Why Sailors Leave Home

Made in 1930, this musical Middle Eastern adventure was the second comedy film starring former Great War entertainer Leslie Fuller – the 'rubber-faced comedian' who was at the height of his popularity in Britain during the 1930s. Featuring Fuller in the much-loved role of dim-witted Cockney Bill, and co-written by his erstwhile concert-party cohort Syd Courteney, the film is presented here in a brand-new digital transfer in its as-exhibited theatrical aspect ratio.When their ship arrives in an Arabian port, the sailors are given shore leave – among them Bill Biggles, who has previously had little success with women. Visiting a sheik who has long been under obligation to him, Bill is welcomed at the palace, and the polygamous ruler, who has abducted a damsel, decides to absent himself and appoint Bill as his deputy.