the streets of San Jose. But two years later his father left him there and went to South Africa with his new family, only to die soon after of African fever. 

Screenography

Discoveries
1939 As: Manager Film
Under the Red Robe (sound version)
1937 As: Louis Film
The Brown Wallet
1936 As: Wotherspoone Film
The Scat Burglars
1936 As: Crook Film
Wolf's Clothing
1936 As: Babo Film

“(Gardner), the New Zealand actor, gives, one of the most complete, dominating and human performances ever put on the screen. ”

— 1929 review of film The Three Passions, England's Daily Mail newspaper

Related images

Shayle-Gardner-Gallery-1.jpg
Image of actor Shayle Gardner, taken from a cigarette card. 
Image courtesy of the Alexander Turnbull Library. Image reference: Eph-A-DRAMA-1922-01 
Shayle-Gardner-gallery-image-1.jpg
Shayle Gardner with the Tui Pierrot Troupe, who performed for soldiers during World War I. Gardner is front row centre.
Image courtesy of the Alexander Turnbull Library. Image reference: PA1-o-796-1-2