Best Scottish comic actor

Published on Tuesday 24 June 2008 21:59

A bit of Scotch and wry

JAMES FINLAYSON: One of the original Keystone Cops, Finlayson – born in Larbert, Stirlingshire – is probably best known for his roles in 33 Laurel and Hardy films. With his bald head, false moustache and double takes, Fin was one of the few comedians who were a match for Babe and Stan at their peak. An Edinburgh University drop-out, Finlayson emigrated to the United States in 1912 to take a leading role on Broadway before hooking up with Mack Sennett. His exasperated "d'Oh", a feature of many reactions to Stan and Ollie's lunacy, is cited by Matt Groening and Dan Castellaneta as the inspiration for Homer Simpson.

ALASTAIR SIM: Undoubtedly the finest screen Scrooge. Any film featuring Alastair Sim is worth watching for his presence alone. Originally an Edinburgh University lecturer, he made his film debut at the age of 35 in The Riverside Murder. Of all his many roles, his most enduring is surely the headmistress of St Trinian's, Miss Fritton, which is astonishing for being the most understated drag role of all time. Despite his beautifully modulated voice, Sim refused to do voiceovers for television adverts and also refused a knighthood – as had his businessman father, Alexander, before him.

EWEN BREMNER: Regarded by many as the definitive Renton in the original stage play of Irvine Welsh's Trainspotting, Bremner was given the role of Spud in Danny Boyle's on-screen version. The only Edinburgh-born member of the main cast, Bremner's performance redefined the old Scots' word glaikit, and provided both comic relief and dark pathos throughout the film. As the character of Davie does not appear in the screenplay, Spud is given the hilarious, infamous breakfast scene which put many people off their popcorn. His comparison of his private parts to watermelons after a period of celibacy leaves viewers unsure whether to laugh or wince.

RIKKI FULTON A Scottish Hogmanay TV institution for many years, Fulton's finest creation was undoubtedly the dour minister, the Rev I M Jolly. Both his role as one half of Glesga dafties Francie and Josie, with Jack Milroy, and his inept speed cop ("OK, Stirling, oot the car!") are also worth mentioning. His cameo in Local Hero as the scientist who could reverse the next ice age but is simply too apathetic to do so is one of the highlights of the film.

CHIC MURRAY: Despite his undoubted comic ability and a cameo in 1967's Casino Royale, the film camera never really took to Chic. Stints in silly British sex comedies Secrets of a Door-to-Door Salesman and What's Up Nurse! blot his copybook, but his work is redeemed by his splendid performance as the headmaster in Bill Forsyth's Gregory's Girl. Whether gravely negotiating with pupils over the price of doughnuts, or calmly playing the piano, Murray dominates any scene he appears in, and steals the entire movie. Off you go, you small boys!