Archive 8

News & Updates

This page covers Updates from February 19, 2006 to October 9, 2006.

Update: October 9, 2006
TV.com Trivia Page on Episode 45

Ever wondered why the Wild West Hill's Angels segment was cut? Or how about some of the nudity in the series? Here is an interesting trivia page for episode 45 of The Benny Hill Show at TV.com, of which William Brown has passed the link on to me. I think Hill's Angels fans will find this interesting.

Update: October 6, 2006
Over 1,000,000 Visitors

Benny's Place has had over 1,000,000 visitors since it started over 4 years ago. Thanks to William Brown, David Hawkins, Devra Prywes and so many other contributors. Most of all, to the fans who keep coming back and making Benny's Place such a success!

Update: October 6, 2006
Hot Gossip Photos

These photos from the series "Hot Gossip" were passed along by someone who would like to remain anonnymous. Click on the thumbnails and get a larger view.

Top: Frances Wingate (2nd from left) with Amanda Abbs, Floid and an unknown modelling knitting patterns, circa 1984

Bottom: Back Row is Floid, Amanda Abbs,Tristian Rafel,Titian Deakin,Lindsey Cole, Susie Waring, Heavon. Front Row is Frances Wingate, Kenny and Annie Dunkley. Special Thanks to our anonnymous donor!

Update: October 4, 2006
Region 2 DVD Reviews

Up to this point, Benny's Place has dealt primarily with Region 1 Reviews, so it was pretty cool when David Hawkins offered to write some Region 2 DVD Reviews for the site. Network DVD has released several Region 2 DVD's so far covering the years 1969 - 1979. David has written reviews for the Benny Hill Annual: 1978 and the Benny Hill Annual: 1979. There is also a review for the Region 2 Release, It's Benny Hill from 1986. David Hawkins also wishes to express his gratitude for the copies of Benny Hill Annuals 1978 and 1979 from Robert Mair of Network DVD. Special thanks to David for passing along the reviews.

Update: October 3, 2006
SCTV on DVD Campaign

SCTV on DVD Campaign

Do you rememer the fictional town of Melonville and the tiny little TV Station run by Guy Caballero and Edith Prickly? SCTV is now on DVD, but there have been music cuts. You can take part in the SCTV on DVD Campaign and make a difference!

Update: September 30, 2006
Who's Who Entries

More Who's Who entries from William Brown, including three more Angels: Frances Wingate, Lindsey Cole and an additional photo of Susie Waring. You can look for them in the Who's Who Pages. Thanks again to William Brown!

Update: September 29, 2006
Who's Who Entries

William Brown has passed along more Who's Who entries including several Hill's Angels. The entries are Nikki Critcher, Jane Conaway, An Unknown, Noreen Bothen, Lesley Woods and an extra photo for the Fiona Sloman entry. Thanks, William.

Update: September 28, 2006
Who's Who Entries

Contributing Editor William Brown has passed along some new photos of Jenny Lee-Wright, Len Keyes & Debi Gaye, as well as new entries for Karan David and an excellent entry for fan-favorite Jane Leeves. You'll find them in the appropriate Who's Who Pages. Thanks again, William!

The Benny Hill Collection
Region 1 Release, October 31st, 2006

It looks as though this Region 2 DVD released by Quantum Leap Group Ltd. is now going to get a North American release. It contains 30 minutes of never-before-seen footage made at Paramount Studios as well as a CD which contains 14 songs (13 of which are previously unreleased), including "Down on the Farm", "Lifeguards", "Ernie the Fastest Milkman in the West" and "Star Names", all of which were recorded at Abbey Road. DVD clips include the "New York Rap" video, plus Hill performing "Unlucky Luke" among others. None of the outtakes come from The Benny Hill Show. I will be looking to get a copy myself for review purposes. Keep checking back for updates. Special Thanks to "AppleSpider" for the inside tip on this upcoming release!

Update: September 24, 2006
Set 5 Contest at www.sueupton.net

Erik Larsen is holding a contest for a free copy of Benny Hill Complete And Unadulterated - The Hill's Angels Years: Set 5, 1982-1985. I would have promoted his contest sooner but my computer died and I only got a new one the other day. You should see my review for Set 5 in about 3 - 4 weeks. The deadline for the contest at www.sueupton.net is approaching fast. The contest deadline is 11:59 PM, Eastern Time, September 26, 2006. You can also see some info about another special contest being held right here at Benny's Place below.

Update: September 24, 2006

DVD Competition!

Benny's Place is having its first DVD Competition in association with David Hawkins and Network DVD. Please Note: The Competition does not begin until October 13, 2006. It will close on November 10, 2006 at 11:59 PM Atlantic Standard Time. There are Three (3) prizes to be won in all:
• First Prize: One (1) copy of the The Benny Hill Annuals: 1970 - 1979 Complete Box Set. The 12 DVD Collection includes Eddie in August, a one-off production from 1970 starring Benny Hill and the two Benny Hill Annuals produced in 1969 and all of the ITV Specials from the 1970's.
• First Runner Up: One (1) Copy of The Benny Hill Annual: 1978 and One (1) Copy of The Benny Hill Annual: 1979
• Second Runner Up: One (1) Copy of The Benny Hill Annual: 1978 and One (1) Copy of The Benny Hill Annual: 1979. Remember, this is only open to UK Residents as this is a Region 2 DVD Release. Learn more details about the contest in the Competitions page.

Update: September 3, 2006

The Great Ones by William Brown

Contributing Editor William Brown has passed along a fascinating article on Benny Hill and Jackie Gleason. They were both considered "The Great Ones" of Television" in their respective countries. There is also a very impressive piece of artwork that William did himself that he has graciously passed along to the site. I hope you enjoy it!

Stella Moray passes away at age 83

Stella Moray who appeared on the Jan. 8 and Sept. 24, 1975 shows has passed away. You can read her obituary at www.telegraph.co.uk. I think I speak for all Benny Hill fans when I say this incredible lady will be sorely missed.

Update: August 31, 2006
Benny's Place ICCS Certified

Benny's Place is now ICCS Certified. The iWatchDog Program is another way to show you have taken the time to protect children from exposure to materials on the internet that parents may not want their children to see. I have placed a ICCS Certified link on all of the pages on the site and every page also has the appropriate ICCS tag embedded into the HTML Code. You can learn more about the ICCS Certification at www.iWatchDog.org.

Update: August 24, 2006
The Benny Hill Collection

Associate Editor David Hawkins has passed along some details for the Benny Hill Collection DVD. This is a Region 0 Pal release, not available in North America. You can find out more about this title and other Region 2 releases in the Benny Hill Annuals: R2 Page. Thanks, David!

New Angel Identities

David Hawkins has passed along some info on new Angels Identities. Lindsey Cole has been identified as one of the dancers in the "New York, New York" segment from April 27, 1988. Also, Frances Wingate who appeared in the "Sport" segment from February 8, 1989. David gives credit to "Simplesteps" who pointed this out in the Guestbook. Thanks to Simplesteps for pointing this out and to David Hawkins for passing it along!

Update: August 20, 2006
New RSS News Feed

I now have more news items for the site in my RSS News Feed. You can see all of the items in the feed at my RSS News Page. You can copy the URL from the white address window, pop it into your browser or other device and be updated instantly with the latest news here at Benny's Place. You can also follow the same link with the XML button at the top of every page on the site. Enjoy!

Update: August 20, 2006
All New Podcast!

I have produced my Second Podcast. This is a longer Podcast and is rated at 128kbps. You may wish to download it first if you have a slower internet connection. Feel free to listen to it at www.clickcaster.com. You can also access any podcasts I produce by subscribing to the news feeds which will also include links to the podcasts. Links to future podcasts will also be posted on the Site Map Page. Please pass along your comments and suggestions for future podcasts by dropping an email or leaving a message in the guestbook. Note: Since I first began creating podcasts, www.clickcaster.com has decided to start charging a fee for hosting podcasts. All podcast files can now be downloaded here at Benny's Place.

Update: August 20, 2006
Region 2 DVD Updates

David Hawkins has passed along several covers for the Region 2 Benny Hill Annuals. He has also passed along details for the Benny Hill Double Helpings DVD as well as the Benny Hill's World, New York DVD. You can find them on the Benny Hill Annuals, Region 2 Page. Thanks, David!

Update: August 13, 2006
Important Notice about the Guestbook

I am now in the position where it is necessary to approve messages before allowing them to be posted. I do not want anyone to visit the Guestbook and see that it has been spammed with inappropriate links and messages. One person has decided to repeatedly post the same unwanted message. I do hope that this does not discourage anyone from continuing to post messages there and I hope it does not diminish anyone's enjoyment of the Guestbook. Thanks.

Update: August 12, 2006

Guestbook being Spammed
Over the past few days I have noticed an inappropriate message being placed in my Guestbook. I am kindly asking the individual who is doing this to please cease doing so. I do apologize to those who visit the Guestbook regularly and post the usual messages relating to this site. I am once again asking this individual to cease spamming my Guestbook. Thank you.

Update: August 9, 2006

Benny Hill Annuals DVD News

Got this brief message concerning the Benny Hill Annuals being released by Network DVD from our friend David Hawkins from across the pond: "Robert Mair from NetworkDVD has told me that the next set of Annuals, The Benny Hill Annual 1978 & Annual 1979, will be out on the 16/Oct/06. Plus on the same day NetworkDVD will be bringing out a box set with all the Benny Hill Annuals to date 1970-1979. No price yet or any news on the Down Under show." Thanks for the information, David. Any developments or news will be posted here, so keep checking back occasionaly.

Update: August 2, 2006

Guestbook Activity
If it has been awhile since you have visited here, you may want to take a look at the Guestbook. You'll find messages posted there by Lorraine Doyle, Jane Eve (Colthorpe) and Claire Fairgood. I do hope that all of them will eventually take part in website interviews. Let's wait and see.

Update: August 1, 2006

Benny Hill Annuals
I have now updated the Benny Hill Annuals page which features the Region 2 DVD releases of Benny Hill from Network Video. I have added information for the 1976 and 1977 DVD releases.

The Crazy World Of Benny Hill Segues

The Crazy World Of Benny Hill Segues Photo Gallery
Contributing Editor William Brown passed along a series of screen captures from the program The Crazy World Of Benny Hill. These are "segues" between sketches with Benny introducing them, along with members of Hill's Angels, including Sue Upton, Lorraine Doyle, Liz Jobling & Zoe Bryant. Thanks for the photos, William.

Update: July 31, 2006

About Me page.
If you have ever wondered who the webmaster of this site really is, I decided it was about time to put together an About Me page. You can learn a little about the webmaster and the people who have helped to make this site such a success.

Update: July 28, 2006

Benny Hill, Complete & Unadulterated,
The Hill's Angels Years, Set 5 (1982-1985)

I received an email from www.tvhowsondvd.com announcing the next Benny Hill collection from A&E Home Video. The Collection will contain another Cheeky Challenge Trivia Quiz as well as another Hill's Angels featurette entitled Hill's Angels "Off The Record". I wish I had more details on the featurette, but if I receive more details I will post them here. According to Devra Prywes of NewVideo, the collection should include the complete and uncut version of the "Wild West Routine" featuring Louise English and Hill's Angels! I don't want to swear on a stack of bibles, but it looks good! I will of course be doing a complete DVD Review when this collection becomes available!

Description from www.tvshowsondvd.com
Benny Hill pioneered new territory in broadcast television as he delighted--and often shocked--audiences all over the world with his brilliant sketch comedy. In the early 1980s, The Benny Hill Show hit new heights of hilarity with even more daring double entendres, tongue in cheek ballads, and dance routines with the naughty and nubile Hill's Angels.

BENNY HILL: COMPLETE AND UNADULTERATED SET FIVE features new skits with Fred Scuttle and Chow Mein and includes the fan-favorite moments from "The Little Dimpton Street Party" and "The Hot Shoe Show." These nine episodes that originally aired between 1982 and 1985 deliver the same bold comedic kick-in-the-pants that first made the show a smash success.

Never before broadcast in their entirety in the U.S., the only way to see these vintage Thames episodes uncut is in this exclusive DVD collection.

Benny Hill Down Under Special

I have spoken with Devra Prywes of NewVideo concerning the problems surrounding the Benny Hill Down Under Special. They have not yet had any success securing the rights from the copyright holders of the program. They are still trying however, although it doesn't look good. Hopefully the copyright holders will eventually make a deal with NewVideo or simply release it themselves. Will let you know anything as soon as I do.

Status Bar News Ticker (Requires Javascript)

I have added a small and handy News Ticker to the Home Page which "types" the latest news items in the status bar of your browser. If you do not see it there, you probably have javascript disabled or you may need to set the preferences in your browser's settings. I hope this little News ticker will prove useful as a quick guide to the latest bits of Benny Hill News. The ticker is only on the Home Page as that is really the best spot for it.

Site Re-vamp

You may be wondering why I haven't updated the site in quite a while. I have taken some time again to improve this site with what is known as "cleaner" markup code for every page. This should mean that the site is more compatible with more browsers. If you have any issues viewing the site let me know. There is also a new and improved Google Search engine on every page. I have also placed ICRA and SafeSurf ratings on every page for those with issues pertaining to objectionable content.

Photo Galleries

For those folks who have Javascript disabled in your browser, you can now view the photo galleries throughout the site. You will find them on the right hand side of the window. There is also a button there to return you to the Site Map so you can continue navigating through the site. Enjoy!

Update: June 02, 2006
A&E DVD Set 5

I just recieved news from www.tvshowsondvd.com that the next DVD (Set 5) of The Benny Hill Show will be released on September 26, 2006. Remember, dates do sometimes change. There will also be another "I Was A Hill's Angels" featurette with Sue Upton and the same Angels in the previous featurette on Set 4. You can also check www.sueupton.net for more information.

Calling All Angels

Are you a former Cast member or star of the Benny Hill Show? If you are, feel free to post a message in the guestbook. You could even take part in a short interview for this website! Many fans of the series would sure love to hear about their favorite Benny Hill stars and what they have been doing since the series ended! You can leave your information in the guestbook for me and your information is always confidential! Stars who have already taken part in interviews include Penny Kendall, Sue Upton, Christine Pilgrim & Dee Dee Wilde! You can also take part in the Benny Hill's Hotel Splendide ezboard and talk with fans there!

Update: May 01, 2006
Alison Bell Photos

The Lover #1
The Lover #2
The Traffic Warden and The Street Cleaner
Benny Hill fan Paul Bradley has passed along some nice shots of Alison Bell from "The Lover" sketch of May 27, 1985 and the "Traffic Warden and The Street Cleaner" sketch of January 6, 1982. Thanks, Paul!

Update: April 30, 2006
Benny's Place Celebrates Four Years Online!

Benny's Place has been online now for four years and it is interesting to see that the site has just been given two awards for web design from the folks at www.baupar.com/awards and www.web-design-miami.com. They are both bronze awards and you will find more details on this in the Website Awards Page.

Update: April 11, 2006

Special Thanks To David Hawkins for passing along several corrections to various photo galleries and the names of several angels. Thanks again, David!

Update: March 8, 2006

Who's Who Of The Benny Hill Show
William Brown has passed along entries for Andee Cromarty, Robert Howe, Lisa Mulidore, Mandy Perryment, Debbie Scamp and Fiona Sloman in the Who's Who of The Benny Hill Show pages. All names are listed alphabetically. Thanks again, William.

Update: March 8, 2006
Photo ID's

David Hawkins is proving to be another asset to the site. He has been a big help in identifying several stars sprinkled throughout the galleries. A prime example of this are many of the Angels identified in the Hill's Angels Compendium. Thanks again, David.

Update: March 6, 2006

Who's Who Of The Benny Hill Show
William Brown has passed along more info on several stars of the Benny Hill Show. You'll find new entries for Ronnie Aldrich, Sharon Fussey, Denise Gyngell, Cathy Holmes, Jane Paris & Caroline Sargeant in the Who's Who of The Benny Hill Show pages. All names are listed alphabetically. Thanks to William Brown for his excellent research into all things Benny.

Update: March 2, 2006

Famous Benny Hill Director Dies

Dennis Kirkland Tribute (1942 - 2006)
Dennis Kirkland, the seventh and final producer / director of The Benny Hill Show, under whose watch the Hill's Angels first came into being, died after a brief illness on February 16, 2006 in London. He was 63 years old. To find out more about his life and career, read the Dennis Kirkland Tribute by contributing editor, William Brown.

Update: February 28, 2006
Benny Hill Stars Q&A: Dee Dee Wilde

Dee Dee Wilde, a former member of Pan's People and a choreographer on The Benny Hill Show at the end of the seventies was kind enough to answer some questions about her career and her time on The Benny Hill Show in the second Benny Hill Stars Q&A. Special thanks to Dee Dee for the interview and to wildwest fan for his help.

Update: February 25, 2006
New "Who's Who" Entries & Photo ID's

William Brown has passed along info for the ever-growing entries in the Who's Who Of The Benny Hill Show Pages. You will find entries for Harold Gee, Dickie Martyn, Penny Wells, Berry Cornish, Vivienne Warman and Linda Sands as well as some improved photos for Los Zafiros, Two's Company and Ann Irving. Thanks again, William. David Hawkins is also passing along some photo ID's. Thank, David.

Commercial Breaks for original episodes

I now have the commercial breaks indicated for the Original Episodes of The Benny Hill Show. Associate contributor, David Hawkins is passing along info from the Region 2 DVD Releases of the Benny Hill Show. I have added a Break in the shows to indicate commercial spots. There are only 15 shows covered so far, so more breaks will be added as time goes on. Thanks, David!

Update: February 19, 2006
Benny Hill Stars Q&A: Christine Pilgrim

I was very fortunate to receive an email from a former star who only appeared briefly on The Benny Hill Show, Christine Pilgrim. Christine took a few minutes to answer some questions in this first installment of Benny Hill Stars Q&A. with Christine Pilgrim.