Walford Bodie, MD
This collection includes several photographs, postcards and articles.
Samuel Murphy Bodie was born on the 11 June 1869 in Aberdeen. Bodie was a flamboyant showman. This "Master of Electricity" and "Modern Miracle Worker" used hypnosis and electricity to "cure" patients - usually those suffering from paralysis.
When his use of the initials MD was challenged by the medical profession he claimed that they stood for Merry Devil.
Bodie was particularly unpopular with medical students, and during a performance at the Glasgow Coliseum they pelted him with ochre, peasemeal, eggs and decayed herrings before storming the stage. The police were unable to contain the mob and Brodie had to leave the theatre.
Walford Bodie died on the 18 October 1939 at the age of 70.
How to find material relating to Walford Bodie
- Browse through a list of documents associated with Walford Bodie or use the Name Search option on theScottish Theatre Archive Search
