The One Show - Gracie Fields

A piece on Gracie Field (slightly extended) from BBC TVs 'The One Show'.

[@babsbrodieful]

I have tears in my eyes. She was an amazing person .

[@thegreatdominion949]

I think they kind of missed the point about her Italian husband (Monty Banks) having to stay in the U.S.A. (which was then still a neutral country) to avoid being interned as an enemy alien for the duration of the war (this would have also happened in Canada if he had entered the country). I.e. she was still separated from him a great amount of the time.

[@suzesinger6762]

Aww...what a WONDERFUL ENDING ..for Micheal n his 'Auntie.♡♡

[@phillipecook3227]

Wonderful story.

[@essexpeter6116]

What a touching story from Michael.

[@suzesinger6762]

oooooo...tears teeeears...bless theem. xxx

[@chrisrogers8374]

We can see lots more of her real life on The British Greats, and Gracie's own This Is Your Life now on you tube, pity the official lot do not want to share precious Gracie stuff?

[@philsooty61]

My dad hated her and called her a traitor, but I believe she loved her husband and was trying to protect him!

[@mushmorant9253]

I don't believe her husband Monty Banks (born Mario Bianchi) was able to stay in, or regularly enter Canada during her time living there as he would have been at significant risk of being interned as an enemy alien just as he was in Britain. He instead lived in the U.S.A. which was still neutral at that time (1940-1941). He apparently escaped internment subsequent to the U.S. entry to the war due to his history as an immigrant to, and successful movie director in, the U.S.A. and his dual Italian-American citizenship.

[@amyclarke41]

aww oop

[@operathephantom]

Not quite sure why you've edited the 1964 Royal Variety out and put the 1978 in instead!

[@essexpeter6116]

Perhaps as it was one of very late public performances, bringing down the house.