Ronald Frankau (1933)

Titles read: “We now have much pleasure in presenting:- RONALD FRANKAU OF VARIETY, GRAMOPHONE & BBC FAME.“ 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 off-stage 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 ID: A VIDEO FROM BRITISH PATHÉ. EXPLORE OUR ONLINE CHANNEL, BRIT