The Lost Tapes

Twenty years after his death, this documentary reveals never-before-seen footage of one of Britain's most popular comedy stars: Frankie Howerd. Alongside clips from his classic shows, the programme unveils previously unreleased professional and personal archive film and audio. From pilots and home movie footage to unseen interviews and material from his live stand up show, the show shines a light on the highs and lows of comedy legend Frankie's remarkable career. The film also lifts the lid on Frankie's vast collection of personal correspondence. From Sir Laurence Olivier and Paul McCartney to Howerd's many fans, everyone wrote to Frankie, and Frankie always took the time to write back. The film features a range of contributors, including some of the comedian's most famous fans, such as Sir Bruce Forsyth and Barry Cryer. The programme also hears from the people who were closest to him, such as his former agents, collaborators and writers, including Ray Galton, Alan Simpson and Clive Anderson