Legends of Comedy (2008)
3.0 of 5 from 3 ratings
3h 21min
- General info
- Available formats
- Synopsis:
These 3 compelling drama reveal the extraordinary and often turbulent off-camera lives of some of Britain's favourite comedians. Based on the testimonies of friends, colleagues and family members, these fascinating portrayals uncover the turmoil and heartache found behind the laughter.
Frankie Howerd, Rather You Than MeFrankie Howerd is to this day an enduring and celebrated icon of British comedy, well known for his camp persona and classic catchphrases. However, behind the scenes, Howerd was racked with depression and self loathing. In this compelling one-off drama, David Walliams (Little Britain) gets to play one of his own comedy favourites, telling the moving, humorous and poignant story of Howerd's fight with his inner demons.
The Curse of Steptoe
Steptoe and Son was one of the most successful comedy series ever, giving birth to the modern sitcom and transforming its actors into national treasures. It told the story of two rag-and-bone men, Harry H. Corbett (played by Jason Isaacs) and Wilfrid Brambell (Phil Davis), trapped together for eternity. But off-screen, a stranger story would mirror fiction, as the two men find themselves unable to escape their inner complexities or each other.
Hughie Green, Most Sincerely
Starring Trevor Eve (Waking the Dead), this fascinating drama tells the inside story of Hughie Green, the avuncular frontman of 'Opportunity Knocks and Double Your Money'. Hughie's professional rivalry with 'Stars on Sunday' presenter Jess Yates (Mark Benton), and his serial womanising ultimately produce an explosive celebrity secret. This drama tells of the destructive power of success and celebrity, and explores what family and fatherhood meant to this iconic character.- Actors:
- David Walliams, Dilys Laye, Rafe Spall, Jason Isaacs, Phil Davis, Burn Gorman, Rory Kinnear, Roger Allam, Trevor Eve, Jess Yates, Elaine Yates, Claire Green, Peter Sandys-Clarke, Sally Leonard, Paul Anderson, Benedict Martin, Melanie Hill, Jeffrey S. Perry, Chris New, Peter Harness
- Directors:
- John Alexander, Michael Samuels, Dan Percival
- Producers:
- Ben Evans, Ben Bickerton
- Writers:
- Peter Harness, Brian Fillis, Tony Basgallop, Christopher Green, Carol Clerk
- Aka:
- Frankie Howerd, Rather You Than Me / The Curse of Steptoe / Hughie Green, Most Sincerely
- Studio:
- BBC
- Genres:
- Comedy, Drama
- Collections:
- A World of Difference: A History of Gay Cinema, Drama Films & TV
