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Tony Hancock: The Definitive Biography
Tony Hancock: The Definitive Biography
hardback
Published:
1 October, 2008
hardback
Published:
1 October, 2008
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Description
Regarded as the best radio and TV comic of his era, Tony Hancock was a man whose star burned brightly in the eyes and ears of millions before his untimely death in 1968. Now, forty years on, critically acclaimed biographer John Fisher brings the first fully authorised account of his life. Tony Hancock was one of post-war Britain's most popular comedians -- his radio show 'Hancock's Half Hour' would clear the streets as whole families tuned in to listen. His peerless timing and subtle changes in intonation marked Hancock out as a comic genius. His character 'Anthony Aloysius St John Hancock' was an amplification of his own persona, a pompous prat whose dreams of success are constantly thwarted. The original British loser that we recognise in Victor Meldrew and Alan Partridge. Wonderfully supported by a cast including Sid James, Hattie Jacques and Kenneth Williams, and working with scripts from Ray Galton and Alan Simpson, Hancock became a huge star. The show was commisioned for TV, showcasing his talent for hilarious facial expression, and he became the first British comedian to earn a thousand pounds a week.Behind Tony Hancock's success however hid the self-destructive behaviour that plagued him all his life.
Prone to self-doubt, and wanting to be the star of his own show, he got rid of James, and finally dismissed Galton and Simpson who had created the platform for his success. His private life was wracked by his ever increasing alcoholism and bouts of depression, and his relationships shattered by his capacity for violence. His ratings fell and, feeling washed up and alone after divorcing his second wife, he committed suicide in an Australian hotel room in 1968. Now, forty years after his death John Fisher explores the turbulent life of a man regarded by his peers as one of the greatest British comics to have ever lived.
More Details
| Type | Book |
|---|---|
| ISBN13 | 9780007266777 |
| ISBN10 | 0007266774 |
| Number Of Pages | 544 |
| Item Weight | 879 g |
| Product Dimensions | 158 x 50 x 238 mm |
| Publisher / Reseller | Harper |
| Format | hardback |
| Edition | First Edition |
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Media Reviews
Praise for Tommy Cooper: Always Leave them Laughing: 'A monumental and masterly biography of the great Cooper.' Daily Mail ' The definitive biography of a comedy legend -- for once a book lives up to its blurb.' Michael Parkinson
Author's Bio
John Fisher has a long and distinguished career as a TV producer working in light entertainment with such giants of comedy as Bob Monkhouse, Spike Milligan, Bruce Forsyth & Tommy Cooper. His most recent work includes Channel 4's Heroes of Comedy, and the critically acclaimed biography Tommy Cooper: Always Leave Them Laughing.