For centuries, living afloat on Britain's waterways has been a rich part of the fabric of our social history, from the fisherfolk of ancient Britain to the bohemian houseboat dwellers of the 1950s and beyond.Whether they have chosen to leave the land behind and take to the water or been driven there by necessity, the history of the houseboat is a unique and fascinating seam of British history.In Water Gypsies, Julian Dutton – who was born and grew ...

For centuries, living afloat on Britain's waterways has been a rich part of the fabric of our social history, from the fisherfolk of ancient Britain to the bohemian houseboat dwellers of the 1950s and beyond.Whether they have chosen to leave the land behind and take to the water or been driven there by necessity, the history of the houseboat is a unique and fascinating seam of British history.In Water Gypsies, Julian Dutton – who was born and grew ...

Keeping Quiet is a love-letter to the modern sight-gag on film and television, tracing the history of physical clowning since the advent of sound. Taking up the story of visual humour where Paul Merton’s Silent Comedy leaves off, Julian Dutton charts the lives and work of all the great comedians who chose to remain silent, from Charlie Chaplin - who was determined to resist the ‘talkies’ - right through to the slapstick of modern-day performers such as Rowan Atkinson, Matt Lucas and Harry ...

High comic drama among the humble members of a local council in the Home CountiesBroadcast live from the Club Akimbo, Bletchley, this is Britain's first public access cable radio show, presented by a group of Buckinghamshire district councillors who really should know better. Chairman of the Ways and Means committee Mr Dutton is our host as he introduces us to the items on the agenda, which include sparkling sketches, surreal escapades and musical interludes from C...

An epic tale of power, love, passion and oil – from the minds of comedy greats Ian Hislop and Nick NewmanGush is the stunning saga of the bitter rivals Foxwell Cravate and Max Pomeroy whose destinies are tragically intertwined. Set in Durban at the Transworld Oil Conference and packed with the flair, fun and parody of the best TV mini-series of the 90s, this is comedy that will have you laughing out loud.The aristocratic Foxwell Cravate, played by radio lege...

Laurence 'Lol' Mason's spin-off homage to Dick Barton, following the adventures of the unretirable special agent and his doctor sonA thrilling saga of criminal masterminds, espionage and adventure, Edward J. Mason's Dick Barton: Special Agent was a huge hit on the BBC Light Programme between 1946 and 1951. Together with his mates Jock Anderson and Snowy White, ex-Commando Dick faced dastardly villains and deadly peril - but always triumphed ('With one ...

All three series of the BBC Radio spoof boys' magazine - plus Winter and Christmas SpecialsNominated for a British Comedy Award for Best Radio Comedy, The Harpoon is a nostalgic, spiffing spoof of adventure story papers for boys from yesteryear - but on the wireless. In the style of publications such as the Boys' Own Paper - but with its tongue firmly in its cheek - it features a veritable feast of thrilling serials, 'How-Tos', readers' letters an...

Laugh along with the men (and woman) who used comedy to reveal the human condition in probing, wide-ranging and provocative interviews that first appeared in Playboy magazine. From the seven-dirty words of George Carlin to the nothingness of Jerry Seinfeld to the political satire of Stephen Colbert, these comic geniuses reflect the very best of 50 years of the Playboy Interview. Funny People is part of the 50 Years of the Playboy Interview e-book series, for which the magazine's editors have...

 Hollywood’s Most Mysterious Deaths: The Deaths That Continue to Haunt Tinseltown takes you on a trip through some of the dream capital’s most sordid and mysterious scandals and murders dating back to its earliest days. The cases reviewed in the book include: Thelma Todd. The “Ice Cream Blonde” was one of the brightest comedy stars of the early talkies until death cut her career short. Was her seemingly-accidental death a murder? Was she the victim of a mob hit or a ca...

Be they period films, cult classics or elaborate directorial love letters, New York City has played – and continues to play – a central role in the imaginations of filmmakers and moviegoers worldwide. The stomping grounds of King Kong, it is also the place where young Jakie Rabinowitz of The Jazz Singer realizes his Broadway dream. Later, it is the backdrop against which taxi driver Travis Bickle exacts a grisly revenge.The inaugural volume in an exciting new series from I...

Have you ever wondered what happens to all those little Autistic girls when they grow up? How will they fit into a society that doesn't run on logic?Pretty well actually. Till someone steals their chocolates.'Icicle' is part-time escort, part time geek and full time Sweety Detective. This is her real life diary. Read all about malfunctioning robots, how to fend off a horny plumber and what to do about Bible-quoting clients - all told with the steely logic of someone on the ...

An exciting and visually focused tour of the diverse range of films shot on location in London, World Film Locations: London presents contributions spanning the Victorian era, the swinging ’60s and the politically charged atmosphere following the 2005 subway bombings. Essays exploring key directors, themes and historical periods are complemented by reviews of important scenes that offer particular insight into London's relationship to cinema. The book is illustrated throughout wit...