Les Dennis Laughter Show - Thunderbirds
It's the legendary "The Les Dennis Laughter Show"! At the height of his career when impressionist sketch comedy was booming, Dennis was also presenting the popular gameshow "Family Fortunes", soon becoming the longest-running presenter on the show after such illiuminaries of the comedy game such as Bob Monkhouse and Max Bygraves. Les had been a budding stand-up in the 70s and 80s, and was always seen tied-to-the-hip with Russ Abbot series of comedy sketch shows such as "Russ Abbot's Madhouse" and later "The Russ Abbot Show", so this was the apprentice, as you might say, coming into his own. However, it just wasn't as funny, but "The Laughter Show" in it's first form, began in 1984, and ran until 1991. It was a good run to say the least, and it's fair to say that alot of this type of impressionist comedy was starting to fizzle out after 1991, with the likes of "Little and Large", Bobby Davro and "Cannon and Ball" steering away from the limelight.
In this edited clip, it's been 20 years since the life-size puppet children's Sci-fi "Thunderbirds" came on our screens, so how would they look and act like now? Featuring all the favourite characters of the show like Lady Penelope, Parker (in his boxers), Jeff Tracy and Brains. It's still a great upload here. I'm still waiting for his mavis impression to appear, in the full gear!
Showing posts with label Comedy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Comedy. Show all posts
Thursday, 18 March 2010
Tuesday, 16 March 2010
There Was A Time Everything Barrymore Touched, Turned to Gold...
Michael Barrymore - Funny Acceptance Speech
Michael Barrymore at his peak here perhaps. Here he wins the "Best ITV Entertainment Presenter" award. There was no overall award for the category, only split between the 3 stations, of the BBC, ITV and Channel 4. Barrymore by this point, was well-loved and his antics, especially at award shows, became more and more outrageous. Here he rips out the monitor giving the autocue for the now household furniture of the awards show every year, Johnathan Ross. Did he go too far? Maybe, but this is the British Comedy Awards, where many outlandish shenanigans have transpired...the proprietor being usually drunk. The audience loved it. Basically you could say Barrymore, trying to be funny was basically trying to be a twat. Some of it could be known as insensitive, which is maybe why we don't sadly see the likes of him today after all the drama and allegations he has had from his wife Cheryl leaving him, then coming out as gay, then the party pool incident, and you know the rest! You kind of feel sorry for him, but at the same time, you're never quite sure...Is every bloody post about Barrymore going to end on this note!?
The British Comedy Awards has run annually since 1990, the first presentation by the-rather-more-straight-man Michael Parkinson or "Parky". Johnathan Ross has presented the show ever since bar one year - 2008- after the BBC Radio 2 controversy with Russell Brand. Angus Deayton was the replacement that year, but Ross came back for 2009. Various award titles had changed and chopped about over the years, but there's always a lifetime award to a comedy great. which is usually one of the highlights.
There's a plethora of controversial moments from these awards. We'll be seeing more of this here, on the blog. Another thing, the stage backdrop from 1995 and around the time was brilliant, hosting an ancient Greek outdoor setting.
Michael Barrymore at his peak here perhaps. Here he wins the "Best ITV Entertainment Presenter" award. There was no overall award for the category, only split between the 3 stations, of the BBC, ITV and Channel 4. Barrymore by this point, was well-loved and his antics, especially at award shows, became more and more outrageous. Here he rips out the monitor giving the autocue for the now household furniture of the awards show every year, Johnathan Ross. Did he go too far? Maybe, but this is the British Comedy Awards, where many outlandish shenanigans have transpired...the proprietor being usually drunk. The audience loved it. Basically you could say Barrymore, trying to be funny was basically trying to be a twat. Some of it could be known as insensitive, which is maybe why we don't sadly see the likes of him today after all the drama and allegations he has had from his wife Cheryl leaving him, then coming out as gay, then the party pool incident, and you know the rest! You kind of feel sorry for him, but at the same time, you're never quite sure...Is every bloody post about Barrymore going to end on this note!?
The British Comedy Awards has run annually since 1990, the first presentation by the-rather-more-straight-man Michael Parkinson or "Parky". Johnathan Ross has presented the show ever since bar one year - 2008- after the BBC Radio 2 controversy with Russell Brand. Angus Deayton was the replacement that year, but Ross came back for 2009. Various award titles had changed and chopped about over the years, but there's always a lifetime award to a comedy great. which is usually one of the highlights.
There's a plethora of controversial moments from these awards. We'll be seeing more of this here, on the blog. Another thing, the stage backdrop from 1995 and around the time was brilliant, hosting an ancient Greek outdoor setting.
Saturday, 13 March 2010
Ah, So You're a Waffle Man!
Does anyone want any toast? - Red Dwarf - BBC comedy
Classic moment from one of the UK's most revered sit-coms, well the most revered British Sci-fi comedy "Red Dwarf". Here is Kryten and Lister getting angry with "Talkie the Toaster", who obsessively talks or asks whether folk would like to have toast! This is from the 1991 fourth series and from the episode "White Hole".
The Talkie Toaster made an earlier appearance in series 1, with a different voice and look (the voice of American illusionist Jon Lenahan) and came back in this series, now voiced by David Ross. Does that name ring a bell? It was Ross who first played Kryten in his first appearance in Red Dwarf II. He simply wasn't availiable at the time of series III, from which Kryten's popularity made him a regular. You can't now think of Kryten without Robert Llewellyn under that heavy, heavy make-up and rubber and his faux-American accent. David Ross also played Elgin on the "Only Fools and Horses" spin-off for character Boycie, "The Green, Green Grass" in 2005 and onwards.
"Red Dwarf" began in 1988 on BBC2, however the famous title sequence was made in 1987. This was due to production delays and industrial strikes at the time, behind the scenes at the BBC. Red Dwarf refers to a a whale of a mining spaceship that's 6 miles long. Both the beginning and end credits show it's massive size. The story goes, that an on-board radiation leak of cadmium II kills all humans apart from technician Dave Lister (Craig Charles) who survives by being coincidentally kept in the stasis chamber after being punished for keeping his black cat Frankenstein on the ship. This all proves fruitful, but Lister remains frozen and preserved in time for another 3 million years by the ship's computer Holly (Norman Lovett) as radiation from the accident still leaks. After he's released he discocers to his dismay, his smug roomate Arnold Rimmer (Chris Barrie) has been brought back to life via hologram thanks to Holly. Frankenstein the cat has delivered generations and generations of cats until they have evolved into human-like life-forms, with still the agilty and scent of a cat. The one relative aboard is merely called "Cat" or "The Cat"(played by Danny John-Jules).
By the point of 1991, "Red Dwarf was now an established sit-com with an even larger budget compared to the 2 first seasons, with more action and special effects, losing none of it's comedy value. By this point Holly was played by a woman, comedienne Hattie Hayridge, replacing Norman Lovett from series 3.
The relationship between the 4 main characters differs, but one thing they all have in common is, even Kryten they all hate Rimmer, who likes to be regimented while noone else cares, has an ego, and is an odious twerp really, until he becomes "Ace Rimmer" and everybody likes him. The Cat was quite a one-dimensional character to begin with, but gained depth as the series ran on, a vain but cool character, but with limited intelligence. Lister is seen as the leader of the group, although has a knack for curry and can be extremely lazy, to Rimmer's disgust. Kryten cares for Lister the most and is like a servant to him. Kryten is honest and reliable, as well as the most intelligent.
Craig Charles, before "Red Dwarf" was an urban performance poet. An unusual and inspired role! He was a scouser with a funny bone, and was picked up sooner or later by TV bosses.
Classic moment from one of the UK's most revered sit-coms, well the most revered British Sci-fi comedy "Red Dwarf". Here is Kryten and Lister getting angry with "Talkie the Toaster", who obsessively talks or asks whether folk would like to have toast! This is from the 1991 fourth series and from the episode "White Hole".
The Talkie Toaster made an earlier appearance in series 1, with a different voice and look (the voice of American illusionist Jon Lenahan) and came back in this series, now voiced by David Ross. Does that name ring a bell? It was Ross who first played Kryten in his first appearance in Red Dwarf II. He simply wasn't availiable at the time of series III, from which Kryten's popularity made him a regular. You can't now think of Kryten without Robert Llewellyn under that heavy, heavy make-up and rubber and his faux-American accent. David Ross also played Elgin on the "Only Fools and Horses" spin-off for character Boycie, "The Green, Green Grass" in 2005 and onwards.
"Red Dwarf" began in 1988 on BBC2, however the famous title sequence was made in 1987. This was due to production delays and industrial strikes at the time, behind the scenes at the BBC. Red Dwarf refers to a a whale of a mining spaceship that's 6 miles long. Both the beginning and end credits show it's massive size. The story goes, that an on-board radiation leak of cadmium II kills all humans apart from technician Dave Lister (Craig Charles) who survives by being coincidentally kept in the stasis chamber after being punished for keeping his black cat Frankenstein on the ship. This all proves fruitful, but Lister remains frozen and preserved in time for another 3 million years by the ship's computer Holly (Norman Lovett) as radiation from the accident still leaks. After he's released he discocers to his dismay, his smug roomate Arnold Rimmer (Chris Barrie) has been brought back to life via hologram thanks to Holly. Frankenstein the cat has delivered generations and generations of cats until they have evolved into human-like life-forms, with still the agilty and scent of a cat. The one relative aboard is merely called "Cat" or "The Cat"(played by Danny John-Jules).
By the point of 1991, "Red Dwarf was now an established sit-com with an even larger budget compared to the 2 first seasons, with more action and special effects, losing none of it's comedy value. By this point Holly was played by a woman, comedienne Hattie Hayridge, replacing Norman Lovett from series 3.
The relationship between the 4 main characters differs, but one thing they all have in common is, even Kryten they all hate Rimmer, who likes to be regimented while noone else cares, has an ego, and is an odious twerp really, until he becomes "Ace Rimmer" and everybody likes him. The Cat was quite a one-dimensional character to begin with, but gained depth as the series ran on, a vain but cool character, but with limited intelligence. Lister is seen as the leader of the group, although has a knack for curry and can be extremely lazy, to Rimmer's disgust. Kryten cares for Lister the most and is like a servant to him. Kryten is honest and reliable, as well as the most intelligent.
Craig Charles, before "Red Dwarf" was an urban performance poet. An unusual and inspired role! He was a scouser with a funny bone, and was picked up sooner or later by TV bosses.
Sunday, 7 March 2010
Crude Animation Humour Brought to you by Channel 4...
Beastly Behaviour - The Dog
Don't be fooled kids by the bright colours! "Beastly Behaviour" was an adult animation that was screened on late-night Channel 4 in the mid-90s. Not all of the episodes are on Youtube (There's a cat one too). These 1 minute plus animations, feature the very different way animals and other beasts like marine life, have male-to-female mating. The animations are crude, but the narration is pitched in the style of a wild-life narrator, and if your not aware alot about animal biology and how they mate, well many of the facts may astound you, as they're all true. The show was produced by eggtoons, which has it's own website, but the main brains behind it is Andrew Wyatt. Wyatt was a freelance animator who had worked on such well-known cartoons like the Ninja Turtles and the Ducktales movie for Disney. He joined Honeycomb animation, and produced this obscure classic.
4 episodes feature on Youtube, but I'm sure there are more. Rodents, Mantis and Marine Bristleworm are the other 3, however I feel this Dog one is the funniest of the lot, and the least gory. I like the dig at humans in this one too. This is definitely not for kids! The Mantis one is probably the most gory, as true to life, as the female bites the male's head off, as he is having sex with her. Thank god that doesn't happen in humans, I'd be a virgin all my life then!
Don't be fooled kids by the bright colours! "Beastly Behaviour" was an adult animation that was screened on late-night Channel 4 in the mid-90s. Not all of the episodes are on Youtube (There's a cat one too). These 1 minute plus animations, feature the very different way animals and other beasts like marine life, have male-to-female mating. The animations are crude, but the narration is pitched in the style of a wild-life narrator, and if your not aware alot about animal biology and how they mate, well many of the facts may astound you, as they're all true. The show was produced by eggtoons, which has it's own website, but the main brains behind it is Andrew Wyatt. Wyatt was a freelance animator who had worked on such well-known cartoons like the Ninja Turtles and the Ducktales movie for Disney. He joined Honeycomb animation, and produced this obscure classic.
4 episodes feature on Youtube, but I'm sure there are more. Rodents, Mantis and Marine Bristleworm are the other 3, however I feel this Dog one is the funniest of the lot, and the least gory. I like the dig at humans in this one too. This is definitely not for kids! The Mantis one is probably the most gory, as true to life, as the female bites the male's head off, as he is having sex with her. Thank god that doesn't happen in humans, I'd be a virgin all my life then!
Monday, 1 March 2010
"Ah Say What Ah Like, and Ah Like What Ah Bloody Well Say!"
HARRY ENFIELD- THE YORKSHIREMAN
One of my favourite Harry Enfield sketches, from "Harry Enfield's Television Programme" on the BBC. Enfield plays the role of a stereotypical Yorkshireman with much relish, as 2 different world's collide between the sexist, racist, homophobe and straight talker when he is now the boss of an advertising company filled with yuppies. Even for it's time, the humour is still risque, but Enfield is fantastically bold as the character. It suits his in-your-face style of comedy. The woman in the sketch, looks like she's trying not to laugh at 1 mins 35 secs. Charlie Higson, one of the writers of the show, makes a rare appearance on show, as the pony-talied yuppie. Very little-known at the time, while Harry Enfield and Paul Whitehouse, would receive most of the applause. Higson would go onto greater fame, starring in "The Fast Show" in 1994.
English comedian, actor and writer Harry Enfield, first came to viewer's attention in the 1980s, making appearances on Channel 4's drive to be popular with, "Saturday Live", making appearances as comedy characters kebab shop owner Stavros, and most famously as Loadsamoney, which pretty much summed up the yuppiedom and "Greed is Good", which many people related to at the time. It was a very one-dimensional and crude character, but came at the right time. The characters were co-created by both himself and Paul Whitehouse.
During his tenure as one of the impressionist voices for "Spitting Image", and a successful spoof or mockumentary special called "Norbert Smith - A Life" in 1989, he was awarded with his won sketch show. His catchphrase-laden comedy became a big hit. "Harry Enfield's Television Programme", as it was known in 1990-1992, went on to even greater success with the renamed, but really the same show, "Harry Enfield and Chums". This was because of the growing star power of Paul Whitehouse and Kathy Burke. Whitehouse was most known in the show as "Mike Smash" of the sketch spoof-radio DJ double act "Smashy and Nicey", and Burke was best known as Waynetta Slob, of "The Slobs" sketch.
The show wasn't all about the catachphrases, but some characters people could relate to, become more developed, especially Kevin the Teenager(other wise known as Kevin Patterson"), who we see from a spurty and happy 12 year old boy to a miserable and hateful 13 year old. We meet his parents, and we go on to meet his friend Perry(Kathy Burke). Kevin takes temper fits, as you do, and calls his parents so unfair, he hates them!
Other memorable characters included Tim nice-but-dim, Mr You-Don't-Wanna-Do-It-Like-That The Self-Righteous Brothers (Oi! Edmonds! Noooooo!) the Scousers (Calm Down! Calm Down!) and The Old Gits (mmmmyeaaaahh - well, sounds like their catchphrase, which is just a noise).
I'm sure "The Yorkshireman" came back in some form after Enfield;s BBC heyday, and appeared on his Sky One now-not-so-new sketch show "Harry Enfield's Brand Spanking New Show". It was badly recieved as was some future TV projects like sitcom "Celeb". He came back to sketch comedy with the equal billing of "Harry & Paul". It's a change in tone from his previous show, as not all the characters have one outlining catchphrase, but some are of a repetitive nature. It's received mixed reviews and had been commissioned for a third series.
One of my favourite Harry Enfield sketches, from "Harry Enfield's Television Programme" on the BBC. Enfield plays the role of a stereotypical Yorkshireman with much relish, as 2 different world's collide between the sexist, racist, homophobe and straight talker when he is now the boss of an advertising company filled with yuppies. Even for it's time, the humour is still risque, but Enfield is fantastically bold as the character. It suits his in-your-face style of comedy. The woman in the sketch, looks like she's trying not to laugh at 1 mins 35 secs. Charlie Higson, one of the writers of the show, makes a rare appearance on show, as the pony-talied yuppie. Very little-known at the time, while Harry Enfield and Paul Whitehouse, would receive most of the applause. Higson would go onto greater fame, starring in "The Fast Show" in 1994.
English comedian, actor and writer Harry Enfield, first came to viewer's attention in the 1980s, making appearances on Channel 4's drive to be popular with, "Saturday Live", making appearances as comedy characters kebab shop owner Stavros, and most famously as Loadsamoney, which pretty much summed up the yuppiedom and "Greed is Good", which many people related to at the time. It was a very one-dimensional and crude character, but came at the right time. The characters were co-created by both himself and Paul Whitehouse.
During his tenure as one of the impressionist voices for "Spitting Image", and a successful spoof or mockumentary special called "Norbert Smith - A Life" in 1989, he was awarded with his won sketch show. His catchphrase-laden comedy became a big hit. "Harry Enfield's Television Programme", as it was known in 1990-1992, went on to even greater success with the renamed, but really the same show, "Harry Enfield and Chums". This was because of the growing star power of Paul Whitehouse and Kathy Burke. Whitehouse was most known in the show as "Mike Smash" of the sketch spoof-radio DJ double act "Smashy and Nicey", and Burke was best known as Waynetta Slob, of "The Slobs" sketch.
The show wasn't all about the catachphrases, but some characters people could relate to, become more developed, especially Kevin the Teenager(other wise known as Kevin Patterson"), who we see from a spurty and happy 12 year old boy to a miserable and hateful 13 year old. We meet his parents, and we go on to meet his friend Perry(Kathy Burke). Kevin takes temper fits, as you do, and calls his parents so unfair, he hates them!
Other memorable characters included Tim nice-but-dim, Mr You-Don't-Wanna-Do-It-Like-That The Self-Righteous Brothers (Oi! Edmonds! Noooooo!) the Scousers (Calm Down! Calm Down!) and The Old Gits (mmmmyeaaaahh - well, sounds like their catchphrase, which is just a noise).
I'm sure "The Yorkshireman" came back in some form after Enfield;s BBC heyday, and appeared on his Sky One now-not-so-new sketch show "Harry Enfield's Brand Spanking New Show". It was badly recieved as was some future TV projects like sitcom "Celeb". He came back to sketch comedy with the equal billing of "Harry & Paul". It's a change in tone from his previous show, as not all the characters have one outlining catchphrase, but some are of a repetitive nature. It's received mixed reviews and had been commissioned for a third series.
Wednesday, 24 February 2010
Le Resistance on Le Wogan with Nasty Gerries!
'Allo 'Allo on Wogan
A rare stage-version of the classic British comedy sitcom "'Allo 'Allo" featuring on the biggest chat show of the 1980s, "Wogan" presented by Irish radio & TV broadcaster funnyman Terry Wogan, who never seems to disappear from Britain's screens! This sitcom was set in France during the Second World War created by David Croft, who had produced a few other very successful, war-themed sitcoms like "Dad's Army" and "It Ain't Half Hot Mum". The show lampooned the French and German stereotypes, along with nods to British and Italian stereotypes. Cue silly accents from a British cast, and humour taken from culture differences. Although the subject matter of it being the Second World War and the Nazi's fascist regime and grief they caused for real, the humour did not step over the line, but was something all the family could enjoy.
Here we see a small part of the live stage version of the show, featuring the main couple of the show, René Artois (Gordon Kaye) and wife Edith (Carmen Silvera) staying in character talking to Wogan, posing with a faux French moustache. Also featuring are the Artois arch enemies Herr Otto Flick (Richard Gibson) and Private Helga Geerhart (Kim Hartman) who amuse the audience with some great but odd physical comedy in the form of dance. Herr Flick pulls out a wicked breakdancing move at one point! Near the end, we hear the cast out-of-character, with their natural English accents, which of course feels odd, if you've grown up with it.
A rare stage-version of the classic British comedy sitcom "'Allo 'Allo" featuring on the biggest chat show of the 1980s, "Wogan" presented by Irish radio & TV broadcaster funnyman Terry Wogan, who never seems to disappear from Britain's screens! This sitcom was set in France during the Second World War created by David Croft, who had produced a few other very successful, war-themed sitcoms like "Dad's Army" and "It Ain't Half Hot Mum". The show lampooned the French and German stereotypes, along with nods to British and Italian stereotypes. Cue silly accents from a British cast, and humour taken from culture differences. Although the subject matter of it being the Second World War and the Nazi's fascist regime and grief they caused for real, the humour did not step over the line, but was something all the family could enjoy.
Here we see a small part of the live stage version of the show, featuring the main couple of the show, René Artois (Gordon Kaye) and wife Edith (Carmen Silvera) staying in character talking to Wogan, posing with a faux French moustache. Also featuring are the Artois arch enemies Herr Otto Flick (Richard Gibson) and Private Helga Geerhart (Kim Hartman) who amuse the audience with some great but odd physical comedy in the form of dance. Herr Flick pulls out a wicked breakdancing move at one point! Near the end, we hear the cast out-of-character, with their natural English accents, which of course feels odd, if you've grown up with it.
Wednesday, 17 February 2010
Alreet, Going Doon the Toon for a Reet Ol' Crack
Geordie Comedy From The Late 1970s - Part One
An 8 part obscure wonder of bygone times. We focus yet on again on regional comedy, this time from the North East of England or Tyneside region, from which the classic "Geordie" tag originated, especially referred to people born in the city of Newcastle. If you like your comedy, working class, northern, old school, and swear word-free, then you might very well enjoy this massive compilation of not only North East comedians, many you might never have heard of, but Scottish and Irish comedians too. This is from an obscure regional programme produced by Tyne Tees Television called "What Fettle?", and ran only for over a year between 1977-1978. The show took place in what looked like your typical comedy club,with some wiry 70s garb in the background, and the ever-so-slightly Americanised, small intimate tables with over-sized lamps! Featuring interview segments and some off-location clips. Also, marvel at the sheer ease of stand-up Bobby Thompson, puffing away on his cigarette as he fires off his stories and jokes about life in the North East.
Also, look 31 seconds into the first part, a man in audience looks a lot like future Tory MP,and member of the Tory sleaze club, Chelsea football supporter David Mellor? I could be wrong, but it's quite hard to believe!
"What Fettle?" is a Geordie expression, best described by the "Urban Dictionary":
"A greeting , mainly used by older members of the community in North East Mining communities, latterly bastardised by younger members of the community to signify the achievement of the physical act of love,when such topics are discussed in a public house etc."
The cast of comedians and entertainers include: Bobby Thompson, Billy Martin, Bobby Hooper, "Rab C. Nesbitt" look-a-like Alan Snell, the "charming" evening-gowned Scarlet O'Hara, Bobby Knoxall, Bobby Pattinson, Lambert and Ross, Peter Mitchell, the Dixielander and Walter Gee. Phew.
An 8 part obscure wonder of bygone times. We focus yet on again on regional comedy, this time from the North East of England or Tyneside region, from which the classic "Geordie" tag originated, especially referred to people born in the city of Newcastle. If you like your comedy, working class, northern, old school, and swear word-free, then you might very well enjoy this massive compilation of not only North East comedians, many you might never have heard of, but Scottish and Irish comedians too. This is from an obscure regional programme produced by Tyne Tees Television called "What Fettle?", and ran only for over a year between 1977-1978. The show took place in what looked like your typical comedy club,with some wiry 70s garb in the background, and the ever-so-slightly Americanised, small intimate tables with over-sized lamps! Featuring interview segments and some off-location clips. Also, marvel at the sheer ease of stand-up Bobby Thompson, puffing away on his cigarette as he fires off his stories and jokes about life in the North East.
Also, look 31 seconds into the first part, a man in audience looks a lot like future Tory MP,and member of the Tory sleaze club, Chelsea football supporter David Mellor? I could be wrong, but it's quite hard to believe!
"What Fettle?" is a Geordie expression, best described by the "Urban Dictionary":
"A greeting , mainly used by older members of the community in North East Mining communities, latterly bastardised by younger members of the community to signify the achievement of the physical act of love,when such topics are discussed in a public house etc."
The cast of comedians and entertainers include: Bobby Thompson, Billy Martin, Bobby Hooper, "Rab C. Nesbitt" look-a-like Alan Snell, the "charming" evening-gowned Scarlet O'Hara, Bobby Knoxall, Bobby Pattinson, Lambert and Ross, Peter Mitchell, the Dixielander and Walter Gee. Phew.
Sunday, 7 February 2010
Forgotten but somehow Long-running Scottish sitcom from the 80's...
City Lights - S2E1 "The Longest Day" Part 1
"City Lights" was a Scottish sitcom set in Glasgow starring Gerard Kelly as Wullie Melvin, a banker with dreams of becoming a novelist. The show piloted in 1985, and after initial success, it was screened across the UK on BBC2.
At last on Youtube, we have rare full episodes of the TV series, which despite being a mainstay for the last half of the 80's, has not been released on DVD. This is the first episode of the 2nd series (might be the 3rd series though) and the episode is entitled "The Longest Day". The 3 first 3 episodes of this series are on Youtube. The theme tune is pretty good with an echoing guitar, that does it a dated feel for these days, but it's got a very Scottish feel, it has "Proclaimers" feel to it. The guitar also sounds in the same vein as the one in the iconic "Arena" documentary series theme. It features some of the soon-to-be main, cream of Scottish up-coming talent, featuring Elaine C. Smith as banking associates Irene, and Johnathan Watson as smug, slimy and always-gets-his-just-desserts Brian, a bank stooge to manager Mr McLelland (played by Dave Anderson).
In this episode, we see Wullie realise his dream of having his "My Childhood Up a Close"novel published andto be premiered in top Glasgow book shop, "John Smith & Son". As he arrives gracefully and fans are queueing up applauding his appearnce, awaiting their own copies to be autographed by the one and only, is this too good to be true?
Other characters featured were, Wullie's scheming, common mate, Chancer (Andy Gray), Chancer's mate dim-witted Tam (Ian McColl) and his awful mother (Jan Wilson).
"City Lights" was a Scottish sitcom set in Glasgow starring Gerard Kelly as Wullie Melvin, a banker with dreams of becoming a novelist. The show piloted in 1985, and after initial success, it was screened across the UK on BBC2.
At last on Youtube, we have rare full episodes of the TV series, which despite being a mainstay for the last half of the 80's, has not been released on DVD. This is the first episode of the 2nd series (might be the 3rd series though) and the episode is entitled "The Longest Day". The 3 first 3 episodes of this series are on Youtube. The theme tune is pretty good with an echoing guitar, that does it a dated feel for these days, but it's got a very Scottish feel, it has "Proclaimers" feel to it. The guitar also sounds in the same vein as the one in the iconic "Arena" documentary series theme. It features some of the soon-to-be main, cream of Scottish up-coming talent, featuring Elaine C. Smith as banking associates Irene, and Johnathan Watson as smug, slimy and always-gets-his-just-desserts Brian, a bank stooge to manager Mr McLelland (played by Dave Anderson).
In this episode, we see Wullie realise his dream of having his "My Childhood Up a Close"novel published andto be premiered in top Glasgow book shop, "John Smith & Son". As he arrives gracefully and fans are queueing up applauding his appearnce, awaiting their own copies to be autographed by the one and only, is this too good to be true?
Other characters featured were, Wullie's scheming, common mate, Chancer (Andy Gray), Chancer's mate dim-witted Tam (Ian McColl) and his awful mother (Jan Wilson).
Friday, 29 January 2010
Blackadder's Missing Episode- As Forgotten as a Goldfish with Alzheimer's
Blackadder - The Unaired Pilot Episode-Part 1 of 5
Gold is struck here, as we see the unaired pilot of historical comedy sitcom "Blackadder"(created by Richard Curtis and Rowan Atkinson), with the most glaring difference being, no Tony Robinson as Baldrick, who is so enamoured with that role, is being played by Phillip Fox. A more normal looking, cleaner looking and less dishellved younger man. It's funny, because you almost feel outraged it's not Tony Robinson, but back then it was only a fully formed idea, waiting for viewer judgement. Rowan Atkinson is still Edmund Blackadder, however it is very much different from the following first series, but a closer representation of the second series, as this pilot is set in Elizabethan times, wheras the first series is set in the dark/middle ages. Edmund's character here is a mixture of the weasly but arrogant first series Edmund Blackadder, but with some of the conviction and wittiness of the second series Blackadder, and you could say his recurring roles along the timeline in the third and fouth series. The pilot also features future Blackadder regular and seconadary joke-bait to Baldrick, Tim McInnerny playing as servant Percy. The other cast members to survive from the pilot were Scottish actress Elspet Gray, who retained her role as a Queen in the first "Blackadder"series, this time as Gertrude of Flanders, and gruff-voiced Alex Norton, future lead star of "Taggart", playing the role of Scots warrior McAngus.
Hosting one-off appearances, most notably, is John Savident who came to future prominence as Coronation Street's Fred "I say, I say" Elliott in the 90's. Prince Harry was played by Robert Bathurst, to be be replaced by Robert East in the actual series.
The first series of "Blackadder" or "Blackadder the First" wasn't a huge success, and was not hugely funny. The set and widely varied location settings rather than studio sets, for outdoor means, were hugley expensive. Baldrick , this time played by Tony Robinson, came across as the smart one while, Blackadder came across as more immature, stupid but with some degree of ruthlessness, that later ancestors would have. However, after having to take a large budget cut, the second series with some new blood like Stephen Fry. Miranda Richardson and a more sarcastic, and acid-tongued Edmund Blackadder returned, an immensely stupid Baldrick, in the settiing of the Elizabethan period, like the pilot, but better. Blackadder retained the perfect composition of Blackadder and Baldrick, through the other 2 series, with some changes and coming going from the surrounding main cast. The Third series set in the 18th Century, this time introducing new cast member Hugh Laurie, as the Prince Regent. Between the third and fourth series, there were 2 one-off specials of Blackadder, that although not chronologically, it filled out some of the gaps in time periods between the second and fourth. The fourth seres was set during the First World War, taking place in mostly Blackadder's trench, mirthing and satrising the issues of war. Of course we can talk about more in another post...
Goodbyeeeee....
Gold is struck here, as we see the unaired pilot of historical comedy sitcom "Blackadder"(created by Richard Curtis and Rowan Atkinson), with the most glaring difference being, no Tony Robinson as Baldrick, who is so enamoured with that role, is being played by Phillip Fox. A more normal looking, cleaner looking and less dishellved younger man. It's funny, because you almost feel outraged it's not Tony Robinson, but back then it was only a fully formed idea, waiting for viewer judgement. Rowan Atkinson is still Edmund Blackadder, however it is very much different from the following first series, but a closer representation of the second series, as this pilot is set in Elizabethan times, wheras the first series is set in the dark/middle ages. Edmund's character here is a mixture of the weasly but arrogant first series Edmund Blackadder, but with some of the conviction and wittiness of the second series Blackadder, and you could say his recurring roles along the timeline in the third and fouth series. The pilot also features future Blackadder regular and seconadary joke-bait to Baldrick, Tim McInnerny playing as servant Percy. The other cast members to survive from the pilot were Scottish actress Elspet Gray, who retained her role as a Queen in the first "Blackadder"series, this time as Gertrude of Flanders, and gruff-voiced Alex Norton, future lead star of "Taggart", playing the role of Scots warrior McAngus.
Hosting one-off appearances, most notably, is John Savident who came to future prominence as Coronation Street's Fred "I say, I say" Elliott in the 90's. Prince Harry was played by Robert Bathurst, to be be replaced by Robert East in the actual series.
The first series of "Blackadder" or "Blackadder the First" wasn't a huge success, and was not hugely funny. The set and widely varied location settings rather than studio sets, for outdoor means, were hugley expensive. Baldrick , this time played by Tony Robinson, came across as the smart one while, Blackadder came across as more immature, stupid but with some degree of ruthlessness, that later ancestors would have. However, after having to take a large budget cut, the second series with some new blood like Stephen Fry. Miranda Richardson and a more sarcastic, and acid-tongued Edmund Blackadder returned, an immensely stupid Baldrick, in the settiing of the Elizabethan period, like the pilot, but better. Blackadder retained the perfect composition of Blackadder and Baldrick, through the other 2 series, with some changes and coming going from the surrounding main cast. The Third series set in the 18th Century, this time introducing new cast member Hugh Laurie, as the Prince Regent. Between the third and fourth series, there were 2 one-off specials of Blackadder, that although not chronologically, it filled out some of the gaps in time periods between the second and fourth. The fourth seres was set during the First World War, taking place in mostly Blackadder's trench, mirthing and satrising the issues of war. Of course we can talk about more in another post...
Goodbyeeeee....
Tuesday, 26 January 2010
Genteel Vicar Comedy from the early 1960's, featuring a smut-free Leslie Phillips
Our Man At St Mark's Pt1 Leslie Phillips - Rediffusion 1963
Been digging hard to find more British TV 1960's material for this blog, and we have found what I believe to be very rare, and our most extensive exerpt from the 60's UK TV, as this is a full episode.
A full episode from ITV's "Our Man At St Mark's", a comedy sitcom. Much of this series no longer exists in the archives apart from a few minutes worth, as claimed by this youtube uploader. Well, that's a sad state of affair's, but "wiping" was common place in the early days of television.
The sitcom stars Leslie "Ding Dong" Phillips, of the "Carry on..." movies fame, as. It is produced by Associated Rediffusion, which as a regional broadcaster for London and surrounding counties. What makes this a more rarer find, is the fact Phillips appeared in only the first series or 7 episodes of the show in 1963, replaced by Donald Sinden in 1964. The episode featured here, in 3 parts, is meant to be the very first episode "The Facts of Life", claimed in the youtube comments section. It is indeed.
Been digging hard to find more British TV 1960's material for this blog, and we have found what I believe to be very rare, and our most extensive exerpt from the 60's UK TV, as this is a full episode.
A full episode from ITV's "Our Man At St Mark's", a comedy sitcom. Much of this series no longer exists in the archives apart from a few minutes worth, as claimed by this youtube uploader. Well, that's a sad state of affair's, but "wiping" was common place in the early days of television.
The sitcom stars Leslie "Ding Dong" Phillips, of the "Carry on..." movies fame, as. It is produced by Associated Rediffusion, which as a regional broadcaster for London and surrounding counties. What makes this a more rarer find, is the fact Phillips appeared in only the first series or 7 episodes of the show in 1963, replaced by Donald Sinden in 1964. The episode featured here, in 3 parts, is meant to be the very first episode "The Facts of Life", claimed in the youtube comments section. It is indeed.
Phillips, plays Rev. Andrew Parker in a very different role to his most famous role, he still comes across as charming and suave, making a good effort in the lead role. Still alive at the age of 85 today!
"Our Man At St Mark's" was followed up by another 3 series, not starring Leslie Phillips, with a meaningless change to "Our Man From St Mark's".
Friday, 22 January 2010
I Mutter to the 2 Ronnies: OUCH!
The Two Ninnies
A smartly engineered parody of the 70's and 80's powerhouse duo of "The Two Ronnies", here, by Mel Smith and Griff Rhys Jones. It's a bashing at the Two Ronnies joyful comedy songs laced to the brim with sexual innuendo. In this clip, it only seems to be the song, as there was a dialogue part beforehand. It was regarded as a rather cruel take on them. The song features rather over-the-top sexual inneundo nonsense, but not articulated with swearing. It works well though, and is a favourite but controversial sketch from the "Not The Nine O' Clock News".
The Two Ronnies themeselves, Ronnie Corbett ad Ronnie Barker, took much offence from this sketch, finding it insulting. It was more or less a misunderstanding between comedic generations, between, at the time, the new wave of "alternative comedy", which was more in-your-face, using swear words and was like a big "up yours" to the establishment before, and the older, more genteel, saucy "how's your father postcard", play-of-words type humour of the 1960's and 70's comedy entertainers.
A smartly engineered parody of the 70's and 80's powerhouse duo of "The Two Ronnies", here, by Mel Smith and Griff Rhys Jones. It's a bashing at the Two Ronnies joyful comedy songs laced to the brim with sexual innuendo. In this clip, it only seems to be the song, as there was a dialogue part beforehand. It was regarded as a rather cruel take on them. The song features rather over-the-top sexual inneundo nonsense, but not articulated with swearing. It works well though, and is a favourite but controversial sketch from the "Not The Nine O' Clock News".
The Two Ronnies themeselves, Ronnie Corbett ad Ronnie Barker, took much offence from this sketch, finding it insulting. It was more or less a misunderstanding between comedic generations, between, at the time, the new wave of "alternative comedy", which was more in-your-face, using swear words and was like a big "up yours" to the establishment before, and the older, more genteel, saucy "how's your father postcard", play-of-words type humour of the 1960's and 70's comedy entertainers.
Friday, 15 January 2010
Only Fools and Horses Snippet on Youtube
Only Fools and Horses - Funniest Uncle Albert Moment
That's what I think myself, I remember watching a documentary of the "40 Top Moments of Only Fools and Horses" and this wasn't in it!
What UK Comedy Compilation wouldn't be complete without "Only Fools and Horses"? Yes, it seems to be on G.O.L.D 24/7, but let me pinpoint you to the "gold within the gold!". This features, like the uploader, what I believe to be the funniest Uncle Albert moment from the show, taken from the 1990 Christmas Special "Rodney Come Home". It's just the element of Uncle Albert (played by Buster Merryfield) pretending to be shocked (as instructed by Del) by Rodney's decision to date a new woman named Tanya, after his marriage with Cassandra is on the rocks. Albert feigns shock and surprise too early on, to Rodney's bewilderment with some funny lines included, and when Rodney does finally announce the name of this new woman, Del has to hit him with the newspaper to get dotty Albert to "OOOOOOOOO", or whatever you can interpret the sound of surprise and shock in word form. Just watch it, I don't need to describe how funny this is anymore!
That's what I think myself, I remember watching a documentary of the "40 Top Moments of Only Fools and Horses" and this wasn't in it!
What UK Comedy Compilation wouldn't be complete without "Only Fools and Horses"? Yes, it seems to be on G.O.L.D 24/7, but let me pinpoint you to the "gold within the gold!". This features, like the uploader, what I believe to be the funniest Uncle Albert moment from the show, taken from the 1990 Christmas Special "Rodney Come Home". It's just the element of Uncle Albert (played by Buster Merryfield) pretending to be shocked (as instructed by Del) by Rodney's decision to date a new woman named Tanya, after his marriage with Cassandra is on the rocks. Albert feigns shock and surprise too early on, to Rodney's bewilderment with some funny lines included, and when Rodney does finally announce the name of this new woman, Del has to hit him with the newspaper to get dotty Albert to "OOOOOOOOO", or whatever you can interpret the sound of surprise and shock in word form. Just watch it, I don't need to describe how funny this is anymore!
Saturday, 26 December 2009
Crossroads Gets the Mike Yarwood Treatment...
David Hunter Sacked
Crossroads sketch from the BBC's "Mike Yarwood In Persons", which was Yarwood's third star vehicled-show, running from 1976-1981. I'm giving myself a pat on the back, as I could not find what year, or decade this was from, however, as the character Mavis Hooper appears in the sketch, it was 1981 she first appeared in the soap, and it was also the year this show ended, so a no-brainer then.
The best part is David Hunter mauling of the Crossroads favourite simpleton, Benny. Also labelled under Coronation Street, as Bet Lynch appears too.
"Dishy David Hunter" was had been the owner of the motel since 1970. Although easy-going, he massacred a Malaysian village in battle as a young soldier. Benny Hawkins, was a farm boy who was always seen wearing a woolly hat, and although well-built and an honest, hardworking men, he was uneasy around the opposite sex. Also featuring in the sketch were Mavis and Sid Hooper impressions, followed by Corrie's Bet Lynch.
Crossroads sketch from the BBC's "Mike Yarwood In Persons", which was Yarwood's third star vehicled-show, running from 1976-1981. I'm giving myself a pat on the back, as I could not find what year, or decade this was from, however, as the character Mavis Hooper appears in the sketch, it was 1981 she first appeared in the soap, and it was also the year this show ended, so a no-brainer then.
The best part is David Hunter mauling of the Crossroads favourite simpleton, Benny. Also labelled under Coronation Street, as Bet Lynch appears too.
"Dishy David Hunter" was had been the owner of the motel since 1970. Although easy-going, he massacred a Malaysian village in battle as a young soldier. Benny Hawkins, was a farm boy who was always seen wearing a woolly hat, and although well-built and an honest, hardworking men, he was uneasy around the opposite sex. Also featuring in the sketch were Mavis and Sid Hooper impressions, followed by Corrie's Bet Lynch.
Friday, 25 December 2009
Christmas Day Snuggle-in with Ernie & Eric
Morecambe & Wise - Christmas Special 1971
Merry Christmas everyone! Half the country (25 million)tuned into "Morcambe & Wise" Christmas show specials, and this features the main guest as actress Glenda Jackson. Now at the time, it was a rarity to see serious stars flaffing about, all in the name of comedy. Before this, if you may've heard on various nostalgic talking head show, Glenda was seen as a bit of a square and people found her to be rather above herself. In this, she wins over the viewers with her slapstick performance, all seeming out-of-character. This was an age, where it was shocking or surprising to see stars in unknown territory, nobody would imagine a newsreader would get her legs out and break out into a song and dance (ala Angela Rippon, also appeared on another M&W Christmas Special). Frank Bough and Michael Parkinson, breaking into song? Well, you got it here in this clip!
Merry Christmas everyone! Half the country (25 million)tuned into "Morcambe & Wise" Christmas show specials, and this features the main guest as actress Glenda Jackson. Now at the time, it was a rarity to see serious stars flaffing about, all in the name of comedy. Before this, if you may've heard on various nostalgic talking head show, Glenda was seen as a bit of a square and people found her to be rather above herself. In this, she wins over the viewers with her slapstick performance, all seeming out-of-character. This was an age, where it was shocking or surprising to see stars in unknown territory, nobody would imagine a newsreader would get her legs out and break out into a song and dance (ala Angela Rippon, also appeared on another M&W Christmas Special). Frank Bough and Michael Parkinson, breaking into song? Well, you got it here in this clip!
Friday, 11 December 2009
Youtube Comedy Sweepstake
This is the first of a series of "sweepstake" posts, to primarily "wet your whistle" for what is in store, each focusing on a different genre:
Whose Line Is It Anyway? Season 1 Episode 1
Due to it being part of "4 on Demand" the video is unembeddable(that a word?)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S2n_21cMCfM
I've just recently discovered the huge wealth of selection, concerning the brand new ability to watch full shows (without being split into 10 min sections) thanks to Channel 4 working in accordance with Youtube. I'm impressed, as the full 1st season of "Whose Line Is It Anyway?", the classic comedy improvisation show, on a shoe-string budget. In this first episode from 1988, Clive Anderson is understandably nervous, and in the 4 leather chairs are Archie Hahn, Josie Lawrence, Paul Merton & John Sessions. It's a pretty good episode, but my main attention goes to Archie Hahn and Paul Merton. Although looking a lot more inexperience being on TV, you still see that bullish persona from Paul Merton his quips are what he's best it, but looks awkward when it comes to physical comedy, well, in this episode at least. And Archie Hahn, whatever happened to him? When i see him i think "Spinal Tap", "Police Academy 5" and Tv series "Eerie Indiana", but that's from all years and years ago. Also, in his very short Wikipedia description, some of his last WLIIA episode were infamous for him bringing false teeth and castanets to the show. Anyone know why it was so infamous?
Alf Garnett on the British Empire
Tory supporting Alf Garnett talks up the British Empire emblazoning hang-up pictures of Churchill and the Queen Victoria and blasting the Labour government. Probably no different from today, somewhere? But still, changed days indeed. However, you know you can't take the man seriously, as his vitriol is the whole joke of the show. He always gets his comeuppance in the end.
The Gem in the pudding. Fiddles me tiddles! A rare stage sketch starring Wilfred Brambell and Harry H. Corbett. Corbett looking unusually dressed up in suit and bow tie as Harold Steptoe, as they prepare to bathe in the sun and some golf later, in this sketch, appropiately staged in Blackpool.
Whose Line Is It Anyway? Season 1 Episode 1
Due to it being part of "4 on Demand" the video is unembeddable(that a word?)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S2n_21cMCfM
I've just recently discovered the huge wealth of selection, concerning the brand new ability to watch full shows (without being split into 10 min sections) thanks to Channel 4 working in accordance with Youtube. I'm impressed, as the full 1st season of "Whose Line Is It Anyway?", the classic comedy improvisation show, on a shoe-string budget. In this first episode from 1988, Clive Anderson is understandably nervous, and in the 4 leather chairs are Archie Hahn, Josie Lawrence, Paul Merton & John Sessions. It's a pretty good episode, but my main attention goes to Archie Hahn and Paul Merton. Although looking a lot more inexperience being on TV, you still see that bullish persona from Paul Merton his quips are what he's best it, but looks awkward when it comes to physical comedy, well, in this episode at least. And Archie Hahn, whatever happened to him? When i see him i think "Spinal Tap", "Police Academy 5" and Tv series "Eerie Indiana", but that's from all years and years ago. Also, in his very short Wikipedia description, some of his last WLIIA episode were infamous for him bringing false teeth and castanets to the show. Anyone know why it was so infamous?
Alf Garnett on the British Empire
Tory supporting Alf Garnett talks up the British Empire emblazoning hang-up pictures of Churchill and the Queen Victoria and blasting the Labour government. Probably no different from today, somewhere? But still, changed days indeed. However, you know you can't take the man seriously, as his vitriol is the whole joke of the show. He always gets his comeuppance in the end.
The Gem in the pudding. Fiddles me tiddles! A rare stage sketch starring Wilfred Brambell and Harry H. Corbett. Corbett looking unusually dressed up in suit and bow tie as Harold Steptoe, as they prepare to bathe in the sun and some golf later, in this sketch, appropiately staged in Blackpool.
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