Tony Hancock - Tragic Life & Death of a Comedy Genius
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 1 ต.ค. 2024
- Please join me in this video, Tony Hancock - Tragic Life & Death of a Comedy Genius.
I visit Tony Hancock the legend and take flowers to his final resting place - remembering a complex man who brought laughter to millions but struggled to deal with his own self-destructive thoughts and behavior.
Tony Hancock was considered a comedy genius and yet he lived a life that was anything but funny.
For anyone who loves the work of Tony Hancock (and I'm sure that's many!), there is a Tony Hancock Appreciation Society!
www.tonyhancoc...
Thank you so much for taking the time to read this. If you would like to support the channel please leave a 'like' and 'subscribe' and don't forget to switch on the notification bell to be notified of new videos when they're published! It's extremely helpful to me and it's FREE! I won't ask you for donations of any kind and that's including Paypal donations! I value your support and if you've already subscribed - Thank you so much! You're wonderful!
Please feel free to leave comments - we have a fabulous growing nostalgia community at Beautiful Bad and Bizarre - and it's great fun with some interesting conversations!
Thank you as always for being the best audience!
Shar x
Follow me on Twitter
/ shar_daws
Follow me on Instagram
/ shardaws
or
/ dianadors
www.amazon.co....
#famousgraves #vintage #vintageculture #britishcomedy #comedy #dianadors #actor #tonyhancock #sidjames #shardaws #tvactor #comedylegend #comedygenius #comedylegends #comedian
At the end of the video I’ve made a typo in Tony Hancock’s date of birth in the final frame - I’ve typed 1934 - it should be 1924 ❤
You forgot to mention where the cemetery is. It's
St Dunstan with Holy Angels Churchyard
Cranford, Hounslow, Middlesex, England,
Yes - I do sometimes forget - thanks!
I am 64 and love the nostalgic trip.a shame there all dead .enjoy your programmes
Tony Hancock - Tragic Life & Death of a Comedy Genius. 2.10.23 You remind me of that fella, you have a look of that chap who starred in the film Performance. One of the mobsters... I didn't particularly warm to TH. one of those I'll leave it til i get older......
@@davidrayner9376 I checked the video twice and never heard where he was laid to rest cheers 👍
My mother was watching Hancock and laughed so hard, that she went into an early Labour with me. That's a true story.
🤣🤣🤭 that’s brilliant! I love that!
This is the same with my mother, laughing so hard watching a Norman Wisdom film and went into labour with me.
Ahhh Norman Wisdom! Another fabulous funny comedian! That’s got to be the best way to start labour! 🤭
That happened to me too. I was watching Only Fools & Horses in 1991 & was laughing so much I went into labour with my daughter!
It’s got to be the very best way to start labour!!! 🤣❤️
Hancock was a genius, his timing was like no other. But for all his talent he had a self distruct button, a tragic figure. Thank you for this, a lovely moving tribute. RIP Tubbs.
You’re very welcome! My absolute pleasure - and I completely agree with you - a total genius but tormented and self sabotaging, so sad and such a loss.
That was a lovely tribute to a man who was born just up the road to where I live, I remember Hancocks Half Hour quite well, all our family would gather around the old crackling radio and have a good laugh at this very funny man! once again thank you!
Oh that’s lovely! Thank you for sharing that! And for watching the video! He was just so brilliant ❤️❤️❤️
I'm a retired cabby who was based out of Heathrow for twelve years. When times were quiet and slow we could be parked up in the taxi feeder park for anything up to four hours. So with the cab safety boxed in I often walked around the local area. Imagine my surprise when I found out my hero's ashes along with his mums were interred within walking distance!
I believe that's because his brother lived in the area and took responsibility for Tony's remains. I took a customer to Bournemouth a while back and they wanted the very same hotel Hancocks parents owned and he lived in. Of course I took a break there before returning and took in the atmosphere and inspected the memorabilia. The man had more demons than Satans birthday party, he was an alcoholic with all the problems that brings but when he was on form he was unbeatable. I remember where I was when I heard the news of his suicide I was in the playground of my junior school! Thanks for the upload among the "younger" people he is becoming forgotten possibly because most of his material is in black and white. To quote the lad himself, "They are missing a treat here!"
Thank you so much for this!!! Firstly I wondered why his ashes were buried there - I knew it would be to do with us brother but I didn’t know Roger lived in the area. Also - I’d never heard the phrase ‘more demons than Satan’s birthday party’ but I love it! And haven’t stopped giggling since I read it! But it’s true he was a very tormented soul - he mad some very bad decisions for sure! I felt the cemetery was very atmospheric - a little unsettling to be honest!
@@BeautifulBadandBizarre There is a story about the return of his ashes from Australia. Willy Rushton who was over there and due to come home was asked to collect and sign for the urn from customs at the airport and see them safely home. He agreed but was terrified of the responsibility of bringing the great man home. On the plane he sat them in the next seat but the attendant said he couldn't leave them there even though he explained who's ashes they were. She gently persuaded him to hand them over. "I'll look after them" she said and took them away up front. Later Rushton was concerned about their whereabouts and poked his head through the curtain into first class and saw them on a seat with a seat belt holding the urn in place. The stewardess saw his astonished look and said "Mr Hancock flies first class"!
That was from Willy himself.
Are you the cabby who refused to take me to Stockley Park, and pointed me to the bus station instead ?
Actually, when he explained how long he had been queuing for a customer I completely understood.
@@ianjones2538 Na, Stockley Park is classed as a local job and you get an hour to do the run and get back straight into a terminal. They are good jobs. I never refused them. Some drivers may want to get away into town or somewhere for an appointment or most likely an afternoons golf session but I could do Stockley Park all day.
Nobody can ever be as brilliant a character as Hancock. His comedy never dates. Such a sad end. RIP
He was brilliant! ❤️
Stumbled upon your site. Wonderful stuff - love the narratives & the resting places. The Rebel was an amazing film. I sense that old Hancock was still giving back w/ all the mishaps, trekking & humourous washing line….thank you for sharing.
Thank you so much! I'm so glad you enjoyed the video - I did rather think that about the washing line - it sort of seemed appropriate - thank you for watching! xxxx
One of the first comedians I can remember hearing and laughing along with when I was a nipper. I still listen to him now, 60 years later. RIP, Tub.
I do too! I never get bored of listening to his work - I love listening when I’m on a long drive! ❤️
Nipper? Are you from Southampton mush?
No; Burmingum.@@Skybowll
As a small child I enjoyed Hancock's Half Hour. Tony Hancock along with the Goons were my favourite brand of British humour and then came along the Carry On gang, many of which had guest starred with Tony Hancock. I was very confused about Hancock's death as I was a teenager at high school and dismayed at losing one of my comedic idols. Later I met Sid James in 1974 when he did a rare live TV interview in Australia. 😂 Thanks for your tribute to Tony Hancock.
You met Sid James? Oh my goodness that would have been a dream come true for me! I loved them all! Tony Hancock was such a talent - a sad end to such greatness 😢 Thank you so much for watching xxxx
This was so interesting, strange how many comedians seem to suffer from depression and have sad personal lives x
Thank you! I was pondering on this - I think they hit such a high it was impossible to maintain at the peak - and the more they tried the harder it all became - crushing for the ego!
I think sad people try to hide their sadness from other people with humour.
That applies to class clowns and office jokers as well as professional comedians.
I’d certainly agree x Some of the most talented and funny people have had the deepest insecurities and sadness that they hid from the world xx
Again I am very impressed with your diligence. I have been a Hancock fan for many years and actually played the great man on stage in Hancock's Last Half Hour which was a real privilege. I always presumed he would be laid to rest in Australia so to find he has a resting place in the UK was a real revelation to me. Many thanks again for another perfect tribute.
Thank you so much for your absolutely lovely comment! It's very much appreciated! ❤❤❤
Great summary of his life. His radio show still holds up decades later. He really had every possible opportunity to do great things, but the alcoholism and inner demons got the better of him. His end was so tragic.
Thank you! Yes I absolutely agree - so sad that it went the way it did x
He did get the opportunity to feature in a Hollywood movie "The Adventures Of Bullwhip Griffin" but the drink got in the way and they "let him go". That was his big chance to be as he called it "international".
It’s wrecked both the careers and private lives of so many creative and talented people xx
I had heard of Hancock's half hour through my Mum and Dad. But it was untill the pandemic that I was looking for something to listen to and thought I would listen to Hancock's half hour. I'm so glad I did it's so funny even though there nearly 70 years old.i especially loved Kenny William's guest apparences.
The writing is often beyond brilliant and his collaborations gave us the absolute best comedy xx It just so sad the way things went in the end x
I remember my Nan and Uncle returning from a theatre visit in London many years ago chuffed that they'd met Sid James and acquired his autograph.
My Nan said that he was a kind man that always had a smile for his fans.
That’s so lovely! I do believe he was always happy to talk to fans and sign autographs - not all of them were! ❤️❤️❤️
I saw Tony Hancock when he came to entertain us in Aden in 1967. Forces entertainment. He was brilliant and had us all in stitches.
Oh my goodness that must have been absolutely amazing - what a memory to have! Thank you for sharing! xx
he was a very funny man with a knack for talking to the camera, He had problems like all of us but his problems took over his life, May you rest in peace, and I bet the Almighty God is having a big chuckle.
He was! It’s so sad the path he took as he was so talented!
Tony Hancock had everything and nothing.
There must have been other areas of entertainment where he could have excelled. Writing, directing etc.
Rest In Peace 💐
I'm sure given time he could have progressed to one of those careers or maybe all xxxx
My mother actually met him.
When he was in Australia 1968. She worked for a bakery and delivered bread to houses around Sydney. One of the areas was Bellevue Hill. He approached her asking for half a loaf. He took out some change but she gave it to him for free. She didn’t know who he was. Until after he died and it was on the news that’s when she recognised him. She often told us he looked miserable and his eyes looked sad. Which is why she gave him the bread. He said thank you miss. As he walked away.
True story
Thank you so much for sharing this! It must have been quite a shock for your mother when she realised who it was - and what a lovely thing she did ❤️ such a sad situation xx
@@BeautifulBadandBizarre yeah she was definitely shocked.
Tony hancocks centenary next year but no doubt the BBC will completely ignore the event.
I thinK you could well be right sadly x
I forgot to say what a great talent he was and the radio shows are pure comedy gold.
So true! ❤️❤️❤️
Loved this. I'm a big Hancock fan so this was a real treat. A flawed genius but a genius nonetheless.
Thank you! Yes I agree he was - he had so much natural talent ❤️
@@BeautifulBadandBizarre Sunday afternoon at home I think is flawless . Pure gold
@@markwalker4219 not many people would get that now 🤣🤣🤣 I certainly do!
This guy was my hero when growing up it is sad that he was the instrument of his own design, he was so talented, thanks
I first came across Tony Hancock as a child when I found a record of The Blood Donor my parents had Fro. M then on until today I have adored Tony. His comedy was just first class I have listened and watch many of his works. They bring me such laughter and immense pleasure Thank You Craig
My pleasure Craig! Thank you so much for your lovely comment and for watching the video! The Blood Donor is a true comedy classic! Tony was a true talents - it’s so sad how things went - but he has left behind such a fabulous amount of excellent entertainment that never seems to grow old! ❤️
I have a complete set of BBC Hancock comedies on vinyl LP.
He was a genuine comedy genius,one of my faves.
I was born on june 25th.
That’s marvellous! I love vinyl records I collect them too - don’t have Tony Hancock’s work though - that’s a special LP to own! June is a lovely month for birthdays!
Lovely tribute. I have about 70 episodes of his radio show on mp3 and still listen to them in the car on my way to work. Great writing, great cast and a comedy legend still sadly missed.
Thank you so much - I think the writing seems to me so much stronger then - I have wondered if it was because they had no visuals to rely on and when it transferred to TV there were no fancy sets or special effects and of course the writers had more creative freedom with language and ideas than they seem to have today too ❤️
His insecurity also led to him discarding Kenneth Williams whom he thought was getting more laughs and his character was taking over from his. He was sadly unable to share the limelight, and never realised that he was talented big enough to do so. Still funny to listen to now nearly 70 years on, which is truly amazing.
Yes he was terribly insecure - which is such a shame because he had so much talent - but the entertainment industry then as now required a tougher skin than Tony had xx thank you for watching!
Another very interesting video of a great comedian, so sad his life turned out
the way it did, perhaps he should have given people a chance instead of
giving them the cold shoulder, another waste of life.🤔
Thank you! Yes I agree - I think he made some bad decisions and I am guessing he realised that x
Tony definitely had a self destruction button
He did - such a shame I'm sure he would of continued to be a major success x
Sorry if this is of tangent but John Le Meseuir wife sounds a real nasty piece. Specially after all the stuff he had put up with Hatti and now his new wife. I feel sorry for the guy and he had a reputation for being calm and taking things on the chin.
I felt so sad for him x
He was jealous of so many people, he was so insecure, what he did to sid James was unforgiveable.... And others... 😞😞🇫🇷🇫🇷
Yes he certainly had his struggle and they were obviously big to him but so silly because he had so much to offer!
What John Le Meseuir new wife did to him was nothing short of nasty as well: a nasty piece of work.
Great comedian. I love a movie "Rebel", where he played unaccomplished art painter and accompanied by another British great, George Sanders. Why did I mention them? Because shortly after both actors committed suicide. Did you know about that? Sidney James and John Le Mesurier (mentioned in video) were great actors too. Unfortunately, American TV shows no signs to bring the British and the whole European film culture here to the US.
Yes I know them all very well… figuratively speaking 🤭 they are all major favourites of mine! One of my favourite movie scenes is in All About Eve when George enters the party with Marilyn Monroe! Wonderful film - but apparently his wife Zsa Zsa Gabor wouldn’t allow George to eat in the canteen with Marilyn while on set 🤭
Stone me, what a talented lovely man, if anyone disagree then i’ll give them a punch up the bracket!!
😂😂😂 I don’t disagree 🤣🤣🤣
Ha! I haven't ever heard a "punch up the bracket" lol, but I'm American and we have some catching up to do.
Thank you for your amazing life stories. I live your speaking voice . I love your tales. Keep it up. Superb ❤
Thank you so much for your lovely comment - you have started my day with a big smile! It’s very appreciated ❤️
A sad story about TONY Hancock..sid James had not spoken to TONY for couple of years sid was in a taxi he looked out the window and this old what looked like a down and out was just stud there waiting to cross the road sid later said he had to look twice but he knew it was TONY and regreted not stopping just to ask was everything fine..sid never seen TONY again some three months later Tony was dead sid James never got the chance to ask him why and how did it all go wrong..
It’s terribly sad - they hadn’t just been work colleagues either - they had been very good friends and socialised together - so when it ended I think Sid was left totally bewildered ❤️
So sad how a lot of these celebs seem to nose dive into depression and self destruct, or end up alcoholics, or even on drugs, maybe its the pressure they are put under. really interesting but very sad dying so young. talented man. really enjoy these you do them really well and put a lot of effort into them. did you find out anymore about that girls grave that jumped out at you forgot her name.
It’s terribly sad and such a waste - he was so incredibly talented - but as you say so many of them went the same way - I think his insecurities clashed with his ego - and tormented him! Thank you so much for your kind words and support! Ohhh and that was Kim!!! I found out the ‘Bob’ on the flower vase by the headstone was her husband - but no further forward than that yet!
My favourite. Loved his work 😢
Me too! ❤❤❤
0:44 I saw this image of the road in which Hancock was born and knew instantly it was Birmingham 😆. 'Hall Green' is a hop and a skip from where I live. So sad that Tony, much like Jim Morrison of The Doors, was hell-bent on self-destruction.
That’s so cool!!!! Yes - terribly sad that Tony was set on self destruct - such a waste xx
This is a great channel
Thank you so much!!!! ❤️❤️❤️
Hancock was a desperately insecure individual who lacked trust in his fellow actors. As someone quoted, 'he gradually shut the doors on those round him and eventually shut the door on himself.' A great shame as he was such a talented comedian.
So true!
So many comedians have tragedy behind the face we see.
Comedy is an escape for them. I love a good laugh, I just wish their happiness was better.
This is so true ❤️🌹
Breaking my heart crying at this. MY COMEDY HERO.
He was great - I particularly loved him with Sid James - I thought they were brilliant together xx
Strangest thing i ever encountered in a cemetery happened about 15 years ago. I'd visited my parents grave and decided to go for a wander. It was a very cold day and as far as i could see,hardly anyone else in (of the living type at least!). I was walking along,lost in my own thoughts,when i heard a baby crying. It sounded quite muffled and i couldn't see anybody so just assumed it was someone further on in the cemetery so i just carried on walking. Anyhoo several seconds later i heard it again,louder and clearer,a newborn baby crying! I stopped qgain,looked around and found i'd walked to a corner of the cemetery mainly allocated to the graves of babies that had died after a few days/weeks or babies born asleep. When i realised where i was i didn't feel afraid or anything but i did feel really sad for a minute or two. I've been back lots of time since but never heard anything again. Strange but a 100% true story.
Oh my goodness - I 100% believe you because I had the same experience - I’ve always loved Valerie Gaunt - and I’d visited her before with flowers - on one occasion I was having a browse around the cemetery (as you do 🤭) reading inscriptions when I heard a child giggling and laughing - I was totally on my own - literally no living person in sight and the cemetery has a road in the distance - no paths more like a country road and farm fields behind - it was the strangest thing and like you the children’s section was just behind me! It was so lovely - no fear at all - it made me smile ❤️🌹I can’t say if there was an earthly explanation for it - but I couldn’t see one! Xx
Wow! Very similar to my experience....thank you for sharing x
My wife and I LOVED TONY HANCOCK. I was gutted to learn that This Genius took his own life in Sydney. Our family emigrated to Melbourne in 1961, and were utterly shattered to learn of Tony's demise. He was such a character. When I returned to the UK in 1998 and again in 2001, I was determined to find the famous RAILWAY CUTTINGS address, but then realised it was indeed a fictitious address. I remember walking all over London looking for the full series of Tony's radio shows HANCOCK'S HALF HOUR. My wife and I played those tapes every time we went away on long trips and for the 1200 km drive from Melbourne to Brisbane via Sydney we were both paralytic with laughter and I am surprised we even complete our journey safely. One of my favourite episodes was the time when Tony decided to write poetry and had joined a "Poetic" society, and composed a poem about "RINKY TINKY ON PURPLE GRASS" Our Australian Actor who also featured in TAKE IT FROM HERE with Jimmy Edwards and June Whitfield was also in that episode and as usual; Syd James' poem had to do with Horse Racing. What a tragic loss! RIP HANCOCK. Thank you for the tons of laughs you and your crew gave us.
Oh!!!! I lived in Melbourne too - Avondale Heights - for a couple of years during my childhood x yes Tony was a phenomenal talent! I still cry-laugh at ‘Sunday Afternoon’ and he was superb when teamed up with Hattie Jacques and Sid James ❤️ Thank you so much for watching the video 🌹
@@BeautifulBadandBizarre Thank you kindly for a prompt response, Avondale Heights eh, I was on the other side of the Yarra. We lived in South Caulfield until; we bought our current house in West Gippsland, which we affectionately term "THE LATRINE VALLEY" instead of The Latrobe Valley as it rains here much like it used to in Scotland. Thank you so much for bringing this programme to us. So sad that he was so self destructive but then again; I suppose being a comic genius, it must have been hard for him to fight those demons. Once again many thanks and kind Rregards
Always a pleasure - although I often slip behind on messages I always try my best to catch up as I love talking about my favourite subjects 🤭 Yes - we were in Sydney for a time and then moved to Melbourne!
I agree about Tony being self destructive and he was such a great loss to the future of comedy so - what he could have achieved!!!!
Australian Bill Kerr (1922 - 2014) was in Hancock's Half Hour radio show 1954 - 1959. wikipedia
My uncle was was an estate agent for Tony Hancock 😊
I love Hancock's Half Hour! I love Tony as an actor and a character, but he was pretty rotten as a person. I'm surprised you didn't mention the other two friends he did away with: Bill Kerr and Kenneth Williams. he discarded people the moment they became too popular, without realizing all these people were making the series popular for him.
I hear you!!! There was quite a bit I didn’t mention - some of it because TH-cam wouldn’t have appreciated the language 🤭 apparently some of the names Tony called people when he’d been drinking left rather a lot to be desired! But… I try to give a little insight into the lives of the people I feature - 10 to 20 mins can never convey everything - someone posted in the comments ‘he had more demons than Saturn’s birthday party’ and I thought that was a good analogy!
All these people were special these days actors are not know or brilliant they don't seem to have the same charisma
They were! And I agree with you - it’s hard to name many celebrities these days that have a similar appeal x
Did Hancock always look middle aged even when he was 17
He did! 😂🤭
I like to think I have a good sense of humour. I loved Freddie Starr, Ken Dodd, Kenny Williams, Duncan Norvelle, Tommy Cooper, Les Dawson, Mike Reid, Robbie Williams, Foster brooks, Laurel and Hardy and many more. I had watched Tony for many years and never really laughed at his performances. I don't know why ,as he had good writers and fellow cast members.
I totally understand - it’s really interesting what makes people laugh - for example on your list there is one person that stands out that always left me 😳😐 straight faced or 🙄 eye rolling and that’s Ken Dodd 🤭 but my best friend at the time when we were teenagers always went to see him on stage whenever she could - I never understood - it was always beyond me! Thank you for your comment and for watching! ❤️
As a teenager ,I loved the humour of Tony Hancock ( I still love it). But as I grew older, I realized that it was the unique writing of Simpson and Galton, coupled with Hancock's personality, that made the magic. With any other writers, he just wasn't funny. I've since read other scripts by S&G, and In my mind I can just see and hear Hancock delivering the lines- there's no mistaking the style. The classic 'Hancock' WAS Simpson and Galton. I recently watched an episode of the series he was making in Sydney - it was dreadful ! The writing was awful- a pathetic attempt to recreate the style of Simpson and Galton, but terribly wrong, and the obvious effects of alcoholism on his timing and general demeanour. He knew that he was truly finished, I'm sure.
Yes!!! I think that’s what Sid James (and many other comedy actors) realised - the words were everything! The writers made all the difference - I totally agree that the actors personality was essential to bring the words to life - but Simpson & Galton were King makers! ❤️
I love your explorations,lots of useful and honest info, Back in the day Handcock,and Handcocks Half Hour, an absolute MUST,
Truly a troubled Genius,,,,,,, Thank You,,,
Thank you so much! And thank you for watching! Tony was brilliant! ❤️
Even now his programs are funny and to think he’s now in an almost forgotten spot in a windswept and bleak looking churchyard but I’m sure he’s laughing at the line of knickers left behind, the mind boggles, maybe someone misunderstood the word bloomers to mean something other than flowers on that occasion. Well done on reaching a thousand. X.
I still listen to his shows on Spotify! Especially in the car on long journeys! The church yard itself is amazing but weirdly it’s isolated and yet not at the same time! There is a busy road that runs along side of it with non stop heavy traffic. I thought that with the washing line 🤭 Thank you! I’m well happy to have hit 1k and still can’t believe it! Thank you for your support!
Great yet sad comic
Thank you so much for watching ❤️❤️❤️
So sad....but crikey moses i thought hé was much older than 44...tragic. thank you for a nother interesting vidéo x
I know what you mean! Thank you so much for your lovely comment and for watching the video xx
I regularly rewatch Twelve Angry Men, The Missing Page, and The Lawyer.
All the others I’ve rewatched too many times. But those three are pure gold.
I'm a re-watcher too! and I listen to him on Spotify! Brilliant xxx
Hancock had the same problem as Woody Allen. It wasn't enough to just be a comedy genius, he wanted to be a real genius.
He couldn't see that it was the mixture of his style and Simpson and Galton's unique writing, that made him so funny.
Well done, nicely narrated. I worked in the homeless sector ... we had a fellow who would bed down for the night under a moveable slab and a hollow recess in the middle of a graveyard. He preferred that to living in a hostel. But would call in for hot meals from time to time. When I was a police officer I would sit with my sandwhiches and watch out for the grey lady , who was often seen by security guards at car park . I never saw her. Or anyone else funnily enough. Nice quiet spot for me midnight lunch. I posess a picture pre digital....I took a foto of a kings head on a doorway to a church. When I got the foto back there was just one eye looking back where there should have been an empty hole. Most peculiar . When digital came in I took a foto of the photo...in an attempt to blow it up .....which I did....and the eye looks even more real....oooerrr mrs. But Ive had a lifetime of seeing the odd ofd unexplainable thing .....exoerience. The only one that gave me the heebie gerbies .....were shadow people. I watched them as I walked home 17 yrs old. For about 3 or 4 mins ( police cadet ). 12 .25 am. . It was totally unexpected and I had no idea what the hell they were . I rang the station....but they found no signs of anything. I have seen weirder but they upset my equlibrium. Thus would love to see again to check it out. Now I am a old man lol.
Oooh!!! Thank you for your interesting stories! I think there are certainly many things that can’t be explained! I keep meaning to go back to that particular cemetery to see if it has the same feel as it did that particular day I went there - I’ve since learned that Tony is in the strange/odd area almost outside of the churchyard due to the manner of his death - I think that’s so sad x
@@BeautifulBadandBizarre Indeed it is silly. Most graveyards have two realities. One a yew.....as yews where the key significant tree in old worship ....pre Christian...Thus the sign that it has been holy before Christianity, and two the west side should hold the graveyard. All churches face the same directions ...east for birth hence christening side and west for death as with the movement of the sun. So no matter where you were dropped in Europe you could tell nsew..by the church. Handy in a war in a parachute descending into fog.....otherwise not so handy to know lol. . I'm the only person I know that gets Deva jue in visual and dialogue lasting minutes. Anything caught in a moment is imagination....those things that linger not so. I like this little Poem. I saw a man who wasn't there ( done it myself) he wasn't there again today I wish that man would go away.
Fascinating, thank you, and RIP The Lad Himself
You’re very welcome! Thank you so much for watching ❤️
Hello Shar,
As the only gardener in my family it's left to me to look after the family graves.
I look after my maternal grandmother's grave, as I was very close to her, once I was tending the grave, which is in a fairly open location, I was suddenly hit by a very strong smell of perfume which seemed to come from nowhere, it lasted a short while before leaving. The perfume we always associate with my grandmother, but we can't remember the name of it.
Best Wishes from Wales.
Hi Paul! Thank you so much that’s a lovely story! I’ve had a similar experience too! I’d love to know the name of the perfume your grandmother wore - perfume is another passion of mine 🤭 not so much wearing it but I’m interested in the vintage perfumes my favourite actresses wore! Xx
@@BeautifulBadandBizarre
My mother also had a similar experience, sat in a pub having a drink, the same thing, a strong smell perfume suddenly descended and then went away.
I enjoy your video's, it's always interesting to learn about people who were famous and such familiar names and faces to us all. 👍
As a teenager It was the highlight of each Sunday afternoon to listen to Hancock's Half Hour. I once saw a documentary about him and was very pleased to note that the producer's favourite episode was also mine - A Sunday Afternoon. The jokes were so good but also contemporary - like the title of the movie in the paper - I Was A Teenage Vampire and Drank The Blood on My Washboard a reference to U.S. horror movies and Skiffle music. The washing line was far out.
Oh I love ‘A Sunday Afternoon - Stone me, what a day’ 🤣 I still listen to it every now and again on Spotify 🤭 It never gets old and I can certainly relate!
I loved all the episodes with Hattie. (“At least their gravy used to move about a bit” 😂)
I didn’t think any of his other female supporting actors were at all funny. Yes, I remember screaming with laughter as a child listening that Sunday Afternoon episode. Sundays really were as boring as that in those days.
A comic genius, greatly missed.
Please, how were you able to get the permissions to film in the cemetery? Each time I have tried I have been refused. I so badly want to include some footage of my grandfather's grave in my project, but I am always told I risk prosecution no matter if the film is for my own personal file or for broadcast
Thank you - I agree very much so!
If you look all over TH-cam there are literally thousands of cemetery channels and hundreds of thousands of channels that show graves in their content - cemeteries are public spaces - good luck with your project.
@@BeautifulBadandBizarre Thank you so much for your encouraging reply. I have again called the Diocese for my grandfather's cemetery and they will not budge. I have shared your comment with them: they maintain that all cemeteries are private property and not public spaces. They argue that it is illegal to bury human remains in public spaces, that people buy space in cemeteries that is then their private property, all cemeteries are subject to a national by-law and then further subject to local by-laws and all cemeteries are subject to the owner's opening hours and restrictions. They were very dismissive of TH-cam statistics, simply saying that TH-cam shows many people breaking the law, it does not make it legal. I seem to be stuck between 'a rock and a hard place' on my project. Please where did you get the info 'cemeteries are public spaces', I would like something legal to quote back at them. Thank you
@@Kat-kv7fo There is a sign at my church's graveyard that says 'no video' and asks person to contact the priest before photographs. Not all cemeteries are public places maybe. I think you are wise to seek permission
Thank you so much. Great video as always, well done on finding the plaque x
Thank you! I was so surprised to eventually find it there! I thought it would be in a more prominent place!
I often walked Lollie, my neighbour’s small terrier, thru Horsham [vic., aus.] Cemetery, usually sticking 2 the str8’sh path, except 4 one occasion when I followed Loll’s lead, began 2 worry about the impropriety, @ which point we came across a lady’s grave, the headstone declaring the woman had died exactly a wk before I was born; I took this AS A SIGN, & never strayed again (well, hardly ever 🙄)!
2024 will mark the 100th birthday of the comedy legend
It will!!! I wonder if the Tony Hancock Appreciation Society will do anything special for it!
A bit of trivia, Tony move into the flat we left at 96 Birriga Rd, Bellevue Hill,it was where he committed suicide. The address was publicised in the papers and in those days failing celebrities would come to Australia to wring out the last vestiges of popularity for a quick buck. If I remember correctly, the local TV show he did was panned.
Thank you again for a lovely and respectful post....as usual....please take care of your beautiful smile...your heart is true x
Thank you so much! Your comment is very appreciated - thank you for watching the video! ❤️❤️❤️
I'm probably having a 'Mandela Effect' moment, but I'm sure the reports at the time of his suicide said he had shot himself? Great series, by the way. Very well done 😎👍✨
Too young to remember TH on half hour. I do remember him in The Rebel though. It was shown a few times in my childhood and was very memorable film for me. I also remember seeing a one man play based on Hancock's rehearsals which was never repeated, called 'The Lad Himself' (Thanks BBC programme explorer for filling in the blanks). My mother enjoyed it but it left me baffled as I had no frame of reference for who TH was. I watched repeats of HHH years later of course. I had no idea Sid James was such a big part of the show. Whilst I think Tony behaved badly towards him, I can understand why they were starting to be considered a double act.
I was always aware of Tony’s work for as long as I can remember - similar to you with your mother - because my dad absolutely loves comedy and so I was brought up with all the classics as it were! ❤️❤️❤️
Cowardly way of behaving in terms of firing people. Hancock sounds rather nasty overall and never made me laugh once - the actors and writers he fired however did .
So that's where the odd socks go to heaven.
🤣🤣🤣
Humans are terrible at parenting!
Early childhood for millions is a disaster; Tony’s demons stemmed from that time.
When will we learn?
Thank you for the excellent videos, and RIP one of the greatest comedians - Tony Hancock.
I think parenting skills and how important parenting is should be taught in schools - although even if you have a good understanding of what a child needs - it’s still the hardest job in the world and yet one that isn’t valued as much as it should be xx Thank you so much for your comment and for watching the video! ❤️❤️❤️
I was a schoolgirl in Australia, when he killed himself in Sydney. But i was shocked and saddened, we watched Hancock/s Half Hour here.
I moved to Australia with my family shortly after it happened - Sydney first and then Melbourne! It was a very sad time to hear he had died x thank you so much for watching x
Interesting film. I doubt anything can beat drying underwear !
🤭🤭 not seeing anything like it since - it was definitely ‘bizarre’ lol x
.. a bit harsh on, the lad himself.. Hattie along with Bill Kerr and Kenneth Williams, were dropped by Galton and Simpson, as they thought five was too many characters to transfer over to TV... as for Tony getting rid of Sid?.. he wanted to freshen things up, so he changed the location and got rid of the coat and hat.. the last series(Hancock) was the best of all the series.. they remained friends, but Tony should of told him personally.. getting rid of Galton and Simpson was a massive mistake but maybe the alcohol was starting to take over at that time.. that said, I enjoyed your upload , very much
Thank you so much - I do fully appreciate what you’re saying - I can only go by what I’ve read - I read around the subject as well as direct biographies, autobios - newspapers etc - obviously that means reading a lot of different opinions and I generally go with the ones I feel could be more reliable but that’s just a personal judgement - I do know Sid and Tony remained friends but from what I’ve read it was never the same and Sid was deeply hurt - I do appreciate your comment! Thank you for watching ❤️
@@BeautifulBadandBizarre.. Yes Sid was hurt.. Tony should have told him personally.. what a tragedy, what was to behold Hancock after that.. The funniest man ever imo.. what a waste of life and talent.. Sid of course went on to have a great career.. he said after Tony had died.. that he was the best friend he ever had..you know they did get back together to record the reunion party and the missing page for record in 1965..they are actually better than the original.... no one like then now, of course
Very happy memories of Tony but sad that he basically seemed such a complicated character with an abiding “death wish” which he fulfilled in due course.
Yes he was a brilliant comedian and actor - I agree with you - very complicated ❤️
i've fallen asleep to Hancock's half hour since my parents will have suggested i listen, sometime back in the early eighties?
forty years
when i was a teenager and discovering flanders and swann and the goons as well lol..
but without Kenneth and definitely without sid and bill i still, even now, don't see the attraction..
i can't get over his not wanting them
thankyou for sharing this and the others that you do 🙂 x
I go though that graveyard regularly to get to the park and I've never noticed the washing out. A guy sometimes sleeps in the tunnel under the motorway out back of the church, so possibly he uses the tap to wash his stuff. Again though I walk a dog in the park and pass through that churchyard and have never seen the clothes drying,
Ohh! It was such a weird day - I walked down the path and the wind was absolutely whistling - but it wasn’t windy anywhere else! I didn’t realise the park led down to the church - I went into the park from the other side but again no wind - it was a very strange day!
Hi. When I'm painting I enjoy listening to biogs and seeing as I love classic British humour and film, your channel serves as a perfect companion to me.
Thanks so much for well produced uploads.
Jeff.xxxx
That’s absolutely amazing! Thank you Jeff! I love that! I’ve got a fab one lined up next - film more than humour - I hope you enjoy it! ❤️
St Dunstans church Cranford. I rang church bells there in the 1960’s. The Very Reverend Father Beebee was the rector who permitted Tony’s ashes to be scattered just outside the boundary wall of the church yard.
Thank you so much for that information - someone else had mentioned why Tony was on the boundary - I hadn’t realised when I visited - I just thought it seemed an odd placement - it’s a beautiful church ❤️
Lovely video 👍
Thank you so much and thank you for watching ❤️❤️❤️
That's lovely but sad his grave is kind of tucked away. As a Scot you should visit Glasgow Necropolis. Very interesting cemetery.
I do agree, it was very sad to find his grave there and then to realise the reason why xxxx Oh yes I've seen the Glasgow Necropolis on youtube - very interesting!
My wife and I were married in this church (St Dunstans) back in 73, we used to visit Cranford Park quite often but have never seen anything strange in the churchyard! It was nice to see the church again in your video.
That’s so lovely! It’s such a pretty church - I didn’t get to go inside but I can imagine it’s very special - you really do get the sense of the past there - amazing to think it’s been there since medieval times - so rich in history! ❤️
Me and my parents went to see Tony H at the Palandeum in August 1963.
I was only 10 but laughted so much Tony H looked at me and said, "at least I've got one fan".
The problem was the audience weren't laughing. Tony H stood in at the last minute after the star didnt appear. The audience weren't geared up to watch him.
Happy memories for me.
Oh that is wonderful!!!! Thank you so much for sharing that memory - I can imagine how brilliant that was! xxxx
I never met the great genius personally, about 4 decades ago while in my mid 20's I had called into a Marylebone pub where I met; I think he was a solicitor who told me the 2 'Hancock' writers got in this pub several times a week, ray Galton and Alan Simson darn just to say I never got to meet them neither, but I still soaked up the atmosphere , and talked 'Hancock' for several hours with this hardened 'Hancock' fan. I remember the solicitor offering to extend our stay in London with his home that's not the magic of me, that's the magic effect of 'the time but mainly the boy's Hancock', Galton and Simson.
Oh like what your doing with you video's paying respect too those who entertained us in our youth a golden time, when you plug in your radio and not your tooth brush, when it was a lucky man-woman who got of this world alive, yeah there pretty old one's long past there shelf life, when the cooper's are looking younger and younger then you know the best years are behind me, hold on to your trousers, as one get's rattled out reverberating down each trouser leg.
Thank you for paying respects to a great comic genius he doubted his own ability, Hancock just had to raise his eyebrows and I would be in stitches, if he lost his comic timing, I still would admire him, Hancock didn't lose, it was the world who lost out overall.
Dadio dictates and I write for him, these are his words but.
This is so lovely!!!!!Thank you so much for this comment and for watching the video and thank you to your Dad too! much appreciated indeed - I'm such a huge fan of Galton and Simpson as well - what a team they were! Can I also say I am absolutely smiling at the phrase 'when you plug in your radio and not your tooth brush' I love that!!! Yes!!! Those were the days indeed! Thank you and your dad again, for such a great comment - it's very much appreciated! xx
@@BeautifulBadandBizarre your very wecome.
The Rebel is brilliant, it could be made now as it is totally relevant.
Tony was brilliant - it’s a shame he didn’t make more films! ❤️
You need to learn how to timestamp your videos they are all over the place, I cannot follow them at all!
His ashes couldn't be placed in consecrated land due to his mode of death, hence being placed just outside of the churchyard
Oh wow! I hadn’t even considered that possibility but it makes sense regarding his placement - that was a thing once wasn’t it? Although most people I know of who passed away under those circumstances are within the churchyard so I hadn’t though of it x
@@BeautifulBadandBizarre Yes. Very old fashioned isn't it? xx
It is - sometimes I long for some of the old fashioned values to return - but definitely not that one! That’s so sad 😢
@@BeautifulBadandBizarre By the way, I love your channel. So informative and respectful
Thank you so much! I really enjoy researching and putting the information together - it means so much to know you enjoy the channel - I truly appreciate that ❤️
Hi. Could you possibly do some vids of where the Dad's Army team lie buried? I love Dad's Army and would love to see where the guys' final resting places are. I do love your videos - you are a very charming lady.
Thank you so much! Yes I have many of them on my list! Another wonderful series! ❤️❤️❤️
Thank you💐
Tony Hancock, the legend. RIP ❤️🇬🇧
The ventriloquist dummy, when it's wearing specs, looks a lot like the late actor, Richard Wattis, aka Charles Brown in Sykes
🤣🤣🤣 it does doesn’t it! I hadn’t seen it before and now I can’t un-see it 🫣🤣
What a lovely lady you are! You give all of your featured heavenly stars a huge respect and i think the beautiful flowers cap off your sweet natured videos a treat! Thank you! Incidentally, i wonder if one day, you would visit Nancy Spungen @ Sid Vicious's final resting place please, as i am a big fan of theirs. Thank you once again! xxxxx
Thank you so much! I truly appreciate your comment 🌹 ohhhh! Sid and Nancy - now you’re talking my teenage years! I remember those days well - I believe Nancy is buried in the US and Sid’s mother wanted her son buried with Nancy but Nancy’s family objected so rumour has it that his ashes sprinkled on Nancy grave - I don’t know for sure but I did hear that ❤️
@@BeautifulBadandBizarre You're very welcome and thank you for your info. I appreciate this. xxxxx
Tony Handcock I'm not sure he felt he was a comedy genius, he made a huge mistake in questioning his inner nature, we are all what we are and nothing can be added or subtracted to our individuality, Tony hadn't accepted his quirky off beat fun loving nature, big mistake for him it doesn't lend itself to self-analysis sadly, his understandable fear and doubt of not being able to find out where his comedy timing and content originated from within added to his further anxiety, imagine being Tony Hancock and never knowing when his comic genius might dry up must of been hell for him.
I heard good things and bad things about Tony Hancock, I've had the pleasure of drinking with both writers thirty odd years ago down London, Galton, and Simpson they didn't mind me and my conversation I believe they loved my 'Geordie' enthusiasm two legends comedy writers that made me feel like one of the lads.
Tony anxiety and self-doubt fueled his taste for excessive alcohol drinking, "stone the crows" and other one liner delivered with perfect comedy timing, but that was just part of the Tony Hancock team delivery: his Galton and Simpson lines always hitting their mark, Tony had a good team of accompanying comedy actor, they added to Tony's fame, together they were magic!
Tony hadn't the talent to make it on his own, yes that sounds harsh, but it was completely true at the time, it wasn't Tony Handcock alone but with the Galton and Simpson writing and supporting comedy actors they ascended to comic genius.
Insecurities can't be seen yet they run deep in all of us, 'Tony Handcock' couldn't overcome his inner doubts, ultimately, they sent him a little potty, he got rid of the golden goose his writers and comedy co- stars, now his days were sadly numbered; he became a victim of his own follies, I wish I had met the guy, one of life's tragedies sadly.
Fame I'm sure its self-destructive, in most cases, but what do I know?
Oh wow!!!! You met Galton and Simpson? What a memory to treasure! I think I would have been completely starstruck from an aspiring writers point of view! I do thoroughly agree with you - Tony was his own worst enemy fuelled by his insecurities - we all have them, but I guess for Tony, living in the public eye certainly would have enlarged them out of proportion xx
Yeah, they were perfect gentlemen, and didn't mind some reflection in the past, their comedic natures bounced around the bar table, I can't tell you much about them accept we were all on the same fundamental frequency, saying that I'm reminded of Tony Hancock in one of his episodes where he was a ham radio operator, yeah that one was funny even now.
They didn't just talk about Tony they talked about 'Steptoe and Son' and other credited writings they had done over the decades; I only met them twice the second time just a nod and a handshake, because they were in company, some big wig so it was perfectly understandable, I sat a couple of tables away sipping my lemonade and blackcurrant.
I haven't clue if their still alive today, but they told me they both were behind the Seens, waiting impatiently for their one liner deliveries by Tony and others, great comedic minds with a decent education rendered them bigger geniuses than their comedic actors in my option, and they didn't mind my praise of them expressing my warm approval of their combined brilliant work; it got a reciprocated smile off both.
Whatever Tony was they weren't they were ordinary lads without the attitudes and didn't mind people coming up to them in praise, they still seemed delighted to meet regular fans and were extremely patient and kind.
Behind every successful man is his adoring and loving wife I'd like to think, the supporting inner core; behind the comedic actors were highly devoted writers like Galton and Simpson...
I had written to you earlier about being down London and Told you of my meeting with a regular guy who turned out to be a tremendous Tony Hancock fan of over 40 od years ago.
I at the time of writing to you I didn't want to include my chance meetings with Galton and Simson, I reckon 'stone the crows' so I include all the best and warmest regards a fan of comedy.
This was true at the actual time of being there 40 odd years ago.
I never met the great genius personally, about 4 decades ago while in my mid 20's I had called into a Marylebone pub where I met; I think he was a solicitor who told me the 2 'Hancock' writers got in this pub several times a week, ray Galton and Alan Simson darn just to say I never got to meet them neither, but I still soaked up the atmosphere , and talked 'Hancock' for several hours with this hardened 'Hancock' fan. I remember the solicitor offering to extend our stay in London with his home that's not the magic of me, that's the magic effect of 'the time but mainly the boy's Hancock', Galton and Simson.
Oh like what you're doing with you video's paying respect to those who entertained us in our youth a golden time, when you plug in your radio and not your tooth brush, when it was a lucky man-woman who got of this world alive, yeah there pretty old one's long past there shelf life, when the constabulary are looking younger and younger then you know the best years are behind me/us hold on to your trousers, as one gets rattled out reverberating down each trouser leg.
Thank you for paying respects to a great comic genius he doubted his own ability, Hancock just had to raise his eyebrows and I would be in stitches, if he lost his comic timing, I still would admire him, Hancock didn't lose, it was the world who lost out cruelly overall.
Dadio dictates and I write for him, these are his words but my own sense of humor, Dadio been disabled for years so he loves to watch his DVD collection of the great comics, I think they help to keep him alive and in good spirits most of the time.
You pay good respects to the late Tony Hancock, so we hope you find this interesting.
Oh this is wonderful thank you so much for this lovely and interesting insight into Galton & Simpson! It's very appreciated. Sadly they are no longer with us - but I have visited Alan Simpson's grave and left flowers x I think they died within a year of each other.
Please give Dadio my kindest regards! I hope he is doing well and I love the humour - it's made me smile - thank you so much! I'm glad you are both enjoying his DVD collection - and of course laughter is always the best medicine - and Galton & Simpson were the kingmakers of laughter - given such wonderful scripts to people like the fabulous Tony Hancock who really knew how to perform them! xxxx
The narrator sounded like Liz Fraser, obviously not. Many thanks for this brief look at TH's life. Just re-reading his exploits in Australia by Edward Joffe - not a happy read!
Thank you for watching! I'm thrilled you think I sound like Liz Fraser - I love her to bits! 😊 I’m glad you enjoyed the brief look at Yootha's life. I haven’t read Edward Joffe’s account of TH’s time in Australia, but it sounds like a tough read-definitely a challenging chapter in his life. I will look out for that book as I'm sure I'd love to read it! xxxx
Oddly enough, when walking by a cemetery, three young girls asked me to escort them past this creepy place. I welcomed them to come along. I then told them I used to feel creepy, too, when I was alive.
Haaaa... 'Hancock's Half hour' was a regular guest in my house.
In the 60's & 70's in SA, the SABC had the 'A' or English FM radio service, which was full of BBC programs and humour. How this got around the Equity Ban of the day, I've never discovered?
Goons, Round the Horn etc and including Tony aka 'Tubbs' Hancock & his gang, were our Steam Radio favourites.
We gave top marks to Bill Kerr and for obvious reasons Sid James.
"Sidney ....?" (Tony Sighs)
"Yeah Tony...?" We knew a fresh Sid James scam had been just uncovered by Tony and the long suffering Hattie Jacques.
My late brother & I lived quite a distance from our school, but we'd race home on our bikes, just to make the 3:00 pm comedy hour, then chores and home work.
Thank you so much for this comment and sharing your memories! I love listening to the shows in the car - I get them via Spotify - never fails to make me laugh! ❤️🤭
Have always enjoyed Hancock a genius and a very complicated man. I think he only wanted to get the laughs and so destroyed the many friends around him. RIP Anthony you have brought me such joy
I agree - I think you’re right - the laughs meant so much to him ❤️
Love his radio series,and got the Hancock half half hour cd box set plus the dvd, but this what I just watching is very sad,rip tony Hancock, thanks for this video
Thank you for your comment! It’s great to hear you’re a fan of Tony Hancock and his radio series. He truly left a lasting legacy, and it’s poignant to reflect on his life and career. I appreciate you watching the video! Thank you so much xxxx
Thanks for this video - I was born in 1952 & grew up enjoying Tony Hancock’s humour and of course many of his contemporaries. If anyone is anything like me it would be John `Le John the mesurier - very poorly gytrated by some of his closest friends (including both Hattie & Joan). Like you, I am fond of visiting churches & other Iconic, if strange English historical sites. And believe it or not , I am a member of the burial board which serves two local parishes. ISO, I know where I am going to eventually lie! Hopefully a quite a few years in the future.R.D.
You’re very welcome! Thank you for watching! Oh yes I agree totally about John! And also about visiting interesting places! I just truly love history - and discovering more about the lives of people from the past - both famous and not famous! I’ve discovered so amazingly interesting ‘ordinary’ lives on my research journeys! My friend has also secured her place for the future 🤭 ❤️
What! A Man Of My Cal-Ly-Ber ( Calibre)
🤣🤣🤭
Stone me.......
@@fus149hammer5 🤣😂
Hi in the early eighties I used to walk through the local graveyard at 5 in the morning to catch the bus for my 6 till 2 shift a man had fell asleep and woke up to see my figure walking towards him he ran that fast he thought I was a ghost I shouted your ok all the best Paul
🤣🤣🤣 I can imagine the shock! Poor man! 🤭 have to say this particular graveyard is extremely atmospheric - I wouldn’t fancy walking through at 5am on my own 🤭
Thank you so much! Very poignant and interesting account. ❤
Regarding old churchyards...when i was a child my parents, who loved history used to take me along visiting old churches. Especially in the countryside. I was very 'fay' and spooked a lot of the time! I later found out that historically, all kinds of other religious rituals were often practoced in these places. One can sometimes see wierd and peculiar inscriptions on the buildings. 😂
Thank you, Helen! I’m glad you found the video interesting. Your experiences with old churchyards sound fascinating! It’s amazing how history and local traditions can leave such intriguing marks on these places. I’ve also had some remarkable and unexplained experiences during my travels and in life. It’s always fascinating to explore the layers of history and the mysteries that come with them. Thanks for sharing your memories! I do love hearing about such things! xxxxx