The life and career of that wonderful comedian Charles Thomas McKinnon Murray, known as Chic Murray, was the subject of member Christopher Hoult’s talk to a recent meeting of Largs Probus Club. Born in Greenock on 6th November 1919, Chic thrived as a musician while working at the Kincaid Shipyard. His career took off when he met Maidie Dickson, his future wife, who was already a star playing at the Greenock Empire.
Forming a successful double-act, they became very popular on television and on stage with their jokes and songs. In 1956 they were to appear at the London Palladium but the show was cancelled due to the Suez crisis, they were however successful in performing at the Prince of Wales Theatre in London.
Chic and Maidie divorced in 1972 but remained on good terms. Chic started a very successful solo act, becoming famous for his absurd monologues which were hilarious in his hands. Wearing his always present bunnet and with his droll delivery he had audiences in stiches. He appeared in several films including Casino Royale, as the Headmaster in Gregory’s Girl and as Bill Shankly, Manager of Liverpool FC, in the musical You’ll Never Walk Alone. He also played a poacher in STV’s soap Take The High Road and appeared as a bank manager in Saigon: Year of the Cat.
Chic died of a perforated ulcer in Edinburgh in 1985, next door to his former wife Maidie’s bedroom. At his funeral at Mortonhall Crematorium, comedian Billy Connolly led the tributes. In a poll in 2005 Chic was named The Comedian’s Comedian due to his influence in Scottish comedy. Chic’s former home in Greenock now bears a blue plaque.
Christopher took the opportunity to quote some of Chic’s jokes, including the cowboy who dressed in a brown paper hat, paper waistcoat and paper trousers and was wanted for rustling!
New members are always welcomed at the Club. If you are 50 or over, retired, or nearing retirement, (men only, I’m afraid, dear ladies) you can attend three meetings as a guest and find out what a relaxed and friendly time we have. That’s plenty of time to decide whether to become a Club member or not. Please check out our programme and then use our Contact Form if you wish to attend as a guest, or to enquire about joining.
Largs Probus Club will next meet on Wednesday 9th April at 10:00am within the Willowbank Hotel, when Alex McKinnon will speak on Physics and Ben Nevis.