Ronald Frankau (1933)

Titles read: We now have much pleasure in presenting: RONALD FRANKAU OF VARIETY, GRAMOPHONE BBC Probably filmed in Pathe Studio, London. Comedian Ronald Frankau, dressed in toff costume of top hat, waistcoat, tailcoat and cravat, tells us a rather rambling story about how Nell Gwyn met King Henry V (think he means Charles II). According to Ronald, the King took Nell to Peyps Dairy for a glass of milk with a cherry in it and then helped Nell in her theatrical career. After fighting in the war against the Dolphin of France the King decided he couldn t marry Nell when she cried he told her to Gwyn and bear it (groan ). At the end of the story Ronald tosses his cigarette holder offstage and it lands with a terrific crash. He then sings a song, accompanied by Monty Crick at the piano, asking how gentlemen learn to be gentlemen (seems to be called The Preparatory School, The Public School, The Varsity ). FILM A VIDEO FROM BRITISH PATHÉ. EXPLORE OUR ONLINE CHANNEL, BRIT