Holt was initially cast in the title role in "David Copperfield", alongside W. C. Fields' character, Wilkins Micawber. However, producer David O. Selznick developed misgivings about having an American youngster portray a quintessentially British boy. When English child actor Freddie Bartholomew became available a couple of weeks into shooting, Holt was let go. Holt had a prominent role in the 1936 movie "Straight from the Shoulder" (also known as "Johnny Gets His Gun") alongside noted actor Ralph Bellamy. Holt eventually developed a reputation as a troublemaker, and found himself settling for supporting roles in "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" (1939), "Beau Geste" (1939), and "Courage of Lassie" (1946) as Elizabeth Taylor's older brother.