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Forgotten Heroes of Comedy

Publication date: 28 October, 2021
Status: Published
Book: Hardback
Regular price £35.00
Regular price £35.00Sale price £35.00

Description

'The top chronicler of British comedy' Film Review

'Robert’s knowledge of English comedy is formidable' Phil Collins

In this long overdue and affectionate salute, celebrated comedy historian Robert Ross pays tribute to some of the finest, funniest and most fascinating names in comedy from both sides of the Atlantic.

Delving into the careers of the beguiling Avril Angers, the Clitheroe Kid himself, the forgotten Stooge Shemp Howard, Hollywood golden girl Thelma Todd, Italian film-maker Mario Zampi and many more between, Ross honours these legends of humour who, for a variety of reasons, didn't quite reach the heady heights of stardom – or, once they did, they couldn't cope with the pressures.

Whether it is a favourite from the distant smoke and ale-stained world of the Music Hall like the great George Robey, or the downbeat poetry of Hovis Presley, who dropped disenchanted bombs on the late 1990s, the Forgotten Heroes of Comedy will finally elevate them to the Hall of Fame where they belong. Forgotten, no longer.

About the Author

Robert Ross

Robert Ross is the leading authority on the history of British comedy. His sixteen books include

The Monty Python Encyclopedia

,

The Carry On Story

and

Sid James – Cockney Rebel

,

The Complete Terry-Thomas

and official BBC celebrations of such hit situation comedies as

Fawlty Towers

,

Last of the Summer Wine

and

Steptoe and Son

. His latest book is the critically-acclaimed biography of Marty Feldman. Robert has hosted sell-out National Film Theatre events with The Goodies and The League of Gentlemen, moderated over 50 DVD commentaries and written

Doctor Who

audio plays for sixth Doctor, Colin Baker. He is a frequent guest on radio and his many television credits include interviews for

What's A Carry On?

,

Top Ten: Comedy Records

,

Will the Real Basil Fawlty Please Stand Up?

,

Legends: Hattie Jacques

,

Legends: Terry-Thomas

,

What the Pythons Did Next

,

Richard & Judy

and the BBC News.
He lives in Buckinghamshire.

“...the top chronicler of British comedy.”

– Howard Maxford, Film Review

“... I learned more about the Pythons from reading the Monty Python Encyclopaedia than from being one.”

– Terry Jones

“Robert is a one-man encyclopaedia of the very best of British comedy. The mother lode of show business information!”

– Jim Dale

“Robert’s knowledge of English comedy is formidable.”

– Phil Collins

Follow @RobertWRossEsq


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