Moore Marriott
Encyclopedia
Moore Marriott was a British
character actor
most notable for a series of films he made with Will Hay
in the 1930s.
and Wilfrid Brambell
later, he became typecast
as playing old men when he was still relatively young. He had a special set of artificial teeth which he would put in to play his 'old man' characters. He had no teeth in real life and took four different sets of false teeth with him in order to achieve variety in his characters.
Although he made a huge number of film appearances since 1908, today he is probably best known as old "Harbottle" in a number of comedy films he made with Will Hay
and Graham Moffatt
, including Oh, Mr Porter!
and Ask a Policeman
.
Following the dissolution of the Will Hay/Graham Moffatt/Moore Marriott partnership, he went on to make films with the comedian Arthur Askey
and The Crazy Gang
, where he continued to play his famous 'Harbottle'-type character. One example was I Thank You
, which also starred Kathleen Harrison
and Richard Murdoch
as well as several other faces who became famous in later years.
His other film appearances included Millions Like Us
(1943) and Green for Danger
(1946).
His cause of death was cardiac syncope, acute pulmonary oedema and chronic myocardiac degeneration due to a previous pneumonia. At the time of his death he was keeping a grocer's store in Bognor Regis
. He was cremated at Golders Green Crematorium
, where his ashes were also interred.
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
character actor
Character actor
A character actor is one who predominantly plays unusual or eccentric characters. The Oxford English Dictionary defines a character actor as "an actor who specializes in character parts", defining character part in turn as "an acting role displaying pronounced or unusual characteristics or...
most notable for a series of films he made with Will Hay
Will Hay
William Thomson "Will" Hay was an English comedian, actor, film director and amateur astronomer.-Early life:He was born in Stockton-on-Tees, in north east England, to William R...
in the 1930s.
Career
Marriott came from a theatrical family and had made his stage debut at the age of five. He had originally intended to train as an architect, but instead he went into films. Rather like Clive DunnClive Dunn
Clive Robert Benjamin Dunn OBE is a retired English actor, comedian and author, best known for his role as Lance-Corporal Jack Jones in the BBC sitcom Dad's Army.-Early life:...
and Wilfrid Brambell
Wilfrid Brambell
Henry Wilfrid Brambell was an Irish film and television actor best known for his role in the British television series Steptoe and Son. He also performed alongside The Beatles in their film A Hard Day's Night, playing Paul McCartney's fictional grandfather.- Early life :Brambell was born in Dublin...
later, he became typecast
Typecasting (acting)
In TV, film, and theatre, typecasting is the process by which a particular actor becomes strongly identified with a specific character; one or more particular roles; or, characters having the same traits or coming from the same social or ethnic groups...
as playing old men when he was still relatively young. He had a special set of artificial teeth which he would put in to play his 'old man' characters. He had no teeth in real life and took four different sets of false teeth with him in order to achieve variety in his characters.
Although he made a huge number of film appearances since 1908, today he is probably best known as old "Harbottle" in a number of comedy films he made with Will Hay
Will Hay
William Thomson "Will" Hay was an English comedian, actor, film director and amateur astronomer.-Early life:He was born in Stockton-on-Tees, in north east England, to William R...
and Graham Moffatt
Graham Moffatt
Graham Moffatt was a British character actor and comedian.Born in Hammersmith, London, he is best known for a number of films where he appeared with Will Hay and Moore Marriott as 'Albert': an insolent, overweight, overgrown-schoolboy type character, loosely reminiscent of Billy Bunter.His first...
, including Oh, Mr Porter!
Oh, Mr Porter!
Oh, Mr Porter! is a British comedy film starring Will Hay with Moore Marriott and Graham Moffatt and directed by Marcel Varnel. While not his most commercially successful, it is probably his best-known film to modern audiences...
and Ask a Policeman
Ask A Policeman
Ask a Policeman is a 1939 British comedy film directed by Marcel Varnel which stars Will Hay, Moore Marriott and Graham Moffatt. The title comes from the popular music hall song Ask a Policeman. The Turnbottom Round police force are threatened with dismissal by their Chief Constable and decide to...
.
Following the dissolution of the Will Hay/Graham Moffatt/Moore Marriott partnership, he went on to make films with the comedian Arthur Askey
Arthur Askey
Arthur Bowden Askey CBE was a prominent English comedian.- Life and career :Askey was born at 29 Moses Street, Liverpool, the eldest child and only son of Samuel Askey , secretary of the firm Sugar Products of Liverpool, and his wife, Betsy Bowden , of Knutsford, Cheshire...
and The Crazy Gang
The Crazy Gang
The Crazy Gang were a group of British entertainers, formed in the early 1930s. In the mature form the group's six men were Bud Flanagan, Chesney Allen, Jimmy Nervo, Teddy Knox, Charlie Naughton and Jimmy Gold...
, where he continued to play his famous 'Harbottle'-type character. One example was I Thank You
I Thank You (film)
I Thank You is a 1941 British comedy filmdirected by Marcel Varnel and starring Arthur Askey, Richard Murdoch, Graham Moffatt and Moore Marriott. It was produced by Edward Black at Gainsborough Pictures.- Plot summary :...
, which also starred Kathleen Harrison
Kathleen Harrison
Kathleen Harrison was a prolific English character actress best remembered for her role as Mrs. Huggett in a trio of British post-war comedies about a working class family's misadventures. To modern viewers she is better remembered as Mrs...
and Richard Murdoch
Richard Murdoch
Richard Bernard Murdoch was a British comedic radio, film and television performer.Richard Bernard Murdoch attended Charterhouse School. He then appeared in Footlights whilst a student at Pembroke College, Cambridge...
as well as several other faces who became famous in later years.
His other film appearances included Millions Like Us
Millions Like Us
Millions Like Us is a 1943 British propaganda film, showing life in a wartime aircraft factory in documentary detail. It stars Patricia Roc, Eric Portman, Megs Jenkins, and Anne Crawford, was written by Sidney Gilliat, and directed by Gilliat and Frank Launder...
(1943) and Green for Danger
Green for Danger (film)
Green for Danger is a 1946 British thriller film, based on the popular 1944 detective novel by Christianna Brand.The book Green for Danger was praised for its clever plot, interesting characters, and wartime hospital setting. The film version, starring Alastair Sim and Trevor Howard, with Sally...
(1946).
His cause of death was cardiac syncope, acute pulmonary oedema and chronic myocardiac degeneration due to a previous pneumonia. At the time of his death he was keeping a grocer's store in Bognor Regis
Bognor Regis
Bognor Regis is a seaside resort town and civil parish in the Arun district of West Sussex, on the south coast of England. It is south-south-west of London, west of Brighton, and south-east of the city of Chichester. Other nearby towns include Littlehampton east-north-east and Selsey to the...
. He was cremated at Golders Green Crematorium
Golders Green Crematorium
Golders Green Crematorium and Mausoleum was the first crematorium to be opened in London, and one of the oldest crematoria in Britain. The land for the crematorium was purchased in 1900, costing £6,000, and was opened in 1902 by Sir Henry Thompson....
, where his ashes were also interred.
Partial filmography
- A Maid of the Alps (1912)
- By the Shortest of Heads (1915)
- Grim Justice (1916)
- Lawyer QuinceLawyer Quince (1924 film)Lawyer Quince is a 1924 British comedy film directed by Manning Haynes and starring Moore Marriott, Cynthia Murtagh and Charles Ashton. It is based on a short story by W.W. Jacobs and is a remake of a 1914 film version.-Cast:* Moore Marriott - Quince...
(1924) - Ordeal by GolfOrdeal by GolfOrdeal by Golf is a 1924 British silent comedy film directed by Andrew P. Wilson and starring Harry Beasley, Edwin Underhill and Jean Jay. It was based on the short story collection The Clicking of Cuthbert by P.G...
(1924) - King of the Castle (1925)
- Afraid of LoveAfraid of Love (film)Afraid of Love is a 1925 British silent drama film directed by Reginald West and starring Leslie Faber, Jameson Thomas and Moore Marriott.-Cast:* Leslie Faber ... Anthony Bond* Jameson Thomas ... Philip Bryce* Moore Marriott ... Father...
(1925) - Every Mother's SonEvery Mother's Son (film)Every Mother's Son is a 1926 British drama film directed by Robert Cullen and starring Rex Davis, Moore Marriott and Frederick Cooper.-Cast:* Rex Davis - David Brent* Frederick Cooper - Tony Browning* Jean Jay - Janet Shaw* Moore Marriott - Nobby...
(1926) - The Mating of MarcusThe Mating of MarcusThe Mating of Marcus is a 1926 British silent romance film directed by W.P. Kellino and starring David Hawthorne, George Bellamy and Moore Marriott It was based on a novel by Mabel Grundy.-Cast:* Dollie - Vivi Chester* Billie - Naomi Chester...
(1926) - London LoveLondon LoveLondon Love is a 1926 British silent drama film directed by H. Manning Haynes and starring Fay Compton, John Stuart and Miles Mander. Ir was an adaptation of the novel Whirlpool by Arthur Applin...
(1926) - Huntingtower (19271927 in film-Events:*January 10 - Fritz Lang's science-fiction fantasy Metropolis premieres in Germany.*April 7 - Abel Gance's Napoleon often considered his best known and greatest masterpiece, premiers at the Paris Opéra and would demonstrate techniques and equipment that would not be used for years to...
) - Sweeney ToddSweeney Todd (1928 film)Sweeney Todd is a 1928 British thriller film directed by Walter West and starring Moore Marriott, Zoe Palmer and Iris Darbyshire. It was adapted from a play by George Dibdin-Pitt based on the legend of Sweeney Todd.-Cast:* Moore Marriott - Sweeney Todd...
(1928) - The Flying ScotsmanThe Flying Scotsman (1929 film)The Flying Scotsman is a 1929 black and white film set on the Flying Scotsman train from London to Edinburgh, also featuring the famous locomotive LNER Class A3 4472 Flying Scotsman...
(1929) - The Lady from the SeaThe Lady from the Sea (film)The Lady from the Sea is a British romance film directed by Castleton Knight and starring Moore Marriott, Moya Goya, and Ray Milland....
(1929) - Mr. Smith Wakes Up (1929)
- Up for the Cup (1931)
- The Lyons MailThe Lyons MailThe Lyons Mail is a 1931 British mystery film directed by Arthur Maude and starring John Martin Harvey, Norah Baring and Ben Webster. It was based on a play by Charles Reade and was also released under the title Courrier de Lyon...
(1931) - Aroma of the South Seas (1931)
- Dance Pretty LadyDance Pretty LadyDance Pretty Lady is a 1932 British drama film directed by Anthony Asquith and starring Ann Casson, Carl Harbord, Michael Hogan, Moore Marriot and Flora Robson. It was based on a novel by Compton MacKenzie.-Plot:...
(1932) - Hawley's of High StreetHawley's of High StreetHawley's of High Street is a 1933 British comedy film directed by Thomas Bentley and starring Leslie Fuller, Judy Kelly, Francis Lister and Moore Marriott. A butcher and a draper stand for election to the local council...
(1933) - The House of TrentThe House of TrentThe House of Trent is a 1933 British drama film directed by Norman Walker and starring Anne Grey, Wendy Barrie, Moore Marriott and Peter Gawthorne. A doctor faces both a scandal and a moral dilemma when a patient of his dies while he is making love to a press magnate's daughter. It was also...
(1933) - The Crime at BlossomsThe Crime at BlossomsThe Crime at Blossoms is a 1933 British crime film directed by Maclean Rogers and starring Hugh Wakefield, Joyce Bland and Eileen Munro. After moving into a pictaresque country cottage, a woman becomes increasingly concerned about the fate of the previous owner who she believes was murdered. It was...
(1933) - Nell Gwynn (1934)
- Girls, Please!Girls, Please!Girls, Please! is a 1934 British comedy film directed by Jack Raymond and starring Sydney Howard, Jane Baxter, Meriel Forbes and Peter Gawthorne...
(1934) - The Feathered SerpentThe Feathered Serpent (1934 film)The Feathered Serpent is a 1934 British thriller film directed by Maclean Rogers and starring Enid Stamp-Taylor, Tom Helmore and Moore Marriott. A reporter faces a race against time to clear an actress accused of murder. It is passed on the 1927 novel The Feathered Serpent by Edgar Wallace.-Cast:*...
(1934) - Turn of the TideTurn of the TideTurn of the Tide is a 1935 British film directed by Norman Walker.It was the first feature film made by J. Arthur Rank.It is set in a North Yorkshire fishing village, and relates the rivalry between two fishing families. The actors included John Garrick, Geraldine Fitzgerald, Wilfrid Lawson speak...
(1935) - Drake of EnglandDrake of EnglandDrake of England is a 1935 British drama film directed by Arthur B. Woods and starring Matheson Lang, Athene Seyler and Jane Baxter. It depicts the life of Francis Drake and the events leading up to the defeat of the Armada in 1588.-Cast:...
(1935) - Dandy DickDandy DickDandy Dick is a 1935 British comedy film starring Will Hay. It was based on the 1887 play Dandy Dick by Arthur Wing Pinero. It is the second and last of his films to be based on a play by Pinero – the first was Those Were the Days which was based on The Magistrate.-Plot:A vicar who lives in...
(1935) - The Man Without a Face (1935)
- Wednesday's LuckWednesday's LuckWednesday's Luck is a 1936 British crime film directed by George Pearson and starring Wilson Coleman, Susan Bligh, Patrick Barr and Moore Marriott...
(1936) - The Amazing Quest of Ernest BlissThe Amazing Quest of Ernest BlissThe Amazing Quest of Ernest Bliss is a 1936 British romantic comedy film directed by Alfred Zeisler and starring Cary Grant. The film was re-issued in the United States in 1937 under the title The Amazing Adventure. It is a remake of the 1920 film The Amazing Quest of Mr. Ernest Bliss.-Plot...
(1936) - As You Like ItAs You Like It (1936 film)As You Like It is a 1936 film, directed by Paul Czinner and starring Laurence Olivier as Orlando and Elisabeth Bergner as Rosalind. It is based on William Shakespeare's play of the same name...
(1936) - Luck of the TurfLuck of the TurfLuck of the Turf is a 1936 British comedy film directed by Randall Faye and starring Jack Melford, Moira Lynd, Wally Patch and Moore Marriott...
(1936) - Talk of the DevilTalk of the DevilTalk of the Devil is a 1936 British crime film directed by Carol Reed and starring Ricardo Cortez, Sally Eilers and Basil Sydney. A dishonest shipbuilder plans to frame his half-brother for his own criminal activities...
(1936) - Windbag the SailorWindbag the SailorWindbag the Sailor is a British comedy film directed by William Beaudine, starring Will Hay in the title role. Ben Cutlet is a sea captain who entertains his bar room audience with tales of his days at sea, even though in reality his maritime experience extends only to navigating a coal barge...
(1936) - Feather Your NestFeather Your NestFeather Your Nest is a 1937 British musical comedy film directed by William Beaudine and starring George Formby, Polly Ward and Enid Stamp-Taylor...
(1937) - Fifty-Shilling BoxerFifty-Shilling BoxerFifty-Shilling Boxter is a 1937 British comedy film directed by Maclean Rogers and starring Bruce Seton, Nancy O'Neil and Moore Marriott. A young circus boxer attempts to make a career for himself in the world of professional boxing.-Cast:...
(1937) - The Fatal Hour (1937)
- Night Ride (1937)
- Oh, Mr. Porter! (1937)
- Victoria the GreatVictoria the GreatVictoria the Great is a 1937 British historical film directed by Herbert Wilcox and starring Anna Neagle, Anton Walbrook and Walter Rilla. The film biography of Queen Victoria concentrating initially on the early years of her reign with her marriage to Prince Albert and her subsequent rule after...
(1937) - Intimate Relations (1937)
- Old Bones of the RiverOld Bones of the RiverOld Bones of the River is a comedy film released in 1938 starring British actor Will Hay with Moore Marriott and Graham Moffatt and directed by Marcel Varnel...
(1938) - Owd Bob (1938)
- Held for RansomHeld for Ransom (1938 film)- Cast :*Blanche Mehaffey as Betty Mason*Grant Withers as Larry Scott*Bruce Warren as Don - Larry's Pal*Jack Mulhall as Det. J.J. Morrison*Kenneth Harlan as Boss McBride*Harry Harvey as Mole, Henchman*Eddie Foster as Joe - Kidnapper...
(1938) - Ask a PolicemanAsk A PolicemanAsk a Policeman is a 1939 British comedy film directed by Marcel Varnel which stars Will Hay, Moore Marriott and Graham Moffatt. The title comes from the popular music hall song Ask a Policeman. The Turnbottom Round police force are threatened with dismissal by their Chief Constable and decide to...
(1938) - Convict 99Convict 99Convict 99 is a 1938 British comedy film directed by Marcel Varnel and starring British comedian Will Hay and Googie Withers.-Synopsis:Incompetent Dr Benjamin Twist is dismissed from his job as headmaster at St. Michaels' School Convict 99 is a 1938 British comedy film directed by Marcel Varnel...
(1938) - Cheer Boys CheerCheer Boys CheerCheer Boys Cheer is a 1939 British comedy film directed by Walter Forde and starring Nova Pilbeam, Edmund Gwenn, Jimmy O'Dea, Graham Moffatt and Moore Marriott. Made by Ealing Studios the film depicts the fanatical rivalry between two local firms of brewers each hoping to establish a monopoly....
(1939) - The Frozen LimitsThe Frozen LimitsThe Frozen Limits is a 1939 British comedy western film directed by Marcel Varnel and starring Jimmy Nervo, Bud Flanagan, Teddy Knox, Chesney Allen and Charlie Naughton a group of entertainers commonly known as The Crazy Gang...
(1939) - A Girl Must LiveA Girl Must LiveA Girl Must Live is a 1939 British romantic comedy film directed by Carol Reed and starring Margaret Lockwood, with supporting cast Renee Houston, Lilli Palmer, and Hugh Sinclair...
(1939) - Where's That Fire?Where's That Fire?Where's That Fire? is a 1940 British comedy film, produced by Twentieth Century Fox, directed by Marcel Varnel and starring Will Hay, Moore Marriott and Graham Moffatt.-Synopsis:...
(1940) - Charley's (Big-Hearted) AuntCharley's (Big-Hearted) AuntCharley's Aunt is a 1940 British comedy film directed by Walter Forde starring Arthur Askey and Richard Murdoch as Oxford 'scholars'.The film is one of many to be made based on the farce Charley's Aunt.-Cast:...
(1940) - Band WaggonBand Waggon (film)Band Waggon is a 1940 British comedy film directed by Marcel Varnel and starring Arthur Askey, Richard Murdoch and Moore Marriott. It was based on the BBC radio show Band Waggon.-Plot:...
(1940) - GasbagsGasbagsGasbags is a 1941 British comedy film directed by Walter Forde and Marcel Varnel and starring The Crazy Gang.-Plot summary:The film brims with British comedy talent of the period. The Crazy Gang’s mobile fish and chip shop is accidentally tied to a barrage balloon and the gang is carried to Nazi...
(1941) - I Thank YouI Thank You (film)I Thank You is a 1941 British comedy filmdirected by Marcel Varnel and starring Arthur Askey, Richard Murdoch, Graham Moffatt and Moore Marriott. It was produced by Edward Black at Gainsborough Pictures.- Plot summary :...
(1941) - Hi Gang!Hi Gang! (film)Hi Gang! is a 1941 British comedy film directed by Marcel Varnel and starring Bebe Daniels, Ben Lyon and Vic Oliver. It was a spin-off from the popular radio series Hi Gang!.-Cast:* Bebe Daniels - The Liberty Girl* Ben Lyon - Her Other Half...
(1941) - Back-Room BoyBack-Room BoyBack-Room Boy is a 1942 British comedy film directed by Herbert Mason and starring Arthur Askey, Googie Withers, Graham Moffatt and Moore Marriott. A man from the Met Office is sent to a lighthouse on a remote Scottish island to monitor the weather...
(1942) - Millions Like UsMillions Like UsMillions Like Us is a 1943 British propaganda film, showing life in a wartime aircraft factory in documentary detail. It stars Patricia Roc, Eric Portman, Megs Jenkins, and Anne Crawford, was written by Sidney Gilliat, and directed by Gilliat and Frank Launder...
(1943) - Time FliesTime Flies (film)Times Flies is a 1944 British comedy film directed by Walter Forde and starring Tommy Handley, Evelyn Dall, Felix Aylmer and Moore Marriott. A music hall performer travels back to Elizabethan times using a time machine.-Cast:* Tommy Handley - Tommy...
(1944) - It Happened One SundayIt Happened One SundayIt Happened One Sunday is a 1944 British romantic comedy film directed by Karel Lamac and starring Robert Beatty, Barbara White, Marjorie Rhodes, Kathleen Harrison and Moore Marriott. An Irish servant girl working in Liverpool mistakenly believes that she has a secret admirer working at a hospital,...
(1944) - Don't Take It to HeartDon't Take It to HeartDon't Take It to Heart is a 1944 British comedy film directed by Jeffrey Dell and starring Richard Greene, Alfred Drayton, Moore Marriott and Patricia Medina...
(1944) - The AgitatorThe Agitator (1945 film)The Agitator is a 1945 British drama film directed by John Harlow and starring William Hartnell, Mary Morris and John Laurie. A young socialist is forced to question his beliefs when he unexpectedly inherits a large firm. It was based on the novel Peter Pettenger by William Riley.-Cast:* William...
(1945) - A Place of One's OwnA Place of One's OwnA Place of One's Own is a British film directed by Bernard Knowles. An atmospheric ghost story based on the novel by Osbert Sitwell, it stars James Mason, Barbara Mullen, Margaret Lockwood, Dennis Price and Dulcie Gray...
(1945) - I'll Be Your Sweetheart (1945)
- Green for DangerGreen for Danger (film)Green for Danger is a 1946 British thriller film, based on the popular 1944 detective novel by Christianna Brand.The book Green for Danger was praised for its clever plot, interesting characters, and wartime hospital setting. The film version, starring Alastair Sim and Trevor Howard, with Sally...
(1946) - The Root of All EvilThe Root of All Evil (1947 film)The Root of All Evil is a 1947 British drama film, directed by Brock Williams for Gainsborough Pictures and starring Phyllis Calvert and Michael Rennie. The film was the first directorial assignment for Williams, who was better known as a screenwriter, and also produced the screenplay based on a...
(1947) - Green FingersGreen FingersGreen Fingers is a 1947 British drama film directed by John Harlow and starring Robert Beatty, Carol Raye and Nova Pilbeam. After returning from fighting in a war, a young man discovers he has what appear to be healing powers.-Cast:...
(1947) - The Hills of DonegalThe Hills of Donegal (film)The Hills of Donegal is a 1947 British drama film directed by John Argyle and starring Dinah Sheridan, James Etherington and Moore Marriott. A young Irish woman abandons a promising career as singer to get married, but soon discovers her husband is not the man she thought he was.-Cast:* Dinah...
(1947) - The History of Mr. PollyThe History of Mr. Polly (film)The History of Mr. Polly is a 1949 British film, based on the 1910 comic novel The History of Mr. Polly by H.G. Wells. It was directed by Anthony Pelissier and stars John Mills, Betty Ann Davies, Megs Jenkins and Finlay Currie...
(1949) - High Jinks in SocietyHigh Jinks in SocietyHigh Jinks in Society is a 1949 British comedy film directed by John Guillermin and Robert Jordan Hill and starring Ben Wrigley, Barbara Shaw, Basil Appleby, Peter Gawthorne and Moore Marriott...
(1949)