THE MONTE CARLO RALLY

Hancock's Half Hour (Radio) First Series - Programme 12

Hancock takes part in the Monte Carlo Rally, in an 1896 car supplied by Sid.

Cast
Tony Hancock
Bill Kerr
Moira Lister
Sidney James
Alan Simpson
Kenneth Williams
Raymond Baxter*
Bryan Johnston*

* these parts were pre-recorded

Programme Guide

In the fifties, the Monte Carlo Rally was a premier event in the sporting calendar and Galton and Simpson made good use of it here. For authenticity, they employed the BBC's commentary and racing team of Bryan Johnston and Raymond Baxter; the former providing the race commentary and the latter 'taking part' in his souped-up Ford Zephyr.

Bryan Johnston informs us that, at the start in Glasgow, they are awaiting the arrival of entry number 101 - Captain Tony 'Wheels' Hancock in his 59 year-old AJY special.

Not surprisingly, Hancock's car has broken down and Sid suggests that they give up. Hancock Is Indignant: "Give up! For the last ten years me and that car have been at the starting line." To which Sid retorts, "And stayed there!"

They finally arrive at the start, three hours late, but with full crew intact - co-driver Bill 'Spanners' Kerr , the heater - Moira Lister, and 'Sporting Sid' who is in charge of tin tacks and broken glass. Their start is further delayed with engine trouble - Hancock forgets to turn it on. They are progressing so slowly that they decide to take the train to Dover, leaving the car in the guards' van. So, they are first onto the ferry.

At Bologna, Moira's entente cordiale gets them quickly past the French Customs. By nightfall, they are still In the lead. Bryan Johnston wonders how they are able to keep up such a pace . "Alright Sid", says Hancock, "We've passed the bridge." "Right", says Sid, "Blow it up".

Entering the final stages, blizzard conditions are being experienced. Bill says, "The snow's a foot deep". "It's more than that", says Hancock. "I'm talking about inside the car", replies Bill. Entering avalanche country, Bill turns on the radio and promptly starts one. Hancock ends up on the cliff edge, to be rescued by Alan Simpson's, 'yes' man. Hancock: "Of course, it's not the first time I've been hanging from a cliff top by me finger tips you know . Simpson: "I thought not". Hancock: "You could tell by the cool calm way I was yelling at the top of me voice!"

They dig the car out and go on to win the race. At Monte Carlo, the whole town turns out to cheer them and the Mayor presents them with a cheque for 200,000 francs and then Hancock wakes up from his dream to find he's been given a parking ticket for being stuck on the starting line for four days.

Although this may seem corny by today's standards, at the time, it would have been considered very inventive to have turned such a sporting event to such good comic use in a full half-hour show. The writing was certainly developing and amongst the frequent jokes (good and bad), one or two very good character lines were appearing, which was a good sign for the future of the show.