Murder by tormented Dundee actor was no stage play

Actor William Terriss was a superstar of his day, a giant of the London stage who was mobbed by fans.

He was loved by women and admired by men. Terriss was also benevolent. So the nation was shocked when Terriss was murdered as he entered London’s Adelphi Theatre in December 1897.

His killer was struggling Dundee actor Richard Millar Archer, 30, also known as Richard Price.

The Dundonian believed Terriss was preventing him from getting work but in reality, Terriss was supporting Archer financially.

The murder was carefully planned. Archer had been hanging about the theatre for days asking about Terriss’ movements.

On the night of the killing, he dressed in a long cloak, stepped in front of waiting fans and plunged a stiletto blade into Terriss’ left side. As Archer made a second attempt, fans restrained him and he was arrested.

Within hours of the slaying, reporters from this newspaper had interviewed Archer’s mother and uncovered the story of an unstable, violent fantasist.

Archer was born at Balmydown Farm near Strathmartine before moving to the Clepington district with his parents.

His mother, Margaret, described him as a little bad tempered and said he preferred girl playmates.

Archer developed a love of the theatre at a young age and dreamed of the London stage.

In Dundee he worked as a theatre extra but accused the manager Robert Arthur of keeping him out of work. At the age of 22 he achieved his London dream when he joined the Adelphi Theatre.

During periods of unemployment he returned to Dundee but accused his family of poisoning his food.

Archer’s ego was enormous and despite possessing little talent, he believed he should have been given lead roles.

His behaviour became increasingly erratic and after a row with Terriss he was sacked. Terriss, however, channelled money to him and tried to find him work. Archer was found guilty of murder but deemed insane. He was sent to Broadmoor where he died in 1937.

The case still resonates in London, where the ghost of Terriss is said to wander Covent Garden underground station.

His behaviour became increasingly erratic