Frank Randle

[Jim Procter]

The older ones among you will remember Frank Randle a comedian before and during the war.I was reading a biography of him and it mentioned that he once bombarded Accrington from a plane with toilet rolls.It did not mention when this event took place. Does anyone know?And why did he do it? Was he trying to tell Accrington something?

[Gremlin]

I didn't live in Accrington when Frank Randle was active so don't know about the bog rolls but what I remember him for was his constant belching during his act. When I was a child I thought it was very naughty of him and so I enjoyed it even more.

[Bob Dobson]

Two stories here have got mixed up.... The bombarding was done from a plane over Blackpool where he lived and frequently crossed swords with the Chief Constable. Accrington comes into the story because, towards the end of his life/career he operated the Hippodrome and lived in a caravan near the Red Lion at Green Haworth. Quite a come down from his superb house on Lytham Rd(?) Blackpool

His real name was Arthur MacEvoy

[Retlaw]

Originally Posted by Bob Dobson

Two stories here have got mixed up.... The bombarding was done from a plane over Blackpool where he lived and frequently crossed swords with the Chief Constable. Accrington comes into the story because, towards the end of his life/career he operated the Hippodrome and lived in a caravan near the Red Lion at Green Haworth. Quite a come down from his superb house on Lytham Rd(?) Blackpool

His real name was Arthur MacEvoy

Is he the one that did Old Mother Riley, with some one called Kitty McShane.
Retlaw.

[MargaretR]

Originally Posted by Retlaw

Is he the one that did Old Mother Riley, with some one called Kitty McShane.
Retlaw.

No - not the same chap.

To help you remember look at this page,
Frank Randle Gallery
The photos at the bottom of that long page are how I remember him.

He also has a page in Wikipedia, which needs correcting if Bob Dobson's post is correct

[Jim Procter]

Arthur Lucan played the part of Old Mother Riley.He died on the stage here in Hull at the Tivoli Theatre and is buried in a local cemetery. There is a street named after him in Hull.

[Bob Dobson]

I got my information about Frank's proper name from a marvellous book about comedians entitled 'They made us laugh' by Geoff Mellor. It looks as if in fact he was Arthur Hughes. Wikepedia mentions his previous convictions sheet being in the Lancashire Police Collection in the Museum of Lancashire. I was responsible for depositing it there. I will check if it is in the name of Hughes or McEvoy. I enjoyed looking at the link.

[Barrie Yates]

I think that he played the drunk with a broken cigarette in his mouth. I do remember that he was very funny without the need for foul and obscene language.

[MargaretR]

Originally Posted by Barrie Yates

I think that he played the drunk with a broken cigarette in his mouth. I do remember that he was very funny without the need for foul and obscene language.

I think you are confusing him with Freddy Frinton

[Taggy]

Freddie Frinton played a superb drunk on stage! Frank Randle managed it much more often in real life, he was a legendary boozer, and enjoyed more than a few sessions with Josef Locke! I think he once had a boat moored near Blackpool!


Best Regards - Taggy

[MargaretR]

To avoid further confusion I have found this

[Barrie Yates]

Originally Posted by MargaretR

I think you are confusing him with Freddy Frinton

I tug my forelock to you Margaret - you are correct.

[MargaretR]

Another comedian of that era was Albert Modley. He was famous for his tram driver impression. He isn't on you tube but you might remember him by this pic.
http://www.albertmodley.co.uk/1.jpg

My great aunt had a boarding house in Bispham, and I spent a chunk of my childhood there, so have seen many of these old time comedians on stage.

[Retlaw]

One of my favourites was
Albert Modley and his Blackpool Tram.
Eee a cud eaut a meat pie.

Retlaw

[MrPastry]

Bob actually the Blackpool pilot refused to take off with Frank and the offending bog rolls.