I've always delighted in the character of Bernard Woolley. In addition to his regular duties, he has to walk the almost impossible tightrope of loyalty to the Minister/Prime Minister, whom he likes more, and Sir Humphrey, whom he knows is more competent. So he sides with the former whenever he can, and with the latter when he feels he must. This always made the dynamics between the three a joy to watch. Kudos to Jay and Lynn for their superb writing, and to the incomparable Derek Fowlds for his brilliant acting.
I've always loved the conversation between Hacker and Bernard where Hacker asks, "Are you saying, Bernard, that when the chips are down, you're on _my_ side," and Bernard responds, "It's my job to see that the chips stay up." (Pardon if not the exact quote - working from decades-old memory.)
He's most important character - he's the audience surrogate, giving both Hacker and Humphrey an excuse to explain things to him...and thus the audience. And, of course, a lot of the humour and the tension comes from him being torn between his two masters.
I'd say that's slightly inaccurate an assessment in the OP actually. He was torn between morality and self serving interests of the system. There are times he sides against Jim Hacker and that wasn't always for the right reasons. Yes Minister in particular saw Bernard being much more on the side of the civil service undermining the Minister.
Some adults tend not to get the show entirely well either. I watched a clip online once, and then someone made a comment saying that Sir Humphrey is obviously a massive COMMUNIST
Sincerely adored Derek Fowlds for his portrayal of Bernard, which in my humble opinion is no less than the very best. He formed an unassailable trio with Nigel Hawthorne and Paul Eddington. A genuinely nice and humble person too, as I observed from his interview just before his death. Rest in peace, Sir Bernard.
I'm so glad he got his Knighthood. Took them long enough. Derek was a most dear and beloved friend...and encourager... but while the US DemocRATs were giving me hell, and my dramas were left here there and everywhere, I lost touch. He was an honorable man, adored his wife, sweet, sweet nature. Sir Nigel was lovely too in person, but I never met Paul. Derek thought the world of him as a person and performer. Wish i could give him one last hug! 🥰😍😇
I was introduced to this show by an aunt, who has passed since. When I watch these clips (and read the books) I can hear her laughing. We would watch the show together, and her favourite was Bernard. Thank you for posting this treat. Mike in Canada
”Sun readers don't care who runs the country, as long as she's got big tits”. Funniest punch line ever! You can see Nigel Hawthorne almost corpsing, he knew what was coming… This show had brilliant scriptwriters as well as three amazing character actors. RIP Nigel, Derek and Paul.
At the end you can see Derek Fowlds lowering his head to try and hide that he is cracking up. I think the character of Bernard had some of the best lines. Loved his explanation concerning what some of the initials mean in the honours list.
An amazing show, capable of rotating around numerous personalities, each stellar in their own way. Bernard could easily be considered the star with only a slight change of focus.
Positively brilliant series which only the British could do. The wonderful chemistry between the three main actors was always hugely evident. The series will never be overshadowed by a more clever and wonderful script and magnificent acting. It deserved every accolade it ever received as did the actors themselves.
I did not realise that! Unfortunately most of the classics are no longer taught here in Australia any more. Most of our curriculum is based on Australian works these days.
Oh that is so good, the best of British comedy , the play on words is just so incredibly clever. I have seen it so often and it never loses its appeal and the ability to make you laugh.
Could you please explain it? I am not a native English speaker and I do not clearly understand this part. (I understand the 'royal flush' and I wonder how it can be translated to any other language 🙂
@@dianap7891 A reference to the famous assassination of Georgi Markov by the Bulgarian Secret Service. The assassin used a ricin dart hidden in the tip of an umbrella.
Only watched a couple of episodes but getting the vibe that Bernard is the unsung hero of the series, trying to balance everything between Hacker and Humphrey
Plus ca change, plus c'est la meme chose. This series is just as true now as when it was broadcast - "The Morning Star is read by people who think this country should be run by another country, the Daily Telegraph is read by people who think it is."
[PM discussing divisions in the cabinet] Bernard: "If you multiply a division, you just end up back where you started". Has me in stitches every single time.
Having spent 42 years in the public service, the last 23 dealing with Ministers and political advisers, the mutual deference, respect and deviousness within the swirl of their relationships in YM are so true, and only a little more caricatured than in real world bureaucracy! 😂
Bernard was my favourite (it’s my middle name for a start) and he had some of the best lines. Perhaps my favourite Bernard scene is the one in _’The Skeleton in the Closet’,_ when he and Jim realise why Humphrey - who isn’t in the room - is upset and both are pissing themselves laughing at him.
Reruns of this show is always on during any election in the UK. As I live in Ireland we have it too. During the last election I was watching a couple of the episodes and my housemate came in , he was shocked. He is Chinese and found the whole thing so strange. What also shocked him was when I told him it was the favourite program of Margret Theacher and she also wrote fan fiction as a hobby. He was shell shocked.
Yes Minister was a great show, YPM too in fact all the more so because Paul Eddington had been diagnosed with cancer and had started treatment. That's why so many of his scenes have him sat down. But through the fog of pain meds and the nausea of the cancer meds he still delivered such a magnificent performance.
Some of Bernard’s smaller lines from Yes, Minister are my favourites From “He Skeleton in the Cupboard” Hacker: oh! Bernard, are you thinking what I’m thinking? Bernard: No, minister. [cheerfully] I’m not thinking anything really. And when challenged by Hacker on his loyalties: Hacker: You mean, that when the chips are down you’ll be on my side, not Sir Humphrey’s? Bernard: Minister, it is my job to see that the chips stay up!
I have watched about 5 minutes of Bernard and I really want to watch the series now. I only knew Derek Fowlds from "Heartbeat" in which he was a rather annoying character but he seems very, very good here!
Why the bloody hell did I not hear about this series long ago?! This was great! Reminds me of an English West Wing (yank show) but with a laugh track. :)
"West Wing"'s nickname is "Left Wing," in which all conservatives are shown twirling their moustaches and cackling over starving the poor. In other words, Aaron Sorkin is a talentless hack, who got his position by means of fashionable ideology, and not by any detectable talent or skill.
Hate politics but I'd say this comedy is pretty close to the truth about our government. A bunch of comedians running our country with no real interest in anyone except themselves.
I've always delighted in the character of Bernard Woolley. In addition to his regular duties, he has to walk the almost impossible tightrope of loyalty to the Minister/Prime Minister, whom he likes more, and Sir Humphrey, whom he knows is more competent. So he sides with the former whenever he can, and with the latter when he feels he must. This always made the dynamics between the three a joy to watch. Kudos to Jay and Lynn for their superb writing, and to the incomparable Derek Fowlds for his brilliant acting.
I've always loved the conversation between Hacker and Bernard where Hacker asks, "Are you saying, Bernard, that when the chips are down, you're on _my_ side," and Bernard responds, "It's my job to see that the chips stay up." (Pardon if not the exact quote - working from decades-old memory.)
He's most important character - he's the audience surrogate, giving both Hacker and Humphrey an excuse to explain things to him...and thus the audience.
And, of course, a lot of the humour and the tension comes from him being torn between his two masters.
@@hoilst brilliant observation.
In addition the actor is the best in my opinion, he is 100% believable. We never think he's acting.
I'd say that's slightly inaccurate an assessment in the OP actually. He was torn between morality and self serving interests of the system.
There are times he sides against Jim Hacker and that wasn't always for the right reasons. Yes Minister in particular saw Bernard being much more on the side of the civil service undermining the Minister.
Spot on. Bernard is the link between the public servant and the politician.
I never quite understood this show as a little boy. After 15+ years working in the UK public sector, I consider it sublime.
Some adults tend not to get the show entirely well either. I watched a clip online once, and then someone made a comment saying that Sir Humphrey is obviously a massive COMMUNIST
Yes indeed.
It should be shown to everyone planning on working in the Public Sector. However treat it as a documentary
I'm not from the UK, but I can absolutely believe that this is verbatim truth.
Bernard is perfect for the trio. His remarks and power to navigate these two people is amazing. Bravo
Sincerely adored Derek Fowlds for his portrayal of Bernard, which in my humble opinion is no less than the very best. He formed an unassailable trio with Nigel Hawthorne and Paul Eddington.
A genuinely nice and humble person too, as I observed from his interview just before his death. Rest in peace, Sir Bernard.
I'm so glad he got his Knighthood. Took them long enough. Derek was a most dear and beloved friend...and encourager... but while the US DemocRATs were giving me hell, and my dramas were left here there and everywhere, I lost touch. He was an honorable man, adored his wife, sweet, sweet nature. Sir Nigel was lovely too in person, but I never met Paul. Derek thought the world of him as a person and performer. Wish i could give him one last hug! 🥰😍😇
Humble? Or, modest?
I was introduced to this show by an aunt, who has passed since. When I watch these clips (and read the books) I can hear her laughing. We would watch the show together, and her favourite was Bernard. Thank you for posting this treat.
Mike in Canada
"Double acts" are common, but this must surely be the best ''triple act" in British comedy. Brilliant.
😁😆❤️
For someone who says he isn't the Prime Minister's mother in law, Sir Humphrey certainly interferes like one. 😆
😂😂😂 couldn't have put it better 👍👍
”Sun readers don't care who runs the country, as long as she's got big tits”. Funniest punch line ever! You can see Nigel Hawthorne almost corpsing, he knew what was coming…
This show had brilliant scriptwriters as well as three amazing character actors. RIP Nigel, Derek and Paul.
I think that gag wss first used by dave allen .
none the less very accurate .... still today
@@garethcharlton7508 Exactly! That's the icing on the cake!
At the end you can see Derek Fowlds lowering his head to try and hide that he is cracking up. I think the character of Bernard had some of the best lines. Loved his explanation concerning what some of the initials mean in the honours list.
😄
Bernard is the most underrated character in british comedy
"Would you excuse us, dear lady?"
"Yes"
An amazing show, capable of rotating around numerous personalities, each stellar in their own way. Bernard could easily be considered the star with only a slight change of focus.
Positively brilliant series which only the British could do. The wonderful chemistry between the three main actors was always hugely evident. The series will never be overshadowed by a more clever and wonderful script and magnificent acting. It deserved every accolade it ever received as did the actors themselves.
One of the best three actor collaborations ever. Pure genius.
- "My God!"
- "No, Bernard, it's just your boss!"
Probably my favorite line
I know the other two get all the admiration a lot of the time, but Fowlds absolutely nailed it in his performances 😊
Hacket's laugh at 0:39 is sooo fantastic
The line about the Sun readers has to be one of greatest comedic punchlines ever written and the delivery is spot on…
Whats even better is the look Hacker gives him- and his embarrassment at having said that in front of his 2 bosses!
@@jonathanfraser321 Yes wishing he'd only thought it and not said it out loud!
Watched 100 times, not bored yet, still hilarious
Just got the irony that 'Thank Me No Thankings' actually is Shakespeare!
I did not realise that! Unfortunately most of the classics are no longer taught here in Australia any more. Most of our curriculum is based on Australian works these days.
@@the_real_bin_chicken
Some waste thier formative years learning a trade ;)
Oh that is so good, the best of British comedy , the play on words is just so incredibly clever. I have seen it so often and it never loses its appeal and the ability to make you laugh.
Bernard, Humphrey, and Hacker are one of the greatest comedic duos :) of tv history.
Trios
Trios
Trios
Ohh, The Key, The Key … utter perfection!
when Humphry climbed through the window in the key was hilarious.
The line about the bulgarian umbrellas got me cracking :)
Could you please explain it? I am not a native English speaker and I do not clearly understand this part.
(I understand the 'royal flush' and I wonder how it can be translated to any other language 🙂
@@dianap7891 A reference to the famous assassination of Georgi Markov by the Bulgarian Secret Service.
The assassin used a ricin dart hidden in the tip of an umbrella.
@@theregalproletariat Thank you.
English speaking nations can be said to include the United States. Gold!
As a gesture of amity.
@@Happyheretic2308 And only on Sundays.
"The U.S. and Britain are two allied nations separated by a common language" (I hope that is right, it was Shaw.)
With a certain generosity of spirit lmfao
...being uncharacteristically courageous there...
I remember reading the book on the series. Asking Bernard who's side he's really on. He smiles and says "The winning side".
That last line is one of the funniest ever uttered on TV.
the key is one of the funniest yes prime minister episodes
I agree; it was always my favourite.
That face he made in the end. 😂😂😂
A stellar cast and the humour is terrific to this day. 2022 Great scripts which have amazing understanding of the political process
A stunning series.Funny/worrying how absolutely nothing has changed in the intervening years!
Actually one thing has-THe sun no longer prints photos of topless girls. Needless to say this wasnt because of anything a government did
Part of its utter brilliance ....
I'd forgotten that last line, thank you for reminding me. Off to read the Sun now.
Only watched a couple of episodes but getting the vibe that Bernard is the unsung hero of the series, trying to balance everything between Hacker and Humphrey
I love how Dorothy gives it back to Humphrey
one of the best documentaries ever made 😀
Hahahaha... Spot on!
@@boraradicevic1911 What? Was that a joke? I thought it was historys first
reality show!😂
The phone calls looks like an actual incoming calls to bureaucrats in a govt dept, brilliant levels of imagination, looks very authentic.
This show never gets old
Plus ca change, plus c'est la meme chose. This series is just as true now as when it was broadcast - "The Morning Star is read by people who think this country should be run by another country, the Daily Telegraph is read by people who think it is."
Loved it when Bernard went on one of his wandering monologues
[PM discussing divisions in the cabinet]
Bernard: "If you multiply a division, you just end up back where you started".
Has me in stitches every single time.
It's Sir Humphrey who gives the long-winded monologues.
Truly brilliant and probably brilliantly true
Great actors,brilliant scripts and never gets old....SD
Having spent 42 years in the public service, the last 23 dealing with Ministers and political advisers, the mutual deference, respect and deviousness within the swirl of their relationships in YM are so true, and only a little more caricatured than in real world bureaucracy! 😂
Bernard was my favourite (it’s my middle name for a start) and he had some of the best lines. Perhaps my favourite Bernard scene is the one in _’The Skeleton in the Closet’,_ when he and Jim realise why Humphrey - who isn’t in the room - is upset and both are pissing themselves laughing at him.
Reruns of this show is always on during any election in the UK. As I live in Ireland we have it too. During the last election I was watching a couple of the episodes and my housemate came in , he was shocked. He is Chinese and found the whole thing so strange. What also shocked him was when I told him it was the favourite program of Margret Theacher and she also wrote fan fiction as a hobby. He was shell shocked.
Brilliant, brilliant,brilliant
Yes Minister was a great show, YPM too in fact all the more so because Paul Eddington had been diagnosed with cancer and had started treatment. That's why so many of his scenes have him sat down. But through the fog of pain meds and the nausea of the cancer meds he still delivered such a magnificent performance.
I could watch this 1000 times 😂😂😂
Absolutely brilliant work.
Watching clips from these series always makes me chuckle.
Some of Bernard’s smaller lines from Yes, Minister are my favourites
From “He Skeleton in the Cupboard”
Hacker: oh! Bernard, are you thinking what I’m thinking?
Bernard: No, minister. [cheerfully] I’m not thinking anything really.
And when challenged by Hacker on his loyalties:
Hacker: You mean, that when the chips are down you’ll be on my side, not Sir Humphrey’s?
Bernard: Minister, it is my job to see that the chips stay up!
"the English speaking nations can be said to include the United States" 😂😂😂
Have the full series. Brilliant 🤩.
brilliant ! i am a Guardian man myself --
and have suspected those other journals of precisely targeting that readership.
Absolutely top show and great acting
YES YES for more YM Content!
And a suggestion for _best of Sir Arnold_ ?
agreed. powerful but invisible.
Oooh, he was creepy
"And how are things going at the Campaign for Freedom of Information?"
"I'm sorry, I can't talk about that."
@@jessestreet2549 with the ability to make Humprhey appear awkward and frightened
@@jonamore2102 yeah
8:27 The only thing worse than being talked about is not being talked about.
-- Oscar Wilde
FABULOUS 😂😂😂
After reading the comments I am delightfully surprised. I always thought Bernard was kind of an anchor to the threescore.
best political comedy i have ever seen
They are a pair of comedians on the uk stage 😱😱
Bernard's Revenge!
Thank you Bernard…
"Sit down, Bernard . . ."
Excellent 😂
I have watched about 5 minutes of Bernard and I really want to watch the series now. I only knew Derek Fowlds from "Heartbeat" in which he was a rather annoying character but he seems very, very good here!
He IS good! Brilliant in fact!
So perfect!
3:52 The Mouse That Roared.
Why the bloody hell did I not hear about this series long ago?! This was great! Reminds me of an English West Wing (yank show) but with a laugh track. :)
Glad you fond it!
It predates the West Wing and the laughter is from a real live audience. It's worth watching this and the previous series, Yes, Minister.
"West Wing"'s nickname is "Left Wing," in which all conservatives are shown twirling their moustaches and cackling over starving the poor. In other words, Aaron Sorkin is a talentless hack, who got his position by means of fashionable ideology, and not by any detectable talent or skill.
Far better than West Wing.
Like the rest of us, he knows that of course, unlike Latin, there is no ablative case in Greek.
Coined in 1709 by Susanna Centlivre in the play The Busie Body.
The Dilbert of the British civil service
Bernard is so friggin' cute!
royal we followed by a royal flush
Where can I watch the whole series please?
'Best of Dorothy' video please!!!
Is it just me -or is she startlingly like a certain departed Conservative PM-who was a great fan of the show. I wonder if that was deliberate?
What is that cylinder in front of Sir Humphrey when he is speaking on the phone around 1:45?
A pen and ink case, perhaps?
@@Angaraman I might be so. I don't think I have ever seen anything like that. Thank you.
I thought it was some sort of mace of office that gets handed on from one office holder to the next.
@@JHolan-dw8kd It would make sense.
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 But but
They didn't need to change the locks. All they needed to do was leave the key in the lock on their side, or if it was a "Yale" type put the snib down.
More dramatic with changing the locks.
How this political comedy reflects the real world situations is so uncanny it is scary.
They had an inside source helping them write.
Yes Minister and Yes Prime Minister were documentaries
@@justinadams4325
As is Dilbert.
I reckon this is how our PM and his cronies act now
But is this too great for Finns...? - Since You don't put this in our BritBox catalogue... like so many other classics 😥
Try Internet Archive, they have yes minister but idk for yes pm
Hate politics but I'd say this comedy is pretty close to the truth about our government. A bunch of comedians running our country with no real interest in anyone except themselves.
The writers of the show had an inside source.
So true! Massive egos.
@@sarahjones8396
And the intelligent ones know better than to be politicans. The real power is behind the scenes.
Bernard is wrong and Hacker is right "but me no buts, uncle me no uncle" Richard II
Why wasn't the actor ever awarded?
Tab!!11jTab!!11j
🇬🇧
shout out to all the other people can hear the very high pitched bits in the background of some of the cuts
And these aren’t even the best lines.
Ireland is a better place to live now than England. Oh, how the mighty have fallen.
lose weight now!!!!!
This is comedy genius, sadly, there is nothing on UK tv today that can compare to this