Hancock's Half Hour

Season 5

Broadcast between 25th September 1959 and 27th November 1959, this series comprised 10 episodes and all survive in the BBC Archive. The series was broadcast weekly on Fridays at 2030 except episode 3 which was broadcast at 2045. There were no repeats during the run.

Where to Watch Season 5

10 Episodes

The Economy Drive
E1
The Economy DriveHancock and Sid return from holiday to discover that Sid has failed to cancel any deliveries and has left every electrical appliance in the house on. Hancock decides that in order to make ends meet he and Sid must go on an economy drive. But Hancock soon encounters difficulties in the local self service café, and the stairs at home prove problematic as well.
The Two Murderers
E2
The Two MurderersSid asks Hancock to lend him the money to open a fish and chip shop but Hancock refuses. Sid tells Hancock that he'll get the money somehow, but how will he do it? Hancock believes that Sid is planning to murder him, but Sid is convinced that his own life is in danger.
Lord Byron Lived Here
E3
Lord Byron Lived HereHancock's house is falling down and needs a lot of work. In order for the National Trust to renovate it for him he needs to convince them that someone famous lived there. Sid shows Hancock evidence that Byron lived at Railway Cuttings. But is the poet Byron or someone more recent?
Twelve Angry Men
E4
Twelve Angry MenHancock is the foreman of the Jury and stands alone in declaring the petty criminal innocent. But when Sid discovers how much he is earning a day as a juror, he joins Hancock's side and sets about trying to convince the others.
The Train Journey
E5
The Train JourneyHancock is faced with a very long train journey to Giggleswick and decides to liven up the journey, but only succeeds in irritating all his fellow passengers.
The Cruise
E6
The CruiseHancock goes on a cruise but quickly becomes fed up when the only woman interested in him is large and over-amorous. However, when he becomes convinced that the ship is sinking he soon has other things on his mind.
The Big Night
E7
The Big NightHancock is really looking forward to a big night out with Sid and two girls. But his preparations turn to disaster when his shirt is ruined at the launderette and his barber doesn't have a steady hand with his razor.
The Tycoon
E8
The TycoonHancock is on the verge of ruin because his shares have plummeted in value. He attends a shareholder meeting but falls asleep and dreams of Sid who once again twists him.
Spanish Interlude
E9
Spanish InterludeSid is struggling to find work for Hancock and the latest roles he has secured involve Hancock standing in national dress outside Indian restaurants. Hancock decides to try new locations and goes to Spain where he is unsuccessful as a nightclub comic. Penniless and unable to return home, Sid manages to find a new job for Hancock. The question is: how successful will he be as a bullfighter?
Football Pools
E10
Football PoolsHancock only needs one more draw to secure the top payout on the Football Pools. As the match is a local one with a late kick-off, Hancock and Sid go along to cheer on each team equally.