Kenneth Williams, Comic Roots (Part 1 of 3)

Episode in the Comic Roots series, first broadcast on 2nd September 1983. Kenneth Williams talks about his childhood and early influences.
... The picture drops out a few times at the start, but no big deal, a very enjoyable prog.
... I downloaded this a while ago. Must say thanks to brocky1972, the original uploader.....
... In 3 parts.
... R.I.P. Kenneth Williams (22nd February 1926 - 15th April 1988)

[@robintyson591]

I've never seen him so happy as in that pub singing his favourite songs with his mates. Thank you for everything Kenneth.

[@Matt_McGlone]

It’s remarkable how quickly one’s childhood memories become documented as archaic. I was 8 when this was filmed. I later grew up to be a police officer around Kings Cross and St Pancras. Remember clearly some of the older decayed tenements and the estates built following slum clearance. The estates either side of the Euston Road. As a child I remember seeing Kenneth Williams walking with his mother. Such a huge personality on film - he seemed so small and sad in real life as he walked arm in arm with Lou.

[@1979LITTLEMISS]

'The Kenneth Williams Diaries' (Tuesday 7 June 1983) 'Today is the start of this awful filming job. Walked to Cromer St. We did shots outside the block. In the afternoon we did the stuff in Sandwich Street - dirty bloomers - and then on to Duke St Drill Hall, shots in Woburn Walk & Euston Road & St Pancras Church and then to the school in Camden St. Shots in the playground with children which I didn't know they were taking! I was just chatting away to the children.'

[@Sameoldfitup]

“Nothing can be loved or hated unless it is first understood.” ― Leonardo da Vinci.

[@Kam.1075]

Thank you for uploading this. I remember this being filmed at my school, as that’s where Mr Williams also went as a child. My gosh, 1983 this was filmed, I was 8. We also lived in one of the blocks near the grocery shop seen in the first few minutes. To me that was Harry’s grocers... my gosh, many many moons ago but to me seems like yesterday

[@MeTheRob]

I used to live at 13 Cromer House, next door to KW's childhood home. I remember then filming this.

[@Agui007]

I both appreciate Kenneth and Sid's performances in the COFs. In terms of the leading role, Sid often gets the awareness of it. But in truth, Kenneth was the original Carry on lead actor.

[@salisburydruid]

Tony Hancock and others spring to mind. All legends have some inner pain.

[@GarryShepherdDreamGazePostPunk]

Aw, it's extra great to see Kenneth right at home with chums in that pub singing away🎵🎶 🎹 😀

[@rydercroft]

Thanks for posting, shame about the blue screens!
My favourite KW quote: "People are becoming more and more expert in less and less", so true!

[@7554EdwardG]

Thanks for posting - a brilliant portrait and the way I like to remember Kenneth Williams.

[@woohooboy]

The image of Kenneth Williams walking alone up the school yard symbolizes how he must have felt growing up in the East End of London back in the 1930's. It was a rough and tumble place were men were men so for a young, effemininate boy like him I can only how difficult it was.

[@flossyflue4305]

Thank you, it was good to see him as a young boy.

[@gordontaylor5373]

God bless you Kenny. You were very funny. Say hi to the gang for me!

[@smokie33]

:-) Lovely to see this in 3 parts. Thanks for uploading it.

[@1220b]

I remember watching this first time around. It had such an impact on my view of those who you think you know.

[@mrcockney-nutjob3832]

Beats anything the BBC put on today, thank you.

[@acohen1980]

Kenneth is a legend in Australia....4eva....

[@icdas7158]

Wonderful, just adorable

[@Sameoldfitup]

Life is all memory