Now they know how many holes it takes to fill the Albert Hall?!

Now they know how many holes it takes to fill the Albert Hall?

Lennon's lyric appeared in 1967, but the question how many holes it takes to fill the Albert Hall also ocurrs in the 1965 film "The Knack: And How to Get It". My question is whether the latter is the first reference or is there something historical which both refer to? A Brit will know.

2 months ago
Garyomega, your explanation sounds good but I wonder about its historicity. Another suggestion I like is it relates back to old vaudeville comments. The UK itself however is conspicuously ignoring the question--which may--or may not-- indicate there is no obvious answer. Since the film maker and Lennon were probably friends, he may be the common link despite the difference in release dates. Therefore it might amount to chasing down a personal bit of John Lennon's--a self-declared Freak!
But, Gary, lacking better participation by the Brits, I have devised for your benefit a Test Question to estimate your capacity for fabrication. Since you knew the true and correct explanation of the hole question, answer me this:
If:"Hitler has only got one ball,
The other is in the Albert Hall
His mother, the dirty bugger,
Cut it off when he was only small"--
How then did Hilter's ball end up in the Albert Hall? Find that out and then we find out everything.

The reference is to the bombing of London, and how many hits the Albert Hall took. The question is rhetorical.