Called The Unknown Hancock, this Tony Hancock documentary will be on BBC Two on Saturday.
The Unknown Hancock
I thought this had been on before and just checked.
Seems to be a repeat of the one first broadcast in 2005.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0832321/
I've got it saved on DVD but haven't seen it in years.
I'll set the box though just in case it's something else.
Should be well worth a watch thanks for the heads up.
Quote: Oldrocker @ February 15 2011, 12:03 PM GMTI thought this had been on before and just checked.
Seems to be a repeat of the one first broadcast in 2005.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0832321/
I've got it saved on DVD but haven't seen it in years.
I'll set the box though just in case it's something else.
It is the 2005 doc - has an R next to it in the Radio Times.
It all seemed quite sad, and it made me remember sitting through "The Punch And Judy Man" which was a sad experience indeed.
Really interesting programme and as Sidecar Jon says, ultimately so sad.
Although it was about Tony Hancock, it could've been about many others and indeed it could also have easily served as a salutatory tale for some others yet to come. Anybody who is a rip-roaring success and feels they need to push the boundaries might be well served were they to watch this before burning professional bridges.
Essentially it's the classic story of the destruction (by drink & insecurity) of a performer at the top of his game, making a sequence of shockingly bad choices that ultimately see him disappear down to the lower reaches of showbiz and the accompanying relatively hard times. Although I don't think Hancock ever hit the skids as such but he certainly became a sad shadow of his former self from a professional standpoint.
Seemingly in a desperate attempt not to allow himself to get into artistic ruts (i.e. same side men, same writers, same agent etc.) he threw all of these very successful associates aside and tried to do something new. This is a trait of many showbiz types, but in many ways his story is a perfect textbook example of the old saying "if it ain't broken then don't fix it" blowing up in your face. Watching this you are left with the abiding feeling that all the changes he made had the cumulative effect of destroying his career; whereas carrying on in the same vein, although perhaps not as brave, would've seen him continuing to do very nicely thank you very much.
I loved Hancock and still love the DVDs I have. I didn't know much about the back story of the man until I saw this show five years ago and at the time I just felt so sad for what was essentially a life and career wasted. Seeing it again tonight only served to rekindle these feelings.
Brilliant show with only one lowlight. What the f**k did we have to endure Pete Doherty's shambolic nonsense for? OK I get the parallel of tortured soul all right, but this was the first time I have ever seen him "being" a musician and just marvelled at how, in that context, he seemed to have managed to have fooled so many of the people some of the time. He had no business being on what was an otherwise truly memorable show.
Saw the title of this thread and assumed it was about Nick's post-They Think It's All Over career.
Imagine my disappointment. 
Liz Fraser still hot at 75.
Quote: Dave @ February 20 2011, 10:01 PM GMTLiz Fraser still hot at 75.
I worked with Liz Fraser in the 1980s in a production of the musical Oliver!. She was a nasty, mean-spirited cow.
Having met her a few times now I would agree! Her dog is pretty vicious too.
Quote: Tim Walker @ February 20 2011, 10:03 PM GMTI worked with Liz Fraser in the 1980s in a production of the musical Oliver!. She was a nasty, mean-spirited cow.
Really? I wouldn't have thought that about her.
Wow, really? I heard she had rather severe political opinions.
Quote: James Cotter @ February 22 2011, 4:55 PM GMT
True. Bloody appalling actress as well.
Quote: Tim Walker @ February 22 2011, 8:31 PM GMTTrue. Bloody appalling actress as well.
Who was she playing in Oliver!? Nancy?
Quote: James Cotter @ February 23 2011, 10:38 AM GMTWho was she playing in Oliver!? Nancy?
Don't call Tim that!