Gus McNaughton

Gus McNaughton was a British actor who is best known for The 39 Steps, Leave It to Me, and Not So Dusty. Born as Augustus Le Clerq on July 29, 1881, in London, England, he became notable as a character comedian and film actor.

Personal and Family Life

Gus McNaughton was married to Charlotte Govett from 1905 until her death in 1959. They had two children together. He was known for his distinct appearance, with slicked-back hair and a beaky nose, which added to his comedic persona. His family background included his father, Charles Thomas Howard, and his mother, Georgina Wright.

Career

Starting his career as a music hall comedian in 1899, McNaughton became a popular character actor in films. He excelled as a fast-talking sidekick and often performed in comedies. He was a member of Fred Karno’s pantomime company for several years and achieved recognition for his roles in Alfred Hitchcock’s films, notably in Murder! (1930) and The 39 Steps (1935), although his role in The 39 Steps has been mistakenly credited to Wilfrid Brambell in some histories.

Death and Legacy

Gus McNaughton passed away on November 18, 1969, in Castor, England. His contributions to British cinema, particularly in the comedy genre, remain noteworthy. His work continues to be celebrated by fans of classic film and theatre.

Filmography

Title Release Date Character
Murder! 1930-07-31 Tom Trewitt (uncredited)
Q Planes 1939-02-21 Blenkinsop, Hammond’s Butler
St. Martin’s Lane 1938-10-18 Arthur Smith
Trouble Brewing 1939-03-01 Bill Pike
Keep Your Seats, Please 1936-08-01 Max
Let the People Sing 1942-08-11 Ketley
The Divorce of Lady X 1938-01-15 Room Service Waiter
Here Comes the Sun 1945-01-12 Barrett
South Riding 1938-08-01 Tadman
Action for Slander 1937-07-21 Tandy
Keep Fit 1937-07-31 Tom
Heads We Go 1933-07-28 Otis Dove
Lucky Girl 1932-06-01 Hudson E. Greener
George and Margaret 1940-11-30 Wolverton
Crime on the Hill 1933-12-27 Collins
Another Case of Poisoning 1949-03-14 Albert Norris
Their Night Out 1933-03-01 Fred Simpson
His Wife’s Mother 1932-10-01 Joy
Radio Parade 1933-10-01
The 39 Steps 1935-06-06 Salesman on the Flying Scotsman
Old Bill and Son 1941-03-01 Alf
Money Talks 1932-11-15 Solly Sax
Music Hath Charms 1936-03-02 Goodwin
Joy Ride 1935-12-16 String
Happy 1933-12-11 Waller
Invitation To The Waltz 1935-10-01 Valet
The Luck of a Sailor 1934-04-26 Official
Demobbed 1944-06-19 Capt. Gregson
The Last Coupon 1932-07-21 Lord Bedlington
Easy Riches 1938-03-30 Joe Hicks
Comets 1930-09-19 Himself
Blind Folly 1939-11-10 Professor Zozo
Jeannie 1941-09-06 Angus Whitelaw
Children of Chance 1930-11-20 H.K. Zinkwell
The Maid of the Mountains 1932-03-06 General Malona
Storm in a Teacup 1937-02-25 Horace Skirving
Barnacle Bill 1935-01-01 Jack Baron
Busman’s Holiday 1936-11-01 Alf Green
Much Too Shy 1942-10-12 Manager
The Day Will Dawn 1942-06-08 Army Sergeant
A Place of One’s Own