The Blackboard Jungle

Hancock's Half Hour (Radio) Third Series - Programme 6

The cast present the story of a young schoolmaster in a school full of juvenile delinquents. (A skit on the 1955 film of the same name)

Cast
Tony Hancock
Bill Kerr
Sidney James
Kenneth Williams
Andrée Melly
Alan Simpson

Programme Guide

As with the forthcoming "East Cheam Drama Festival" production of "Look back in Hunger", this show deals with 'young misfits in society' - in this case at school.

The show, inspired by the 1955 film of the same name, was possibly used as "Hancock's Half Hour" subject matter following Bill Kerr's portrayal of the dance hall thug in "The Bequest" (Series 3 / Programme 3). Galton and Simpson would not have been slow to realise the comic potential of such a theme.

The "Blackboard Jungle" film, which starred Glenn Ford as the school teacher trying to control and understand his class of young toughs, became notorious for it's soundtrack. For the inclusion of Bill Haley's "Rock Around the Clock" under the credits, led to U.K. cinema audiences tearing up their seats and even dancing in the aisles! Of course, the film now seems very dated, even laughable in parts.

However, full marks to Galton and Simpson for spotting, before anyone else, that the rebellious youth syndrome was ripe for sending up.

This episode features some great performances from all of the cast, which includes Andree Melly playing a sexy school teacher, and Alan Simpson as a believable juvenile delinquent!

The funniest moment is when Tony returns home to his wife, after being beaten up by some of his pupils. He tells her not to turn on the light as he is not a pretty sight. The audience laughs loudly even before Andree has had a chance to reply!