Leslie Fuller (1890 - 1948)

Leslie Fuller was one of British cinema's biggest draws in the 30s. Since then, he's virtually been forgotten by the general public and his films largely disappeared from view. However, the recent release of many of them on DVD has given us a chance to get to know him again and he's found a new audience.

Leslie Fuller was a Margate man - born, lived and died there. He began his stage life in concert parties but his rise to fame began when he met Syd Courtenay who became his collaborator and writer. Together they developed Fuller's "Bill" character and in virtually every one of his films Fuller played Bill. Bill was working class, amiable and well-meaning though too thick to be able to pull off most of his occasional attempts to be crafty. Fuller had the looks for comedy: a battered old rucksack of a face and a bulky, clumsy demeanor that looked unsafe for any china shop.

He signed for BIP at the start of the 30s and launched into a series of quickly-made vehicles which proved to be remarkably popular with his public. In 1935 he split from BIP and set up his own production company at Elstree. As fashions in comedy changed in the mid-30s, Fuller's film career faltered. The change in the quota requirements may also have had something to do with this decline. By the end of the decade he was taking featured roles in other people's films.  

He died of a brain hemorrhage.   

Filmography 

Leslie Fuller at Amazon UK    

Leslie Fuller at Amazon US