It's That Man Again
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'It's That Man Again or more commonly ITMA was a 1940s BBC radio comedy programme. The "Man" refered to in the title was originally Adolf Hitler but this later changed to Tommy Handley, a popular comedian. Other contributors included script writer Ted Kavanaugh, Jack Train, a master of voices; and Hattie Jacques, who played greedy girl Sophie Tuckshop. This programme featured dozens of characters, such as Mrs. Mopp, and Colonel Chinstrap. Some years later, Train reprised the role of Colonel Chinstrap for a couple of guest appearances on The Goon Show.
ITMA ran for over 300 episodes. When Handley died the show was cancelled because he was considered irreplaceable as its star.
Catchphrases
ITMA coined many catchphrases:
- "Can I do you now, Sir?" - Mrs Mopp (the office char)
- "I don’t mind if I do" Colonel Humphrey Chinstrap turning innocent remarks into the offer of a drink.
- "After you, Claude - no, After you Cecil"
- "TTFN" (Ta ta for now)
External links
- British Comedy and Drama Website - ITMA (http://www.britishcomedy.org.uk/comedy/itma.html)
- BBC article about ITMA (http://www.bbc.co.uk/liverpool/localhistory/journey/stars/tommy_handley/itma.shtml)
- Whirligig-TV article about ITMA (http://www.whirligig-tv.co.uk/radio/itma.htm)