Comic actor Moore Marriott, a largely forgotten figure today, dominated the scene in the 1930s alongside Will Hay and Graham Moffatt in British film farce. The trio's formation was a happy accident, but it was their audiences who insisted they reappear together again and again, driven by their undeniable chemistry on screen.
Born in 1885, Marriott started his career on the stage as a young boy, surrounded by his theatrical family. With his dark, curly hair and natural charm, he made his film debut as an infant and reportedly appeared in several silent films for the Hepworth Company, although the exact number is unclear. By the 1920s, he had already made a name for himself in the industry, starring in films such as By the Shortest of Heads (1915),The Monkey's Paw (1923),and The Gold Cure (1925),often taking on lead roles.
However, with the advent of sound, Marriott found his true calling as a countrified character actor. He played characters much older than himself, often by at least 20-30 years, and audiences adored his lovable old fool act. He played a wide range of roles, from toothless to muttering coots, and was often unbilled in his early films.
Marriott made his debut in a Will Hay comedy, Dandy Dick (1935),but received billing in his next film with Hay, Windbag the Sailor (1936),which marked the beginning of a long and successful partnership between the two. The trio, completed by the addition of Graham Moffatt, went on to create some of the most iconic and beloved British comedies of all time, including Oh, Mr. Porter! (1937) and Convict 99 (1938). Marriott's most famous role was that of Jeremiah Harbottle, a bald and eccentric character who became a fan favorite.
Eventually, Hay decided to pursue a solo career, leaving Marriott to support other comedians, including Arthur Askey. Although Marriott continued to work in the industry, he never quite recaptured the magic of his earlier success. He passed away at the age of 64 without ever achieving the same level of fame as a solo artist.
