British character comedian with slicked back hair and a beaky nose, who started as a music hall stand up comic in 1899. For several years, he was a member of
Fred Karno's pantomime company. Specialised in films as the fast-talking sidekick to the hero, or as comic foil. Notable in two films by
Alfred Hitchcock:
Murder! (1930) and
The 39 Steps (1935).