Art & Hue
Benny Hill stylish pop art print sporting his trademark saucy grin.
Ealing Comedy “Who Done It?”
Already known as a television star in 1955, but before the quirky & unique funny man was known for chasing women with a saxophone accompaniment, Benny Hill made his British film debut in one of the final Ealing Comedies to come out of Ealing Studios, “Who Done It?”.
Released in 1956, “Who Done It?” stars Benny as Hugo Dill, a sweeper who harbours ambitions of becoming a private investigator and, following a series of slapstick events, eventually succeeds in bringing down a spy network.
With the mantle of British film comedy institution eventually passing to the Carry On films, which started in 1958 with Carry on Sergeant, there were only two further Ealing Comedies to follow Benny Hill’s cinematic debut.
“Who Done It”?” featured pre-Carry On actors Charles Hawtrey and Irene Handl, as well as a whole host of other supporting cast members who went on to appear in future Carry Ons, such as Fred Machon, Ernie Rice, Denis Shaw, Pat Ryan, Chris Adcock, Philip Stewart, Rita Tobin-Weske, Ronnie Brody, Mabel Etherington, Anthony Lang, Chick Fowles, Ian Selby, Gey Standeven, and Terence Alexander (who also appeared in several episodes of The Avengers).
“Who Done It?” was directed by Basil Dearden, who also directed British film noir “Pool of London” and wrote the screenplay of the George Formby film “Turned Out Nice Again“.
The film opened at the New Victoria and Dominion Cinemas in London on the 18th of March 1956 before rolling out nationwide.
Whilst it may have been heading towards the end of an era for the Ealing Comedies, it was the early days of Benny Hill becoming a well-known comedy star.
Benny Hill
Born Alfred Hawthorn Hill in 1924, Benny Hill went on to become one of the most recognisable and globally-famous comedians with “The Benny Hill Show” aired in countries around the world, including America, Russia, and China.
With a career spanning six decades, Benny Hill was one of Britain’s most prolific and popular comedy stars. From variety to sketch shows, Hill’s cheeky humour continued the British comedy traditions of music halls and seaside entertainment and become an integral part of British viewing.
A mix of saucy slapstick, parody, and music, The Benny Hill Show was a variety show which appealed across generations. The show became renowned, and is still remembered, for cheekily chasing the “Hill’s Angels” to the sound of Yakety Sax. A mix of character sketches which included appearances over the years from guest stars such as David Prowse and Liz Fraser, “The Benny Hill Show” welcomed musical guests to perform including Dusty Springfield.
As well as TV success, Benny had a chart-topping number 1 single in 1971 with “Ernie (the Fastest Milkman in the West)” and starred in several films including “Light Up the Sky!” with Ian Carmichael, “Those Magnificent Men in their Flying Machines” with Terry-Thomas, and “The Italian Job” with Michael Caine, Irene Handl, and Valerie Leon.
Benny Hill Pop Art
Available in A4, A3, and A2 sizes to fit standard-size picture frames. Please note that black frame is not included – for a guide on choosing a frame size take a look here.
An official collaboration with Studiocanal, this print is part of the Funny Men collection of stylish pop art prints inspired by classic British comedians and comic actors, featuring Art & Hue’s signature halftone style (halftone is an age-old technique that uses dots to make up the printed image, similar to newspapers or comic books).
“Who Done It?” Copyright © STUDIOCANAL Films Ltd. (1956). All rights reserved.
Copyright © Art & Hue® 2019. All rights reserved.
