Thirties and Forties supporting actor Eugene Pallette was instantly recognisable by his voice as much as by his girth.

He sounded like Louis Armstrong with a sore throat.

On the stage at 16, he also made more than 150 films. He was marvellous as Friar Tuck in Errol Flynn's Robin Hood.

Despite his ample size, Pallette rivalled Adolph Menjou for Hollywood's best-dressed man.

-Gordon Dean, St Luke's Road, Brighton