Hancock's Half Hour Collectibles: Volume 2

This collection includes rare and remastered radio and TV material starring Tony Hancock, including newly restored radio episodes of Hancock's Half Hour, extracts from Calling All Forces, What Happened to Hancock?, Heroes for a Time, and a Womans Hour interview with Freddie Ross Hancock. It also features interviews with Philp Oakes, Barry Cryer, Simon Heffer, and Ralph Reader, as well as a bonus PDF booklet providing insights into the items' context in Hancock's broadcasting career.

Format: CD-Audio
Publication date: 05 April 2018
Publisher: BBC Audio, A Division Of Random House

A captivating collection of rare and remastered radio and television material featuring the legendary Tony Hancock is presented in this second treasury of rare archive material. The four newly restored radio episodes of Hancock's Half Hour, all from 1956, include "The New Secretary," "Anna and the King of Siam," "The Stolen Petrol," and "The Expresso Bar." Joining Tony Hancock in these episodes are Sid James, Bill Kerr, Hattie Jacques, and Kenneth Williams, who together created a comedic powerhouse that entertained audiences for decades.

In addition to the radio episodes, this collection showcases a number of fascinating extracts from the long-running 1950s variety show, Calling All Forces. Hancock's performances alongside Charlie Chester and others showcase his talent and versatility as a performer. The famous Budgerigar Sketch, featuring Hancock as the eponymous bird, is also included, taken from the 1958 Christmas Night With the Stars on BBC TV.

In "What Happened to Hancock?" from 1971, Philip Oakes delves into the complex personality of his friend, eliciting personal recollections from those who knew him. Ralph Reader, Beryl Vertue, Sylvia Sims, Sid James, Duncan Wood, Michael Wale, Ray Galton, and Alan Simpson share their memories and insights into the life and career of Tony Hancock.

"Heroes for a Time," from 1978, takes a look at Hancock's legacy ten years after his death. Contributions from Lyn Took, Barry Took, Arthur Askey, and Billy Marsh provide a glimpse into the impact that Hancock had on the entertainment industry. Freddie Ross Hancock, Tony Hancock's second wife, shares her memories in a 1979 interview with Womans Hour.

Barry Cryer introduces "Six Characters in Search of an Answer: Tony Hancock" from 2003, an in-depth examination of the man behind the character. Galton & Simpson, Dennis Main Wilson, and Richard Briers contribute to this exploration, providing valuable insights into Hancock's creative process and the development of his iconic persona.

Finally, in two editions of "The Essay" from 2015, Simon Heffer examines and compares the careers of Tony Hancock and his stalwart co-star Sid James. Heffer's insightful analysis sheds light on the similarities and differences between the two comedians, highlighting their contributions to British television and their enduring legacies.

A bonus PDF booklet accompanies this collection, providing additional insights into each item and its significance in the context of Hancock's broadcasting career. It explores how many of these lost or rare items were discovered and provides a deeper understanding of the process involved in their restoration and preservation.

Marking the legacy of Tony Hancock, this collection offers a treasure trove of rare and remastered material that allows audiences to relive the magic of his performances and explore the complex personality of one of the greatest comedians of all time.

Weight: 160g
Dimension: 145 x 144 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781785298745
Edition number: Unabridged ed