ITMA – It’s That Man Again

Can I Do You Now Sir ?

Today 20th March Dame Vera Lynn celebrates her 103rd birthday.  To mark the occasion we’re running this war time classic that kept a nation laughing through it’s darkest days.

It’s That Man Again or ITMA, as it became popularly known, was the BBC Radio Comedy that many believe played a major role in keeping up morale on the UK’s ‘home front’ during World War 2.  The show ran for over 300 episodes between 1939 and 1949, only being cancelled upon the death of it’s star Tommy Handley.

Summary

Broadcast from studios at the BBC’s Light Entertainment Department in Bangor North Wales, the show delivered performances at breathtaking speed ,even by today’s standards, many of which were based on breaking news.  It featured an array of well remembered characters such as Mrs Mopp, Colonel Chinstrap and Sophie Tuckshop (played by a young Hattie Jacques).

It was also known for some of the most memorable catchphrases, many of which are still in use today, such as “can I do you now sir?”, “don’t mind if I do” and “it’s being so cheerful as keeps me going”.

A spin off film of the same name was produced in 1943.

Clips

 

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Cast

Tommy Handley
Jack Train
Clarence Wright
Deryck Guyler
Hattie Jacques
Florence Desmond

This cast list was compiled from available information and we therefore apologise for any omissions.

Details

Written By: Ted Kavanagh
Broadcast on: BBC Radio
Original run: 1939 – 1949

As a mark of respect and to show your appreciation, why not make a donation at http://www.britishlegion.org.uk/get-involved/poppy-appeal