He Belonged to Glasgow - The Will Fyffe Story

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He Belonged to Glasgow: The Will Fyffe Story

BBC Radio 4 Extra - He Belonged to Glasgow - The Will Fyffe Story

Ricky Ross looks at the life and work of the Scottish comedian and actor, Will Fyffe.

Singer-songwriter Ricky Ross explores the life of the Scottish comedian, actor and music hall star, Will Fyffe. From 2010.

Born in Dundee in 1885, Will Fyffe became synonymous with a different city when his song 'I Belong To Glasgow' captured the nation's hearts.

After spending his formative years in touring theatre, Will Fyffe switched to comedy and music hall, and became a headline act throughout Scotland.  Along with his contemporary Harry Lauder, his humour transcended the regional stage and appearances all over Britain led to five Royal Variety performances.

A leading film star of the 1930s and 40s, he made one Hollywood film, although this burgeoning career was put on hold as war broke out and he returned to entertain the troops.

An accident in 1947 led to his untimely death, but his body of work lives on through his songs, sketches and films.

In this programme, singer-songwriter and Deacon Blue frontman Ricky Ross looks at Fyffe's life, career and legacy with family, film historians and music hall experts, including Professor Jeffrey Richards, and Will Fyffe's daughter, Eileen.  

Producer: Elizabeth Foster

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2010.

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