Labour council leader plays Churchill in film about Red Clydesider and Communist

A film about a Red Clydesider and Communist MP is being premiered on an online TV channel.

A about the legendary Communist MP from Paisley, Willie Gallacher is being premiered on an online TV channel.

Docudrama A Lion Rose in Paisley, by local filmmaker Alex Cathcart, stars TV and film actor Steven Duffy as the left-wing firebrand Willie Gallacher.

The film also features Renfrewshire Council’s Labour leader Eddie Devine, who plays Conservative Prime Minister Winston Churchill, and fellow councillor Bill Brown, who plays an MP asking a question in Parliament.

Paisley Abbey was used as the location for Parliament, as was the Beechwood Community Centre, in the town’s Shortroods area, when scenes were shot of a stormy public meeting involving Gallacher and Prime Minister David Lloyd George.

Gallacher was one of the famous Red Clydesiders at the beginning of the 20th century who campaigned against the First World War. He was twice jailed for his political activities, but remained steadfast in his socialist principles and continued campaigning on behalf of the working class.

In 1920, Gallacher travelled to Moscow and met the Bolshevik leader of the Russian Revolution, Vladimir Lenin, who encouraged him to form a Communist party in the UK. On his return, Gallacher was one of the founding members of the Communist Party of Great Britain. Gallacher, who was born into poverty in Paisley on Christmas Day, 1881, became the Communist Party MP for West Fife in 1935 and served his constituency until 1950. But he remained active in politics all his life and was known by political leaders throughout the world. When he died in August 1965 it was estimated that 30,000 people lined the streets of Paisley for his funeral procession.

Mr Cathcart said: “I only knew the barest of facts about Willie Gallacher, but after the cairn was erected I was curious and wanted to find out more. I soon realised that his life was incredible, he was globally feted, but remained one of Paisley’s own – a true Buddie we can be proud of.”

Labour councillor Eddie Devine revealed he had taken a lot of ribbing about playing the part of a Tory Prime Minister after the filming had been completed. “And I’ve no doubt there will be some more Mickey-taking when the film is shown,” he said.

Renfrewshire Leisure’s chairperson Lisa-Marie Hughes said: “This is a great film, and I’m sure local people will enjoy learning more about Willie Gallacher and his principles, particularly his lifelong commitment to improving workers’ rights. It’s a good way of paying tribute to one of Paisley’s most famous sons and even just as a piece of drama, the film is well worth watching.”

Renfrewshire Council’s Culture Heritage and Events Fund supported the making of A Lion Rose in Paisley. The film can be seen by logging on to www.renfrewshireleisure.com/rentv at 7pm on 12 August.