Trivia

He suffered an injury in World War I that resulted in extensive scarring of one side of his face, and effectively disqualified him from many leading roles that required handsome actors. Banks made good use of his disability, however, presenting primarily the uninjured half of his face to the camera when playing kinder roles, and more of the scarred side when playing menacing characters.

He was awarded the CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) in the 1950 King's New Year Honours List for his services to drama.

Educated at Oxford University with the career plan of becoming a parson.

Started as a Shakespearean actor with the Benson Company and made his debut in "The Merchant of Venice" at Brechin Town Hall in 1911. First on stage in London at the Vaudeville Theatre in 1911. Served with the Essex Regiment during World War I, re-establishing himself as a star at the West End by 1921. In films from 1932.

Disliked giving interviews.

Father of Evangeline Banks, father-in-law of the actor Tenniel Evans and grandfather of Matthew Evans and Serena Evans.

Screen actor, stage actor, director and producer.