Jack Warner & The CAA...
Page updated 19.10.2024
Born in 1895, Jack Warner was, for some years, Great Britain’s most popular film star. He is closely associated with the role of PC George Dixon which he played in the 1950 film ‘The Blue Lamp’ and then in the TV series ‘Dixon of Dock Green’ which ran from 1955 to 1976.
His sisters, Elsie and Doris Waters, were also stars of variety. Born in Poplar, he first made his name in music hall and radio and became well-known to cinema audiences following the war with films such as ‘Here Come the Huggetts’.
“it was Dixon on TV that made him a true household name”
His film career stretched from 1943 to 1978. But it was Dixon on TV that made him a true household name along with his famous catch phrase ‘Evening All!’
He was an amazing 83 years of age when he finally ‘retired’ as a copper! Jack Warner is a vital part of CAA history and we really owe the ongoing success of the club to him.
In 1950 the lease ran out on the club but as Club President, Jack had the massive foresight to arrange a mortgage through his film mogul friend J. Arthur Rank to buy the building for £20,000. A considerable sum then, but ensured the club’s future in what turned out to be a remarkable investment as rents from the offices now subsidise the club.
The building is valued today at some £7 million! Jack Warner died in 1981 and is buried at the East London Cemetery.
by Chris Hare
Further Historical Learning on Jack Warner OBE…
While as yet, none of the following presentations mention the CAA itself, for context within a historical timeframe the following video links are viewable directly on this page… These are provided here for general interest and entertainment.
Video #1 Here is an item taken from the BBC Archives and is a 1957 discussion with Jack Warner OBE and his campaign for parity of regulations between Cinema and Theatre on Sundays! This feed via YouTube/BBC Archive.
Video #2 This video is currently being cross referenced for accuracy on a small point before posting here!