Trivia

Much-traveled character actor. Born in Alsace-Lorraine of German ancestry, he became stateless after being deported in the wake of World War I. He subsequently acted in comedy plays with diverse theatres in Vienna, Zurich, Berlin, London and (touring) Australia, at the same time maintaining a busy career in films. Established the International Theatre in Berlin (1936), specialising in English and French language productions. Worked as artistic director until its closure by the Reich's Propaganda Ministry in 1939. Resident at the Deutschen Theater in East Berlin after the war and made appearances in left-wing propagandist films for Defa. Died after a lengthy illness in 1955.

Theo Shall went to Hollywood at the beginning of the 30s where he was able to take part in some German versions of successful American movies. So he was able to play under the direction of Jacques Feyder at the legendary actress Greta Garbo's side for "Anna Christie" (1931).

Before he was able to start a successful career as an actor he served for a German artillery unit during World War I.

After the war Theo Shall continued his career on stage and in the film business, now for DEFA productions in East Germany.

To Theo Shall's few silent movies belong Carl Boese's "A halott szerelme" (22) with Hollywood-Star Vilma Banky, and "Das Spielzeug von Paris" (1925) with Hans Moser and Lily Damita, directed by Michael Curtiz.

After the lost war his hometown Metz was adjudged to France and William Guldner (Theo Shall) had to leave Metz. He went to Germany where he began an acting career under the pen name Theo Shall and he made his film debut in 1920.

Theo Shall founded the international Theater in Berlin in 1936 which concentrated to foreign-language plays.

After his short stay in the USA he returned to Germany where he impersonated leading and support roles, afterwards he concentrated again to the theater and went on tour to Zurich, Paris and even Australia.

His appearances in front of the camera remained seldom in the 20s because he was very busy as a theater actor, especially in Berlin and later at the Volkstheater in Vienna. When he went to Zurich in 1928 he not only took over engagements as an actor but also directed several plays.

From 1934 he appeared again in other movies, first in London, afterwards in Germany again where he was engaged for many support roles in the next years.

He died after a long illness.