Tom Ricketts on AllMovie

It's possible that British actor Tom Ricketts was never young. From his first screen appearance in 1919 to his last in 1938, Ricketts was the embodiment of decrepit old age; so convincing were his characterizations that one could almost hear his joints creaking. Frequently on call for costume roles, he was seen as Tellson Jr. in Tale of Two Cities (1935) and Giles Corey in Maid of Salem (1937). For the most part, however, Tom Ricketts was cast as ancient, rheumatic family butlers; in both Broadway Bill (1934) and After the Thin Man (1936), his doddering invitation "Walk this way, please" brought out the basest comedy impulses of Warren William and William Powell, respectively.