The Film World

Radio Record, Volume VIII, Issue 41, 19 April 1935, Page 23

The Film World

A Bic Day For Tue FLULBERT FAMILY Claude Hulbert Was Born On Christmas Day, 1900 { This is the first of a@ series of ghort biographies dealing with well-known British film and radio personalities. To-day’s subject is Claude Hulbert, brother of the famous Jack. A special message from Olaude Hulbert to New Zealand listeners was published a few weeks ago in the "Radio Record." IN 1892 the wife of Dr. H. Hulbert reeeived the congratulations of her friends on the birth of her son Jack. Wight years later, on Christmas Day, 1900, there came a second round of congratulations, for on that festive day was

ee SS eaawee eee Ff born her second son, Claude. Young Claude followed in the footsteps of brother Jack. We had the same expressive features, the same sense of humour, the same adaptability, and yet no one could ever say that Jack and Claude were alike. He was educated, like Jack, at Caius College, Cambridge, and became a member of the Cambridge University Footlights Dramatie Club. Eventually with this famous amateur company he appeared on the stage of the Strand Theatre, London, on June 18, 1920, in "His Little Trip" and made a distinct impression. The art of entertaining was obviously in the Hulbertian blood, and Claude deeided to go the way of brothe? Jack wholeheartedly. He subsequently made his first professional appearance on the stage at the Alhambra, Bradford, in a_ sketch. There followed a session «f touring in several provincial music halls, and then, on November 21, 1921, Clande Tulbert made his professional bow before London audiences in "fantasia" at the Queen’s. On appearing at the Winter Garden as

reddy Falls in "Primrose" three years later he achieved considerable success, and theatre-goers began to take notice of the name of Hulbert. Subsequent shows were: "Tell Me More,’ "Kid Boots" "Sunny,".a memorable appearance as the Duke of Datchet in "Oh Kay!" "Song of the Sea," "Charivaria," "Dear Love." Then he co-starred with Jack Hulbert in the well-known "Follow a Star’ at the Winter Garden in September, 1930. Claude’s particular line of comedy is entirely different from Jack’s. Favouring parts which enabled him to play the roles of footling silly assess and various vacant gentlemen, he found the sereen an admirable medium for this brand of humour. One of his earliest appearances on the screen was under Alfred Hitchcock’s direction in "Champagne," of 1929. Other films include: "A Night Like This,"

"Thark," "The Mayor’s Nest," "Let Me . Explain, Dear," and "Up for the Derby." He and Jack appeared for the first time on the screen in the Gaumont-British comedy thriller "Bulldog Jack," and he is now under contract to make several pictures for Twickenham Films. Claude Hulbert is married to Hunid Trever, and they have a young daughter, born in 1927. With his wife, Claude has a wide reputation as a radio comedian and his broadcasts are immensely popular. Tall, with fair hair and blue eyes, Claude is an amusing personality and a great favourite with the production units who make his films. His recreations include motoring and sailing; in the summer months Claude disappears to Sussex, where he may be found drinking ale with the locals in a famous tavern called "The Fox" near Bognor.