Frankie Howerd: Stand-Up Comic

by Graham McCann

The authoritative biography of Britain's most subversive twentieth-century clown from celebrated biographer Graham McCann, author of Dad’s Army and Morecambe & Wise.

Please note that this edition is text only and does not include any illustrations.

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.

Genres: Biography

440 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2004

Reviews

[F.R. · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is something I find fascinating about British comedians of the 50s. I think it's the fact that you have these people who are so talented, who are at the forefront of the televisual age and who are incredibly famous - but because their acts don't translate acoss international borders there is someting quite mundane and English about them. If you read a biog of Burt Lancaster then he will take a holiday to Monte Carlo or whereever, if you read a biog of Tony Hancock then it's far more likely to be Bournemouth. You have these men who are so incredibly famous, and yet they can't escape the same old mundane British places like Scunthorpe, Grimsby and so on.

Over the years I've read books about Hancock, Cooper, Milligan, William, Hill and Sellers (although those two kind of spoil the effect by becoming internationally famous.) And now I've come to Frankie Howerd.

For those of you not from the UK, Frankie Howerd was a incredibly famous comedian of the 50s famed for his conversational style, his use of innuendo and his various catchphrases ("Titter ye not!") His career crashed in the late 50s before he was embraced by the satire movement of the 60s, before fading away in the 70s and becoming a cult figure in the 80s. If you're about 25 or above in this country you can't have missed him.

The book is an affectionate portrayal, although one that acknowledges his flaws, and is very well written. Particularly so as these books normally work best when revealing what a monster the man in question really was. Francis Howerd however, as well as being funny, does seem to have been a likeable man - although one that didn't suffer fools gladly. His professional life is given more prominence than his personal life, though since Howerd until his death kept his homosexuality and long term partner a secret, it would be difficult for McCann to give a full and detailed account. (And how much do you actually want to read about the sex lives of comedians anyway?)

I would heartily recommend this book, and am now off to see what Howerd delights there are on youtube.

[Tony · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another belter of a read by McCann, who is consistently the best biographer of "old time" British comedians out there (although in fairness that is a little niche!)

His portrayal of Howerd is sympathetic, balanced but extremely honest, and paints a picture of a man who although successful, never quite hit the heights of happiness.

There's an air of melancholy that hangs over the writing that is both atmospheric and loving, and the book is all the better for it.
I just wish the print was a little larger or that there was a kindle edition!!

[Colin Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very comprehensive biography of Frankie howerd. Easy to read and understand. Lot's of information, personal facts and much in-depth details of many comedy writers who had supported him over the years. Quite a long read, but steady reading and the chapters highlight the the major events in Frankie's long entertainment life. I highly recommend reading this book if you enjoy watching Frankie on film, hearing him on Radio and the many successful TV series he made. He had many appearances on stage in play's, Pentaamines and nightclubs. There is a extensive index at the end of the book which lists all of his appearances on all media.

[Mick Meyers · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book covering the comedians career,mostly his stage work.also has a look behind the facade.some chapter headings are misleading,especially the one about Dennis heymer, which only briefly mentions him.the author also is disparaging of the films he made specially the carry on films.takes a slightly different path to the usual biographies.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

After previous reading his On The Way I Lost It this is in complete contrast. Mr Howerds "other" life is no secret thanks to the sensationist nature of our tv show makers, but if you have read his 1976 autobiography you will know the image he paints of himself is just one big sad untruth.
A troubled soul with a whole aircraft hold of baggage but with a gift of timing and "funny bones" as ( the now late) Eric Sykes put it. A morose man offstage, suffering terrible stage fright and insecurity. A warm (if not somewhat strange) face to make us laugh on stage ( and tv.. and radio.. what a trendsetter!) The cliche of sad happy clown does apply here as with so many comics but being at your height at a time when homosexuality was illegal in the UK it dawns on you that so many of todays comedians get away with so much.
Knowing this only makes you appreciate him more knowing he went through all that to make us laugh.

[Gaz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very thorough and wide-ranging, this is a refreshingly sensitive and passionate defence of Frankie Howerd as an innovative stand-up comedian. It places him very firmly and vividly in his era, and shows what intelligence and courage went into making him such a memorable performer.

[Mark Barrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pulls together detail from lots of different sources to give a fuller picture of the whole man than we have read anywhere else. A little too much lifting from these other sources at times for my liking. It really brings home Frankie's foibles and humbleness.