Written by Philip Oakes and Tony Hancock this was Hancock's second film in a starring role.

Made in black and white the film is the story of Wally Pinner (the Punch & Judy Man) and his friends who are snubbed by important members of local society, most notably in the Council. However, his wife Deliah (Sylvia Sims) has social aspirations and when the Council plans an official reception for the local dignitary Lady Jane Caterham after she has switched on the local illuminations, she persuades Wally to give a Punch & Judy performance at the reception after the Mayoress (unknown to the Mayor) has invited him.

Unfortunately, the reception ends up in a fight involving most of the guests and with it Deliah's chance of climbing the social ladder gone. After the reception Wally and Deliah finally come to a better understanding of each other.

Main cast comprised: Tony Hancock, Sylvia Sims, Ronald Fraser, Barbara Murray, John Le Mesurier, Hugh Lloyd, Mario Fabrizi, Pauline Jameson, Norman Bird, Peter Vaughan, John Dunbar, Brian Bedford, Peter Myers, Eddie Byrne, Russell Waters, Kevin Brennan and Nicholas Webb.

Director: Jeremy Summers

Producer: Gordon L.T. Scott

Screenplay by Philip Oakes and Tony Hancock

Length: 96 minutes

This film has been released on Video and DVD. Please see the releases guide for more information.

The Tony Hancock Appreciation Society has a complete set of Production Stills in the archives and these can be viewed in the Members' section of this website.

Also filming location stills can be seen on the website Reel Streets

Brian Bedford

Actor

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Committee

Release Guide