John Laurie (1897-1980) was a Scottish actor, renowned for his long and distinguished film and theatre career. A prolific character actor, he was noted for his stern face, baritone voice, and ability to portray intense and often melancholic characters.

Among his most memorable roles are the farmer John P. Scudder in Hitchcock's classic *The 39 Steps* (1935), the stern Scot David Low in Powell & Pressburger's masterpiece *The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp* (1943), and Captain Fluellen in Laurence Olivier's *Henry V* (1944), which highlighted his Shakespearean origins. He also appeared in the beloved *Whisky Galore!* (1949), where he played roles of elderly, gruff but wise men, often Scottish.

Although widely known to the general public for his role as Private Frazer in the TV series *Dad's Army*, his impact on British cinema, with over 100 films, remains significant for his versatility and the authenticity of his portrayals.