The Crazy Gang (Bud Flanagan; Jimmy Nervo; Teddy Knox; Charlie Naughton; Jimmy Gold)

1 portrait

by Cecil Beaton
bromide print, 17 October 1952
7 1/2 in. x 7 1/2 in. (191 mm x 189 mm)
Given by Cecil Beaton, 1968
Photographs Collection
NPG x27531

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Sittersback to top

Bud Flanagan (Reuben Weintrop) (1896-1968), Comedian; member of The Crazy Gang. Sitter in 1 portrait.
Jimmy Gold (1886-1967), Comedian; member of The Crazy Gang. Sitter in 1 portrait.
Teddy Knox (1896-1974), Comedian; member of The Crazy Gang. Sitter in 3 portraits.
Charlie Naughton (1887-1976), Comedian; member of The Crazy Gang. Sitter in 1 portrait.
James ('Jimmy') Nervo (1897-1975), Comedian; member of The Crazy Gang. Sitter in 3 portraits.

Artistback to top

Cecil Beaton (1904-1980), Photographer, designer and writer. Artist associated with 1051 portraits, Sitter associated with 314 portraits.

This portraitback to top

Members of the Crazy Gang; Bud Flanagan (1896-1968), Jimmy Nervo (1897-1975), Teddy Knox (1896-1974), Charlie Naughton (1887-1976) and Jimmy Gold (1886-1967) were already well-established performers before they came together for the first time at the London Palladium in 1931. They were made up of three double acts who combined verbal gymnastics, farce, physical comedy and slapstick. Flanagan & Allen's songs were particularly loved, with Underneath the Arches being one of their biggest hits. The Crazy Gang made several films, the best known being the wartime Gasbags (1940). They took part in a number of Royal Command Performances, and also performed privately for the royal family. Television appearances included their own series in 1956. Chesney Allen retired from the stage in 1945, so he does not appear in this photograph.