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The "Golden Age" of Hollywood drew on a great number of World War I veterans. Presented here is a small sampling of some of the most influential. Especially important was the expatriate community of former members of the British Army that included such well-known stars as Basil Rathbone, Cedric Hardwicke, and Victor McLaughlin. One of my favorite former Doughboys was a mule skinner in the 26th "Yankee" Division, who was invited to the studio because he could bray like a donkey and that sound effect was needed for a film. That's how Walter Brennan started his acting career.
Laughton may also have spent some time with the Huntingdonshire Cyclists Battalion as he's wearing that badge in the photograph.
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