Met Kenneth at a book signing in a Sydney department store in 1983. He was marvelous and was 'on' the whole time. He went through most of his repertoire. Signed my copy of his autobiography and we shook hands. He seemed to be really enjoying himself the whole time. Then a few years later, after Kenneth had passed, I remember reading in one of his published diaries that he thought the whole book signing was so degrading or words to that effect. I do believe that like most actors, he was happiest when he was in front of his audience.
Postscript of a different sort: Aware that, as an American, I'm an interloper, yet it seems that if anyone deserved an OBE, it would be Kenneth. So many looked up to him - ones who mightn't have had enough heroes. Rest in paradise, Sir Kenneth... and thank you. 💫
I have a Kenneth Williams story...it's not much of a story but it's true. One afternoon in the mid 1980s I was riding my pushbike down Oxford Street from Tottenham Court Road towards Oxford Circus. I was following a bus which pulled up and I found myself with my right foot on a traffic island in the middle of the road. When I looked to my right there was Kenneth Williams waiting to cross the road. We looked at one another and it was obvious that I knew who he was, so I smiled at him. He smiled back very graciously. He looked well and happy. The bus moved on and I went on my way thrilled at having come face to face with an icon of British Post War Entertainment.
@@nikkic36 Well technically it is a story...in which I relate a significant event. If I had to give it an edge of spin I would emphasise the fact that he looked so well...the legends of him being a dismal, depressive type are rife...I was surprised by how healthy and happy he looked...and friendly too. It was just so unexpected in so many ways. Any way...I'm glad you're so interested in my non story.
I was in London for a Bob Marley consort, on the Friday night we went to s local pub, and there was Kenneth holding court, the more he drank the naughtier he would get, totally Amazing. The Kenneth/Maggie Smith friendship they were definitely twin souls.
I remember listening to “Round the Horne” (with Kenneth Williams and the whole troupe) back in the day. I was about 11 and my whole family listened to the radio Sunday lunchtime if I remember rightly, we laughed our heads off, having no idea how “dirty” the jokes were.
The highlight of the 'Carry On' films for me as a wee boy was Kenneth Williams and Syd James, and of course Kenneth voicing 'Willo the Wisp'. It's incredibly sad that he couldn't find the happiness, and joy he brought to others, in his own life.
I saw Kenneth with his mother walking around Harrods many a moon ago! It was so fantastic. He was walking around with his nose in the air and it was wonderful!
I grew up seeing my parents splitting their sides, wiping their leaky eyes from laughter watching Kenneth's movies... this was a beautiful tribute to a wonderful cult icon 🤣❤👍
We were fortunate to have parents who loved to laugh, too. I remember being about 10 and visiting a friend overnight whose parents didn't understand humor of any kind. It was a surreal atmosphere. They didn't mind it, I guess, but it was as if an entirely different language was suddenly being spoken. Btw, the show was 'Laugh-In'. My friend's folks had a visiting sister who liked the program and they seemed bemused at our howls. 😊
Kenneth Williams one of the most originally entertaining and funny people ever, how i miss those days when we were allowed to have a good laugh and tv was entertaining
The way Kenneth and a lot of the Carry on gang were treated financially by the producers of the film series was absolutely appalling, the franchise made millions whilst being shot on a shoestring budget with the appeal relying more on the actors to make the best of the crude script they were given and they delivered spectacularly well thanks to the chemistry between them on screen and Kenneth to me was the star of the show in terms of comedic timing. Definitely isn't remembered as fondly by the new generation as many of them would probably consider a carry on film as outdated and sexist humor which is a shame as Kenneth was such a gifted performer
@@quaid667 Are you sure about that? The first one was 1958 and they were successful for many years, they were still making them nearly 20 years later. Did they still have the option then? I don't think they ever did. Seen so many documentaries and interviews with the cast saying they were poorly paid but never once heard a mention of the option of royalties.
@@brianconway100 Yes, I've heard they were given the choice and opted for a fixed fee over royalties. Harsh indeed, particularly in hindsight, as it seems there was no movement on this as the years went when merchandise and reruns continued to make money. Peter Rogers would've been within his rights but it does seem rough. Barbara Windsor talks about it in one of the documentaries I found on youtube (the title of which i cant remember!).
Absolutely loved his characters, the voice, the naughty inferred humour, his ability to play so many different characters. The carry on films maybe politically incorrect today but to a young man growing up in the 60s n 70s They were and are just pure Humour. Kenneth Williams Not forgotten
Kenneth wanted to be so much more, and he was eternally disappointed in not being what he really wanted to be. The diaries are a great eye opener. Bless him
I've thought about that since reading his book, as well. Fwiw, I had an NDE (near death experience) long ago and treasure its memory. (My account is not unique among many others.) We're accompanied by an often Unseen, but very loving guide. Instead of regret being the end result, we're shown choices and how we progressed. Most do. I'll never forget how joyful and familiar those beings felt. I know we both hope that a measure of comfort was the first thing he met. Paz y luz ✨️
Kenneth Williams loved london. Born Kings Cross . Lived Osnsaburg Street most of life when older. One mile up Euston road Loved London specifically for walking, saw him many times all over especially west end and Camden and Islington. The diaries belong with best post-war literature Paterick Hamilton Jean Rhys Anita Brookner . They all capture ambience of the Capital City. JF x
A fine documentary -Kenneth brought a lot of joy to many people. Back in the early 70s Round the Horne was much enjoyed by me and my fellow student friends at university on Sunday afternoons.
The Word is Hypocrisy or Hypocrite that’s what the haters are ….my dear …they don’t recognize talent …..Keneth was a delicious moment to enjoy in this dreary world…..filled with Dull Hypocrites……I would of loved to of seen him LIVE……….sadly he died alone when so many people loved him …….. he just needed a good partner to share his free time…… and life……..a Genius….lost..I do hope in the next life he is still around and happy…..
Bashers are a miserable lot, all told. The YT sofa ninjas, perhaps the worst in their hiding places of sad scorn. Kenneth feels our love from beyond, no doubt mystics concur. Let's... carry on. ❤
Kenneth was a well read intelligent person and loved history and could have easily been a lecturer at any of the universities. If there was anyone the he either didn't know, or new very little of, he would spend many enjoyable hours researching them. His biggest drawback from taking up such an occupation would have been his insatiable habit of changing his voice and tone as he went on. Although he hated being called upon for the Carry On films and little else, he loved the friendship of his fellow actors.
Brilliant docu. Cheers for uploading. What a man he was. Very complex. I wonder if he knew how much people loved him, and how he would be remembered and missed.
Yet Robin's physical illness and its attendant symptoms figured prominently in his decision to end it all. He'd been sober for many years and that's worth mentioning, imo. I concur with the overlapping traits of genius, seeming extroversion with a private side. To that point, Robin loved his family - especially his children - very much and was active in their lives. Both men died too young, amid enormous fear and self-recrimination. May they rest in paradise ✨️
I have heard several times the idea that the general public were unaware of what was being said in the Julian and Sandy sketches. I was around 12 years old. (And a late developer) when these were first aired and it took me just a couple of episodes to work the situation out, including most of the code words they were using. Kids know or work out far more much earlier than they are given credit for.
People only appreciate genius when it’s gone… I always thought he was smutty and irritating, but I now realise he was a genius… a true Brit that made British comedy what it is..🙂
That was often true in literary circles, but it's a tad disingenuous to say that re: those in entertainment - especially in an era of great media exposure. (Even fame prior to the internet.)
29:37 - That was not the case, Sid James was not homophobic. John Inman, who played Mr Humphries in Are You Being Served worked with Sid in theatre, and Sid was perfectly friendly to John, was even more camper than Kenneth. Sid and John Inman worked great together.
I sincerely doubt it was suicide with Kenneth. He would have never dared leave his beloved Louie alone, or leave her to face the terrible situation of her discovering his dead body. That would have been the factor which would have stopped him from suicide for decades. He had always said he would do it, but he never did. Kenneth swallowed pills for everything, and it is probable that he mistook doses, and overdosed.
There is a comparison between the two people but not a strong one. Alan Turing was a brilliant man, a mathematical genius who most certainly contributed greatly to the allies winning WWII, his work in memory should never be underestimated. However instead of being thanked, honored, rewarded and loved by the nation he helped save, he was persecuted for his homosexuality and put on trial, found guilty of homosexual acts and chemically castrated using drugs as a sentence. This caused severe depression and he took his own life during this period. Kenneth Williams did live through the same period, and maybe the fact that homosexuality was illegal until 1969 in Britain did stop him taking partners, this allowed him to survive and work, but he was loved by the nation. I can remember my father in the 60s laughing, as did the whole family, and finding him very funny yet not having a clue about his sexuality even when listening to Round the Horn on radio. For the most part we tuned into radio shows like Just a Minute because he was on. We watched all the early Carry On films as a family and no discusions about his sexuality ever came up, either in the media or at home. In terms of how they were treated, there is no comparison, Kenneth Williams got love from the nation for his work in comedy and was never arrested and put on trial for being gay. Alan received no acknowledgement for his immense wartime contribution and was treated terribly by the authorities and vilified by a nation that really owed him so much.
I'm not sure what "vile bargain" Kenneth is supposed to have made. His problems were really the result of his own personality, being unable to form intimate relationships.
After one particularly gay episode of Round the Horne, Kenneth was asked to tone down the gayness a bit. So in a subsequent sketch, which took place in a coal mine to the sound of an insistent jack hammer, after a brief pause, that indomitable voice piped up: "Are my seams straight?"
It's interesting the way he was torn between his genuine dramatic ability and his irrepressible comedic genius. Part of him wanted to be A Great Actor, but his natural naughtiness wouldn't let him. If only he could have had two lifetimes, or more, because there was no end to what he might have achieved. BTW, I greatly regret that the Carry On team never did Alice In Wonderland. Could have been a classic!
The rights for Alice in wonderland may have been too expensive for the carry on films, as they were made as cheaply as possible at the time. I heard that as they were filming carry on abroad all actors were excited, as they thought they were going on location filming in Spain, but were disappointed as Pinewood Studios again doubled as the resort cutting down even more on the low budget allocated for each film.
How can anyone not have realised that Julian and Sandy were a camp, gay couple? That's what the whole humour was about. It's so obvious, even back then.
Everybody today, all the talentless crap around get knighthoods and are considered one offs, Kenneth Williams had more talent and personality than ANYONE around today...Lennie Henry got a knighthood...just goes to show how worthless it is now.....RIP Dear Kenneth...
Just thought I’d mention, for what it’s worth - according to Wikipedia - before becoming an actor, Sidney James was a hairdresser and had his own shop.
It is very interesting that you say he wasn't homophobic, because a few decades ago, someone was playing a behind the scenes carry on story part of Sid Williams, allegedly saying to Kenneth, "I reckon the country has gone to pot, legalising your lot" but Larry Grayson whom was also meant to be gay never "came out" and reckoned he had never heard of the word homosexual.
Dear David Benson; You are............... quite remarkable. I think you actually have the ability to "channel" Kenneth. I've watched both you and Kenneth for years now. Stunning. Would love to meet you at some point in time. I'm in LA. at the moment. I'm hoping to travel to the UK, Greece and Egypt next year from May to July. I can't thank you enough for the work you've done in keeping Kenneth's work alive in the 21st century. LOVE... always. Charles.
John Inman nails it. A lot of actors/comedians used "Camp" personas and we didn't really associate that with being gay. It was just funny and we didn't care. Dick Emery had a whole character on his TV show who was (in retrospect) obviously gay and we didn't know/care because it was so funny.
@@baronmeduse You're right. I was being snide. I spent several months in London in '69 and also about a month 10 years ago. On my first trip it was a very English feeling city. On the second trip I got the definite feeling that the English were being squeezed and not allowed the freedom of speech that made Speakers' Corner world famous. I wrote six articles for the BBC and my editor was terrified of giving offense to anyone. A PC straight jacket constricted me in ways that changed the way I feel about London.
@@gnolan4281 Freedom of speech has not disappeared in London.Or any other city in the UK. I generally find that people who say "PC straitjacket" (that's how it's spelled, and as an alleged writer you should know this) usually complain about not being able to say unsavoury or erroneous things and get away with it.
@@baronmeduse "has not disappeared in London.Or any other city"? I generally find that those quick to correct the spelling of others will often make similar errors of their own. Someone supposedly knowledgeable about freedom of speech in London and the correct usage of English could reasonably be expected to be a bit more careful in its usage than those they criticize.
So many homosexual artists of the last century were the vanguard. They were my heroes, and tonight I just discovered a new one. Maggie Smith admits to stealing from him.
The history of Polari is fascinating. There was a form of backslang used amongst butchers in Australia - I think it may also have been used in similar form in the UK? You'll occasionally find an older butcher in Oz willing to talk about it...
@@dontbefatuousjeffrey2494 Yes, some Australian rhyming slang is taken directly from Cockney rhythming slang, and some is their own Australian version. My information is gleaned from a past significant relationship with a Cockney (significantly older than myself) from the North Eastern suburbs of London, and chatting with an older Australian from the North Eastern suburbs of Melbourne, who grew up knowing a few phrases. I didn't know it was particularly Australian butchers who spoke in rhyming slang! How fascinating! I'll give it a butchers. (Butchers hook = look).
Joan Sims was no Marilyn Monroe. In fact she was better. She was the girl next door. Every time i see her either in costume or the fashions of the Carry On era i see her pure sassiness.
they comedy is about timing williams could quickle change from cockney to aristocratic to carry on dill and then the punch line two many double entendres the timing and the range of voices/characters lol rip
I think he did start with those, but it's hard to go back to a thing no-one sees you as any longer when you've become better known for something much broader and, really, end up seen as a stereotype of yourself :-( Have you seen "Fantabulosa!"? Its on YT - Michael Sheen doesn't so much impersonate Williams (I mean, he doesn't look much like him, apart from anything else) but he INHABITS him. A great performance.
@@dontbefatuousjeffrey2494 I watched Fabulousa on YT for the first time a couple of days ago. That was my exact response to Michael Sheen's performance. Extra-ooordinary! I remembered this doco and was keen to find it again, so here I am. Fancy meeting you here! Do you come here often?
@@daniellamcgee4251 Well not here, dear. I try to keep that at home ;-) In all seriousness, though, I wholeheartedly agree. I didn't know about either the film or this doco until a couple days ago - it was a boon to find. Up till now, my knowledge of the real Williams was through reading "Prick Up Your Ears". :-) edit: wait, do I know you? Have I been a ditsy b**ch and forgotten you? Do please let me know. Also, it's Michael. Martin is the guy from 'Grace and Frankie", amongst many other things. X
@@dontbefatuousjeffrey2494 Oops! Thanks for the correction! I can also be a 'bear of little brain'!Yes, we have chatted before about a few varied subjects, such as Arthur C. Clarke, Christopher Robin, dads, etc. I last saw you on a New Message thread about Ian McKellen and Glenda Jackson. I don't have any connection with Kenneth Williams, though! At least, my dad may have come across Kenneth Williams, but I am pretty sure would have kept clear! I can't imagine Kenneth and my dad getting along at all, given that my dad was also somewhat similarly tormented and had to be the centre of attention! Also, The Carry On films would have undermined my dad's view of Mr. Williams fairly substantially! My dad was extremely serious and snobbish about his craft! As stage actors were at that time. Although he knew how difficult it was to get work, and had to take work he didn't always want to do. My dad was either bi-, poly- or pan-sexual, which certainly wasn't easy in London in the 1960s. Homosexuality was still illegal with such a huge stigma. It seemed to be a mostly unspoken topic in the acting world at that time, although many men were gay. My parents had no idea Ian McKellen was homosexual, although they only knew him for the run of one play (Henry V). I think, for some vulnerable people, it just added to any pre-existing self loathing. I think the ego, based on genuine intelligence, skill and ability, can become massively inflated to narcissistic proportions to balance out the persons ego. The more insecure, the bigger the narcissistic tendencies. I think we can all have that tendency to a small or larger extent. Anyway, these Kenneth Williams videos stirred up a lot for me, and my thoughts are running away with me! London in the 1960s is part of my family's history before I was born, so I am drawn to it to understand more. It's good to know you are alive and well and still posting comments on TH-cam!
Back in the day, the world thought Fanny Brice was hilarious. Try watching Fanny Brice today. Today, Kenneth Williams would be taken away by men in white coats.
The difference with Fanny Brice, Kenneth Williams and other comedy stars of those eras was that they were widely loved by huge audiences.... compare them to so many "comedians" today of whom even many young people now scratch their heads and wonder "Is this shit meant to be funny"?
Met Kenneth at a book signing in a Sydney department store in 1983. He was marvelous and was 'on' the whole time. He went through most of his repertoire. Signed my copy of his autobiography and we shook hands. He seemed to be really enjoying himself the whole time. Then a few years later, after Kenneth had passed, I remember reading in one of his published diaries that he thought the whole book signing was so degrading or words to that effect. I do believe that like most actors, he was happiest when he was in front of his audience.
Of course he was always on, he was a narcissist. That's plain from his diaries.
Brilliant entertainer, i could listen to him for hours. Thanks to TH-cam we have hours of entertainment from KW.
Postscript of a different sort:
Aware that, as an American, I'm an interloper, yet it seems that if anyone deserved an OBE, it would be Kenneth. So many looked up to him - ones who mightn't have had enough heroes.
Rest in paradise, Sir Kenneth... and thank you. 💫
I have a Kenneth Williams story...it's not much of a story but it's true.
One afternoon in the mid 1980s I was riding my pushbike down Oxford Street from Tottenham Court Road towards Oxford Circus. I was following a bus which pulled up and I found myself with my right foot on a traffic island in the middle of the road. When I looked to my right there was Kenneth Williams waiting to cross the road. We looked at one another and it was obvious that I knew who he was, so I smiled at him. He smiled back very graciously. He looked well and happy. The bus moved on and I went on my way thrilled at having come face to face with an icon of British Post War Entertainment.
Bullshit comment at its finest.
So where’s the story?
@@nikkic36 Maybe English isn't your first language "Nikki", so I'll let you read it all again and you can have another go.
It’s not a story though. Walk round the west end in London and you can see actors all day
@@nikkic36 Well technically it is a story...in which I relate a significant event. If I had to give it an edge of spin I would emphasise the fact that he looked so well...the legends of him being a dismal, depressive type are rife...I was surprised by how healthy and happy he looked...and friendly too. It was just so unexpected in so many ways.
Any way...I'm glad you're so interested in my non story.
I was in London for a Bob Marley consort, on the Friday night we went to s local pub, and there was Kenneth holding court, the more he drank the naughtier he would get, totally Amazing. The Kenneth/Maggie Smith friendship they were definitely twin souls.
Kenneth Williams was and will remain one of the greatest comic genius in the world forever His talent will be appreciated forever ❤️
I remember listening to “Round the Horne” (with Kenneth Williams and the whole troupe) back in the day. I was about 11 and my whole family listened to the radio Sunday lunchtime if I remember rightly, we laughed our heads off, having no idea how “dirty” the jokes were.
I remember that quite well -- Including 'The Clitheroe Kid"
Sandy an julien
The highlight of the 'Carry On' films for me as a wee boy was Kenneth Williams and Syd James, and of course Kenneth voicing 'Willo the Wisp'.
It's incredibly sad that he couldn't find the happiness, and joy he brought to others, in his own life.
He's very intense.
Makes me feel very uncomfortable.
Too frentic to the point of maniacial.😢
I saw Kenneth with his mother walking around Harrods many a moon ago! It was so fantastic. He was walking around with his nose in the air and it was wonderful!
How old was kenneth at the time?
I grew up seeing my parents splitting their sides, wiping their leaky eyes from laughter watching Kenneth's movies... this was a beautiful tribute to a wonderful cult icon 🤣❤👍
We were fortunate to have parents who loved to laugh, too. I remember being about 10 and visiting a friend overnight whose parents didn't understand humor of any kind. It was a surreal atmosphere. They didn't mind it, I guess, but it was as if an entirely different language was suddenly being spoken.
Btw, the show was 'Laugh-In'. My friend's folks had a visiting sister who liked the program and they seemed bemused at our howls. 😊
Kenneth Williams one of the most originally entertaining and funny people ever, how i miss those days when we were allowed to have a good laugh and tv was entertaining
The way Kenneth and a lot of the Carry on gang were treated financially by the producers of the film series was absolutely appalling, the franchise made millions whilst being shot on a shoestring budget with the appeal relying more on the actors to make the best of the crude script they were given and they delivered spectacularly well thanks to the chemistry between them on screen and Kenneth to me was the star of the show in terms of comedic timing. Definitely isn't remembered as fondly by the new generation as many of them would probably consider a carry on film as outdated and sexist humor which is a shame as Kenneth was such a gifted performer
There was a choice to accept royalties from the francize but they must have thought that these movies would be forgotten.
@@quaid667 Are you sure about that? The first one was 1958 and they were successful for many years, they were still making them nearly 20 years later. Did they still have the option then? I don't think they ever did. Seen so many documentaries and interviews with the cast saying they were poorly paid but never once heard a mention of the option of royalties.
@@brianconway100 Yes, I've heard they were given the choice and opted for a fixed fee over royalties. Harsh indeed, particularly in hindsight, as it seems there was no movement on this as the years went when merchandise and reruns continued to make money. Peter Rogers would've been within his rights but it does seem rough. Barbara Windsor talks about it in one of the documentaries I found on youtube (the title of which i cant remember!).
Wonderful man, and the length of his trousers,perfection.
He was truly, one of a kind - never forgotten, & sadly missed :)
Absolutely loved his characters, the voice, the naughty inferred humour, his ability to play so many different characters.
The carry on films maybe politically incorrect today but to a young man growing up in the 60s n 70s They were and are just pure Humour.
Kenneth Williams Not forgotten
Kenneth wanted to be so much more, and he was eternally disappointed in not being what he really wanted to be. The diaries are a great eye opener. Bless him
I've thought about that since reading his book, as well. Fwiw, I had an NDE (near death experience) long ago and treasure its memory. (My account is not unique among many others.)
We're accompanied by an often Unseen, but very loving guide. Instead of regret being the end result, we're shown choices and how we progressed. Most do. I'll never forget how joyful and familiar those beings felt. I know we both hope that a measure of comfort was the first thing he met.
Paz y luz ✨️
Kenneth Williams loved london. Born Kings Cross . Lived Osnsaburg Street most of life when older. One mile up Euston road
Loved London specifically for walking, saw him many times all over especially west end and Camden and Islington. The diaries belong with best post-war literature Paterick Hamilton Jean Rhys Anita Brookner . They all capture ambience of the Capital City. JF x
A fine documentary -Kenneth brought a lot of joy to many people. Back in the early 70s Round the Horne was much enjoyed by me and my fellow student friends at university on Sunday afternoons.
Reading these comments, its amazing that so many people who disliked KW troubled to watch an entire show about his life.
The Word is Hypocrisy or Hypocrite that’s what the haters are ….my dear …they don’t recognize talent …..Keneth was a delicious moment to enjoy in this dreary world…..filled with Dull Hypocrites……I would of loved to of seen him LIVE……….sadly he died alone when so many people loved him …….. he just needed a good partner to share his free time…… and life……..a Genius….lost..I do hope in the next life he is still around and happy…..
Bashers are a miserable lot, all told. The YT sofa ninjas, perhaps the worst in their hiding places of sad scorn.
Kenneth feels our love from beyond, no doubt mystics concur. Let's... carry on.
❤
Yes don't care about them. Also he was right to dislike Sid James he was to handy with his hands on women
Will always be my favourite from when I was child. Soon as he came on screen I started laughing.😂 from Wales in Britain.👋
Loved his humour, bless him, irreplaceable.
An enduring piece of our collective comic memory, and certainly a one-off intellect that's sadly missed. Thank you for posting!
Wonderful upload, thank you very much. What a talent Kenneth Williams was, really a one of a kind.
Growing up in the ‘70’s/‘80’s he was a big part of the culture life in our house. A huge talent and a fascinating man .
A revelation. Enjoyed it immensely, thank you.
An amazing talent with a sad an desolate private life.
What a great programme - great incite into this complex character.
Kenneth was a well read intelligent person and loved history and could have easily been a lecturer at any of the universities. If there was anyone the he either didn't know, or new very little of, he would spend many enjoyable hours researching them. His biggest drawback from taking up such an occupation would have been his insatiable habit of changing his voice and tone as he went on. Although he hated being called upon for the Carry On films and little else, he loved the friendship of his fellow actors.
Thanks for posting this; I've always found Williams to be one of my favorite performers.
He was brilliant, would have loved to have met him
Albert Einstein was a great genius along with many others Kenneth Williams was without doubt another genius don't think he knew it Rip Ken
What a funny man, loved his acting and I hope that Kenneth is keeping heaven in stitches laughing their heads off.
Brilliant docu. Cheers for uploading. What a man he was. Very complex. I wonder if he knew how much people loved him, and how he would be remembered and missed.
Winnie Wallace.. A mountain of talent, and so very funny. Poor Kenneth. Depression got him in the end. How sad.
Kenneth's dad didn't commit suicide, he drank poison that had been stored in a Linctus medicine bottle
Read Kenneth's diary and you see there is more to it. Kenneth's dad was a very disturbed man in his final days.
Williams reminds me of Robin Williams -- a total manic performer who ultimately did himself in.
Yet Robin's physical
illness and its attendant symptoms figured prominently in his decision to end it all. He'd been sober for many years and that's worth mentioning, imo.
I concur with the overlapping traits of genius, seeming extroversion with a private side. To that point, Robin loved his family - especially his children - very much and was active in their lives.
Both men died too young, amid enormous fear and self-recrimination.
May they rest in paradise ✨️
I grew up watching his shows/movies.im in canada.comedy is now dead.thanks for the memories
Genius. My fantasy dinner party would be with guests Kenneth, Billy Connolly and Sir David Attenborough.
He was straight out of Music Hall! He had as much fun entertaining people as they did listening to him.
I have heard several times the idea that the general public were unaware of what was being said in the Julian and Sandy sketches. I was around 12 years old. (And a late developer) when these were first aired and it took me just a couple of episodes to work the situation out, including most of the code words they were using.
Kids know or work out far more much earlier than they are given credit for.
Thanks for the memories Ken and CO....
Could you imagine Kenneth Williams and Giles Brandreth on the same episode of Just a Minute?
So sad to discover that a great number of the participants of this video have also passed away since it was filmed !
With genius, so often comes tragedy.
A national treasure.
A Certified Undisputed National Treasure.
@@charlesnelson5187
How sad. Not worthy of the great Kenneth Williams.
David Benson at 3:10 is an absolutely brilliant impression of both of Kenneth's voices.
David Benson plays Kenneth Williams very well
GENIUS .
What a guy!!!! There's no doubt everyone loved Kenny xxx
Wrong. The only people who found him funny were the Brits. He was painful. And deeply sad.
@@jochenstossberg5427 You seem fun.
That story about the flight to Torremolinos had me in stitches.
People only appreciate genius when it’s gone… I always thought he was smutty and irritating, but I now realise he was a genius… a true Brit that made British comedy what it is..🙂
That was often true in literary circles, but it's a tad disingenuous to say that re: those in entertainment - especially in an era of great media exposure. (Even fame prior to the internet.)
EXCELLENT!
Kenneth Williams was not a comedian, but a professional actor.
29:37 - That was not the case, Sid James was not homophobic. John Inman, who played Mr Humphries in Are You Being Served worked with Sid in theatre, and Sid was perfectly friendly to John, was even more camper than Kenneth. Sid and John Inman worked great together.
Don’t forget CHARLES HAWTREY too he was just as camp and gay OH HELLOOO sadly an alcoholic too spent his last days surrounded by young gay men
He was 'Jackanory' as far as I was concerned. I saw him on the Euston Road, and also went to Benson's show in the West End when it was there.
"she broke wind with alarming velocity" :D
13:09 God, those two voices. I want both of these people to tell me bedtime stories all day long
I think of Alan Turing. Both so richly gifted, both having to make vile bargains to survive, both probable suicides at last. Never again.
I sincerely doubt it was suicide with Kenneth. He would have never dared leave his beloved Louie alone, or leave her to face the terrible situation of her discovering his dead body. That would have been the factor which would have stopped him from suicide for decades. He had always said he would do it, but he never did. Kenneth swallowed pills for everything, and it is probable that he mistook doses, and overdosed.
There is a comparison between the two people but not a strong one. Alan Turing was a brilliant man, a mathematical genius who most certainly contributed greatly to the allies winning WWII, his work in memory should never be underestimated. However instead of being thanked, honored, rewarded and loved by the nation he helped save, he was persecuted for his homosexuality and put on trial, found guilty of homosexual acts and chemically castrated using drugs as a sentence. This caused severe depression and he took his own life during this period.
Kenneth Williams did live through the same period, and maybe the fact that homosexuality was illegal until 1969 in Britain did stop him taking partners, this allowed him to survive and work, but he was loved by the nation. I can remember my father in the 60s laughing, as did the whole family, and finding him very funny yet not having a clue about his sexuality even when listening to Round the Horn on radio. For the most part we tuned into radio shows like Just a Minute because he was on. We watched all the early Carry On films as a family and no discusions about his sexuality ever came up, either in the media or at home.
In terms of how they were treated, there is no comparison, Kenneth Williams got love from the nation for his work in comedy and was never arrested and put on trial for being gay. Alan received no acknowledgement for his immense wartime contribution and was treated terribly by the authorities and vilified by a nation that really owed him so much.
I'm not sure what "vile bargain" Kenneth is supposed to have made. His problems were really the result of his own personality, being unable to form intimate relationships.
After one particularly gay episode of Round the Horne, Kenneth was asked to tone down the gayness a bit. So in a subsequent sketch, which took place in a coal mine to the sound of an insistent jack hammer, after a brief pause, that indomitable voice piped up: "Are my seams straight?"
Yup, I recall that episode too, John - hilarious !! :D
Great review of this amazingly talented man: actor, comedian, and of course utterly brilliant on "Just a Minute"!
Strange how the researchers weren't able to ascertain even the most basic of facts: he died in 1988, not 1998.
Wonderful great person
It's interesting the way he was torn between his genuine dramatic ability and his irrepressible comedic genius. Part of him wanted to be A Great Actor, but his natural naughtiness wouldn't let him. If only he could have had two lifetimes, or more, because there was no end to what he might have achieved.
BTW, I greatly regret that the Carry On team never did Alice In Wonderland. Could have been a classic!
More simply put he could make some money doing comedy and very very little at the other.
Needs must!
The rights for Alice in wonderland may have been too expensive for the carry on films, as they were made as cheaply as possible at the time. I heard that as they were filming carry on abroad all actors were excited, as they thought they were going on location filming in Spain, but were disappointed as Pinewood Studios again doubled as the resort cutting down even more on the low budget allocated for each film.
Kenneth Williams , gifted.
How can anyone not have realised that Julian and Sandy were a camp, gay couple? That's what the whole humour was about. It's so obvious, even back then.
Genius ♥️
A Great Comedian comedy at its best
The movie with Michael sheen is dark and depressing, what a life he had, full of depressing stomach aches.
"I am dead, what a life", the Carry On's had some great lines
Yep..’infamy, infamy… they’ve got it in for me..’ from ‘Carry On Cleo’..😂
Everybody today, all the talentless crap around get knighthoods and are considered one offs, Kenneth Williams had more talent and personality than ANYONE around today...Lennie Henry got a knighthood...just goes to show how worthless it is now.....RIP Dear Kenneth...
Sid James was NOT homophobic. He and Kenneth got on fine. Where is the evidence to the contrary?
SID also acted with John Inman who was gay and Charles HAWTREY who was more camper than John Inman I guess Kenneth had issues
how well do you know sid james
Just thought I’d mention, for what it’s worth - according to Wikipedia - before becoming an actor, Sidney James was a hairdresser and had his own shop.
@@1man1bike1road very well.
It is very interesting that you say he wasn't homophobic, because a few decades ago, someone was playing a behind the scenes carry on story part of Sid Williams, allegedly saying to Kenneth, "I reckon the country has gone to pot, legalising your lot" but Larry Grayson whom was also meant to be gay never "came out" and reckoned he had never heard of the word homosexual.
Fantastically clever and funny
Dear David Benson; You are............... quite remarkable. I think you actually have the ability to "channel" Kenneth. I've watched both you and Kenneth for years now. Stunning. Would love to meet you at some point in time. I'm in LA. at the moment. I'm hoping to travel to the UK, Greece and Egypt next year from May to July. I can't thank you enough for the work you've done in keeping Kenneth's work alive in the 21st century. LOVE... always. Charles.
John Inman nails it. A lot of actors/comedians used "Camp" personas and we didn't really associate that with being gay. It was just funny and we didn't care. Dick Emery had a whole character on his TV show who was (in retrospect) obviously gay and we didn't know/care because it was so funny.
at 4.11. K W died in 1988 not 98. You'd have thought they would know that.
Hard to believe he was only 62, as well. He looked every bit of 80.
RIP
Definitely a London family, but his mum was from Pontnewydd, and his dad had Welsh ancestry as well.
He died when London was in England; but he died at a mere 62 years of age. Still in his bright base prime in my view from up here at 75.
Currently London is still located in England.
@@baronmeduse You're right. I was being snide. I spent several months in London in '69 and also about a month 10 years ago. On my first trip it was a very English feeling city. On the second trip I got the definite feeling that the English were being squeezed and not allowed the freedom of speech that made Speakers' Corner world famous. I wrote six articles for the BBC and my editor was terrified of giving offense to anyone. A PC straight jacket constricted me in ways that changed the way I feel about London.
@@gnolan4281 Freedom of speech has not disappeared in London.Or any other city in the UK. I generally find that people who say "PC straitjacket" (that's how it's spelled, and as an alleged writer you should know this) usually complain about not being able to say unsavoury or erroneous things and get away with it.
@@baronmeduse "has not disappeared in London.Or any other city"? I generally find that those quick to correct the spelling of others will often make similar errors of their own. Someone supposedly knowledgeable about freedom of speech in London and the correct usage of English could reasonably be expected to be a bit more careful in its usage than those they criticize.
@@gnolan4281 An obvious typing error is not equal to an ability to spell a known word.
It sounds to me like he may have been bipolar. I'm sorry he couldn't wait until his mother passed.
He definitely suffered with his mental health. Without an audience he seems to be just lonely and depressed. 😔
So many homosexual artists of the last century were the vanguard. They were my heroes, and tonight I just discovered a new one. Maggie Smith admits to stealing from him.
Brilliant, absolutely brilliant! Wish the subtext was slower so it could actually be read.
God I miss London. All gone now.
Bereft of true Londoners , just immigrants here for the money they're given.
The London you miss, doesn’t exist anymore
I can't help thinking he wouldn't have liked Russell Davies 🙈
Gleaning the gay slang and polario in some of the radio shows and Carry On movies was always fun.
The history of Polari is fascinating. There was a form of backslang used amongst butchers in Australia - I think it may also have been used in similar form in the UK? You'll occasionally find an older butcher in Oz willing to talk about it...
@@dontbefatuousjeffrey2494 Yes, some Australian rhyming slang is taken directly from Cockney rhythming slang, and some is their own Australian version. My information is gleaned from a past significant relationship with a Cockney (significantly older than myself) from the North Eastern suburbs of London, and chatting with an older Australian from the North Eastern suburbs of Melbourne, who grew up knowing a few phrases. I didn't know it was particularly Australian butchers who spoke in rhyming slang! How fascinating! I'll give it a butchers. (Butchers hook = look).
Ohhh..yeah. Thanks Ken
What a legend! David Benson's portrayal was excellent but the best ever was Adam Godley in Cor Blimey.
Chris Barrie does the best Kenneth impression ever
Joan Sims was no Marilyn Monroe. In fact she was better. She was the girl next door. Every time i see her either in costume or the fashions of the Carry On era i see her pure sassiness.
Incredible...
Grand Entertainment
RIP Fenella and John
they comedy is about timing williams could quickle change from cockney to aristocratic to carry on dill and then the punch line two many double entendres the timing and the range of voices/characters lol rip
17:45 doctor Who I see? (William Hartnell)
When did this documentary air? It looks like the late 90s?
Episode aired Oct 7, 2000. Information from the Internet Movie Database website.
He was so funny on Just a Minute that he had me in pain laughing. But I wish he had walked away from the Carry On films and taken some serious parts.
I think he did start with those, but it's hard to go back to a thing no-one sees you as any longer when you've become better known for something much broader and, really, end up seen as a stereotype of yourself :-(
Have you seen "Fantabulosa!"? Its on YT - Michael Sheen doesn't so much impersonate Williams (I mean, he doesn't look much like him, apart from anything else) but he INHABITS him. A great performance.
@@dontbefatuousjeffrey2494 I watched Fabulousa on YT for the first time a couple of days ago. That was my exact response to Michael Sheen's performance. Extra-ooordinary! I remembered this doco and was keen to find it again, so here I am. Fancy meeting you here! Do you come here often?
@@daniellamcgee4251 Well not here, dear. I try to keep that at home ;-)
In all seriousness, though, I wholeheartedly agree. I didn't know about either the film or this doco until a couple days ago - it was a boon to find. Up till now, my knowledge of the real Williams was through reading "Prick Up Your Ears". :-)
edit: wait, do I know you? Have I been a ditsy b**ch and forgotten you? Do please let me know.
Also, it's Michael. Martin is the guy from 'Grace and Frankie", amongst many other things.
X
@@dontbefatuousjeffrey2494 Oops! Thanks for the correction! I can also be a 'bear of little brain'!Yes, we have chatted before about a few varied subjects, such as Arthur C. Clarke, Christopher Robin, dads, etc. I last saw you on a New Message thread about Ian McKellen and Glenda Jackson. I don't have any connection with Kenneth Williams, though! At least, my dad may have come across Kenneth Williams, but I am pretty sure would have kept clear! I can't imagine Kenneth and my dad getting along at all, given that my dad was also somewhat similarly tormented and had to be the centre of attention! Also, The Carry On films would have undermined my dad's view of Mr. Williams fairly substantially! My dad was extremely serious and snobbish about his craft! As stage actors were at that time. Although he knew how difficult it was to get work, and had to take work he didn't always want to do.
My dad was either bi-, poly- or pan-sexual, which certainly wasn't easy in London in the 1960s. Homosexuality was still illegal with such a huge stigma. It seemed to be a mostly unspoken topic in the acting world at that time, although many men were gay. My parents had no idea Ian McKellen was homosexual, although they only knew him for the run of one play (Henry V). I think, for some vulnerable people, it just added to any pre-existing self loathing. I think the ego, based on genuine intelligence, skill and ability, can become massively inflated to narcissistic proportions to balance out the persons ego. The more insecure, the bigger the narcissistic tendencies. I think we can all have that tendency to a small or larger extent.
Anyway, these Kenneth Williams videos stirred up a lot for me, and my thoughts are running away with me! London in the 1960s is part of my family's history before I was born, so I am drawn to it to understand more.
It's good to know you are alive and well and still posting comments on TH-cam!
@@dontbefatuousjeffrey2494 P.S. As Stephen Fry said (in a Bit of Fry and Laurie), '" We are always on the lookout for enormous boons."'
Back in the day, the world thought Fanny Brice was hilarious. Try watching Fanny Brice today. Today, Kenneth Williams would be taken away by men in white coats.
maybe you need to look for the white coats yourself
Brice was also at least two generations of comedy before KW.
What on earth are you going on about?
The difference with Fanny Brice, Kenneth Williams and other comedy stars of those eras was that they were widely loved by huge audiences.... compare them to so many "comedians" today of whom even many young people now scratch their heads and wonder "Is this shit meant to be funny"?
I dont blame him for not liking Sid James, he was a wife beater
e HaviScary, nome talks about his dad suiced having a pufta as a a son ?
❤️
An incredibly intelligent and talented but troubled man . It's so sad he never conquered his demon's
he told them they were overpaid ponces, how right he was.
hence the bile towards him by these nobody's
Completely forgot William Hartnell was in Carry on Sergeant
loved Williams but it is a fantasy to think he could go back to working class accents - he was always upward in vocabulary terms
his 'working class' attempts were very poor