**Clive Brook** (1887-1974) was a British actor, renowned for his career in Hollywood spanning the silent and early sound eras. His elegant figure and refined bearing made him ideal for roles as sophisticated gentlemen, often romantic leads.

Brook was one of the few to successfully make the transition from silent to sound films, thanks to his clear diction. His most iconic roles include that of Sherlock Holmes in *The Return of Sherlock Holmes* (1929), the first sound film dedicated to the detective. He is best remembered for his intense performance alongside Marlene Dietrich in Josef von Sternberg's *Shanghai Express* (1932), where he played an idealistic doctor. His understated presence and discreet charm made him a beloved face to audiences of the era.