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

TitleRelease DateCharacter
Murder!1930-07-31Tom Trewitt (uncredited)
Q Planes1939-02-21Blenkinsop, Hammond’s Butler
St. Martin’s Lane1938-10-18Arthur Smith
Trouble Brewing1939-03-01Bill Pike
Keep Your Seats, Please1936-08-01Max
Let the People Sing1942-08-11Ketley
The Divorce of Lady X1938-01-15Room Service Waiter
Here Comes the Sun1945-01-12Barrett
South Riding1938-08-01Tadman
Action for Slander1937-07-21Tandy
Keep Fit1937-07-31Tom
Heads We Go1933-07-28Otis Dove
Lucky Girl1932-06-01Hudson E. Greener
George and Margaret1940-11-30Wolverton
Crime on the Hill1933-12-27Collins
Another Case of Poisoning1949-03-14Albert Norris
Their Night Out1933-03-01Fred Simpson
His Wife’s Mother1932-10-01Joy
Radio Parade1933-10-01
The 39 Steps1935-06-06Salesman on the Flying Scotsman
Old Bill and Son1941-03-01Alf
Money Talks1932-11-15Solly Sax
Music Hath Charms1936-03-02Goodwin
Joy Ride1935-12-16String
Happy1933-12-11Waller
Invitation To The Waltz1935-10-01Valet
The Luck of a Sailor1934-04-26Official
Demobbed1944-06-19Capt. Gregson
The Last Coupon1932-07-21Lord Bedlington
Easy Riches1938-03-30Joe Hicks
Comets1930-09-19Himself
Blind Folly1939-11-10Professor Zozo
Jeannie1941-09-06Angus Whitelaw
Children of Chance1930-11-20H.K. Zinkwell
The Maid of the Mountains1932-03-06General Malona
Storm in a Teacup1937-02-25Horace Skirving
Barnacle Bill1935-01-01Jack Baron
Busman’s Holiday1936-11-01Alf Green
Much Too Shy1942-10-12Manager
The Day Will Dawn1942-06-08Army Sergeant
A Place of One’s Own