Harry Cording
Hector William "Harry" Cording was a notable British character actor who made his mark in Hollywood from the mid-1920s through the 1950s. Born and raised in England, Cording eventually moved to Los Angeles, where he embarked on his film career in 1925. Standing at an impressive six feet tall with a robust physique, he often found himself cast in roles as thugs, henchmen, and law enforcement figures, earning him the nickname "Harry the Henchman."
Among his most memorable performances were his portrayal of the menacing Dickon Malbete, the Captain of the Guard in the classic film "Adventures of Robin Hood" alongside Errol Flynn, and as Thamal, the formidable henchman to Bela Lugosi in the 1934 horror film "The Black Cat." During the 1940s, he served as a contract player at Universal Pictures, appearing in minor roles in numerous horror films, including "The Wolf Man."
Cording also made a brief appearance in the 1939 adaptation of "Adventures of Sherlock Holmes" featuring Basil Rathbone and would go on to have supporting and minor roles in seven out of the twelve Sherlock Holmes films produced by Universal Studios starring Rathbone. His contributions to the film industry, particularly in the realm of character acting, have left a lasting legacy in classic cinema.
Filmography
Sherlock Holmes and the Secret Weapon
Bluebeard
Santa Fe
Man in the Attic
Captain Kidd
Sudan
Phantom Lady
The Wolf Man
Ambush at Tomahawk Gap
Stage to Chino
Mata Hari
Road to Bali
The Pearl of Death
The House of Fear
Gypsy Wildcat
Road Gang
Killer Leopard
The House of the Seven Gables
The Last Command
That Lady in Ermine
Last of the Buccaneers
Sherlock Holmes and the Voice of Terror
Law and Order
Mrs. Parkington
Narcotic
A Woman's Vengeance
The Spider Woman
Sweepings
The Black Cat
Jungle Gents
Fortunes of Captain Blood
Cripple Creek
Texas Cyclone