Product Description

The authoritative biography of Britain's most subversive twentieth-century clown from celebrated biographer Graham McCann, author of Dad's Army and Morecambe & Wise. The rambling perambulations, the catchphrases, the bland brown suit and chestnut hairpiece: such were the hallmarks of a revolution in stand-up comedy that came in the unique shape of Frankie Howerd. His act was all about his lack of act, his humour reliant on trying to prevent the audience from laughing ('No, no please, now!now control please, control'). This new biography from Graham McCann charts the circuitous course of an extraordinary career -- moving from his early, exceptional, success in the forties and early fifties as a radio star, through a period at the end of the fifties when he was all but forgotten as a has-been, to his rediscovery in the early sixties by Peter Cook. Howerd returned to television popularity with 'Up Pompeii', which led to work with the Carry On team. In his last few years he became the unlikely doyen of the late eighties 'alternative' comedy circuit. But his life off-stage was equally fascinating: full of secrets, insecurities (leading at one point to a nervous breakdown) and unexpected friendships. Graham McCann vividly captures both Howerd's colourful career and precarious private life through extensive new research and original interviews with such figures as Paul McCartney, Eric Sykes, Bill Cotton, Barbara Windsor, Joan Simms and Michael Grade. This exceptional biography brings to life an unique British entertainer.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #307924 in Books
• Published on: 2005-07-04
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 384 pages

Review
'Never has the sheer awkwardness of the human condition been so comically, or beautifully, conveyed.' Daily Mail 'As with his masterly account of Dad's Army, this is an objective and scrupulously researched study, unlikely to be superseded.' Roger Lewis, Spectator 'McCann's lively biography is rooted in those post-music-hall days, his portrait of the period is vivid.' Alex Clark, Sunday Times 'Graham McCann's straightforward, affectionate biography attempts to underline Howerd's place in the pantheon of British comedy greats.' Glasgow Herald

Roger Lewis, Spectator
'As with his masterly account of Dad’s Army, this is an objective and scrupulously researched study, unlikely to be superseded.'

Alex Clark, Sunday Times
'McCann's lively biography is rooted in those post-music-hall days, his portrait of the period is vivid.'

Customer Reviews

Frankie would be so proud of this.
Frankie Howerd had a 50 year career. He more or less re-invented stand up comedy in the 1940s, made TV sketch comedy so much more intimate (by talking directly to the viewers) in the 1960s and inspired a new generation of stand ups in the 1980s. He was a brilliant performer, and it has been so maddening to see him belittled since his death by a succession of 'nudge-nudge-wink-wink' profiles and a handful of pathetically superficial hagiographies. That is why Graham McCann's biography is so welcome. At last - at long last - Frankie Howerd is placed in his proper context - that of stand up comedy - and is shown in all his fascinating complexity. We see his intelligence, his fear, his courage and his artistry. We understand his ambitions and we appreciate his achievements. We get to know the man, and the performer, better than we thought we ever would. The book is marvellous. It truly is. Frankie has finally got the tribute that he so richly deserves.

Yea, Yea and Thrice Yea!
This is something very, very special. As a devoted fan of Frankie Howerd, I can't quite put into words how delighted I am to at last have a full-length biography of the great man that, while being extremely thorough and exceptionally well-researched, celebrates the artist instead of abusing the memory of the man. What you get is an incredibly vivid account of the famously rollercoaster career, an unusually sensitive, compassionate and mature account of the notoriously chaotic private life, and an admirable set of insights into the genius of the performer. McCann quotes from interviews with the likes of Eric Sykes (whose early partnership with Howerd is rightly highlighted), Galton and Simpson and various other friends and colleagues, draws on some fascinating archive materials and supplies his own analyses to piece together a big picture that manages to remind you of how important Frankie Howerd remains in the history of stand-up comedy. Add to all of this an invaluable list of stage, radio, tv, film and video performances, quotes from the classic routines and a good selection of photographs, and what you have is a book that gives show-business biographies a good name. A superb piece of work.

The Definitive Work
The definitive biography of a great comic talent. Well written and wonderfully researched, this book is a highly readable must for any comedy fan.