Benny Hill’s Madcap Chase, ZX Spectrum

Benny Hill’s Madcap Chase is loosely based on the infamous Thames TV show, Benny Hill, made in the 1980s and featuring Mr. Hill, and his various cohorts, running around doing funny (or rude) things in the name of comedy.

In the game, the plot follows the exploits of Benny as he tries to help his neighbours by doing a number of tasks for them. Benny Hill fans will be disappointed to know that the game contains none of the raunchiness of the TV show – all that remains is the running around… And running around is what you do, as Benny, trying to do things.

The graphical style of Benny Hill’s Madcap Chase is very similar to ZX Spectrum classics The Trap Door, Through The Trap Door, Popeye, and Flunky, and that’s because all five were made by the same bloke: Don Priestley. And Priestley‘s graphical style was recognisable on the Spectrum. Of all of Priestley‘s games, though, Benny Hill’s Madcap Chase is probably his least well known. Unsurprising considering that Benny Hill is all but forgotten to this current generation.

Don Priestley‘s ‘big sprite’ games on The King of Grabs:
Popeye (1985)
Benny Hill’s Madcap Chase (1985)
The Trap Door (1986)
Through The Trap Door (1987)
Flunky (1987)
Gregory Loses His Clock (1989)