Editing Ray Milland (section)

===Early acting appearances===
His first appearance on film was as an uncredited extra on the [[Ewald André Dupont|E.A. Dupont]] film ''[[Piccadilly (film)|Piccadilly]]'' (1929). After some unproductive [[extra (actor)|extra]] work, which never reached the screen, he signed with a talent agent named Frank Zeitlin on the recommendation of fellow actor [[Jack Raine]].<ref name="Milland 1974 pp. 78–84"/>

His prowess as a marksman earned him work as an extra at the [[Associated British Picture Corporation|British International Pictures]] studio in [[Arthur Robison]]'s production of ''[[The Informer (1929 film)|The Informer]]'' (1929),<ref>Berry (1996), p. 257</ref> the first screen version of the [[Liam O'Flaherty]] novel. While he was working on ''The Informer'', he was asked to test for a production being shot on a neighbouring stage. Milland made a favourable impression on director [[Castleton Knight]], and was hired for his first acting role as Jim Edwards in ''[[The Flying Scotsman (1929 film)|The Flying Scotsman]]'' (also 1929).<ref>Milland (1974) pp. 93–94</ref> In his autobiography, Milland recalls that on this film set, it was suggested that he adopt a stage name; he chose Milland from the "mill lands" area of his Welsh hometown of Neath.<ref>Milland (1974) p. 95</ref>

His work on ''The Flying Scotsman'' resulted in him being granted a six-month contract over the course of which Milland starred in two more Knight-directed films, ''[[The Lady from the Sea (1929 film)|The Lady from the Sea]]'' and ''[[The Plaything]]'' (both 1929).<ref>Milland (1974) p. 96</ref> Believing that his acting was poor, and that he had won his film roles through his looks alone, Milland decided to gain some stage experience to improve his ability.<ref>Milland (1974) p. 101</ref> After hearing that club owner Bobby Page was financing a touring company, Milland approached him in hopes of work. He was given the role of second lead in a production of Sam Shipman and [[Max Marcin]]'s ''The Woman in Room 13''. Despite being released from the play after five weeks, Milland felt that he had gained valuable acting experience.<ref>Milland (1974) p. 102</ref>