[1][2] On stage from 1896, he appeared in the original West End production of Noël Coward's Cavalcade (1931-2); and was a leading man in silent films, latterly becoming a character player in movies.

He was a son of Charles Groves (1843-1909), a well-known Victorian and Edwardian comedic actor who made appearances on Broadway and in London's West End.

It marked the screen debut of Gracie Fields, an established music hall star.

Though Fields escaped injury, Pitt was forced to withdraw from the cast in order to recuperate.

Due to his experience and availability, the role was quickly recast with Groves taking Pitt's place.