Bob Monkhouse loved comedians, comedy writers and comedy performers. He just adored watching them, viewing their style and technique, which is why this interview with Ronnie Barker is so good to watch, as Bob is interested in his guest. So many talk show hosts now couldn't care less about their guests.
This isn't meant to be a criticism of a genuinely lovely man but RB didn't really disclose anything about himself. The entire 20 minutes or so were spent taking about his hobbies or he was in performance. Still a great "interview " and the two of them seemed genuinely pleased to in each other's company.
@@nottmjas You're right. He said nothing about himself other than he liked to collect art and magazines but I don't think the series was ever supposed to be about the comedian being interviewed. If I remember correctly it was always about the comedy which inspired comedians. Having said that RB was clearly someone who for whatever reason was very uncomfortable about speaking about himself.
what an absolute exquisite delight, such quality, depth and knowledge of their craft, i miss them both. Thank you Gentlemen for such goodness of spirit.
Two of the greatest. Ronnie was brilliant but so unassuming and modest. Even hiding the fact that he wrote many sketches for TW3 etc under a pseudonym so they wouldn't be swayed by knowing it was he who wrote them. One of those very special British Comics. A master of language and of comic timing. Some comic moments become classics and "Four Candles" with his great friend Ronnie Corbett is one. For perfect timing though I don't think you can beat "Racing Duck". Two lines "Does it have a name" answer by RC "Donald" and the, what I think was an ad lib that just happened "And it quacks" RIP king of the "pismanunciation"
By all accounts a rather curt and cold fellow but a true craftsman, a treat to see two real comedy connoiseurs chewing the fat, as mentioned both Monkhouse and Barker were huge collectors, imagine if they'd been around for ebay
We were so blessed & spoiled in those days having so many truly great comedians, the comedy shows were magic back then, love the fact we can still enjoy them long after they have sadly passed ❤
Spotted this shortly after it's appearance. Two of my favourite TV personalities from the 1970's onwards. Bob was a legend of slick gameshow hosting. without a lot of the pretence that became the norm later on. And Ronnie was a great comedy writer and performer.. If a little flawed as a person. In fact, both of them had their flaws. But without any nasty side to them. And both sadly died pretty youngish also. (well... not 'young' but not coffin dodging Brucie old either. lol )