The Second World War ushered in a new era for British theatre and cinema. Johns avoided conscription due to his age, and thus began his career in various roles, though most often as the quirky yet dignified "frightened men" described by Adam Benedick.
Following the Second World War, there was a shift in British theatre and cinema. Due to his advanced age, Johns evaded conscription and entered the acting world, predominantly playing the quirky but dignified "frightened men," as described by Adam Benedick.