Knighthood, The

Synopsis
British sitcom. In this episode Hancock craves a theatrical knighthood via a role at the Old Vic, so becoming the first Duke of Cheam. His ambition culminates in him reciting Hamlet’s ‘to be, or not to be’ speech in the manner of Robert Newton in TREASURE ISLAND. He is told to gain experience in repertory and does so, playing every part with a crutch and a parrot.
Series
Hancock’s Half Hour
Language
English
Country
Great Britain
Medium
Television
Transmission details
20 Mar 1959 at 19:30 (Channel: BBC)
Duration
30 mins

Credits

Producer
Duncan Wood
Writer
Alan Simpson; Ray Galton
Cast
Tony HancockHancock (Hamlet)
Andrew FauldsRichard III
Richard WattisOld Vic manager
Sid JamesSid

Additional Details

Production type
Sitcoms/Variety
Plays
Hamlet
Subjects
Drama
Keywords
Shakespeare, William (1564-1616)

Notes

Notes
Available on DVD as HANCOCK’S HALF HOUR. Vol. 2
History
Episode 12 in the 4th series.

Production Company

Name

BBC

Notes
The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)

Archive

Name

BFI National Archive

Web
http://www.bfi.org.uk/archive-collections/searching-access-collections/research-viewing-services External site opens in new window
Phone
020 7255 1444
Fax
020 7436 0165
Address
21 Stephen Street
London
W1T 1LN

Distributor (Sale)

Name

Retail outlets

How to cite this record

Shakespeare, "Knighthood, The". https://learningonscreen.ac.uk/shakespeare/search/index.php/title/av67312 (Accessed 26 Nov 2024)