 1996 also saw the production of
Deacon
Brodie, the story of the notorious 18th century Edinburgh villain,
who was forced to build his own gallows, but who escaped death by an ingenious
method. The movie was made by BBC Scotland, as part of their Screen One
series, and cost £1.3m. It was screened some months later, to great
critical acclaim.
In September 1996, it was announced that Billy was to star opposite
Dame Judi Dench in another BBC Scotland historical drama Her Majesty
Mrs Brown. This was the story of Queen Victoria after the death
of her husband Albert, and the potentially scandalous relationship between
the queen and her Highland ghillie, John Brown.
 The story was written by Jeremy
Brock, the creator of the Casualty series, and directed by John Madden,
who also directed other Screen One shorts. Before release in 1997, however,
it was picked up by a cinema distributor, and released in cinamas across
the country, and ultimately, the world. It was a great success, and led
to Dame Judi being nominated for an Oscar.
Billy was then picked by telecomms giant BT to star in their latest
batch of ads after Bob Hoskins left. Obviously it was good to talk, because
before long, British Gas has been talking to him, and swiped him to star
in their Goldfish credit card ads, as a wizened old wizard.
Billy has also starred in many low-impact movies, which appear
to satisfy his desire to act. He still craves a seminal acting role, and
will continue to search for one. Meanwhile, he continues to tour, and in
Jan 1997, played a sell-out run at Labatts Apollo in London.
Whatever your opinion of Billy Connolly, his life has been an epic tale
of controversy and hilarity, tragedy and comedy. From a childhood which
could easily have sent him down the path of petty crime, he scrabbled and
punched his way to the top.
It is undoubtedly through sheer determination that Billy's talent
was allowed to shine as brightly and as far as it has done. From welding
to folk to comedy to writing to acting, Billy has proved beyond doubt his
versatilty, if given the chance.
Billy, now in his fifties, has had a fabulous life, but there's
no keeping his indominable spirit down. We can fully expect more projects
and comedy in the years to come!
The end? Away wi ye !! Nae chance, pal! :)
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