We continue our celebration of Tony Hancock, whose show was a regular fixture at the Studios, with a special hosted screening of his feature film THE REBEL. The Tony Hancock Appreciation Society will provide their incisive Q&A as usual after the show!
The Rebel was Hancock's first film in a starring role. He wanted international success and that meant doing something that would appeal to audiences in the United States. Hewas pleased to help develop Galton and Simpson's idea for a story about an artist of little talent who nonetheless gives up his boring office job and the daily commute to go to Paris to paint.A hilarious film with a strong supporting cast, including Hollywood star George Sanders, Dennis Price, Oliver Read and Nanette Newman. There was also room for his mates from Hancock's Half Hour; John Le Mesurier, Liz Frazer, Hugh Lloyd and Irene Handl as his landlady, Mrs Crevatte. The film was a box office success in Britain, but sadly it did not succeed in America where he was virtually unknown. Now regarded by many as a classic, the film has been fully restored and digitised.
With thanks to our collaborators on this event, the Tony Hancock Appreciation Society, the estates of writers Ray Galton and Alan Simpson and the British Film Institute.
