For his second film in a starring role, Tony Hancock plays Wally Pinner, a Punch and Judy man, the like of which he had seen performing on the beach when he was growing up in Bournemouth. Released in cinemas 60 years ago, it is a dark comedy in which Pinner is invited by the Mayoress to perform his puppet show at the municipal gala dinner, itself celebrating the 60th anniversary of the fictional small seaside town of Piltdown. Although he despises the mayor and members of the town council, and they despise him, his social climbing wife Delia (Sylvia Syms) accepts the invitation on his behalf and he reluctantly goes ahead with the performance in order to save his failing marriage. At the Gala dinner, things do not go to plan but events strengthen the couple's relationship.
As well as the main cast, Hancock is supported from his friends from Hancock's Half Hour, John Le Mesurier, Hugh Lloyd, Mario Fabrizi, and there is a very brief appearance by Hattie Jacques.
A Q&A with the Tony Hancock Appreciation Society will follow this show. We thank our collaborators on this event.
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