Hancock's Half Hour

Hancock's Half Hour was a famous BBC radio comedy series of the 1950s starring Tony Hancock. Other regular cast members were Sid James, Hattie Jacques, Bill Kerr and Kenneth Williams. Moira Lister and Andrée Melly appeared in some early episodes. The scriptwriters were Ray Galton and Alan Simpson, and the show's distinctive tuba-based theme tune was by Wally Stott. Some episodes were wiped; the rest have been released on CD box sets from 2000 to 2003. See below for details.

Related Topics:
BBC - Radio comedy - 1950s - Tony Hancock - Sid James - Hattie Jacques - Bill Kerr - Kenneth Williams - Andrée Melly - Ray Galton and Alan Simpson - Wally Stott - Wiped - 2000 - 2003

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A television version appeared in 1956 under the same name and alternated with the radio version until 1959. The basic situation was similar, but only Sid James transferred from the radio series, although Kenneth Williams made a few guest appearances in early episodes. The final series in 1961 was retitled Hancock because it was shortened to 25 minutes, and did not feature Sid James. In a list of the 100 Greatest British Television Programmes drawn up by the British Film Institute in 2000, voted for by industry professionals, Hancock's Half Hour was placed 24th.

Related Topics:
Television - 1956 - 1959 - 1961 - 100 Greatest British Television Programmes - British Film Institute - 2000

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During 1956-1957 Hancock also starred in a sketch show made by Associated-Rediffusion for ITV which, being live, alternated with his BBC appearances.

Related Topics:
1956 - 1957 - Associated-Rediffusion - ITV

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