In 1938, Arthur Askey and Richard Murdoch starred in which new radio comedy series?
Arthur Askey role in the first regular radio comedy series, "Band Waggon" on the BBC. "Band Waggon" began as a variety show, but had been unsuccessful until Askey and his partner, Richard Murdoch, took on a larger role in the writing. During the broadcasting of "Band Waggon" they attempted to advertise a scouring powder with the chant of "Askeytoff will take it off" with the result that an announcer came on and shut the show down as advertising was strictly prohibited on the BBC. During the Second World War Askey starred in several Gainsborough Pictures comedy films, including "Band Waggon" (1940), based
Richard Murdoch the then rising star Arthur Askey, acquiring the nickname "Stinker" in mocking reference to his superior formal education. As Askey moved from radio performing into cinema at the end of the 1930s, Murdoch went with him and they appeared in a number of Askey star vehicle films together, Murdoch's tall athletic physique, good looks and upper middle class English Home Counties demeanor contrasting comedically with Askey's short stature, homely appearance, Lancashire provincial accent and working class performance persona. Their working partnership broke up during World War 2 when Murdoch joined the Armed Forces, but they briefly reprised it in the