The first sketch reminds me of a dinner my partner and I went to some years ago. The other two couples were Oxbridge academics and their Oxbridge educated wives - highbrow discussions and 'in' jokes only they understood all evening. It really felt like we were in a sketch like this. The longest and most boring evening of my entire life!
Hi Tim. Here is the 20th anniversary programme of BBC Two aired in 1984 - czcams.com/video/kowFs5jOR6g/video.html If you skip to 20:27 in it, you will see the first example of these type of programmes which Fry and Laurie were spoofing here, and tell me what you think.
It's quite clear that in this duo, Fry's comedic genius is unbeaten. The last bit however reminded me, that Laurie has the greater acting chops by far.
Such good actors, especially Hugh, his facial expressions, his characterisations are absolutely believable, should've been making big movies by now, because he's as good as anyone of not Better, a British/English national treasure, a comedy Legend of the highest order.
Meh. Movies are so 20th century. Hugh Laurie's work on "House" is legendary, and he helped usher in a new era for both network and cable TV. He got to do it all on that show, from the broadest comedy to the smallest, subtlest dramatic moments. He even got to do a big song and dance production number in a dream sequence (it was a dream the character of Lisa Cuddy had while under anesthesia, but he was still the main focus of it). And he probably made ten times the money he would have made from one or two successful movies anyway.
@@nettils5555 yes, I've watched House, and I reject your characterization of it. Did it go on a season or two too long? Yes. Did Laurie elevate the material with the quality of his acting? Also yes.
That's how one speaks French, though, in a pinch... for lack of a right expression one tries something which maybe sounds right. Of course only as an incompetent beginner.
Arrogance often prevents people from seeing themselves as other people see them, and pretentious people such as Fry often think that making fun of those who are even more pretentious makes themselves seem less pretentious. It doesn't work. Fry is a sad character who is unable to open his mouth with (A) having to say something intended to convince us of his cleverness and (B) make some reference to sex or his own sexual preference.
@bad1dobby Consider harp[x4]'s name for a moment, and you'll see that she is a parody of herself also. It's worth noting that she's cleverly written a comment intending to display her own enlightened viewpoint that sees through the fog of media representation. In short, she harps on, and calls herself harp[x4], creating a defensive claim to self-awareness whilst also boasting her own cleverness. And at the same time she criticises Fry for doing the same, possibly because he's been more successful in doing it. But then consider me... I'm literally doing the same thing. Why did I write this comment? I guess it's just a mystery...
4:07 Funniest sketch ever! "This is the suit he died in, I want my money back!" 1947! I remember the year, because that was the year I bought these suits. "The lady will remember me..." 6:00 Oh, they're bastards aren't they? 6:18 Oh... Oh, you'll be wanting your money back, then! LOL!
Speaking as a former contestant on the aforementioned Krypton Factor, (as well as having the correct initials, so as not to arouse suspicion) I am prepared to say I am the man (or woman) for such a dangerous mission.
Fry and Laurie were soooo good OMG I love them!!! I especially adore Stephen Fry. Many years ago I saw a pantomime written by Stephen Fry, I can't remember the name of it, it may have been his version of Cinderella, or something like that. It wasn't a pantomime for children. It was very witty, well-written and filled with sexual innuendos. It was performed at the Old Vic in London, which was owned by Kevin Spacey. It was so sad hearing the scandal re: Kevin Spacey, as he used to be one of my favourite actors. We watched the pantomime at the media showing, we were in the back row and Kevin Spacey was standing behind us!! We could hear him talking intermittently, which made us so happy, I used to think he had the sexiest and most unique, fabulous voice. For years after, my friend and I found it hilarious and joked that whilst watching a pantomime, 'He was behind us!!!!' (get it?) People were lining up to shake Kevin Spacey's hand after the show, and chat with him in the foyer. I wanted to but I was too star-struck and nervous. There was no sign of Stephen Fry. It's such a shame about Kevin Spacey.
I wonder if many people miss the subtlety of the “tarte citron” section (I, of course, do not). In the past there was a tendency for the better classes to refer to food in obscure ways such as by foreign language names, in an effort to separate themselves from the middle classes who so desperately want to be included in the social circles of their social superiors. When these lower (than them) classes began to use the same phrases in an effort to make themselves more “equal” with their betters, the ruling classes deliberately began to use more colloquial terms such as “lemon pie”. So in this scene Stephen Fry’s character is insultingly laying bare the lower order of the pretentious woman, who still refers to it as the (now) distastefully lower-class “tarte citron”, whereas the real upper and ruling class would only ever refer to it as “lemon pie”. It’s a game they continuously play, as they are incapable of doing any real work that may be of benefit to society.
I saw stephen fry in my dream. He was really sick so i spent every penny i had to heal him. I woke up absolutely horrified and searched for him on the internet the first thing in the morning
Here is the 20th anniversary programme of BBC Two czcams.com/video/kowFs5jOR6g/video.html which aired in 1984. If you skip to 20:27 in the programme you will see an example of an early BBC Two show which Fry and Laurie were spoofing here, entitles "Conversations for Tomorrow".
"and Italians. The place is absolutely heaving with Italians"
😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
My favourite thing about the first two sketches is how generous Hugh and Stephen were in writing laughs for other performers.
With their boundless talent they could easily spare it.
What an amusing concept in the second sketch. Having the two old ladies played by women.
nnnNice.
The first sketch reminds me of a dinner my partner and I went to some years ago. The other two couples were Oxbridge academics and their Oxbridge educated wives - highbrow discussions and 'in' jokes only they understood all evening. It really felt like we were in a sketch like this. The longest and most boring evening of my entire life!
That sounds terrible. Pompous snobs enjoying the smell of their own farts
Oh how droll! So very droll! M! M! M!
Mmm yes yes yes yes… indeed.
but in another sense you are showing who you like to socialise with and how great you are yourself
Be quiet commoner
1:35 - that "uh uh uh" makes me burst out laughing every time 🤣🤣🤣
Agreed, absolutely hilarious
Fry ambushing Laurie during the sketches, calling him lady names, trying to make him trip up and laugh! 😁
The way that 90-something-year-old says 'bastards' is glorious
"Cocteau never does sound like Cocteau. That's how you know it's him."
What a great actress and comedian Liz Smith was. So nice to see her not doing her addled senior bit. Her reaction to being asked what size she likes!
Yeah I always loved that! Hilarious 🤣
I liked that bit haha, you could see her struggling to keep a straight face and pulling it together
It is, in fact, Selina Cadell
@@nigelsouthworth5577 No, it's Liz Smith doing the reaction.
@@baronmeduse Ah, yes, Liz Smith is in the later sketch, I hadn't seen that.
"Queen of the Adriatic" was hilarious!
"What size do you take"..... and the look on Liz's face.......🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
This was a great piss take of the "intellectual" after dinner conversations shown on BBC Two.
Are there any examples on CZcams?
Hi Tim. Here is the 20th anniversary programme of BBC Two aired in 1984 - czcams.com/video/kowFs5jOR6g/video.html If you skip to 20:27 in it, you will see the first example of these type of programmes which Fry and Laurie were spoofing here, and tell me what you think.
@@johnking5174 Thanks for searching that out John. I definitely see the resemblance!
The are 2 of the greatest piss takers to ever live
Well you put ‘intellectual’ in quotations, despite that clip you provided literally showing bloody A J Ayer in conversation but okay.
"True, true, true... truché!!! Ahahahahaha!!!"
Classic.. I'd forgotten what brilliant co-stars they had
abi su a keeper yet 😎 Fry and Laurie had the best chemistry
Maybe "Trouch'e"?
I could watch an entire MOVIE made entirely as the first sketch!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hugh is a frighteningly convincing Clint Eastwood, and Stephen a sinister benefactor
A bit Steve McQueen and the crooks he played later in serious series.
Early TV appearance by Theresa May
I know, right!?
Haha I was thinking the same thing
This was also my first thought haha.
^this.
I knew I wasn’t the only one.
"The only problem with Venice is there are to many Italians." LOL
very slovene thing to say
The sketches are brilliant and yadda yadda but god Hugh on the last one is ridiculously attractive!!!
Jesus, the writing of all these skits is amazing.
Written by just two people - Stephen Fry and Hugh Laurie
It's quite clear that in this duo, Fry's comedic genius is unbeaten. The last bit however reminded me, that Laurie has the greater acting chops by far.
Seems you're one of those people who make a competition out of everrrything. If I'm corrrect let me just say that mine's enorrrmous. Good day sir.
@@jakobbauz And the best of luck with whatever issues you're going through right now, friend.
@@elvancor It's a joke my man. ;) Not to be taken too serrriously.
@@jakobbauz
Never mind, Sooty's on tomorrow.
{:o:O:}
One of their best ever, with the great Liz Smith.
Gosh Laurie is a good actor
Such good actors, especially Hugh, his facial expressions, his characterisations are absolutely believable, should've been making big movies by now, because he's as good as anyone of not Better, a British/English national treasure, a comedy Legend of the highest order.
Meh. Movies are so 20th century. Hugh Laurie's work on "House" is legendary, and he helped usher in a new era for both network and cable TV. He got to do it all on that show, from the broadest comedy to the smallest, subtlest dramatic moments. He even got to do a big song and dance production number in a dream sequence (it was a dream the character of Lisa Cuddy had while under anesthesia, but he was still the main focus of it).
And he probably made ten times the money he would have made from one or two successful movies anyway.
@@christheghostwriter Hugh Laurie in The Night Manager is flat out breathtaking.
@@christheghostwriter Hugh Laurie in The Night Manager is flat out breathtaking.
@@nettils5555 yes, I've watched House, and I reject your characterization of it. Did it go on a season or two too long? Yes. Did Laurie elevate the material with the quality of his acting? Also yes.
Loved the first sketch. Reminds me of how annoying some people sound when theymention their holidays in every conversation.
A bit like vegans, then. lol.
Holy crap! 9:07 Hugh turning into Clint Eastwood!
anomaly P you'd think so, but he's just acting.
Hugh = Hot!!
@Gerald F no. Hot. Period
WOW!
Steve McQueen ;)
I love how they throw around _déglanté_ as if it were a real French word (and "San Giorgio Romano" as if it were an actual Venetian church).
That's how one speaks French, though, in a pinch... for lack of a right expression one tries something which maybe sounds right. Of course only as an incompetent beginner.
@HerrNilssonTheMonkey I think you meant "Romannn-------no"
@@JeiShian I hadn't been called Mr. Nilsson before, but this is one of my favourite books, so I count it as an inconmensurable compliment.
Selina Cadell does the most wonderful Theresa May impression.
I just watched an entire episode of The Krypton Factor. I think I'll go lie down and hug my pillow for a bit.
God I love these two! 😂❤😂❤
This is a most awfully good TARGGHHT AU CITGGHTRON
If I ever have to go to a dinner like this I would excuse my self and find the nearest window to jump out of. I don't care on which floor. 🤣🤣
Brilliant, just brilliant.
Hadrian and Antinous' busts in the background are an amazing touch tbh
Antoninus
Mădălina Iulia You're wrong, the bust on the left is Caracalla. I correctly identified both busts. How plebian of you!
plebeian, though
And I bet you Stephen could recognise the emperors from their busts!
This is actually a parody on Fry himself
Arrogance often prevents people from seeing themselves as other people see them, and pretentious people such as Fry often think that making fun of those who are even more pretentious makes themselves seem less pretentious. It doesn't work. Fry is a sad character who is unable to open his mouth with (A) having to say something intended to convince us of his cleverness and (B) make some reference to sex or his own sexual preference.
@@harpharpharpharp1971 I agree
@bad1dobby Consider harp[x4]'s name for a moment, and you'll see that she is a parody of herself also. It's worth noting that she's cleverly written a comment intending to display her own enlightened viewpoint that sees through the fog of media representation. In short, she harps on, and calls herself harp[x4], creating a defensive claim to self-awareness whilst also boasting her own cleverness. And at the same time she criticises Fry for doing the same, possibly because he's been more successful in doing it.
But then consider me... I'm literally doing the same thing. Why did I write this comment? I guess it's just a mystery...
@@martinmaguire-music6692 It's harps all the way down
@@tentathesane8032 Ain't that the truth x
ironically they arent wrong about venice, if tourists cruise ships were banned then the city would be in a much better state lol
Thank you for the upload, great series!
Liz Smith was such a brilliant actress
"what size do you take?" dead
Odd request - would that be the clearance rack?
4:07 Funniest sketch ever! "This is the suit he died in, I want my money back!" 1947! I remember the year, because that was the year I bought these suits. "The lady will remember me..."
6:00 Oh, they're bastards aren't they?
6:18 Oh... Oh, you'll be wanting your money back, then! LOL!
Speaking as a former contestant on the aforementioned Krypton Factor, (as well as having the correct initials, so as not to arouse suspicion) I am prepared to say I am the man (or woman) for such a dangerous mission.
I'd totally watch this format. Meanwhile tourists are, if not exactly banned, are taxed for their visits.
- “Eheu fugaces o tempora o mores” Jeremy
- eh yes…
I know fry thinks he’s putting on an accent, but that’s just what he sounds like
Fry and Laurie were soooo good OMG I love them!!! I especially adore Stephen Fry. Many years ago I saw a pantomime written by Stephen Fry, I can't remember the name of it, it may have been his version of Cinderella, or something like that. It wasn't a pantomime for children. It was very witty, well-written and filled with sexual innuendos. It was performed at the Old Vic in London, which was owned by Kevin Spacey. It was so sad hearing the scandal re: Kevin Spacey, as he used to be one of my favourite actors. We watched the pantomime at the media showing, we were in the back row and Kevin Spacey was standing behind us!! We could hear him talking intermittently, which made us so happy, I used to think he had the sexiest and most unique, fabulous voice. For years after, my friend and I found it hilarious and joked that whilst watching a pantomime, 'He was behind us!!!!' (get it?) People were lining up to shake Kevin Spacey's hand after the show, and chat with him in the foyer. I wanted to but I was too star-struck and nervous. There was no sign of Stephen Fry. It's such a shame about Kevin Spacey.
I adore them!
"Do you admire Gary Davies?" - such a great line from a British spymaster.
Oooooh!
Took me awhile before I recognized the woman from "Dr Martin" as the pharmacist
Wonderful 1st scene with Selena Cadell.
Haha I come from Maidstone and was completely taken aback when Fry said it 😂😂
tom webb yes and believe it or not I've been a supply teacher in Maidstone. The Boys Grammar School.
Splendid!! 👏👏👏
I wonder if many people miss the subtlety of the “tarte citron” section (I, of course, do not). In the past there was a tendency for the better classes to refer to food in obscure ways such as by foreign language names, in an effort to separate themselves from the middle classes who so desperately want to be included in the social circles of their social superiors. When these lower (than them) classes began to use the same phrases in an effort to make themselves more “equal” with their betters, the ruling classes deliberately began to use more colloquial terms such as “lemon pie”. So in this scene Stephen Fry’s character is insultingly laying bare the lower order of the pretentious woman, who still refers to it as the (now) distastefully lower-class “tarte citron”, whereas the real upper and ruling class would only ever refer to it as “lemon pie”. It’s a game they continuously play, as they are incapable of doing any real work that may be of benefit to society.
Whereas worthwhile people like you spend your valuable time lambasting other people in youtube videos. Such a benefit to society.
The customer service counter bent my universe.
At my local Marks and Sparks you can actually buy food!!
Went and looked up "The Krypton Factor". I only made it 3 minutes.
That obnoxious noise Fry makes during that dinner gives me hives.
7:45 Wth??!! He looks like Clint Eastwood
No _fewer_ than ninety-seven backpackers, surely
Fantastic!
wow i didn't know that bernard cribbins was in the pacemakers, thanks for the info 👍
LOL What a Trio of Tossers! 🤣
{:o:O:}
Wonderful
Looks like a cosy dinner at Trinity college, Cambridge,after the cheque from BP has arrived on time,again.
True-chè
And they are still in charge 😅
Accurate and hilarious!
Rare footage of drivers and car enthusiasts meeting when they talk about people on bicycles
"Car enthusiasts"
Yeah you sound like you ride a bike. 😅
Hmm?
Laurie is beginning to look like Dr. House on that last sketch
Hugh looks like the 12th doctor in this
"Here's your money back, I put it by: £3.12.6d"
genius.. lets just say i made it to the shops in time to buy it..
This is so accurate.
I didn't know Theresa May used to do sketches
You never watched Prime Ministers Questions?
I had to use my imagination for the punchline, since I've never even seen "bits" of The Krypton Factor. But the sketch was good.
This is genuinely the rest of my family
edit: in the first act
Hugh Laurie could pull off a decent Clint Eastwood
Hilarious clever clap trap 👏 🤣
Love how "Mervyn" Bragg has become a woman in the Czech subtitles
I love the baddies in the jaaaaaaaag sketch!
The first scketch is the new normal - bravo - careful what you joke for.
I saw stephen fry in my dream. He was really sick so i spent every penny i had to heal him. I woke up absolutely horrified and searched for him on the internet the first thing in the morning
Say what you like about Fry and Laurie....
That's it.😚
With Czech subtitles. Wow!
Emme E Esse !
Here is the 20th anniversary programme of BBC Two czcams.com/video/kowFs5jOR6g/video.html which aired in 1984. If you skip to 20:27 in the programme you will see an example of an early BBC Two show which Fry and Laurie were spoofing here, entitles "Conversations for Tomorrow".
I couldn't stand another hour of daylight!
Brilliant😅😅😆
Eheu fugaces o tempora o mores, Jeremy.
His name is Suzanne
Dobrá práce, vidíte, a já se na tom zbytečně naučil anglicky :)).
ty jsi ale šikulka
@@goromaster10 Dávám bod.
@@Richard_is_cool Bodík přijmut a olíznut mňam ten byl dobrý
@@goromaster10 Když se cítíte dobře...
1:58 I swear this is mrs Bucket's head.
01:36
Ten bob notes :)
That lady at the suit place would be 108...
what is the music in the intro? Bach?
Mervyn Braggová je chlap hahaha
A sketch made before the ‘Great’ British stag night, hen party or lads tours of European cities were made affordable by cheap airlines.
Hopefully the lad tours are a thing of the past now due to brexit? They can vomit in their own cities.
No, it's not just Wenecja hahah
@lotuseater19 v liště je na ně tlačítko... kdo hledá najde.
a ty czech subtitles jsou kde? :(
Stačí je zapnout.
HUM HUM HUM HUM