Benny Hill Show Discussion

[boobalu]

On the Benny Hill show, what was the name of the character who was "the master of criminal disguise?"

[frankontop]

Originally Posted by Greenman

I always like Benny Hill, he was inventive, clever and very funny but later on he just didn't move with the times. One thing he did was a lazy man who wouldn't budge for a heavily pregnant wife trying to open a gate bringing him a drink. It was sped up to look silly but I just looked at it and thought this just isn't funny. I think after that he went downhill-so to speak. The tabloids really went for the jugular and that was almost the beginning of the end. I don't think anyone really appreciated just what he brought to British comedy which captured us and the world's imagination and perhaps if had he had changed his outlook, he might still be around. A sad end to a world-famous clown loved by all.

still playing on Ch 68 in Pennsylvania - no swearing in his shows just witty innuendo-

[frankontop]

Originally Posted by lovegod

BUT at least weve got a massive catalogue of Benny's work
on TV from the 1950s ... from black and white to full living colour.
He just lived for TV and seemed to spend his spare time dreaming up comedy sketches.
He also gave opportunity for Louise English and a host of dancers
to get TV work.. Corrine Russel etc
He was also talented at writing comedy songs too
He was just an all round, comic genious !

-----------------------
very witty with a good command of the English language and musical as well- do not forget his acting role in The Italian Job

[frankontop]

Originally Posted by SPTO

I have to say something about this thread. I dunno if i'll post much on these forums but anyways....

Benny Hill was a certified comedic genius. I remember watching his show as preteen on the Buffalo FOX affiliate and while I was too young to fully appreciate the humor I did enjoy the Hills Angels and such even if it may have been slightly watered down. I saw a Biography on his life and he was a fascinating man. The whole thing with him being pushed out by Thames Television was disgraceful but alas the political climate was changing.

Hill was a product of a time when comedy was looser. Sure it was risque but it was done so in a cheeky and delightful manner that's not even close to being as crude as some comedians are today. I really love the humor of some of those old British comedy shows especially Are You Being Served? which has to be one of the funniest programs i've ever seen.

It's a damn shame we'll never see another Benny Hill or even a return to the more loose and carefree type of comedy like what AYBS? and other British shows brought us.

whereas Ch 4 and BBC 2 have four letter words as a regular comedy item - not funny without context or humour - certainly not witty -

[scorpion_111151]

This may be of interest to Benny's fans: a one-man show based around his life, and including some of his jokes.
https://www.chortle.co.uk/review/2018/08/16/40889/benny

[larsen525]

A 2 x 90-minute miniseries of Benny's life is also in the works:

https://deadline.com/2018/05/u-s-svo...ll-1202400730/

[stardust2003]

SOME of the dance videos with Louise English ... Corrine Russell etc
are up there with the best of Pans People and Legs and Co

Benny gave these young girls a chance to make some quality TV
that will live forever......

[les1917lie]

"That's TV(UK)" (freeview 91) are showing some Benny Hill shows(83-84?).
I have downloaded and edited them(removal of adverts) and converted to mp4.
I have also extracted the Hill's Angels scenes and will upload them separately
The original aspect ratio was messed up by the TV company. When viewing these files(best with VLC) select 4/3 aspect ratio (in video dropdown menu).

1 of 6

399mb 25m46s .mp4


https://www.mediafire.com/file/6qctw.../BH01.mp4/file

[les1917lie]

2 of 6

442mb 28m 34s .mp4
When viewing these files(best with VLC) select 4/3 aspect ratio (in video dropdown menu).



https://www.mediafire.com/file/0e4j5.../BH02.mp4/file

[countjimmoriarty]

Originally Posted by les1917lie

"That's TV(UK)" (freeview 91) are showing some Benny Hill shows(83-84?).

Compilations - extracts from 70's/80's shows put together originally for the international market. Odd one viewed shows that the only reason to watch was the women - he wasn't remotely funny. Later ones also show, when he'd been told to tone down the content, cynical use of 'cute' children to try and hold on to an audience.