Hancock's Half HourHancock's Half Hour
Public facts
Researching from public sources…
Explore further
Smart links across the graph — keep clicking to get lost in the universe.
The First TV ShowThe First TV ShowOpen episodeHancock has a broken leg but Sid insists that the show must go on and so the show is broadcast from Hancock's hospital bed.
The ArtistThe ArtistOpen episodeHancock decides to become an artist and buys up some old canvases to paint over. However, one is a stolen Rembrandt and one of Sid's cronies is forced to buy up all of Hancock's paintings to retrieve it.
The DancerThe DancerOpen episodeAt last Hancock secures a film role... but only if he can dance. Sid provides lessons for Hancock and enters him into a local dancing Championship Contest, but is forced to become his partner in the competition (in drag)!
The BequestThe BequestOpen episodeUncle Obadiah leaves Hancock a fortune provided that he gets married. Hancock starts to look for his future wife with the help of the Sid James Marriage Bureau.
The Radio ShowThe Radio ShowOpen episodeBroadcast from the National Radio Show, Earl's Court, this episode comprised a number of sketches including the The Red Army Choir... British style!
The Chef That Died of ShameThe Chef That Died of ShameOpen episodeThe cast play the parts in the story of 'Iggins, a cook who becomes a well respected chef but subsequently fails and loses everything due to drink.
The Alpine HolidayThe Alpine HolidayOpen episodeHancock upsets his fellow passengers on a flight to Switzerland and then discovers that he has to share his room at the hotel. Initially he thinks that he is sharing with an attractive French girl only to discover that it is really a yodeller and Alpine Horn player.
Lady Chatterley's RevengeLady Chatterley's RevengeOpen episodeHancock is given a small part in the East Cheam Repertory Company's production of 'Moon Over Tahiti' but then they forget to tell him when the play is changed to 'Lady Chatterley's Revenge'.
The Russian PrinceThe Russian PrinceOpen episodeHancock bumps his head and suffers from temporary amnesia. Whilst he is unable to remember who he is, Sid persuades Hancock that he is Prince Nicolai, the last heir to the Russian Royal Family's fortune... but there are others making the same claim.
The New NeighbourThe New NeighbourOpen episodeHancock is worried by his new neighbour who seems to keep bringing in bodies and dumping them in an incinerator in the back garden. Hancock decides to investigate.
The PianistThe PianistOpen episodeHancock dreams that he has a job as a night club pianist and he falls in love with a foreign baroness. But she is engaged and Hancock is challenged to a duel with her fiancé.
The AuctionThe AuctionOpen episodeSid and Hancock decide to auction off their property to pay for a trip to Monte Carlo to try out Sid's infallible roulette system. But they discover that Hancock's stuffed eagle had been stuffed with banknotes.
The Continental HolidayThe Continental HolidayOpen episodeHancock has been on holiday abroad and he tells Sid of his exploits in which he foiled an international gang of smugglers.
The Great DetectiveThe Great DetectiveOpen episodeHancock dreams of becoming the great detective 'Sexton Hancock' and proceeds to unravel a complicated murder plot.
The Amusement ArcadeThe Amusement ArcadeOpen episodeSid has set up an amusement arcade, but when Hancock finds out he leads a campaign to have it closed down. Meanwhile, Hancock seeks election to the Council but when Sid's arcade is closed down he moves it to Hancock's house.
A Holiday in ScotlandA Holiday in ScotlandOpen episodeHancock is told by the doctor he must get fit. But when Hancock takes an unwilling Sid on a hunting holiday to Scotland, they get snowed in.
Air Steward Hancock - The Last of the ManyAir Steward Hancock - The Last of the ManyOpen episodeHancock takes on a new job as an air steward. But one of the passengers on his first flight is Sid who is on the run from the police, and the other passengers include four police officers looking for a bank robber.
The Regimental ReunionThe Regimental ReunionOpen episodeHancock, a junior clerk in a City office for 19 years, receives a promotion when his army friends, who met at a reunion, place large orders with the firm. However, they are all fraudulent orders and Sid has the takings.
The Adopted FamilyThe Adopted FamilyOpen episodeHancock needs to get to the top of the waiting list for a council house but to do this he needs a wife and four children. So he adopts Sid and four of his mates, but then he can't get rid of them.
The Elocution TeacherThe Elocution TeacherOpen episodeFamous actor Jack Hawkins takes elocution lessons with Hancock and is reduced to being the leader of a rock-and-roll group.
The Lawyer - The Crown vs Sidney JamesThe Lawyer - The Crown vs Sidney JamesOpen episodeHancock becomes a lawyer but when he defends an obviously guilty Sid James in court he finds himself the subject of a guilty verdict.
Competitions - How to Win Money and Influence PeopleCompetitions - How to Win Money and Influence PeopleOpen episodeHancock takes up entering newspaper competitions as a full time job. When he wins a few competitions, he is foolish enough to trust Sid to look after the money.
There's An Airfield At the Bottom of My GardenThere's An Airfield At the Bottom of My GardenOpen episodeHancock buys a house from Sid but discovers that there's an airfield at the bottom of his garden. Returning to Sid dissatisfied, he is forced to try to sell the house himself but he has considerable difficulties.
Hancock's 43 Minutes - The East Cheam Repertory CompanyHancock's 43 Minutes - The East Cheam Repertory CompanyOpen episodeHancock presents his own variety show from the Television Theatre - but he has asked Sid to provide all the acts.
Ericsson the VikingEricsson the VikingOpen episodeSid has persuaded Hancock to make a dramatic film which the BBC have agreed to broadcast. But Hancock is worried; after all, when shooting started Sid's production company didn't even have a movie camera.
Underpaid! or Grandad's SOSUnderpaid! or Grandad's SOSOpen episodeHancock discovers that his extremely rich grandfather is very ill in hospital in Australia. Sid, expecting a large bequest, hurries to Australia masquerading as Hancock, but the old man has no money left. Meanwhile, back in the UK, Sid's grandfather falls dangerously ill in prison.
The Set That FailedThe Set That FailedOpen episodeHancock doesn't know what to do: his television set has broken down. He sets off on a quest to find a working TV and joins a family who are so focused on their TV that they don't notice that they have additional guests.
The New NoseThe New NoseOpen episodeAfter a particularly unsuccessful date, Hancock puts his lack of success with the girls down to his nose. After refusing to come out from his home, Sid arranges for a friend who has had plastic surgery to visit Hancock. Hancock has the surgery so success with the ladies is now guaranteed... or is it?
The Flight of the Red ShadowThe Flight of the Red ShadowOpen episodeHancock has been in a production of 'The Desert Song' but when it closes prematurely Hancock and Sid escape with only their costumes. Dressed as an Indian Maharajah, Hancock is mistaken for a genuine visiting Maharajah and ends up addressing a meeting but has to flee again.
The Horror SerialThe Horror SerialOpen episodeHancock has been watching the last episode of the horror serial 'Quatermass & The Pit' and is now in a very nervous state. When he discovers an unknown object in his garden, Sid thinks it's an unexploded bomb and calls in the Bomb Squad. But Hancock is convinced it's an extra-terrestrial craft.
The Italian MaidThe Italian MaidOpen episodeHancock hires a domestic help who turns out to be an Italian beauty. An immediate rivalry develops between Hancock and Sid for her attentions, with Hancock ending up doing all the housework... but then her family arrives.
Matrimony - AlmostMatrimony - AlmostOpen episodeHancock meets a girl at an upper class party. He believes that she has money and Sid tells her that Hancock has money, so a marriage is rapidly arranged. But all is not as it seems.
The Beauty ContestThe Beauty ContestOpen episodeThe local council decide not to hold a Miss East Cheam contest because of the low standard of entrants the previous year. Instead they decide to hold a Mr East Cheam contest - Hancock and Sid enter and both expect to win.
The Wrong ManThe Wrong ManOpen episodeHancock agrees to attend an identity parade at the local Police station. But when he is mistakenly picked out by three witnesses he decides to prove his innocence by recreating the crime.
The Oak TreeThe Oak TreeOpen episodeThe tree in Hancock's garden is threatened with felling to make way for a lamp-post and because it is a danger to passing buses. He is incensed and organises a protest march to Downing Street to try to save it.
The KnighthoodThe KnighthoodOpen episodeHancock is determined to receive a Knighthood and decides that classical theatre is the only answer. Surely a stint at Stratford interpreting Shakespeare as Long John Silver will be all that's required?
The ServantsThe ServantsOpen episodeThe TV series is finally over so Hancock and Sid need to get jobs. They take on the role of servants dressed as an elderly couple, but when they take it in turns to be the woman suspicions are aroused.
The Economy DriveThe Economy DriveOpen episodeHancock and Sid return from holiday to discover that Sid has failed to cancel any deliveries and has left every electrical appliance in the house on. Hancock decides that in order to make ends meet he and Sid must go on an economy drive. But Hancock soon encounters difficulties in the local self service café, and the stairs at home prove problematic as well.
The Two MurderersThe Two MurderersOpen episodeSid asks Hancock to lend him the money to open a fish and chip shop but Hancock refuses. Sid tells Hancock that he'll get the money somehow, but how will he do it? Hancock believes that Sid is planning to murder him, but Sid is convinced that his own life is in danger.
Lord Byron Lived HereLord Byron Lived HereOpen episodeHancock's house is falling down and needs a lot of work. In order for the National Trust to renovate it for him he needs to convince them that someone famous lived there. Sid shows Hancock evidence that Byron lived at Railway Cuttings. But is the poet Byron or someone more recent?
Twelve Angry MenTwelve Angry MenOpen episodeHancock is the foreman of the Jury and stands alone in declaring the petty criminal innocent. But when Sid discovers how much he is earning a day as a juror, he joins Hancock's side and sets about trying to convince the others.
The Train JourneyThe Train JourneyOpen episodeHancock is faced with a very long train journey to Giggleswick and decides to liven up the journey, but only succeeds in irritating all his fellow passengers.
The CruiseThe CruiseOpen episodeHancock goes on a cruise but quickly becomes fed up when the only woman interested in him is large and over-amorous. However, when he becomes convinced that the ship is sinking he soon has other things on his mind.
The Big NightThe Big NightOpen episodeHancock is really looking forward to a big night out with Sid and two girls. But his preparations turn to disaster when his shirt is ruined at the launderette and his barber doesn't have a steady hand with his razor.
The TycoonThe TycoonOpen episodeHancock is on the verge of ruin because his shares have plummeted in value. He attends a shareholder meeting but falls asleep and dreams of Sid who once again twists him.
Spanish InterludeSpanish InterludeOpen episodeSid is struggling to find work for Hancock and the latest roles he has secured involve Hancock standing in national dress outside Indian restaurants. Hancock decides to try new locations and goes to Spain where he is unsuccessful as a nightclub comic. Penniless and unable to return home, Sid manages to find a new job for Hancock. The question is: how successful will he be as a bullfighter?
Football PoolsFootball PoolsOpen episodeHancock only needs one more draw to secure the top payout on the Football Pools. As the match is a local one with a late kick-off, Hancock and Sid go along to cheer on each team equally.
The ColdThe ColdOpen episodeHancock has suffered from cold after cold during the winter and has tried all of the various medicines on the market. In desperation, he tries the local witch-doctor but she fails to 'draw out' the cold. Sid persuades Hancock that a keep-fit course is required, but with unexpected results.
The Missing PageThe Missing PageOpen episodeHancock takes out a murder mystery book from the library. When he discovers that the last page is missing he is determined to deduce who the killer is. But when he finds that it's too complicated to decipher he decides to track down a copy of the complete book.
The EmigrantThe EmigrantOpen episodeHancock decides that he will emigrate, but no-one will take him. Knowing Sid's past he asks for his assistance, but the 'luxury cruise liner' Sid arranges has a very short gang plank and a very unusual crew.
The Reunion PartyThe Reunion PartyOpen episodeHancock decides to hold a reunion with his wartime pals. But a lot of time has elapsed since he last saw them and people do change.
Sid in LoveSid in LoveOpen episodeSid has fallen in love with the conductress of a 93 bus but he doesn't know how to approach her. Seeking Hancock's advice, Sid travels on the bus but his attempts cause chaos both with the conductress and the driver... who is her husband.
The Baby-SittersThe Baby-SittersOpen episodeHancock and Sid decide to earn some extra cash by signing on as babysitters. The pleasant evening is spoiled when they start arguing over the TV and the baby starts crying. But who are those two extra visitors?
The Ladies ManThe Ladies ManOpen episodeHancock has had no success with the ladies so he decides to enrol in a charm school course, and he dreams about the outcome. But when he leaves the school the reality is a little different.
The PhotographerThe PhotographerOpen episodeHancock has broken his ancient camera so he decides to invest in the latest technology. His attempts to take shots of diners in a restaurant end up with him being thrown out. With the first payment on the equipment due, he needs a photo of an incident to sell to the local papers, but Sid's idea involving Hancock as the subject goes badly wrong.
The East Cheam CentenaryThe East Cheam CentenaryOpen episodeIt's the centenary of the Borough of East Cheam and Hancock has arranged for the BBC to have exclusive TV rights to the celebratory procession. Unfortunately, the Mayor has sold exclusive rights to ITV and the route of the procession doesn't go past Hancock's house where the BBC have set up. Hancock is forced to take drastic steps and provide his own procession at short notice.
The Poison Pen LettersThe Poison Pen LettersOpen episodeHancock is upset by a steady stream of unpleasant letters. But when the police keep a watch on the post box where the letters are being posted, Sid discovers that Hancock has been writing the letters to himself, in his sleep.
The BedsitterThe BedsitterOpen episodeHancock is alone in his Earl's Court bed-sit and tries to master a Bertrand Russell book, fails to get the TV to work and almost gets invited to a party.
The BowmansThe BowmansOpen episodeHancock plays the part of Old Joshua Merryweather in the radio show The Bowmans (which sounds rather similar to The Archers). But his behaviour and the number of different dialects that he uses causes him to be thrown off the show. However public opinion demands his return - but he in turn demands a few changes.
The Radio HamThe Radio HamOpen episodeHancock has bought himself a radio transmitter/receiver and he is able to converse with remote parts of the world, discussing the weather and playing games of Snakes & Ladders and Chess. But when he receives a 'Mayday' call he has to contend with the landlady's husband and uncooperative electricity meters.
The LiftThe LiftOpen episodeHancock is the ninth passenger in a lift designed to take eight. When the lift sticks he tries to raise everybody's spirits, but only manages to annoy all of the other occupants.
The Blood DonorThe Blood DonorOpen episodeHancock decides to give a pint of blood. But he is alarmed when he discovers he has to give very nearly an armful, and he is determined to find out who it goes to.
The Succession - Son and HeirThe Succession - Son and HeirOpen episodeHancock decides that it's time to have children to 'carry on the line'. He selects three eligible girls and proposes to them all but is refused. Whilst he is still arguing with the third, the other two return having changed their minds.