Will Hay - Revision history

Kurt at 03:47, 19 March 2023

2023-03-19T03:47:04Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:47, 18 March 2023
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	~~{{Short description\|English comedian, actor, and film director}}~~
	~~{{EngvarB\|date=March 2017}}~~
	~~{{Use dmy dates\|date=September 2019}}~~
	~~{{Use British English\|date=August 2020}}~~
	{{Infobox person		{{Infobox person
	~~\| name = Will Hay~~
	\| image = Will-Hay.jpg		\| image = Will-Hay.jpg
	\| alt =		\| alt =
	\| caption =		\| caption =
	\| birth_name = William Thomson Hay		\| birth_name = William Thomson Hay
	\| birth_date = {{Birth date~~\|df=yes~~\|1888\|12\|06}}		\| birth_date = {{Birth date\|1888\|12\|06\|df=yes}}
	\| birth_place = [[w:Stockton-on-Tees\|Stockton-on-Tees]], [[w:County Durham\|County Durham]], England		\| birth_place = [[Stockton-on-Tees\|Stockton-on-Tees]], [[County Durham\|County Durham]], England
	\| death_date = {{Death date and age~~\|df=yes~~\|1949\|04\|18\|1888\|12\|06}}		\| death_date = {{Death date and age\|1949\|04\|18\|1888\|12\|06\|df=yes}}
	\| death_place = [[w:Chelsea, London\|Chelsea]], [[w:London\|London]], England		\| death_place = [[Chelsea, London\|Chelsea]], [[London\|London]], England
	\| occupation = Comedian, actor, film director, amateur astronomer		\| occupation = Comedian, actor, film director, amateur astronomer
	\| years_active = 1909–1945		\| years_active = 1909–1945
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	}}		}}

	'''William Thomson Hay''' {{postnominals\|country=GBR\|size=100%\|FRAS}} (6 December 1888 – 18 April 1949) was an English comedian who wrote and acted in a [[w:schoolmaster]] sketch that later transferred to the screen, where he also played other authority figures with comic failings. His film ''[[Oh, Mr. Porter!]]'' (1937), made by [[w:Gainsborough Pictures\|Gainsborough Pictures]], is often cited as the supreme British-produced film-comedy, and in 1938 he was the third highest-grossing star in the UK. Many comedians have acknowledged him as a major influence. Hay was also a keen amateur astronomer.		'''William Thomson Hay''' {{postnominals\|country=GBR\|size=100%\|FRAS}} (6 December 1888 – 18 April 1949) was an English comedian who wrote and acted in a [[schoolmaster]] sketch that later transferred to the screen, where he also played other authority figures with comic failings. His film ''[[Oh, Mr. Porter!]]'' (1937), made by [[Gainsborough Pictures\|Gainsborough Pictures]], is often cited as the supreme British-produced film-comedy, and in 1938 he was the third highest-grossing star in the UK. Many comedians have acknowledged him as a major influence. Hay was also a keen amateur astronomer.

	==Early life==		==Early life==
	Hay was born at 23 Durham Street in [[w:Stockton-on-Tees\|Stockton-on-Tees]], [[w:County Durham\|County Durham]]. He was one of two sons and three daughters of William Robert Hay (1851–1920) and his wife, Elizabeth (1859–1910) (née Ebden).<ref name="ODNB">{{Cite ODNB\|id=37522\|title=Hay, William Thomson [Will] (1888–1949)}}</ref> When Will Hay Jr. was less than a year old the family moved to [[w:Lowestoft\|Lowestoft]] in [[w:Suffolk\|Suffolk]].<ref>1891 UK census: RG12/1494 f.56 p.47 & p.48 – 192 Clapham Road, [[w:Lowestoft\|]], Suffolk</ref><ref>GRO Register of Births: MAR 1889 10a 49 STOCKTON – William Thomson Hay</ref> By his late teens, Hay had become fluent in Italian, French and German and secured employment as an interpreter.<ref name="reglegend1">{{cite web \|url=https://www.theregister.co.uk/2015/05/25/feature_will_hay_british_comedy_legend/ \|title=Will Hay: Britain's bumbling star of the screen and skies. Page 1. \|publisher=[[w:The Register\|]] \|date=25 May 2015 \|access-date=6 May 2017}}</ref>		Hay was born at 23 Durham Street in [[Stockton-on-Tees\|Stockton-on-Tees]], [[County Durham\|County Durham]]. He was one of two sons and three daughters of William Robert Hay (1851–1920) and his wife, Elizabeth (1859–1910) (née Ebden).<ref name="ODNB">{{Cite ODNB\|id=37522\|title=Hay, William Thomson [Will] (1888–1949)}}</ref> When Will Hay Jr. was less than a year old the family moved to [[Lowestoft\|Lowestoft]] in [[Suffolk\|Suffolk]].<ref>1891 UK census: RG12/1494 f.56 p.47 & p.48 – 192 Clapham Road, [[Lowestoft\|]], Suffolk</ref><ref>GRO Register of Births: MAR 1889 10a 49 STOCKTON – William Thomson Hay</ref> By his late teens, Hay had become fluent in Italian, French and German and secured employment as an interpreter.<ref name="reglegend1">{{cite web \|url=https://www.theregister.co.uk/2015/05/25/feature_will_hay_british_comedy_legend/ \|title=Will Hay: Britain's bumbling star of the screen and skies. Page 1. \|publisher=[[The Register\|]] \|date=25 May 2015 \|access-date=6 May 2017}}</ref>

	==Career==		==Career==
	===Early career===		===Early career===
	Hay decided to become an actor when he was 21 after watching [[w:W. C. Fields\|W. C. Fields]] perform a juggling act in [[w:Manchester\|Manchester]]. In the early years of the twentieth century Hay experienced some moderate success as a stand-up comedian and an after dinner speaker.<ref name="stocktoncouncil">{{cite web \|url=http://heritage.stockton.gov.uk/people/will-hay-3/ \|title=Will Hay \|publisher=Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council \|access-date=12 September 2017}}</ref> Hay's first professional job came when he was offered a contract to perform at a theatre in [[w:Belper\|Belper]].<ref name="stocktoncouncil"/> In 1914 Hay began working with the impresario [[w:Fred Karno\|Fred Karno]] who had previously helped [[w:Stan Laurel\|Stan Laurel]] and [[w:Charlie Chaplin\|Charlie Chaplin]] achieve success. He worked with Karno for four years.<ref name="stocktoncouncil"/> He first performed his schoolmaster character in 1910 which he based upon a colleague of his sister, who was a teaching mistress.<ref name="reglegend1"/> The characterisation was initially performed in drag as a schoolmistress, but he transferred the character to a headmaster.<ref name="bbc1976">{{cite web \|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a67M2nouJfA \|title=Will Hay – Master of Comedy \|website=YouTube \|publisher=BBC Radio 4 \|date=2 June 1976 \|access-date=10 May 2017}}</ref>		Hay decided to become an actor when he was 21 after watching [[W. C. Fields\|W. C. Fields]] perform a juggling act in [[Manchester\|Manchester]]. In the early years of the twentieth century Hay experienced some moderate success as a stand-up comedian and an after dinner speaker.<ref name="stocktoncouncil">{{cite web \|url=http://heritage.stockton.gov.uk/people/will-hay-3/ \|title=Will Hay \|publisher=Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council \|access-date=12 September 2017}}</ref> Hay's first professional job came when he was offered a contract to perform at a theatre in [[Belper\|Belper]].<ref name="stocktoncouncil"/> In 1914 Hay began working with the impresario [[Fred Karno\|Fred Karno]] who had previously helped [[Stan Laurel\|Stan Laurel]] and [[Charlie Chaplin\|Charlie Chaplin]] achieve success. He worked with Karno for four years.<ref name="stocktoncouncil"/> He first performed his schoolmaster character in 1910 which he based upon a colleague of his sister, who was a teaching mistress.<ref name="reglegend1"/> The characterisation was initially performed in drag as a schoolmistress, but he transferred the character to a headmaster.<ref name="bbc1976">{{cite web \|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a67M2nouJfA \|title=Will Hay – Master of Comedy \|website=YouTube \|publisher=BBC Radio 4 \|date=2 June 1976 \|access-date=10 May 2017}}</ref>

	The acts in which Hay performed the schoolmaster sketch became known as "The Fourth Form at St. Michael's". Hay toured with the act and appeared in the United States, Canada, Australia and South Africa. His wife, Gladys, often played a schoolboy or the character Harbottle in his sketches. The Harbottle character was one of the most appreciated in Hay's act, a dim-witted, nearly deaf old man who is still in school because he's so backward.<ref name="bbc1976"/> The character later featured in Hay's films portrayed by [[Moore Marriott]]. In a 1976 interview, [[Val Guest]] who served as a screenwriter for many of Hay's films, recalled transposing Harbottle from school into other everyday situations.<ref name="bbc1976"/> He famously performed the schoolmaster routine at the 1925 Royal Command Performance before [[w:George V\|King George V]] and [[w:Mary of Teck\|Queen Mary]].<ref name="ajhw.co.uk">{{cite web \|url=http://www.ajhw.co.uk/books/book136/book136.html \|title=The Fourth Form At St. Michaels Will Hay & His Scholars \|website=A.J.H. Computer Services \|access-date=10 May 2017}}</ref>		The acts in which Hay performed the schoolmaster sketch became known as "The Fourth Form at St. Michael's". Hay toured with the act and appeared in the United States, Canada, Australia and South Africa. His wife, Gladys, often played a schoolboy or the character Harbottle in his sketches. The Harbottle character was one of the most appreciated in Hay's act, a dim-witted, nearly deaf old man who is still in school because he's so backward.<ref name="bbc1976"/> The character later featured in Hay's films portrayed by [[Moore Marriott]]. In a 1976 interview, [[Val Guest]] who served as a screenwriter for many of Hay's films, recalled transposing Harbottle from school into other everyday situations.<ref name="bbc1976"/> He famously performed the schoolmaster routine at the 1925 Royal Command Performance before [[George V\|King George V]] and [[Mary of Teck\|Queen Mary]].<ref name="ajhw.co.uk">{{cite web \|url=http://www.ajhw.co.uk/books/book136/book136.html \|title=The Fourth Form At St. Michaels Will Hay & His Scholars \|website=A.J.H. Computer Services \|access-date=10 May 2017}}</ref>

	Hay published a magazine piece entitled ''Philosophy of Laughter'', in which he discussed the psychology of comedy. In the essay he rhetorically asks, "Why does every one of us laugh at seeing somebody else slapped in the face with a large piece of cold custard pie? Is it because we're all naturally cruel? Or is it because there's something inherently funny in custard pies? Or in faces? Or in throwing things? No, no, and no! The real reason why we laugh is because we are relieved. Because we are released from a sense of fear. Wherever we may happen to be – in the cinema, theatre, or music-hall – we tend to identify with the actors we are watching. So that when a custard pie is thrown we fear for a moment that it has been thrown at us. And then, immediately we realise that it hasn't hit us, we experience a feeling of relief, and we laugh".<ref name="reglegend2">{{cite web \|url=https://www.theregister.co.uk/2015/05/25/feature_will_hay_british_comedy_legend/?page=2 \|title=Will Hay: Britain's bumbling star of the screen and skies. Page 2. \|publisher=[[The Register]] \|date=25 May 2015 \|access-date=6 May 2017}}</ref>		Hay published a magazine piece entitled ''Philosophy of Laughter'', in which he discussed the psychology of comedy. In the essay he rhetorically asks, "Why does every one of us laugh at seeing somebody else slapped in the face with a large piece of cold custard pie? Is it because we're all naturally cruel? Or is it because there's something inherently funny in custard pies? Or in faces? Or in throwing things? No, no, and no! The real reason why we laugh is because we are relieved. Because we are released from a sense of fear. Wherever we may happen to be – in the cinema, theatre, or music-hall – we tend to identify with the actors we are watching. So that when a custard pie is thrown we fear for a moment that it has been thrown at us. And then, immediately we realise that it hasn't hit us, we experience a feeling of relief, and we laugh".<ref name="reglegend2">{{cite web \|url=https://www.theregister.co.uk/2015/05/25/feature_will_hay_british_comedy_legend/?page=2 \|title=Will Hay: Britain's bumbling star of the screen and skies. Page 2. \|publisher=[[The Register]] \|date=25 May 2015 \|access-date=6 May 2017}}</ref>
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	From 1934 to 1943, he was a prolific film star in Britain and was ranked the third highest grossing star at the British Box Office in 1938, behind [[George Formby]] and [[Gracie Fields]]. He is widely regarded as one of the most prolific and influential British comedians of all-time.<ref name="bbc1976"/>		From 1934 to 1943, he was a prolific film star in Britain and was ranked the third highest grossing star at the British Box Office in 1938, behind [[George Formby]] and [[Gracie Fields]]. He is widely regarded as one of the most prolific and influential British comedians of all-time.<ref name="bbc1976"/>

	Hay worked with [[w:Gainsborough Pictures\|Gainsborough Pictures]] from 1935 to 1940, during which time he developed a partnership with [[Graham Moffatt]], playing an insolent overweight schoolboy, and [[Moore Marriott]] as a toothless old man. Hay's 1937 film, with Moffatt and Marriott, ''[[Oh, Mr. Porter!]]'' was credited by ''[[w:The Times\|The Times]]'' as being "a comic masterpiece of the British cinema",<ref>''The Times'' 16 May 2006</ref> while the writer [[Jimmy Perry]] cited the film as an influence on key character development for ''[[Dad's Army]]''.<ref name="jimmyperry">{{cite web \|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/obituaries/jimmy-perry-obituary-creator-of-much-loved-sitcom-dads-army-a7377946.html \|title=Jimmy Perry obituary: Creator of Dad's Army who used his own life experiences in much-loved sitcom \|work=The Independent\|date=24 October 2016 \|access-date=9 May 2017}}</ref>		Hay worked with [[Gainsborough Pictures\|Gainsborough Pictures]] from 1935 to 1940, during which time he developed a partnership with [[Graham Moffatt]], playing an insolent overweight schoolboy, and [[Moore Marriott]] as a toothless old man. Hay's 1937 film, with Moffatt and Marriott, ''[[Oh, Mr. Porter!]]'' was credited by ''[[The Times\|The Times]]'' as being "a comic masterpiece of the British cinema",<ref>''The Times'' 16 May 2006</ref> while the writer [[Jimmy Perry]] cited the film as an influence on key character development for ''[[Dad's Army]]''.<ref name="jimmyperry">{{cite web \|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/obituaries/jimmy-perry-obituary-creator-of-much-loved-sitcom-dads-army-a7377946.html \|title=Jimmy Perry obituary: Creator of Dad's Army who used his own life experiences in much-loved sitcom \|work=The Independent\|date=24 October 2016 \|access-date=9 May 2017}}</ref>

	Hay often portrayed incompetent authority figures who attempt to conceal their incompetence but whose true traits are gradually exposed. As well as being incompetent, his characters are often immoral; for example, a clergyman involved in horse betting in ''[[Dandy Dick (film)\|Dandy Dick]]'', a fraudster who lies about his career as a distinguished sea captain in ''[[Windbag the Sailor]]'', and a prison warden, [[Dr Benjamin Twist]], in ''[[Convict 99]]'', who obtains his job under false pretenses.<ref name="bbc3essay">{{cite web \|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b05qdw88 \|title=The Essay, British Film Comedians: Will Hay \|publisher=BBC Radio 3 \|date=13 April 2015 \|access-date=9 May 2017}}</ref> He is often compared to [[w:W. C. Fields\|W. C. Fields]], who typically portrayed characters similar to those of Hay, being misanthropic, self-centered scoundrels who nevertheless remain sympathetic.<ref name="lostmaster">{{cite web \|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/books/4270299/Will-Hay-the-lost-master-of-British-comedy.html \|title=Will Hay: the lost master of British comedy \|work=[[w:The Daily Telegraph\|]]\|date=16 January 2009 \|access-date=10 May 2017}}</ref>		Hay often portrayed incompetent authority figures who attempt to conceal their incompetence but whose true traits are gradually exposed. As well as being incompetent, his characters are often immoral; for example, a clergyman involved in horse betting in ''[[Dandy Dick (film)\|Dandy Dick]]'', a fraudster who lies about his career as a distinguished sea captain in ''[[Windbag the Sailor]]'', and a prison warden, [[Dr Benjamin Twist]], in ''[[Convict 99]]'', who obtains his job under false pretenses.<ref name="bbc3essay">{{cite web \|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b05qdw88 \|title=The Essay, British Film Comedians: Will Hay \|publisher=BBC Radio 3 \|date=13 April 2015 \|access-date=9 May 2017}}</ref> He is often compared to [[W. C. Fields\|W. C. Fields]], who typically portrayed characters similar to those of Hay, being misanthropic, self-centered scoundrels who nevertheless remain sympathetic.<ref name="lostmaster">{{cite web \|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/books/4270299/Will-Hay-the-lost-master-of-British-comedy.html \|title=Will Hay: the lost master of British comedy \|work=[[The Daily Telegraph\|]]\|date=16 January 2009 \|access-date=10 May 2017}}</ref>

	===Elstree Studios===		===Elstree Studios===
	Hay had become interested in film making while touring in the United States in the 1920s, although, at the time he doubted he had a future in this field. Having returned to Britain, Hay started work at [[w:Elstree Studios (Shenley Road)\|Elstree Studios]] in 1934 where he made three films, ''[[Those Were the Days (1934 film)\|Those Were the Days]]'', ''[[Radio Parade of 1935]]'' and ''Dandy Dick''.<ref name="bbc1976"/>		Hay had become interested in film making while touring in the United States in the 1920s, although, at the time he doubted he had a future in this field. Having returned to Britain, Hay started work at [[Elstree Studios (Shenley Road)\|Elstree Studios]] in 1934 where he made three films, ''[[Those Were the Days (1934 film)\|Those Were the Days]]'', ''[[Radio Parade of 1935]]'' and ''Dandy Dick''.<ref name="bbc1976"/>

	===Gainsborough Pictures===		===Gainsborough Pictures===
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	*[[Charles Hawtrey (actor born 1914)\|Charles Hawtrey]]		*[[Charles Hawtrey (actor born 1914)\|Charles Hawtrey]]
	*[[Radio comedy]]		*[[Radio comedy]]
	*[[Cinema of the United Kingdom]]
	*[[List of British actors]]
	*[[English film directors]]
	}}		}}

Kurt: clean up

2022-10-22T04:20:53Z

clean up

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:20, 21 October 2022
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	*[https://web.archive.org/web/20070124213742/http://homepage.mac.com/elliottday/willhay/willhaysoundsindex.html Radio files]		*[https://web.archive.org/web/20070124213742/http://homepage.mac.com/elliottday/willhay/willhaysoundsindex.html Radio files]
	*[https://www.photogra-fix.com/willhay The Will Hay Appreciation Society]		*[https://www.photogra-fix.com/willhay The Will Hay Appreciation Society]

	~~{{Portal bar\|Biography\|Comedy\|Film\|Astronomy\|Stars\|Spaceflight\|Outer space\|Science}}~~
	~~{{Authority control}}~~

	{{DEFAULTSORT:Hay, Will}}		{{DEFAULTSORT:Hay, Will}}

Kurt: /* Elstree Studios */

2022-09-20T14:38:02Z

Elstree Studios

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:38, 20 September 2022
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	===Elstree Studios===		===Elstree Studios===
	Hay had become interested in film making while touring in the United States in the 1920s, although, at the time he doubted he had a future in this field. Having returned to Britain, Hay started work at [[Elstree Studios (Shenley Road)\|Elstree Studios]] in 1934 where he made three films, ''[[Those Were the Days (1934 film)\|Those Were the Days]]'', ''[[Radio Parade of 1935]]'' and ''Dandy Dick''.<ref name="bbc1976"/>		Hay had become interested in film making while touring in the United States in the 1920s, although, at the time he doubted he had a future in this field. Having returned to Britain, Hay started work at [[w:Elstree Studios (Shenley Road)\|Elstree Studios]] in 1934 where he made three films, ''[[Those Were the Days (1934 film)\|Those Were the Days]]'', ''[[Radio Parade of 1935]]'' and ''Dandy Dick''.<ref name="bbc1976"/>

	===Gainsborough Pictures===		===Gainsborough Pictures===

Kurt: /* Early career */

2022-09-20T14:36:03Z

Early career

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:36, 20 September 2022
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	==Career==		==Career==
	===Early career===		===Early career===
	Hay decided to become an actor when he was 21 after watching [[W. C. Fields]] perform a juggling act in [[Manchester]]. In the early years of the twentieth century Hay experienced some moderate success as a stand-up comedian and an after dinner speaker.<ref name="stocktoncouncil">{{cite web \|url=http://heritage.stockton.gov.uk/people/will-hay-3/ \|title=Will Hay \|publisher=Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council \|access-date=12 September 2017}}</ref> Hay's first professional job came when he was offered a contract to perform at a theatre in [[Belper]].<ref name="stocktoncouncil"/> In 1914 Hay began working with the impresario [[Fred Karno]] who had previously helped [[Stan Laurel]] and [[Charlie Chaplin]] achieve success. He worked with Karno for four years.<ref name="stocktoncouncil"/> He first performed his schoolmaster character in 1910 which he based upon a colleague of his sister, who was a teaching mistress.<ref name="reglegend1"/> The characterisation was initially performed in drag as a schoolmistress, but he transferred the character to a headmaster.<ref name="bbc1976">{{cite web \|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a67M2nouJfA \|title=Will Hay – Master of Comedy \|website=YouTube \|publisher=BBC Radio 4 \|date=2 June 1976 \|access-date=10 May 2017}}</ref>		Hay decided to become an actor when he was 21 after watching [[w:W. C. Fields\|W. C. Fields]] perform a juggling act in [[w:Manchester\|Manchester]]. In the early years of the twentieth century Hay experienced some moderate success as a stand-up comedian and an after dinner speaker.<ref name="stocktoncouncil">{{cite web \|url=http://heritage.stockton.gov.uk/people/will-hay-3/ \|title=Will Hay \|publisher=Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council \|access-date=12 September 2017}}</ref> Hay's first professional job came when he was offered a contract to perform at a theatre in [[w:Belper\|Belper]].<ref name="stocktoncouncil"/> In 1914 Hay began working with the impresario [[w:Fred Karno\|Fred Karno]] who had previously helped [[w:Stan Laurel\|Stan Laurel]] and [[w:Charlie Chaplin\|Charlie Chaplin]] achieve success. He worked with Karno for four years.<ref name="stocktoncouncil"/> He first performed his schoolmaster character in 1910 which he based upon a colleague of his sister, who was a teaching mistress.<ref name="reglegend1"/> The characterisation was initially performed in drag as a schoolmistress, but he transferred the character to a headmaster.<ref name="bbc1976">{{cite web \|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a67M2nouJfA \|title=Will Hay – Master of Comedy \|website=YouTube \|publisher=BBC Radio 4 \|date=2 June 1976 \|access-date=10 May 2017}}</ref>

	The acts in which Hay performed the schoolmaster sketch became known as "The Fourth Form at St. Michael's". Hay toured with the act and appeared in the United States, Canada, Australia and South Africa. His wife, Gladys, often played a schoolboy or the character Harbottle in his sketches. The Harbottle character was one of the most appreciated in Hay's act, a dim-witted, nearly deaf old man who is still in school because he's so backward.<ref name="bbc1976"/> The character later featured in Hay's films portrayed by [[Moore Marriott]]. In a 1976 interview, [[Val Guest]] who served as a screenwriter for many of Hay's films, recalled transposing Harbottle from school into other everyday situations.<ref name="bbc1976"/> He famously performed the schoolmaster routine at the 1925 Royal Command Performance before [[George V\|King George V]] and [[Mary of Teck\|Queen Mary]].<ref name="ajhw.co.uk">{{cite web \|url=http://www.ajhw.co.uk/books/book136/book136.html \|title=The Fourth Form At St. Michaels Will Hay & His Scholars \|website=A.J.H. Computer Services \|access-date=10 May 2017}}</ref>		The acts in which Hay performed the schoolmaster sketch became known as "The Fourth Form at St. Michael's". Hay toured with the act and appeared in the United States, Canada, Australia and South Africa. His wife, Gladys, often played a schoolboy or the character Harbottle in his sketches. The Harbottle character was one of the most appreciated in Hay's act, a dim-witted, nearly deaf old man who is still in school because he's so backward.<ref name="bbc1976"/> The character later featured in Hay's films portrayed by [[Moore Marriott]]. In a 1976 interview, [[Val Guest]] who served as a screenwriter for many of Hay's films, recalled transposing Harbottle from school into other everyday situations.<ref name="bbc1976"/> He famously performed the schoolmaster routine at the 1925 Royal Command Performance before [[w:George V\|King George V]] and [[w:Mary of Teck\|Queen Mary]].<ref name="ajhw.co.uk">{{cite web \|url=http://www.ajhw.co.uk/books/book136/book136.html \|title=The Fourth Form At St. Michaels Will Hay & His Scholars \|website=A.J.H. Computer Services \|access-date=10 May 2017}}</ref>

	Hay published a magazine piece entitled ''Philosophy of Laughter'', in which he discussed the psychology of comedy. In the essay he rhetorically asks, "Why does every one of us laugh at seeing somebody else slapped in the face with a large piece of cold custard pie? Is it because we're all naturally cruel? Or is it because there's something inherently funny in custard pies? Or in faces? Or in throwing things? No, no, and no! The real reason why we laugh is because we are relieved. Because we are released from a sense of fear. Wherever we may happen to be – in the cinema, theatre, or music-hall – we tend to identify with the actors we are watching. So that when a custard pie is thrown we fear for a moment that it has been thrown at us. And then, immediately we realise that it hasn't hit us, we experience a feeling of relief, and we laugh".<ref name="reglegend2">{{cite web \|url=https://www.theregister.co.uk/2015/05/25/feature_will_hay_british_comedy_legend/?page=2 \|title=Will Hay: Britain's bumbling star of the screen and skies. Page 2. \|publisher=[[The Register]] \|date=25 May 2015 \|access-date=6 May 2017}}</ref>		Hay published a magazine piece entitled ''Philosophy of Laughter'', in which he discussed the psychology of comedy. In the essay he rhetorically asks, "Why does every one of us laugh at seeing somebody else slapped in the face with a large piece of cold custard pie? Is it because we're all naturally cruel? Or is it because there's something inherently funny in custard pies? Or in faces? Or in throwing things? No, no, and no! The real reason why we laugh is because we are relieved. Because we are released from a sense of fear. Wherever we may happen to be – in the cinema, theatre, or music-hall – we tend to identify with the actors we are watching. So that when a custard pie is thrown we fear for a moment that it has been thrown at us. And then, immediately we realise that it hasn't hit us, we experience a feeling of relief, and we laugh".<ref name="reglegend2">{{cite web \|url=https://www.theregister.co.uk/2015/05/25/feature_will_hay_british_comedy_legend/?page=2 \|title=Will Hay: Britain's bumbling star of the screen and skies. Page 2. \|publisher=[[The Register]] \|date=25 May 2015 \|access-date=6 May 2017}}</ref>
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	From 1934 to 1943, he was a prolific film star in Britain and was ranked the third highest grossing star at the British Box Office in 1938, behind [[George Formby]] and [[Gracie Fields]]. He is widely regarded as one of the most prolific and influential British comedians of all-time.<ref name="bbc1976"/>		From 1934 to 1943, he was a prolific film star in Britain and was ranked the third highest grossing star at the British Box Office in 1938, behind [[George Formby]] and [[Gracie Fields]]. He is widely regarded as one of the most prolific and influential British comedians of all-time.<ref name="bbc1976"/>

	Hay worked with [[Gainsborough Pictures]] from 1935 to 1940, during which time he developed a partnership with [[Graham Moffatt]], playing an insolent overweight schoolboy, and [[Moore Marriott]] as a toothless old man. Hay's 1937 film, with Moffatt and Marriott, ''[[Oh, Mr. Porter!]]'' was credited by ''[[The Times]]'' as being "a comic masterpiece of the British cinema",<ref>''The Times'' 16 May 2006</ref> while the writer [[Jimmy Perry]] cited the film as an influence on key character development for ''[[Dad's Army]]''.<ref name="jimmyperry">{{cite web \|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/obituaries/jimmy-perry-obituary-creator-of-much-loved-sitcom-dads-army-a7377946.html \|title=Jimmy Perry obituary: Creator of Dad's Army who used his own life experiences in much-loved sitcom \|work=The Independent\|date=24 October 2016 \|access-date=9 May 2017}}</ref>		Hay worked with [[w:Gainsborough Pictures\|Gainsborough Pictures]] from 1935 to 1940, during which time he developed a partnership with [[Graham Moffatt]], playing an insolent overweight schoolboy, and [[Moore Marriott]] as a toothless old man. Hay's 1937 film, with Moffatt and Marriott, ''[[Oh, Mr. Porter!]]'' was credited by ''[[w:The Times\|The Times]]'' as being "a comic masterpiece of the British cinema",<ref>''The Times'' 16 May 2006</ref> while the writer [[Jimmy Perry]] cited the film as an influence on key character development for ''[[Dad's Army]]''.<ref name="jimmyperry">{{cite web \|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/obituaries/jimmy-perry-obituary-creator-of-much-loved-sitcom-dads-army-a7377946.html \|title=Jimmy Perry obituary: Creator of Dad's Army who used his own life experiences in much-loved sitcom \|work=The Independent\|date=24 October 2016 \|access-date=9 May 2017}}</ref>

	Hay often portrayed incompetent authority figures who attempt to conceal their incompetence but whose true traits are gradually exposed. As well as being incompetent, his characters are often immoral; for example, a clergyman involved in horse betting in ''[[Dandy Dick (film)\|Dandy Dick]]'', a fraudster who lies about his career as a distinguished sea captain in ''[[Windbag the Sailor]]'', and a prison warden, [[Dr Benjamin Twist]], in ''[[Convict 99]]'', who obtains his job under false pretenses.<ref name="bbc3essay">{{cite web \|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b05qdw88 \|title=The Essay, British Film Comedians: Will Hay \|publisher=BBC Radio 3 \|date=13 April 2015 \|access-date=9 May 2017}}</ref> He is often compared to [[W. C. Fields]], who typically portrayed characters similar to those of Hay, being misanthropic, self-centered scoundrels who nevertheless remain sympathetic.<ref name="lostmaster">{{cite web \|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/books/4270299/Will-Hay-the-lost-master-of-British-comedy.html \|title=Will Hay: the lost master of British comedy \|work=The Daily Telegraph\|date=16 January 2009 \|access-date=10 May 2017}}</ref>		Hay often portrayed incompetent authority figures who attempt to conceal their incompetence but whose true traits are gradually exposed. As well as being incompetent, his characters are often immoral; for example, a clergyman involved in horse betting in ''[[Dandy Dick (film)\|Dandy Dick]]'', a fraudster who lies about his career as a distinguished sea captain in ''[[Windbag the Sailor]]'', and a prison warden, [[Dr Benjamin Twist]], in ''[[Convict 99]]'', who obtains his job under false pretenses.<ref name="bbc3essay">{{cite web \|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b05qdw88 \|title=The Essay, British Film Comedians: Will Hay \|publisher=BBC Radio 3 \|date=13 April 2015 \|access-date=9 May 2017}}</ref> He is often compared to [[w:W. C. Fields\|W. C. Fields]], who typically portrayed characters similar to those of Hay, being misanthropic, self-centered scoundrels who nevertheless remain sympathetic.<ref name="lostmaster">{{cite web \|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/books/4270299/Will-Hay-the-lost-master-of-British-comedy.html \|title=Will Hay: the lost master of British comedy \|work=[[w:The Daily Telegraph\|]]\|date=16 January 2009 \|access-date=10 May 2017}}</ref>

	===Elstree Studios===		===Elstree Studios===

Kurt at 14:29, 20 September 2022

2022-09-20T14:29:38Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:29, 20 September 2022
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	\| birth_name = William Thomson Hay		\| birth_name = William Thomson Hay
	\| birth_date = {{Birth date\|df=yes\|1888\|12\|06}}		\| birth_date = {{Birth date\|df=yes\|1888\|12\|06}}
	\| birth_place = [[Stockton-on-Tees]], [[County Durham]], England		\| birth_place = [[w:Stockton-on-Tees\|Stockton-on-Tees]], [[w:County Durham\|County Durham]], England
	\| death_date = {{Death date and age\|df=yes\|1949\|04\|18\|1888\|12\|06}}		\| death_date = {{Death date and age\|df=yes\|1949\|04\|18\|1888\|12\|06}}
	\| death_place = [[Chelsea, London\|Chelsea]], [[London]], England		\| death_place = [[w:Chelsea, London\|Chelsea]], [[w:London\|London]], England
	~~\| nationality =~~
	~~\| other_names =~~
	\| occupation = Comedian, actor, film director, amateur astronomer		\| occupation = Comedian, actor, film director, amateur astronomer
	\| years_active = 1909–1945		\| years_active = 1909–1945
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	}}		}}

	'''William Thomson Hay''' {{postnominals\|country=GBR\|size=100%\|FRAS}} (6 December 1888 – 18 April 1949) was an English comedian who wrote and acted in a [[schoolmaster]] sketch that later transferred to the screen, where he also played other authority figures with comic failings. His film ''[[Oh, Mr. Porter!]]'' (1937), made by [[Gainsborough Pictures]], is often cited as the supreme British-produced film-comedy, and in 1938 he was the third highest-grossing star in the UK. Many comedians have acknowledged him as a major influence. Hay was also a keen amateur astronomer.		'''William Thomson Hay''' {{postnominals\|country=GBR\|size=100%\|FRAS}} (6 December 1888 – 18 April 1949) was an English comedian who wrote and acted in a [[w:schoolmaster]] sketch that later transferred to the screen, where he also played other authority figures with comic failings. His film ''[[Oh, Mr. Porter!]]'' (1937), made by [[w:Gainsborough Pictures\|Gainsborough Pictures]], is often cited as the supreme British-produced film-comedy, and in 1938 he was the third highest-grossing star in the UK. Many comedians have acknowledged him as a major influence. Hay was also a keen amateur astronomer.

	==Early life==		==Early life==
	Hay was born at 23 Durham Street in [[Stockton-on-Tees]], [[County Durham]]. He was one of two sons and three daughters of William Robert Hay (1851–1920) and his wife, Elizabeth (1859–1910) (née Ebden).<ref name="ODNB">{{Cite ODNB\|id=37522\|title=Hay, William Thomson [Will] (1888–1949)}}</ref> When Will Hay Jr. was less than a year old the family moved to [[Lowestoft]] in [[Suffolk]].<ref>1891 UK census: RG12/1494 f.56 p.47 & p.48 – 192 Clapham Road, [[Lowestoft]], Suffolk</ref><ref>GRO Register of Births: MAR 1889 10a 49 STOCKTON – William Thomson Hay</ref> By his late teens, Hay had become fluent in Italian, French and German and secured employment as an interpreter.<ref name="reglegend1">{{cite web \|url=https://www.theregister.co.uk/2015/05/25/feature_will_hay_british_comedy_legend/ \|title=Will Hay: Britain's bumbling star of the screen and skies. Page 1. \|publisher=[[The Register]] \|date=25 May 2015 \|access-date=6 May 2017}}</ref>		Hay was born at 23 Durham Street in [[w:Stockton-on-Tees\|Stockton-on-Tees]], [[w:County Durham\|County Durham]]. He was one of two sons and three daughters of William Robert Hay (1851–1920) and his wife, Elizabeth (1859–1910) (née Ebden).<ref name="ODNB">{{Cite ODNB\|id=37522\|title=Hay, William Thomson [Will] (1888–1949)}}</ref> When Will Hay Jr. was less than a year old the family moved to [[w:Lowestoft\|Lowestoft]] in [[w:Suffolk\|Suffolk]].<ref>1891 UK census: RG12/1494 f.56 p.47 & p.48 – 192 Clapham Road, [[w:Lowestoft\|]], Suffolk</ref><ref>GRO Register of Births: MAR 1889 10a 49 STOCKTON – William Thomson Hay</ref> By his late teens, Hay had become fluent in Italian, French and German and secured employment as an interpreter.<ref name="reglegend1">{{cite web \|url=https://www.theregister.co.uk/2015/05/25/feature_will_hay_british_comedy_legend/ \|title=Will Hay: Britain's bumbling star of the screen and skies. Page 1. \|publisher=[[w:The Register\|]] \|date=25 May 2015 \|access-date=6 May 2017}}</ref>

	==Career==		==Career==

Kurt at 21:38, 19 September 2022

2022-09-19T21:38:09Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:38, 19 September 2022
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	\| image = Will-Hay.jpg		\| image = Will-Hay.jpg
	\| alt =		\| alt =
	\| caption = ~~Hay in ''[[The Ghost of St. Michael's]]'' (1941)~~		\| caption =
	\| birth_name = William Thomson Hay		\| birth_name = William Thomson Hay
	\| birth_date = {{Birth date\|df=yes\|1888\|12\|06}}		\| birth_date = {{Birth date\|df=yes\|1888\|12\|06}}

Kurt: 1 revision imported

2022-09-19T21:29:26Z

1 revision imported

← Older revision	Revision as of 16:29, 19 September 2022
(No difference)

88.107.97.95: /* See also */ Too much.

2022-08-29T09:51:13Z