Billy Bennett (comedian)

For other persons named Billy Bennett or William Bennett, see William Bennett (disambiguation).

Billy Bennett DCM MM (1887 – June 30, 1942), born William Robertson Russell Bennett, was a British comedian who specialised in parodies of dramatic monologues and was billed as almost a gentleman.

Life

Bennett's father, John Bennett, and his performing partner, Robert Martell, both appeared in a music hall slapstick comedy act. Billy Bennett was initially reluctant to follow his father onto the stage, instead enlisting in the army. Bennett briefly left the army to become a comedian but soon re-enlisted at the start of World War I, where he enjoyed a distinguished career in the 16th Lancers and was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal, the Military Medal and the Belgian Croix de guerre.

In 1919, he begin his stage career, appearing with Mark Lupino and in Fred Karno's army. Bennett's favourite act was to mock and parody the dramatic monologues of the turn of the century. Perhaps best known is The Green Tie on the Little Yellow Dog, his take on The Green Eye of the Yellow God. In 1928, he appeared in a short film Almost a Gentleman, filmed in the DeForest Phonofilm sound-on-film system.

Bennett also had a role in Will Hay's 1934 Comedy film Radio Parade of 1935.

As of 1930, he adapted his act to radio, appearing with James Carew and Albert Whelan. He appeared with Whelan on stage as the black-faced cross-talkers Alexander and Mose. Bennett gave his final performance in Blackpool, just a few weeks before his death.

James Agate wrote of Bennett:

Nobody who saw him is ever likely to forget that rubicund, unaesthetic countenance, that black, plastered quiff, that sergeant-major's moustache, that dreadfull dinner-jacket, that well-used dickey and seedy collar, the too-short trousers, the hob-nailed boots, the red silk handkerchief tucked into the waistcoat, the continual perspiration which was the outward and visible sign of a mind struggling for expression - these things will not be forgotten.

Off-stage, Agate noted that his manner was quiet almost to shyness, keeping with his gentle and wholly nice mind.

Legacy

Bennett was an important influence on comedians such as George Formby, Tommy Cooper, Ron Moody, Eric Morecambe, Ken Dodd and Spike Milligan.

Selected filmography

• Soft Lights and Sweet Music (1936)
• Young Man's Fancy (1939)

Bibliography

• Busby, R. (1976). British Music Hall: An Illustrated Who's Who from 1850 to the Present Day. Elek. ISBN 0-236-40053-3.
• Fisher, J (1973). Funny Way to be a Hero. Paladin. ISBN 0-586-08240-9.
• Midwinter, E.C. (1979). Make 'em Laugh: Famous Comedians and their Worlds. Allen & U. ISBN 0-04-792011-4.
• — (2004) "Bennett, William Robertson Russell (1887–1942)", Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, Oxford University Press, accessed 14 March 2006 (subscription or UK public library membership required)

External links

• Billy Bennett at IMDb
• A brief history of Billy Bennett, by Dan Quinn
• Recordings at Topic Records
• Text of monologues