It's That Man Again (commonly abbreviated as ITMA) was a British radio comedy programme broadcast by the BBC from 1939 to 1949. The show, starring comedian Tommy Handley as the titular "That Man," became one of the most popular and influential entertainment programs in the United Kingdom during World War II.
Production and Broadcast History
- Debut: 12 September 1939, shortly after the outbreak of World War II.
- Conclusion: 31 October 1949, following Handley's death in January 1949.
- Network: BBC Home Service (later the BBC Light Programme).
- Format: A scripted variety show featuring a mixture of recurring characters, sketches, catchphrases, and musical interludes. Episodes typically ran for 30 minutes.
Creative Team
- Lead Performer: Tommy Handley (1892–1949), who portrayed the central figure known simply as "the Man."
- Writers: Initially written by Ted Kavanagh, with later contributions from a team that included Ted Ray, Arthur Glover, and others.
- Music: The programme included regular musical segments performed by various orchestras and singers.
Notable Characters and Catchphrases
- Mrs. Mopp (Peggy Mount): The archetypal housewife.
- Colonel Chinstrap (Arthur Askey): A parody of a British army officer.
- The "Greedy Gaberlunzie": A recurring character known for his phrase “You're a one-legged man in an alley.”
- Catchphrases: "I don't mind a bit," "I'm not sure about that," and "You silly old thing" became part of everyday British vernacular.
Cultural Impact
- Audience Reach: At its height, ITMA attracted an estimated 15 million listeners, representing a significant proportion of the UK population.
- Morale Boost: The programme was credited with lifting public morale during wartime, offering comic relief amidst air raids and rationing.
- Influence on Later Comedy: ITMA's format, use of running gags, and ensemble cast influenced subsequent British radio and television comedy, including programmes such as The Goon Show and Hancock's Half Hour.
Legacy
- Archival Recordings: The BBC retains a substantial archive of ITMA episodes, though many were lost due to the practice of reusing transcription discs.
- Academic Study: The show is studied in media history for its role in shaping British popular culture and wartime broadcasting strategies.
- Commemorations: Various retrospectives and documentaries have been produced, examining Handley's career and the programme's significance.
References
- BBC Genome Project listings (1939–1949).
- The Times obituaries and contemporary reviews (1949).
- Scholarly analyses in works such as British Radio Comedy: A History (Oxford University Press, 2004).
