Podcast Summary: "Its That Man Again - Stage Show Recorded For Forces Radio" (1940-05-18)
Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Host/Author: Harolds Old Time Radio
Release Date: March 22, 2025

Overview

The episode titled "Its That Man Again - Stage Show Recorded For Forces Radio" captures a live performance of the iconic British radio comedy program ITMA (It's That Man Again) from May 18, 1940. Recorded at the Palace Theatre in Manchester, the show was arranged with George Black and tailored specifically for the Forces Radio audience. The episode showcases a blend of witty dialogues, humorous sketches, impersonations, and musical performances, embodying the quintessential humor of the Golden Age of Radio.

Cast and Characters

• Tommy Handley as Itmar: The central character, Itmar is depicted as the maestro of mirth, orchestrating the comedic chaos within the office of Twerps.

• Maurice Denham as Mrs. Tickle: Portraying the stern yet comical Mrs. Tickle, denham adds depth to the dynamic within the office setting.

• Jack Train as Jollop, Fusspot, and other characters: Train showcases his versatility by embodying approximately 17 different characters, including the mischievous Funt.

• June Marlowe as Dotty: Playing Itmar's glamorous private secretary, Dotty brings charm and flair to the office interactions.

• Bobby Lockwood as the Office Boy: Lockwood's character provides additional comedic relief within the office environment.

Key Scenes and Sketches

Introduction and Setting the Scene (00:30 - 03:33)

Maurice Denham introduces the audience to the Palace Theatre in Manchester and the show's cast. The initial scene sets up the office of Twerps, featuring Mrs. Tickle in a telephone box, establishing the workplace comedy theme.

Office Antics and Character Dynamics (01:27 - 10:34)

Tommy Handley's portrayal of Itmar navigates through office politics, humorous misunderstandings, and quirky interactions with Mrs. Tickle and other staff members. Notable moments include:

• Itmar’s Miscommunication:

  • [01:27]
    Tommy Handley: "Is that OT 1, 2, 3 3? It is. Do it. Minister of Aggravation, I wish to speak."

• Secretarial Dance Preparation:

  • [06:01]
    Maurice Denham: "At this stage, the girls have arrived, the 12 lovely secretaries... prepare for work."

Funt’s Mischief and Plot Twists (12:08 - 16:55)

The character Funt makes a significant impact by stealing important plans, leading to a series of comedic chases and misunderstandings within the office. Key interactions include:

• Funt’s Infiltration:

  • [12:20]
    Tommy Handley: "Put that girl down. Well, loosen my loincloth."

• Office Turmoil:

  • [16:23]
    Maurice Denham: "Fun has managed to get himself inside the office while Fuzpot and Itma are talking. And he spirited the plans away."

Impersonations and Comedic Performances (23:07 - 40:56)

Jack Train delivers a series of impersonations, including that of Hollywood star Lionel Barrymore, adding a layer of celebrity parody to the show. Highlights include:

• Lionel Barrymore Impersonation:

  • [24:37]
    Jack Train (as Lionel Barrymore): "I've been asked to come here tonight to talk about Ikma perfume..."

• Comedic Monologues and Songs:

  • [06:36]
    Tommy Handley: "Monster outside. What an uncouth urchin, isn't it?"

• AP Herbert Sketch:

  • [40:49]
    Jack Train: "Hello? Hello, is that Paddington 0675?... I can't come out tonight, Fred."

Musical Interludes and Top of the Bill (37:17 - 55:06)

Musical performances intersperse the comedic segments, featuring songs tailored for the Forces Radio audience:

• Hermione Bradley's Performance:

  • [41:45]
    Hermione Baddeley: "All the girls are crazy about a certain little lad..."

• Girlettes' Song:

  • [52:59]
    Tommy Handley: "Girls from Vallam, Girls from Streatham..."

Notable Quotes

• Tommy Handley as Itmar:

  • [00:30]: "Welcome everybody from the Palace, Manchester. I'm sure you're all delighted to welcome Mitmar back to the air."
  • [04:00]: "Good night. Business before pleasure."
  • [12:06]: "Well, it's just the type I want. Now, if I dictate to you, can you take it for the last job first?"
  • [28:41]: "Well, actually, this happened in one of those ghastly taxes."
  • [40:56]: "Hello, folks. One or two stories I heard at my mother's knee in other joints."

• Jack Train as Various Characters:

  • [10:34]: "Oh, jeez."
  • [24:37]: "Thank you, my friends. Thank you."
  • [37:48]: "Sa."
  • [38:01]: "Oh, Johnny, oh Johnny, how you can love."

• Maurice Denham as Mrs. Tickle:

  • [03:33]: "Well, now we're well underway."
  • [06:36]: "Funt is one of the most important characters in this show."

Humorous Insights and Themes

The episode thrives on satirical takes on office life, wartime sentiments, and societal norms of the 1940s. Through exaggerated characters and absurd situations, ITMA provides both escapism and subtle commentary on the challenges faced by the British populace during World War II. Themes of miscommunication, bureaucratic inefficiency, and the everyday struggles of maintaining morale are recurrently explored with humor and wit.

Conclusion

"It's That Man Again - Stage Show Recorded For Forces Radio" is a vibrant encapsulation of wartime British humor, delivering laughter and levity to its Forces Radio audience. Through a combination of sharp dialogues, versatile character portrayals, and engaging musical numbers, the show not only entertains but also fosters a sense of community and resilience among its listeners. This episode stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of ITMA and its pivotal role in boosting wartime morale.

Notable Moment Highlights with Timestamps:

• Introduction by Maurice Denham (00:30): Establishing the setting and introducing the cast.

  • "Well, good evening, everybody from the Palace, Manchester. I'm sure you're all delighted to welcome Mitmar back to the air."

• Itmar’s Office Entrance (02:04): Itmar’s humorous attempt to manage the office.

  • "Come on, let's go." (02:04)

• Funt Stealing the Plans (12:20): The chaos ensuing from Funt’s actions.

  • "Funt has spoken. Oh, go and strain your cabbage water." (16:23)

• Lionel Barrymore Impersonation (24:37): A star-studded parody adding variety to the show.

  • "I've been asked to come here tonight to talk about Ikma perfume." (24:37)

• AP Herbert's Sketch (40:49): A relatable comedic scenario about mistaken plans.

  • "Hello? Hello, is that Paddington 0675?" (40:49)

• Hermione Baddeley's Song (41:45): Musical interlude dedicated to the audience.

  • "All the girls are crazy about a certain little lad..." (41:45)

This detailed summary encapsulates the essence of the "Its That Man Again" stage show, highlighting its structure, key moments, and the comedic brilliance that resonated with audiences during the Golden Age of Radio.