Frankie Howerd: Rather You Than Me (2008) (TV)

Director:

John Alexander

Writer:

Peter Harness (written by)

Release Date:

9 April 2008 (UK)

Genre:

Biography

Plot:

Plot Keywords:

Wig | Stand Up Comedy | Homosexual | Male Rear Nudity | Repressed Homosexual

Cast

David Walliams	...	Frankie Howerd
Rafe Spall	...	Dennis Heymer
Peter Sandys-Clarke	...	Sheridan
Sally Leonard	...	Jane
Paul Anderson	...	Roger
Benedict Martin	...	Gunman
Melanie Hill	...	Ruth
Dilys Laye	...	Edith Howerd
Jeffrey S. Perry	...	Director (as Jeffrey Perry)
Chris New	...	Rent Boy
Peter Harness	...	Promoter
Paul Courtenay Hyu	...	Dr. Ling (as Paul Courtenay-Hyu)
Jake Maskall	...	Don
David Reed	...	Peter Cook
Tom Allen	...	Lighting Technician

Runtime:

60 min

Country:

UK

Aspect Ratio:

1.78 : 1

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Filming Locations:

London, England, UK

Company:

BBC Drama Group

Trivia:

Made as one of a four-part season "The Curse of Comedy" on BBC Four, though not billed on-screen with this series title. The other three programmes in the series were The Curse of Steptoe (2008) (TV), Hancock & Joan (2008) (TV) and _Most Sincerely, Hughie Green (2008) (TV)_ .

The Weakest of the Curse of Comedy Quartet

After the three excellent preceding entries in this quartet, (Steptoe,Hancock,Hughie Green)this was a considerable disappointment.

I've no complaint with the performances, both David Walliams and Rafe Spall as Howerd & Heymer respectively were on top form. Where Rather You Than Me falls down, as opposed to the three previous entries is it's lacklustre script, which can't make up its mind whether to concentrate on Howerd or Heymer and falls limply between the two.

This cramped production lasting barely sixty minutes, seems more interested in Heymer's uninteresting sex life than exploring Howerd himself. So we are then subjected to scenes of dimly lit homosexual nightclubs and sweaty couplings, whilst Howerd sits morosely at home.

Poor old Frank is made to look so miserable and dull, you wonder how he ever made people laugh at all. Further insight into his character by the writers would have revealed that despite his depressive nature, he could also be humorous and great company as his many friends including Cilla Black and June Whitfield would bare witness to. (Happiness doesn't sell progamme's it seems)

I'm sad to say that Rather You Than Me is a kick in the teeth to a great comic.