Summary

"In a glittering 50-year career that stretched from the demise of the music-hall and the rise of radio to the supremacy of television and the emergence of home video, Frankie Howerd established himself as one of Britain's greatest ever comics.

"In a glittering 50-year career that stretched from the demise of the music-hall and the rise of radio to the supremacy of television and the emergence of home video, Frankie Howerd established himself as one of Britain's greatest ever comics. But, since his death in 1992, he has often been portrayed as little more than a 'camp' icon who bequeathed us a few quaint catchphrases, some 'saucy TV shows', and a dubious collection of double entendres." "Through close examination of his public career, and original research into the secrets and insecurities of Howerd's precarious private life, Graham McCann - bestselling author of Dad's Army and Morecambe and Wise - celebrates the real Frankie Howerd; a brilliantly original, highly skilful and wonderfully funny stand-up comedian whose talent and impact were as profound as those of Bob Hope, Jack Benny or any of the other internationally recognised greats."--BOOK JACKET.