In a trench in France in 1917, during a heavy artillery bombardment, two diggers are about to go over the top when a shell lands nearby. They are joined by another soldier, just returned from leave, who conjures a genie from a whiskey bottle and asks him to bring them Napoleon Bonaparte. The diggers discuss the war with Napoleon before another shell explodes nearby, and they are buried under a pile of dirt. When a sergeant major pulls the men free, they continue their discussion with the French emperor. The first two diggers are subsequently sent to a clearing station as shellshock cases, while the third is sent on fatigues.
Although there are some differences between the alternatively titled sketches (see below), they are essentially the same work. The Pat Hanna Collection manuscript for Enter Napoleon, for example, indicates that the first two diggers are called 'O.S.' and 'Mick' and the third soldier 'Bill.' Chic and Joe and Napoleon, which concerns Chic Williams and his mate Joe Mulga, has Napoleon appear as a ghost.
1923: Cremorne Theatre, Brisbane, 22-28 November.
- Director G. P. Hanna; Producer John N. McCallum (in association with G. P. Hanna); Music Director Mena Raymond.
- Troupe The Famous Diggers.
- Cast G. P. Hanna, Clement May, Jock Thomson, Clyde Fields, Joe Valli, Jessie Meadows.
1926: Theatre Royal, Brisbane, 27 May - 2 June.
- Director/Producer Pat Hanna.
- Troupe Pat Hanna's Famous Diggers.
- Cast incl. Pat Hanna (Chic), Joe Valli (Joe).
1928: Gardens Theatre, Adelaide, ca. January.
- Producer J. C. Williamsons Ltd (in association with G. P. Hanna); Director Pat Hanna.
- Troupe Pat Hanna's Famous Diggers.
- Cast incl. Pat Hanna.
- The program held in the Pat Hanna Collection (VPACRS) indicates that this sketch was produced during the thirteenth week of the Adelaide season.
This entry has been sourced from on-going historical research into Australian popular theatre being conducted by Dr Clay Djubal.
Chic and Joe and Napoleon
Pat Hanna
,
1924-1929
1924-1929
(Manuscript version)x402410
Z1925054
1924-1930
single work
radio play
humour
sketch (theatrical)
In a trench in France in 1917, during a heavy artillery bombardment, two
diggers are about to go over the top when a shell lands nearby. They
are joined by another soldier, just returned from leave, who conjures a
genie from a whiskey bottle and asks him to bring them Napoleon
Bonaparte. The diggers discuss the war with Napoleon before another
shell explodes nearby, and they are buried under a pile of dirt. When a
sergeant major pulls the men free, they continue their discussion with
the French emperor. The first two diggers are subsequently sent to a
clearing station as shellshock cases, while the third is sent on
fatigues.
