Benny Hill: The Lost Years - Benny and the Jests

A hapless inventor finally finds success with a flying car, which a dictator from a foreign government sets out to take for himself.

In order to boost circulation of his newspaper, Lord Rawnsley announces an air race and offers £10,000 to the first person who can fly across the English Channel. But one of the participants, Percy, plots to sabotage his competitor's planes. Will Percy triumph?

Loved by millions across the World, Benny Hill was an instantly recognisable character. His unique brand of humour ensured that he would forever be remembered as The World's Favourite Clown. Yet whilst everybody loved Benny Hill, very few really knew the man behind the mask. In this remarkable programme Benny, for the first time on-screen, speaks in-depth about himself, his career and the art of comedy. Going right back to his childhood and early days in the theatre, it's a remarkable insight into the legend that was Benny Hill. Packed with many of his most famous sketches, the programme is illuminated from start to finish by Benny's infectious sense of humour. It's a testimony to his universal appeal that the programme includes revealing interviews from such famous fans as Michael Caine, Mickey Rooney and Burt Reynolds.

Mr. Hill's last TV work, taped and aired before his death, with outdoor scenes taped in New York City. Highlights of this show include "A Streetcar Named Desirée" (a Tennessee Williams takeoff) and a spoof of "Ask Dr. Ruth" (where he impersonated Dr. Ruth Westheimer and Roseanne).

Part 2 of a one-off special Benny taped in 1990, with outdoor scenes made in New York. Highlights of this part include Hill playing Dr. Ruth Westheimer, Roseanne Barr and an audience member in a parody of "Ask Dr. Ruth," Chow Mein showing up for an audition, and Benny getting into a tangle with gangsters.

A one-off special starring Benny Hill, filmed entirely in Australia. Includes a sketch about "Benny Kelly," son of infamous Australian outlaw Ned Kelly; "Hold Back the Wind" (a Tennessee Williams parody); "Archie's Angels" (a spoof of Charlie's Angels); and "Lady Godiva." Also: a vagabond dreams of moving up to the high life; an interview with Chow Mein; a dance routine set to the themes from The Avengers, M*A*S*H and Hawaii Five-O; and closing hijinks around the beach.

In this one-off half-hour silent film, Benny stars as the title character, a "born loser" who is unlucky in everything - especially love. He fancies a pretty nurse who walks by the park, but ends up with a plainer girl.

Part 1 of a one-off special Benny taped in 1990, with outdoor scenes made in New York. Highlights of this part include Hill as head of a common cold research center musical choir, a visual guide to "How to Meet Beautiful Women," and "A Streetcar Named Desirée" (with Benny as both the Marlon Brando and Vivien Leigh characters).

This movie debut for saucy British TV comic Benny Hill has Benny leaving his job as a sweeper after winning some money. He becomes a private detective and investigates a plot to assassinate British scientists.

Part 1 of 3, featuring sketches never broadcast in America, this hilarious medley contains vintage material from Benny when his cheeky humor established him as one of England's funniest - and naughtiest - comedians. Filled with riotous musical send-ups, fractured fairy tales, wacky commercial spoofs and pitch-perfect impressions, this collection captures the vast range of one of England's most inspired comics!

Part 3 of 3, featuring sketches never broadcast in America, this hilarious medley contains vintage material from Benny when his cheeky humor established him as one of England's funniest - and naughtiest - comedians. Filled with riotous musical send-ups, fractured fairy tales, wacky commercial spoofs and pitch-perfect impressions, this collection captures the vast range of one of England's most inspired comics!