Funny Way To Be A Hero was first published in 1973. Since then comedy has changed beyond recognition. Or has it? John Fisher's update of his stylish and weighty tome complete with riveting rare pictures draws numerous intriguing comparisons between comedians today and the comedians of yesteryear he first focussed on.
It is an interesting addition to an already enthralling book. Each chapter tells the story of a different classic comedian who came to prominence in the last century, from the likes of Max Miller and George Formby up to Ken Dodd and The Two Ronnies. Fisher - a young man first time round, now a veteran TV producer and author of further authoritative books including one on Tommy Cooper – has a terrific turn of phrase, capturing the essence of numerous acts in a sentence. Les Dawson "sort of settled behind the footlights like a sack of potatoes". Ken Dodd onstage "became a veritable cyclone of activity".
As well as the more famous names – Max Wall and Frankie Howerd are two more highlights – Fisher looks at those that may have been better known in the 1970s, but have been largely left behind by history. Most captivating was the chapter on Frank Randle, a boozy, riotous rock and roll comic from the George Formby era whose antics put Russell Brand in the shade. He waved guns about, tried to play chicken with a tram while driving his Rolls Royce and, legend/myth has it, chartered a plane to lob toilet rolls over Accrington. I thought that Blackpool was the intended target, but if I was a betting man I'd put my money on Fisher being right.
The emphasis – articulate, evocative and knowledgeable – is very much on the professional career, not the people behind the work. There is not much time for scurrilous gossip - possibly because in 1973 some of the stars, such as Morecambe and Wise and Tommy Cooper, were still alive. But Fisher is clearly first and foremost a respectful fan. If anything this is what lets the book down a little - he is sometimes too supportive - suggesting, for instance, that Norman Wisdom's ill-starred move from family slapstick into sub-Carry On sex comedy with the movie What's Good for The Goose in 1969 was "brave". Others would probably call it foolish and misguided.
But this is a small bit of nitpicking. The afterthoughts at the end of each chapter bring things up to date and draw those comparisons with latter-day laugh-makers (Les Dawson/Jack Dee, Eric Morecambe/Vic Reeves). This nicely bookends the way Fisher found antecedents for his subjects in Victorian musical hall back in 1973 and shows that comedy is one long continuum. A book for comedy obsessives certainly, but also one for anyone who enjoys a giggle. And that should be everyone.
Funny Way To Be A Hero by John Fisher is out now. Buy it here.
