Silent comedy Eddie in August, in best Benny Hill traditions following the adventures of a love struck young man.
Speaking to the TV Times at the time Benny said “It’s the story of my life. I chose Nicole Shelby for the part of my girl because she’s so young and lovely – rather like me.”
Eddie in August was all shot on film but very typical of one of Benny’s sketches from his standard TV show with no opportunity missed for a bum joke or an ogle.
Leonard Buckley writing in the Times (4 June 1970) was less impressed saying the funniest thing about the production was that people who switched on half way through wouldn’t know what was going on. Buckley also felt that the lack of dialogue meant that we missed out on the verbal dexterity which was always a trademark of Hill’s. He is right but it was the universal appeal of silent material like this which allowed Hill to become such a loved figure around the world.
production details
UK / ITV – Thames / 1×30 minute episode / Broadcast Wednesday 3 June 1970 @ 7.00pm
Writer and Music: Benny Hill / Musical Director: Ronnie Aldritch / Producers and Directors: John Robins, Benny Hill
cast
Benny Hill as Eddie
Nicole Shelby as Woman
Douglas Hill
Jill Easter
George Roderick
Tommy Godfrey
Connie Georges
Michael Sharvell-Martin
