StudioCanal has announced they will release two films starring Tony Hancock on physical media. The company will issue The Rebel (1961) and The Punch and Judy Man (1963) on DVD and Blu-Ray in March 2025. These titles will be part of the Vintage Classics collection.
About the Films
The Rebel (1961) was directed by Robert Day. It was written by Tony Hancock, Ray Galton and Alan Simpson. Alongside Hancock, the film starred George Sanders, Paul Massie, Margit Saad, Nanette Newman, Irene Handl and Dennis Price.
“A self-taught artist with an enthusiasm that far exceeds any ability, Anthony Hancock throws in his hollow office job and moves to Paris to live his dream. Although he quickly finds acceptance among the bohemians and beatniks, legitimate critics scoff at his work. However, he begins to taste critical success when the art of his talented former roommate becomes confused with his own.” Synopsis from StudioCanal
The Punch and Judy Man (1963) was directed by Jeremy Summers. It was written by Phillip Oakes & Tony Hancock. It starred Hancock alongside Sylvia Syms, John Le Mesurier, Barbara Murray and Ronald Fraser.
“Content to scratch out a living in the faded seaside town of Piltdown, puppeteer Wally Pinner (Hancock) is unhappily married to Delia (Sylvia Syms), a gift-shop owner with social pretensions. When Wally is invited to perform at the town’s anniversary gala reception, however, Delia senses a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to raise the couple’s social standing…” Synopsis from StudioCanal
Bonus Features:
The Rebel:
- New! An Irrepressible Streak: Paul Merton on The Rebel
- New! A Definitive Comedian: Diane Morgan on Tony Hancock
- Commentary with comedian Paul Merton and screenwriters Ray Galton and Alan Simpson
- Behind the Scenes Stills Gallery
- Theatrical trailer
The Punch and Judy Man
- New! Hard Knocks: Paul Merton on The Punch and Judy Man
- Excerpt from ABC Series HANCOCK’S
- BEHP Audio interview extract with Jeremy Summers
- Blackpool Show: Season 1 Episode 7 (1966)
- Behind the Scenes Stills Gallery
- Theatrical trailer
Jamie’s Reaction
These films were previously issued in high definition by the much-missed Network Distributing. It is nice to see StudioCanal making them available once again, and adding some new goodies to the bargain. I look forward to hopefully reviewing this release. I especially look forward to viewing the scenery in The Punch and Judy Man, as it was infamously filmed in my former hometown of Bognor Regis!
The year 2024 marked the 100th anniversary of the birth of Tony Hancock, a legend of British comedy who was perhaps more renowned for his radio and television work than his films. This provides a glimpse of Tony on the big screen in better definition than ever before!
The Rebel and The Punch and Judy Man will be issued on DVD and Blu-Ray on the 3rd of March 2025. Both films are available to pre-order now.
Will you be ordering either of these Tony Hancock films on DVD or Blu-Ray? Let us know on social media, or by leaving your thoughts in the comments below.