Following on from last week's terrific The Curse of Steptoe and Son, this docu-drama tells the story of comedian Tony Hancock's love affair with John Le Mesurier's wife Joan. A terrible alcoholic, Hancock's demons were never far away. Joan gave him a chance to rebuild his life and his career. Sadly that was not to be.
There's been a mixed critical reception to the programme. While it's obviously of high quality, some feel that Ken Stott (pictured, left) is so distinctive that he has difficulty in portraying Hancock successfully. Others accept that while Stott looks nothing like Hancock, at times there are moments when he captures the Lad Himself. Maxine Peake (pictured, right) is much rated as Joan.
The following preview courtesy of BBC:
Ken Stott and Maxine Peake star as Tony Hancock and Joan Le Mesurier in the story of Hancock's love affair with his best friend's wife, his battle with drink and his final TV series in Australia, as The Curse Of Comedy season continues.
Only months into her marriage to Dad's Army favourite John Le Mesurier, Joan met his best friend - the godfather of British sitcom, Tony Hancock. Tony was fresh out of rehab and desperate to resurrect his career with an offer of work in Australia. Tony was plagued by self-doubt and felt trapped by his earlier success - his iconic "lad from East Cheam". Yet, despite his struggles with drink and depression, he remained charismatic and funny. For Joan and Tony, it was love at first sight. Joan was determined to save Tony from himself, and John stood by as they embarked on an obsessive and passionate love affair.
But Tony's demons were never far away and, after months of turmoil, Joan gave him an ultimatum - if he made a go of his Australian series and stayed sober for a year, she would leave John for good. Tony left, determined to succeed. Tragically, he never returned.
Written by Richard Cottan (Larkin - Love Again) and based on Joan Le Mesurier's autobiography, Lady Don't Fall Backwards, Hancock And Joan tells the story of Hancock's last years and the love affair that almost saved him.
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