The 1980s were unkind to some of our beloved post World War 2 comedians. Morecambe & Wise ceased to be funny when they moved away from the BBC.
Frankie Howard and Tommy Cooper had shows on ITV in the early 1980s but they were a laughter free zone. In fact Cooper only got a positive buzz when he made a rare BBC appearance on Seaside Special where he did his hat routine.
Tommy Cooper who unfortunately collapsed live on TV was a unique comedian and a very talented conjurer.
A few years after his death his mistress went public with their long term affair. Some years later other comedians such as Bob Monkhouse told stories of his drinking and violent temper. It was not unknown for Cooper to start his day with pouring vodka over his cornflakes.
This bio-pic starts with a common story (in fact something I myself have done) of a man going to a bazaar in Turkey, putting on a fez and shouting 'just like that.'
David Threlfall with added make up does a good impression of Cooper although he is a bit thin. Cooper was physically imposing.
The film deals with his tightness, his drinking, the tempestuous relationship with his wife and his affair with his mistress. The prolonged recreation of his death on a TV show felt like a mis-step to me.
Good performances but nothing out of the ordinary like the bio-pics of comedians we have had on BBC4 in recent years where they delved into the dark heart of its subjects.
Frankie Howard and Tommy Cooper had shows on ITV in the early 1980s but they were a laughter free zone. In fact Cooper only got a positive buzz when he made a rare BBC appearance on Seaside Special where he did his hat routine.
Tommy Cooper who unfortunately collapsed live on TV was a unique comedian and a very talented conjurer.
A few years after his death his mistress went public with their long term affair. Some years later other comedians such as Bob Monkhouse told stories of his drinking and violent temper. It was not unknown for Cooper to start his day with pouring vodka over his cornflakes.
This bio-pic starts with a common story (in fact something I myself have done) of a man going to a bazaar in Turkey, putting on a fez and shouting 'just like that.'
David Threlfall with added make up does a good impression of Cooper although he is a bit thin. Cooper was physically imposing.
The film deals with his tightness, his drinking, the tempestuous relationship with his wife and his affair with his mistress. The prolonged recreation of his death on a TV show felt like a mis-step to me.
Good performances but nothing out of the ordinary like the bio-pics of comedians we have had on BBC4 in recent years where they delved into the dark heart of its subjects.