In the dim and distant past we had a long discussion about when Les Kellett turned from a straight wrestler to one with an emphasis on comedy. I don't know if we ever reached a conclusion, and if we did I can't remember. Here is a reference I found in January, 1960, which I think must have been near the beginning of Kellett's comedic repertoire
I can't remember the exact date, but sometime in the early 1950's, I saw Gentleman Jim Lewis against Bernard Murray. Jim did his usual trick in those days, with a second holding a mirror whilst he leisurely combed his hair in the breaks. Sometimes in the rounds as well to hold things up.
After about 2 rounds Murray's second made a sudden dash to the dressing rooms, and returned with a large mirror. At the next interval, the second also produced a huge with NO teeth in it. Murray proceeded to pretend to comb locks which of course were not there . Les tried to hide a smile. The crowd roared with laughter and Lewis went mad.
The fight started before the bell for the next round.
Bernard Murray was always a more than capable wrestler and trainer, but he always had the funny side to his wrestling. I loved seeing him on the bill.
Following on from this , in the DVD Everything stopped at 4 o'clock there is a brief interview with Les. Is there a full length version anywhere, I assume it was done in Yorkshire somewhere
It was always taken that he had copied Bernard Murray.....when did Bernard start the comedy??
Thanks Bernard. None of us are more knowledgeable than you.
I hate to disagree with you knowledgeable fellows, but I can only say that I did not notice this trait up to 1954,certainly at St James Hall.
It looks like Les was always this way , but over the years , with experience of the ring , and then TV exposure he became the King of Comedy.
1954 is much earlier than we discussed years ago. Even if a well rehearsed routine wasn't in place it seems the foundations of condition certainly were.
I have a bit of evidence that Les was always prone to Comedy.
And this time not as a comedy ref. I think the proof is here for all to see.
Great find, Hack.
I had 1964 firmly in mind for his clown turn, after his feud with Clay Thomson. Need to rethink.