Sitcom Hancock’s saw comedian Tony Hancock landing a job as the host of a swinging London nightspot. This was Tony Hancock’s first TV series since his last outing on commercial TV four years previously. Unfortunately by this stage Hancock was in serious decline, his professional and personal life were all over the place. Again Hancock failed to learn his lines and released on cue-cards – this time it seriously showed.
The show mixed sitcom elements with variety, when ABC declined on a second season Hancock too himself off to Australia ostensibly to make a 13 part series for Channel 7 called The Tony Hancock Show. Only three episodes were made (eventually these were shown as a 90 minute special 25 Jan 1972). Tony Hancock committed suicide on 25th June, 1968. He was just 44.
Nightclub acts appearing included Vikki Carr (who appeared twice), Carmen MacRae, Dick Haymes, Marian Montgomery and Frankie Randall.
production details
UK / ITV – ABC / 6×25 minute episodes / Broadcast 16 June – 18 July 1967
Writers: John Muir, Eric Green / Producer: Mark Stuart
cast
TONY HANCOCK as Hancock
JUNE WHITFIELD as Esmeralda Stavely-Smythe
JOE RITCHIE as Toulouse
