Eddie in August (1970) (TV)

Directors:

Benny Hill
John Robins

Writer:

Benny Hill (writer)

Release Date:

3 June 1970 (UK)

Genre:

Comedy

Plot:

A half-hour silent film, starring Benny Hill in a tale of unrequited love. |

Cast

  (Credited cast)

Benny Hill	...	Eddie
Nicole Shelby	...	Kathy
Douglas Hill	...	Roger
Jill Easter	...	Flo
George Roderick	...	Garbage Collector in Park
Tommy Godfrey	...	Used Car Salesman
Connie Georges	...	Woman Driving Sports Car
Michael Sharvell-Martin	...	Man in Park

Runtime:

UK:30 min

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Sound Mix:

Mono

Filming Locations:

Slough, Berkshire, England, UK

Company:

Thames Television

Trivia:

This one-off special was the end result of a pledge by Thames Television to allow Benny Hill to direct such a program, as part of their successful bid to lure him away from the BBC. However, although well-received, relatively lackluster ratings coupled with behind-the-scenes problems with the technicians' union also made this Hill's directorial swan song, and he would confine himself to hour-long comedy-variety specials for the balance of his run with Thames.

Benny In Love

*** This review may contain spoilers ***

Eddie is one of nature's losers. One day, he meets and falls in love with the lovely Kathy, and sets about trying to woo her. He buys a car from a shady second-hand dealer, but it breaks down as he drives home. His attempts to impress her with his tennis playing technique go awry - he cannot keep up with his much-younger opponent. As attempt after attempt fails, the only place where Eddie can be confidant of any success is his imagination...

As part of Benny Hill's deal with Thames T.V. following his defection from the B.B.C., he got to write, star, compose the music and co-direct ( with John Robins ) this short comedy film. Its been unseen for years, until it resurfaced recently as an extra on one of 'The Benny Hill Annual' D.V.D's. One would dearly love to describe it as a neglected comedy gem; sadly, it is not.

'Eddie In August' was clearly influenced by the work of Jacques Tati and Charlie Chaplin. The storyline provides the ideal framework for a comedy, but inexplicably Hill fails to deliver much by the way of gags. It doesn't even come to life during Eddie's 'Billy Liar' type daydreams. The result is decidedly flat and tedious. It did not do well in the ratings when first broadcast, and Hill soon returned to his regular show.