Description

The Complete Frank Randle
Paperback Book

NEW BOOK! HOT OFF THE PRESS!

PAPERBACK BOOK by  Philip Martin Williams & David L. Williams.  276 pages, fully illustrated. Book measures: 15.5cm x 23.5cm x 1.5cm

This book delves into the life of the renowned North Country comedian and music hall performer, revealing his unwavering determination and ambition, despite the obstacles he faced to establish himself as one of Britain’s finest comedians. Special features include a foreword by comedy historian Robert Ross and additional forewords from Sir Ken Dodd OBE and Carry On star Jack Douglas, plus an afterword by Sir Ian McKellen CH CBE.

Randle was not a conventional stand-up comedian, although he had tried-and-tested jokes in his repertoire. He had several catchphrases, including: “I’ve supped some ale to ’neet,” “Gerroff mi foot,” “I’ll fettle thee,” and “she’s a hot ’un.” He was well known for characterisations such as ‘The Boatman’, ‘Grandpa’, and the classic ‘Old Hiker’. At the peak of his career, Frank Randle was one of the country’s top comedy character actors. His variety show, ‘Randle’s Scandals’, attracted packed audiences, established him as a household name. Randle gained a significant number of fans through starring roles in ten feature films, including the 1947 film When You Come Home, which is featured in the Music Hall and Variety box set on the opposite page. Directed by John Baxter, Randle plays a music hall odd job man, recounting his life with flashbacks to earlier days.