Jack Hulbert (1892 - 1978)

Jack Hulbert was one of the key figures of 30s cinema. He was not much of a looker, but played the lead in a variety of light comedies with ease. His unthreatening charm also carried him though musicals and thrillers to the delight of audiences.

He was born in Ely and educated at Westminster and Cambridge. He was keen on a stage career from an early age and threw himself into all the acting opportunities Cambridge undergraduate life had to offer. His first job after leaving Cambridge was with Robert Courtneige's company. He played opposite Courteige's daughter Cicely. The two didn't get on at first but were soon a couple. They were married on St Valentine's Day 1916.

He was called up into the RASC. By the time the war was over and he was demobbed, Cicely had established herself as a music hall artiste. He went into the West End in one of André Charlot's reviews which provided some security while Cicely was expecting their first child. The couple were busy throughout the 20s with several West Ends runs and tours through the British provinces and the US.

He was offered the lead in The Ghost Train and cinema kept him from the stage for the rest of the decade. He co-starred with Cicely in many of these films but scored notable successes on his own. His brand of light comedy suited the era, but fell out of fashion with the approach of war.

Never mind, there was always the theatre to fall back on. The Hulberts had hit shows throughout the war, and Jack also worked as a special constable. After the war they took Under the Counter to Broadway but it only lasted ten nights. Cicely had her biggest hit in 1951 with Gay's the Word. Jack only produced it but he kept busy with other theatre work and radio productions.

In 1976 the Hulberts celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary.  

Filmography 

 Jack Hulbert at Amazon UK

 Jack Hulbert at Amazon US