Moore Marriott (1885 - 1949)

When someone says the name Moore Marriott a picture instantly forms in the mind of a shrill, toothless, old loon popping out of a ticket booth to say "The next train's gone!" to Will Hay. But Moore Marriott was more than just his Harbottle character. He was the one of the busiest and most versatile actors in British cinema.

He was born into a theatrical family and was treading the boards at an early age. By 1906 he was appearing in short films such as Dick Turpin's Ride to York. Through the 20s he became a fixture of British cinema, graduating to leads. Few of these films are memorable (like so much 20s British film making) but The Gold Cure is notable for first introducing Harbottle to the screen.

When sound came Marriott, with his strong stage background, made the transition effortlessly. His versatility kept him busy. It was said that he had four sets of false teeth which helped him change his appearance so he could take on any role. Check out his appearances in The Flying Scotsman (as a retiring train driver), Turn of the Tide (as a dour fisherman), Green for Danger (as the grumpy first murder victim), or The Root of All Evil (as an embittered arsonist).

However, it's as support to some of the best comedians of the period that Marriott will be best remembered. The first Will Hay film he appeared in was Dandy Dick, but it was with Windbag the Sailor that the great comic trio of Hay, Marriott and Moffatt first came together. The team clicked instantly. With Hay ostensibly in charge, but being shamelessly manipulated by Harbottle and Albert, the set-up was capable of being adapted to a variety of situations, from running a railway station to administrating the Empire. 

Sadly Hay didn't like being part of "a three legged stool" and, after a couple of relatively unsuccessful attempts to make films without Moffat and Marriott, left Gainsborough Studios for Ealing leaving Marriott behind. This did nothing to slow down Marriott's career and he was soon supporting Arthur Askey, Tommy Hanley and even holding his own against The Crazy Gang. He also kept up the dramatic roles.

Moore Marriott's name may have appeared halfway down the cast list in most of his films, but when the majority of the pretty stars of his films have been forgotten, Marriott's image is still indelible.       

Filmography (features only)

 Moore Marriott at Amazon UK

 Moore Marriott at Amazon US