Other Lives: Tribute to Guardian Subeditor Tim Pulleine

By the Editorial Team · Monday, November 2, 2026

Tim Pulleine, a respected subeditor and film critic who worked at the Guardian from 1976 until his retirement in 2007, has died at 84. His extensive contributions to film journalism and his lasting impact on colleagues highlight the significance of his passing for the British media and film communities.

Tim Pulleine, a longtime subeditor and film critic for the Guardian, has died at the age of 84. He joined the newspaper in 1976 and remained a key figure on the home news subediting desk until his retirement in 2007. Over his three decades with the Guardian, Pulleine was widely respected for his professional dedication, warm personality, and sharp wit.

In addition to his subediting duties, Pulleine made significant contributions as a film critic. Between the late 1970s and early 1990s, he served as deputy to Derek Malcolm, one of the paper’s leading film reviewers, where he wrote movie reviews and conducted actor interviews. He regularly contributed to film-focused publications such as the British Film Institute’s Monthly Film Bulletin and Sight & Sound, covering a broad range of subjects including Ealing comedies, horror films, and Hollywood stars.

Pulleine also wrote obituaries for notable film personalities including Omar Sharif, Jerry Lewis, Sir John Mills, Roger Vadim, David Hemmings, and Glynis Johns. Among his interviewees was actor Ian McKellen, reflecting his deep engagement with the film industry.

Born in Dewsbury, West Yorkshire, Pulleine was one of twin sons of Hubert Pulleine, a charity organizer, and Dorothy Maughan. He was educated at Silcoates School in Wakefield and later at Leeds College of Commerce, now Leeds Beckett University. He began his journalism career at the Dewsbury Reporter before moving to the Spenborough Guardian. He then worked as a subeditor for the Financial Times in London and the Daily Telegraph in Manchester prior to joining the Guardian.

Outside of work, film played a central role in his life. He and his wife, Ina Garner, whom he married in 1972 after meeting her in Manchester in 1970, frequently combined holidays with visits to cinemas, theaters, art galleries, and wine tours. Colleagues admired Pulleine for his warmth and courtesy, and he was known for delivering a speech at the subeditors’ annual Christmas lunch as well as organizing occasional outings to cities across England.

After retiring, he remained connected to the Guardian community, regularly attending monthly gatherings with former staff in Clerkenwell, near the newspaper’s London office.

He is survived by his wife Ina and his twin brother Christopher.

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