3 Times Sir Humphrey Slipped Up | Yes, Prime Minister | BBC Comedy Greats

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 21 พ.ค. 2022
  • Sir Humphrey Appleby rarely makes a mistake, but when he does it's very fun to watch...
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ความคิดเห็น • 908

  • @BBCComedyGreats
    @BBCComedyGreats  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1024

    "You mean you've lost your key?" 🔑

    • @highpath4776
      @highpath4776 2 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      Spolier

    • @andrewmunro8830
      @andrewmunro8830 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      @@highpath4776 Spolier than thou!

    • @matthew8153
      @matthew8153 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      @@andrewmunro8830
      Spoil be not spoiled.

    • @justjones5430
      @justjones5430 ปีที่แล้ว +11

      Where's the one where Humphrey cocked up a contract as a junior civil servant, and He had to admit it to Hacker?
      I was waiting for that one 🙂

    • @Borusa1976
      @Borusa1976 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      @@justjones5430 "The Skeleton In The Cupboard" - that's Yes Minister - these was from the sequel series.

  • @sas2300
    @sas2300 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +302

    "You lulled him into a true sense of security" is a fantastic line.

    • @notroll1279
      @notroll1279 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +10

      I loved the entire scene, with Hacker being in control of Sir Humphrey for once... briefly...

  • @timothywelch6450
    @timothywelch6450 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1649

    Possibly the finest scripts ever written for television

    • @christiano8088
      @christiano8088 2 ปีที่แล้ว +31

      Totally agree. So so clever.

    • @69mosshead
      @69mosshead 2 ปีที่แล้ว +29

      Only thing I'd change in that statement is to take possibly out

    • @fizzy1922
      @fizzy1922 2 ปีที่แล้ว +19

      Far too relevant

    • @tullochgorum6323
      @tullochgorum6323 ปีที่แล้ว +36

      I once found myself sleeping on the floor of a benighted hospital in India looking after a friend. The local bookstall, for some obscure reason, had the complete scripts of YM and YPM and they made the whole ordeal bearable. They hold up almost as well off the paper as they do on film. This must be unique in the history of sitcoms - scripts so good that they read like fine literature...

    • @unrealuknow864
      @unrealuknow864 ปีที่แล้ว +18

      By far one of the most well written and acted shows of all time.

  • @dash1141
    @dash1141 ปีที่แล้ว +120

    “Would you excuse us, dear lady?” “Yes… carry on”

  • @DonWan47
    @DonWan47 ปีที่แล้ว +230

    The best sitcom the BBC ever produced. Intelligently written and brilliantly acted. The best of British.

  • @anglosaxon5874
    @anglosaxon5874 2 ปีที่แล้ว +227

    "Well perhaps you should put out a press statement, expressing sympathy for the unemployed.....You may be joining them any moment" 🤣🤣😂😂

    • @kymnprayer
      @kymnprayer ปีที่แล้ว +39

      Brilliant writing! "Appleby: Doesn't he know that I am a poor man? Bernard" Perhaps he hasn't heard that you live in abject poverty on 81,000 pounds per year."

    • @embreis2257
      @embreis2257 ปีที่แล้ว +11

      @@kymnprayer 40yrs later £81k per annum is still a figure most of us can only dream of. what's the current cabinet secretary bringing home?

    • @juliedarlington8099
      @juliedarlington8099 ปีที่แล้ว +19

      @@embreis2257 in 2019 I believe the pay was around £200,000 so still living in abject poverty compared to the rest of us!!!! 🙄

    • @dcat9558
      @dcat9558 ปีที่แล้ว

      Imagine yourself with all that money... you could end up!..."seeking an injunction! to prevent your child's! existence! being reported!"😹🤣...BJ!
      But! BJ!...sends his children to attend, only! a £27,174! a year! school, a £18,000! per year! Private! school...& even to Cambridge! University!😹...
      How does it go?.. money, money, money Must! be FUNNY!...
      Money??!!, turn you into a Fool!🤔...
      (Then, yes! ABBA! that is correct!😹)

  • @DodderingOldMan
    @DodderingOldMan ปีที่แล้ว +571

    One of the truly timeless comedies. Seriously... This is like an ancient Greek comedy that, 2000 years from now, will still (with the aid of some footnotes) be entertaining people and providing an insightful look at the society of the current era.

    • @embreis2257
      @embreis2257 ปีที่แล้ว

      it's very doubtful our species will manage to hang on that long. climate change may shorten our stay on this planet for quite a bit

    • @geoffcarr4204
      @geoffcarr4204 ปีที่แล้ว +21

      It remains timeless because little has changed

    • @ari1234a
      @ari1234a ปีที่แล้ว +17

      This will always stay current no matter the time, this was true since the first bureaucrat met the power holder of politics.
      As they say more things change the more they stay the same, the people in the future recognizes that their politicians and bureaucrats have just different names.

    • @fredrikkirderf2907
      @fredrikkirderf2907 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      I actually mentioned Yes Minister (with quotes) in an essay on the timelessness of comedy compareing one of their jokes with a joke in The Frogs

    • @dipro001
      @dipro001 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      I strongly believe that even Shakespeare would nod in respect

  • @mrk.dilkington
    @mrk.dilkington 2 ปีที่แล้ว +831

    Perfect scripts, perfect characters, perfect cast and chemistry.

    • @janeminwell4395
      @janeminwell4395 2 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      Absolutely.

    • @oldtimer7635
      @oldtimer7635 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Agreed! : )

    • @equalityforall9902
      @equalityforall9902 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Hear hear!

    • @abzd9828
      @abzd9828 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      Dear Mr. K. Dilkington,
      You're one of our most valuable customers...

    • @opale1572
      @opale1572 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Muy cierto!

  • @DerekLyons
    @DerekLyons ปีที่แล้ว +64

    Nigel Hawthorn was a good friend of mine. Met him when I was 13 years old.. He was my neighbour. When I joined Equity he sponsored me. Such a lovely man

  • @davidanderson4091
    @davidanderson4091 ปีที่แล้ว +29

    I'm convinced that we just didn't see enough of Dorothy Wainwright in Yes Prime Minister... She was the perfect antagonist for Sir Humphrey.

    • @andrewsmith8729
      @andrewsmith8729 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      She was brilliant...... the episode where she took on Humphrey and Sir Frank.......... the episode where she stuck it Sir Desmond Glazebrook...It was a damn shame the show never had a few more episodes each season to give her a larger role.
      I have the entire series on DVD........ still watching it over 40 years from when I first saw it on TV

  • @mikethecabbie8476
    @mikethecabbie8476 2 ปีที่แล้ว +459

    Forty years ago, Yes (Prime) Minister was required viewing in our household. Today, I have made a mess of myself laughing at this whilst drinking a coffee; truly brilliant comedy to have spanned so many years!

    • @triarb5790
      @triarb5790 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      And across hemispheres too.

    • @ThomasCorfield
      @ThomasCorfield ปีที่แล้ว +3

      I am sorry for your mess. I hope your trousers remain wearable. Or skirt. I don't judge.

    • @mikethecabbie8476
      @mikethecabbie8476 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@ThomasCorfield They did.... T-shirt required immediate washing, though!

    • @markfryer9880
      @markfryer9880 ปีที่แล้ว

      I suspect that it would have been a laugh riot to see you spill your coffee while watching these clips Mike? Sadly we will have to rely upon our imaginations to be able to visualise the mess you got yourself into!
      And 40 years ago Yes Minister and Yes Prime Minister were required viewing in our house.
      Mark from Melbourne Australia

  • @synthonaplinth5980
    @synthonaplinth5980 ปีที่แล้ว +30

    You can't check up on everything, you never know WHAT you might find!"
    My goodness, the writing on this show was above par.

  • @CitroenDS23
    @CitroenDS23 ปีที่แล้ว +467

    The mastery of micro-expressions by all the actors is amazing. Surely "Yes.." must be included in any list of worlds best television.

    • @opale1572
      @opale1572 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      Creo que todos son grandes actores, pero Nigel Hawthorne se destaca. Quizá sea lo mejor que ha hecho en toda su carrera.

    • @soniavadnjal7553
      @soniavadnjal7553 ปีที่แล้ว +20

      The policeman guarding no. 10 has a minor role but is outstanding, with the blending of politeness and total steeliness/immoveability.

    • @dinsy512
      @dinsy512 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Yes, I appreciated his work too.

    • @studiobencivengamarcusbenc5272
      @studiobencivengamarcusbenc5272 ปีที่แล้ว

      Very well stated I love this quirky and witty expressions- this is satire and art at the same time 🥳

    • @michaelwebster3124
      @michaelwebster3124 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Between "Yes (Prime)Minister) and "The Thick of it" there is some truly superb british political comedy out there.

  • @crawfb
    @crawfb 2 ปีที่แล้ว +894

    The problem is, taken out of context, these clips make Sir Humphrey look like an incompetent fool, whereas, most of the time he was a conniving manipulator who nearly always got the better of Hacker. Knowing that, these examples of his rare blunders are all the funnier.

    • @morbius109
      @morbius109 2 ปีที่แล้ว +115

      Sir Humphrey was a very smart man. And true, he got the better of Hacker many times. But as time went on, there were several instances where Hacker showed a keen awareness of Humphrey’s tricks and turned the tables on him. When he had a clear view, Hacker could be a very good shot.

    • @trojanthedog
      @trojanthedog 2 ปีที่แล้ว +35

      This series is genius. All school students should be familiar with it.

    • @briancohenthepfjmassive.4769
      @briancohenthepfjmassive.4769 2 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      who's that you're on about? Boris Johnson

    • @eleSDSU
      @eleSDSU ปีที่แล้ว +30

      That's why it is explained in the video description that Humpy rarely made mistakes.

    • @smitajky
      @smitajky ปีที่แล้ว +58

      Initially Sir Humphrey always got the better of Hacker due to the inexperience of the politician compared to a career public servant. But the funny part is how with increasing understanding of the public service Hacker recognised that his real enemy was not the opposition but the public service. It is this growth of his character that made the interest that never wanes.

  • @ragerancher
    @ragerancher ปีที่แล้ว +36

    "Lulled him into a true sense of security" one of my favourite lines.

  • @contessa.adella
    @contessa.adella ปีที่แล้ว +303

    Bernard (Derek Fowlds) was the perfect foyle for Appleby and Hacker to bounce off….always squirming in the middle of the two, yet deriving barely concealed satisfaction from his bosses cringe worthy discomfort. The whole series was utterly brilliant and compulsive viewing back in the day.

    • @opale1572
      @opale1572 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Sí. Es que Bernard es realmente un buen tipo, pero se debate constantemente entre la fidelidad (y el miedo) a su superior inmediato y, por otra parte, la voluntad de no traicionar y servir bien (a pesar de Sir Humphrey) al ministro.

    • @fredcarson2791
      @fredcarson2791 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Contessa Adella. Bernard was my favourite character. Eg "Minister, if you multiply divisions you get back to where you started from." Well, it was literal common sense wasn't it.
      The coup de grace was when Bernard found that in his early days Humphrey had lost £40 million of public money. It had the rascal (figuratively) on his knees.

    • @sinclairjg
      @sinclairjg ปีที่แล้ว +2

      "We have no. Bananas. To-day."

    • @markb1487
      @markb1487 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@sinclairjg absolutely brilliant. 👍💯

    • @markb1487
      @markb1487 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      What a great comment. 👍💯

  • @MoiraOBrien
    @MoiraOBrien ปีที่แล้ว +461

    They just don’t write scripts like this any more. This is classic, brilliant, superbly observed and wonderful comedy.

    • @lampad4549
      @lampad4549 ปีที่แล้ว +13

      They didn't write scripts like these back then name another show with a similar type script to yes minister.

    • @smartchip
      @smartchip ปีที่แล้ว

      They dare not show the deep State and Parliament, I am surprised it was even aired, nay, produced,
      I guess the comedy was a cloak for telling the truth,
      I agree it was impeccable in writing, timing and acting, all round, the only other example of this I can think of is only fools and horses,

    • @amritpalsingh3293
      @amritpalsingh3293 ปีที่แล้ว +13

      Political correctness is killing comedy.

    • @opale1572
      @opale1572 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      De acuerdo en todo con usted. Una serie insuperable.

    •  ปีที่แล้ว +3

      @@amritpalsingh3293 Nice one mudblood.

  • @AthelstanEngland
    @AthelstanEngland ปีที่แล้ว +16

    "You mean you've lost your key?" inspired writing and execution.

  • @slatibaadfast
    @slatibaadfast ปีที่แล้ว +40

    The speeches given by Nigel Hawthorne, sir Humphrey were brilliant. Not to mention he memorised them before delivering them as opposed to reading them from cue cards. Such professionalism.

    • @dodolurker
      @dodolurker 5 หลายเดือนก่อน +6

      And one of the creators once said that he was embarrassed that he gave this distinguished actor such nonsense to learn and recite 😃

  • @Atomix330
    @Atomix330 2 ปีที่แล้ว +128

    "Prime Minister, I must express in the strongest possible terms my profound opposition to the newly instituted practice which imposes severe and intolerable restrictions on the ingress and egress of senior members of the hierarchy and will, in all probability, should the current deplorable innovation be perpetuated, precipitate a progressive constriction of the channels of communication, culminating in a condition of organisational atrophy and administrative paralysis, which will render effectively impossible the coherent and co-ordinated discharge of the function of government within Her Majesty's United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland!"
    "You mean you've lost your key?"

    • @JJONNYREPP
      @JJONNYREPP 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      3 Times Sir Humphrey Slipped Up | Yes, Prime Minister | BBC Comedy Greats 1843PM 22.5.22 he means if he doesnt get his way then he will do all in his power to stifle those lines of communications which the civil service rely so much upon and mis read the various situations arising in local and national government to ill end - as he misdirects those most important of governmental missives and memos which may, if he is irked as much as he is here, bring down the present administration and institute a total break down in law and order.

    • @MikeWildePredator
      @MikeWildePredator 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      7:13.

    • @reaganoc
      @reaganoc 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      "I must protest.."

    • @JJVernig
      @JJVernig 2 ปีที่แล้ว +9

      Yeah, even the microphones didn't cope with the laughter.
      The prelude from Hacker must be mentioned: "Mr Humprey, to what do we owe this pleasure?"

  • @paulmurphy5648
    @paulmurphy5648 ปีที่แล้ว +74

    40-odd years old and STILL absolutely spot on for today...

  • @euanduthie2333
    @euanduthie2333 ปีที่แล้ว +20

    You've missed the best joke from the second segment. Hacker threatens to put Humphrey on gardening leave until they can investigate and find out if Humphrey is a spy. "What about my reputation?" He splutters in response. "I thought you staked that on Halstead being innocent."

  • @jimsmith9419
    @jimsmith9419 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    I hope I haven’t missed someone else saying this, but there is the subtle joke in these clips that ‘Thank me no thankings’ is actually Shakespeare, not Hacker: Romeo and Juliet, Act 3, Scene 5.

  • @BedsitBob
    @BedsitBob 2 ปีที่แล้ว +108

    I loved it when Jim Hacker got the upper hand on Sir Humphrey.
    It didn't happen very often, but when it did, 🤣

    • @danieldickson8591
      @danieldickson8591 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      For me the best part was always how much Hacker relished his rare victories over Humphrey.

    • @studiobencivengamarcusbenc5272
      @studiobencivengamarcusbenc5272 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Hacker has the perfect face, voice and timing 👌😂for the job

  • @radiotelegram
    @radiotelegram ปีที่แล้ว +26

    Merciless British humour at its finest. Timeless and unrivalled.

  • @alexjewell2351
    @alexjewell2351 ปีที่แล้ว +109

    Nigel Hawthorne was just so good in this, he stole the show... All the characters were completely brilliant.

    • @paulcaswell2813
      @paulcaswell2813 ปีที่แล้ว +10

      Three times Paul Eddington was shortlisted for a BAFTA for his role as (Prime) Minister, only to be edged out by his colleague Nigel Hawthorne...

    • @mr8ball1st
      @mr8ball1st ปีที่แล้ว +8

      Though they also thought Derek Fowlds should have been nominated as well, as quire often Bernard can get in that final quip to round it all off.

    • @mikeymcfadden6889
      @mikeymcfadden6889 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Nigel Hawthorne Also Voiced Professor Porter In Disney’s Tarzan (1999)

    • @soniavadnjal7553
      @soniavadnjal7553 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      ​@@paulcaswell2813both PE and DF should have won the BAFTA at least once.

  • @hanselchan1232
    @hanselchan1232 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    "Ahh! Goofy... uhh, Humphrey..." always has me curling up, gripping my aching stomach due to unstoppable laughter. 🤣

  • @DeanMoxley87
    @DeanMoxley87 2 ปีที่แล้ว +23

    I was born in 1987
    I’m 34 & I was aware of this program & it’s sister show but it’s only recently I’ve watched these clips on yt & it kills me. This program isn’t retro it’s modern day

  • @PaulCashman
    @PaulCashman ปีที่แล้ว +91

    Brilliant scripting, brilliant acting, brilliant timing. There will never be a show quite like this ever again.

  • @clairee4939
    @clairee4939 ปีที่แล้ว +24

    Humphrey being locked out was one of my favourite episodes! 😂

  • @00bikeboy
    @00bikeboy 2 ปีที่แล้ว +237

    I think our descendants will still be laughing 500 years from now. These series are truly a gift to humanity.

    • @stephenphillip5656
      @stephenphillip5656 ปีที่แล้ว

      This will probably still be relevant in those 500 years time. There'll be collision, collusion & confusion in the corridors of power then as now. (This assumes of course that mankind hasn't eliminated him/herself in the meantime).

    • @stud6414
      @stud6414 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Descendants? 500 years from now! 😂. Can you spell extinct?

    • @bennylloyd-willner9667
      @bennylloyd-willner9667 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@stud6414 wow, always some negative thinker ("no, really I'm a realist") who want to soil true comedy instead of enjoy it. On the choice of a) having hope and trying to do better.
      compared to
      b) lie down and be certain of catastrophy "there is no use"
      I choose the first one, for sure.😁

    • @bennylloyd-willner9667
      @bennylloyd-willner9667 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Probably will they also say "wow, that's exactly like our political system work!" 😁

    • @NuGanjaTron
      @NuGanjaTron ปีที่แล้ว

      If we're even still around as a species, their IQ will be so low as to render the dialogue unintelligible to them; the humour will be entirely lost on them anyway. Ppl have gotten increasingly dumber -- thanks in no small part to our idiotic, brainwashing media. Yes Minister was probably the apex of prime time TV...

  • @Fuzcapp
    @Fuzcapp ปีที่แล้ว +19

    That final line by Bernard - great writing and so well delivered!

  • @petersmith5219
    @petersmith5219 ปีที่แล้ว +77

    EVERY aspect of this British comedy is spot on. Absolute comic perfection. Script. Acting. Timing... where does one stop? !!!

    • @opale1572
      @opale1572 ปีที่แล้ว

      Cierto. Todo tiene la eficacia de un mecanismo de relojería.

    • @owenmorgan4703
      @owenmorgan4703 ปีที่แล้ว

      A comedy classic, brilliant writing , great acting it doesn't get any better than that !

  • @davids736
    @davids736 ปีที่แล้ว +82

    I mean, where does one start? One of the finest TV scripts ever written - not one line wasted. Utter genius..... 😆👍❤

    • @opale1572
      @opale1572 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Cierto. Insuperable en su estilo!

  • @raymondhayes3438
    @raymondhayes3438 2 ปีที่แล้ว +141

    One of the greatest Sit Coms ever. Brilliant scrips and superb acting.

    • @Chapps1941
      @Chapps1941 ปีที่แล้ว

      The greatest. Only _Fawlty_ comes close

    • @smartchip
      @smartchip ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Fools and horses, let us not forget,

    • @richardlloyd2589
      @richardlloyd2589 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      *documentary 😉

  • @oddviews
    @oddviews ปีที่แล้ว +150

    The funniest part of this series was how this was true in concept in real life. It was admitted by a current Minister at the time as they colluded in the script writing. Satire and humour at its best.

    • @embreis2257
      @embreis2257 ปีที่แล้ว +18

      we would consider ourselves lucky if the current PM were 1/10th as competent, honest and truthful as Hacker

    • @gregb6469
      @gregb6469 ปีที่แล้ว +17

      Two high-ranking members of the Wilson/Callaghan cabinet secretly talked with Jay and Lynn to explain how government at that level worked, thus the authenticity of the series.

  • @judithmarshall4187
    @judithmarshall4187 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +24

    What Joy to have discovered these. One of my all time favourite programmes. Brilliant acting, superb scripts and funny to boot!

  • @Joemantler
    @Joemantler ปีที่แล้ว +8

    What this clip leaves out was that Sir Humphrey himself forced the policy that no one, "no matter how familiar", could enter Number 10 without a pass. Adding permission from Mr Bernard Wolley was icing on that cake! 😄 Seriously, people, if you ever get the opportunity, but Yes Prime Minister on physical media!

  • @nadw
    @nadw 2 ปีที่แล้ว +104

    The Russian spy clip is my favourite one, as you can see Sir Humphrey's increasing panic as the scale of the seriousness of his situation slowly becomes clear..

    • @michaelvidal1971
      @michaelvidal1971 ปีที่แล้ว +18

      I think this was the episode where Hacker in passing asks Sir Humphrey How his garden was. Sir Humphrey starts t answer then with horror realises what Hacker meant.

    • @dingopisscreek
      @dingopisscreek ปีที่แล้ว +6

      Sir Humphrey tries to belittle Halstead opinion of him and then realises by doing so he is incriminating himself even more - brilliant acting from all concerned

    • @mrk.dilkington
      @mrk.dilkington ปีที่แล้ว +5

      And the phone hacking episode with Hunphreys "off the record" radio recording.

    • @rkh7360
      @rkh7360 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      "John gave me his word..the word of a gentleman." Explains how the Cambridge 5 escaped scrutiny.

    • @michaelvidal1971
      @michaelvidal1971 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      @@rkh7360 Not true this case was totally different. Sir John was an Oxford gentleman. As Sir Humphrey would tell you that makes all the difference. (takes tongue away from cheek)

  • @markh9749
    @markh9749 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    When "Yes Prime Minister" aired originally, it was a comedy series. In the years since it has become much more. It is both documentary and commentary on the ways in which we were governed and led.

    • @pixie3458
      @pixie3458 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Boris' parties would have strained credibility..real life being stranger than fiction 🤔

  • @howaldtim
    @howaldtim ปีที่แล้ว +8

    "Prime Ministers come and go" - 40+ years later - Truer words were never spoken

  • @jimspink2922
    @jimspink2922 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    Love that little section at 0.37 where Bernard says Crikey he will go potty and it cuts to Hacker and he lets out that little evil laugh

  • @yvonnesimmons9001
    @yvonnesimmons9001 ปีที่แล้ว +47

    I agree, perfect scripts, perfect characters, perfect cast, perfect production. These series will still be funny, relevant and perfect 100 years from now.

    • @markb1487
      @markb1487 ปีที่แล้ว

      Absolutely brilliant. 👍💯

  • @ThomasFishwick
    @ThomasFishwick 2 ปีที่แล้ว +32

    The thing I love is that bit of on location filming. Number 10 would have to have given permission to film.
    Think about that, the standing government gives permission for a parody of the government to film on their doorstep.
    That just doesn’t happen.

    • @PeacockRhino
      @PeacockRhino 2 ปีที่แล้ว +13

      It was Mrs Thatcher’s favourite program

    • @TommyWylie
      @TommyWylie ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@PeacockRhino In her case, it was a perfect excuse for any government failures... just blame the civil service.

    • @amojak
      @amojak ปีที่แล้ว +3

      @@TommyWylie the civil service stil to this day are busy ruining everything.. as an ex civil servant i have experience :)

    • @opale1572
      @opale1572 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@TommyWylie Sí, pero no sé si le hacía tanta gracia que implícitamente pudiesen compararla con Jim Hacker.

    • @beyondnatural9155
      @beyondnatural9155 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      You have made a truly insightful comment. The government not only allows itself to be satirised and lampooned. They pay all the cost as well and allow it broadcast at best times.

  • @nebuchadnejjar
    @nebuchadnejjar 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +16

    Possibly, just possibly, these three actors were the last of the greats on Television. 40 years later on, no one has come close to them

    • @sonofednawelthorpe8609
      @sonofednawelthorpe8609 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Four - you have to count John Nettleton who died a few months ago who played Sir Arnold. So all four talents have left us.

    • @davidmellish3295
      @davidmellish3295 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I think ' Only Fools And Horses ' was up there as well . Definitely the three greatest sitcoms ever made. Yes Minister, Yes Prime Minister and Only Fools And Horses

  • @dlamiss
    @dlamiss 2 ปีที่แล้ว +13

    the line "goofy" was brilliant

  • @colindowd9756
    @colindowd9756 2 ปีที่แล้ว +95

    Always love it when Sir Arnold shows up! He's the real governor

    • @markvincentbonachita8950
      @markvincentbonachita8950 2 ปีที่แล้ว +17

      He aged like a fine wine. Not always seen but when seen, he is superb.

    • @phildavenport4150
      @phildavenport4150 2 ปีที่แล้ว +11

      @@markvincentbonachita8950 A mandarin of the highest order.

    • @stephenphillip5656
      @stephenphillip5656 ปีที่แล้ว +19

      Sir Arnold was the only person who could *truly* frighten Sir Humphrey. A smiling assassin.

    • @KidMillions
      @KidMillions ปีที่แล้ว +15

      And 93 now, outlived them all.

    • @opale1572
      @opale1572 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Claro. Porque Sir Arnold no es más que un Sir Humphrey superior en rango.

  • @malccy72
    @malccy72 2 ปีที่แล้ว +240

    My favourite episodes. Such skill and articulation make Yes, Prime Minister a true delight and pleasure.

    • @janeminwell4395
      @janeminwell4395 2 ปีที่แล้ว +9

      Yes, brilliant actors playing brilliant characters, and sublimely written.

    • @opale1572
      @opale1572 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@janeminwell4395 Cierto!

    • @stridedude
      @stridedude ปีที่แล้ว

      Where did the third clip come from ?

  • @shelleywinters6763
    @shelleywinters6763 ปีที่แล้ว +52

    Very clever writing, I remember hearing that M Thatcher said it was accurate too. I loved the development of the PM learning the ropes and turning the tables on his Admin. He used words to hide the truth, to bury the truth in confeluted sentences LOL. I miss those confoluted sentences from Sir Humphrey, linguistic juggling. Masterful.

    • @piotrd.4850
      @piotrd.4850 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Australian PM asked if they wath "Yes, MInister" - "Yes, but nobody's laughing"

  • @GhostEye31
    @GhostEye31 ปีที่แล้ว +13

    "My God." "No Bernard it's just your boss." Might just be the beat line in Yes Prime Minister

  • @andyray89
    @andyray89 2 ปีที่แล้ว +30

    Hacker's smile at 0:38 😂

  • @THINKincessantly
    @THINKincessantly 2 ปีที่แล้ว +12

    It was off the record....IT WAS ON THE TAPE😆

  • @BigAl53750
    @BigAl53750 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +26

    My absolute favourite British comedy. When my eldest daughter was about 10 or 11 years old, she came into the living room one night and asked what was making me laugh. This show was on and she asked if she could join me watching it. I said yes, but I’m not sure you’ll think it as funny as I do.
    I was wrong! It’s over 30 years later and she still regards this as one her favourites too, but she really surprised me by her grasp of the subtlties and laughed in all the right places, with very few questions directed at me to explain things. Very intelligent girl! Her younger sister is even smarter! (which is a bit of a worry!)

    • @fd8934
      @fd8934 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Youre 30 something daughter being smart is worrying? :/

    • @hellomoto2084
      @hellomoto2084 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      ​@@fd8934 he meant it in a carefree nature.

  • @davetaylor2088
    @davetaylor2088 ปีที่แล้ว +31

    One of the finest examples of real quality television ever produced. Thanks for keeping it alive.

  • @buddypvaz124
    @buddypvaz124 ปีที่แล้ว +32

    ONE OF THE BEST SHOWS EVER ON TELEVISION. BRILLIANT

  • @thejfg7741
    @thejfg7741 ปีที่แล้ว +30

    Quality actors with immense talent playing comedy. I also love how the whole premise is the absurd being normal. It plays to that so well, absurdity is normal and no one sees that as being abnormal.

  • @ThePurple1968
    @ThePurple1968 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +19

    Bernard remains the hidden gem of the series and politics forever

  • @mattbox87
    @mattbox87 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    [patronisingly] "Would you excuse us, dear lady?" i.e. "Please leave the room."
    [also, patronisingly, on another level] "Yes." ... "Carry on." i.e "I'm going to choose to take your question literally, and yes, you may continue." but also "I see your sexism, you self-important git."
    Loved it! And this reminds me why I loved this series.
    And I'm astonished that we've apparently still not resolved the battle of the genders after so many years.
    i.e. even in the early 80's the BBC of all organisations has a woman giving the metaphorical middle finger to her superior male figure.
    What's holding us back?

  • @glynbrain1083
    @glynbrain1083 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    'Lulled him into a TRUE sense of security'.

  • @dingopisscreek
    @dingopisscreek ปีที่แล้ว +30

    Nigel Hawthorn, what brilliant acting. Not to diminish that of Paul Eddington and Derek Fowlds - all gone now that great department in the sky. Brilliantly written and acted. The very best of the BBC.

  • @guguigugu
    @guguigugu ปีที่แล้ว +47

    lulled him into a true sense of security 😂😂

    • @SmartStr33t
      @SmartStr33t ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I died

    • @AsteroidM749A
      @AsteroidM749A ปีที่แล้ว

      @@SmartStr33t I also died

    • @afterthesmash
      @afterthesmash ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Delivered too briskly to function as a crescendo, but perhaps the slyest line of the entire compilation.

  • @georgeknox1822
    @georgeknox1822 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    The most intelligent comedy EVER written. As much as sir Humphrey is a rogue , you have to love his character . Genius. Miss this sort of inventive comedy

  • @wkuntjoro6130
    @wkuntjoro6130 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +8

    I am not young, but this was even before me .... masterpiece of British comedy, in fact more than a mere comedy..

  • @robgrune3284
    @robgrune3284 ปีที่แล้ว +64

    truly, the greatest satire comedy of all time. always current.

  • @CalRichards
    @CalRichards ปีที่แล้ว +11

    A significant amount of comedy does't stand the test of time. This is one of the notable exceptions. Brilliant.

  • @ss2k10
    @ss2k10 ปีที่แล้ว +19

    Sir Nigel Hawthorne was absolutely inimitable in the role of Sir Humphrey ! Current-day "sitcoms" are so crass in comparison !!

  • @michaelwest7844
    @michaelwest7844 ปีที่แล้ว +41

    ..and not a swear word to be heard. True comedy gold!

    • @teeteringonthebrink.305
      @teeteringonthebrink.305 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Sir Humphrey - "Open this BLOODY door." No, I know exactly what you mean - I'm just being picky. Seriously, you are absolutely right and I agree 100% with you.

    • @Alucard-gt1zf
      @Alucard-gt1zf 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Bloody has never been a swear word, its barely even rude​@teeteringonthebrink.305

    • @Happyheretic2308
      @Happyheretic2308 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Its a corruption of "By Our Lady" which was, in a pre-Reformation England, quite beyond the pale. ​@@Alucard-gt1zf

  • @mattb4195
    @mattb4195 ปีที่แล้ว +16

    @17:55 the waves of non-verbal expression flying across Sir Humphrey's face as the shock and horror dawns on him. Perfect acting by Nigel Hawthorne.

  • @hanselchan1232
    @hanselchan1232 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    I am sure Queen Elizabeth II is now having a good laugh with these 3 great gentlemen in Heaven.

  • @pauldavies6037
    @pauldavies6037 ปีที่แล้ว +12

    The BBC at its peak of comedy writing with the best actors

  • @heathy120
    @heathy120 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    "The Key" is by far my favorite episode😂😂😂😂

  • @alternative1999
    @alternative1999 ปีที่แล้ว +21

    Such brilliant writing
    Such brilliant acting
    Such brilliant... everything

  • @Dream.of.Endless
    @Dream.of.Endless ปีที่แล้ว +3

    PM Hacker : Ah, goofy
    Sir Humphrey Appleby : 14:03

  • @FACup-eu2dt
    @FACup-eu2dt ปีที่แล้ว +5

    "You can't check-up on everything, you never know what you might find". Priceless.

  • @nathelondon3719
    @nathelondon3719 ปีที่แล้ว +12

    An absolute classic. A triumphirate of superb actors. Fresh 40 years on. RIP all.

  • @alexlandherr
    @alexlandherr ปีที่แล้ว +8

    So rare was it when Humphrey slipped up that one would laugh remarkably hard; a testament to the writing and actors.

  • @Chris-bc6ny
    @Chris-bc6ny ปีที่แล้ว +25

    Absolutely brilliant, probably the best comedic representation of British politics ever, so relevant even today.

  • @tdpay9015
    @tdpay9015 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    You missed one -- The Skeleton in the Cupboard (1982), in which Sir Humphrey must face a mistake he made 30 years earlier.

  • @Foxhunter49
    @Foxhunter49 ปีที่แล้ว +26

    This is what I call classic comedy. Very funny, great actors and timeless.
    Best comedy has no swearing, can be watched with children or grandmothers.

    • @teeteringonthebrink.305
      @teeteringonthebrink.305 ปีที่แล้ว

      You are right on all counts 👍Good family entertainment.

    • @Grandmastergav86
      @Grandmastergav86 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Yes because it is reliant upon astute observation and precise use of language (or even purposely imprecise as was so often the case of YM and YPM).

  • @studiobencivengamarcusbenc5272
    @studiobencivengamarcusbenc5272 ปีที่แล้ว +13

    I sometimes do not believe these series do exist 😂the level of art and craft is so high 🥳so bloody exquisite

  • @stephenord3403
    @stephenord3403 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    You mean you've lost your key? I cried laughing

  • @magzb2642
    @magzb2642 ปีที่แล้ว +70

    I'm so sorry the Prime Minister never got an award for his acting here. So brilliant.

    • @vallee3140
      @vallee3140 ปีที่แล้ว +14

      its always amazed me he never got one, I read he was upset when he did not.

    • @KidMillions
      @KidMillions ปีที่แล้ว +14

      @@vallee3140 Nigel won all the BAFTAs while the others watched in the audience. Slightly embarrassing.

    • @soniavadnjal7553
      @soniavadnjal7553 ปีที่แล้ว +9

      @@KidMillions yes, one would have been sufficient. Derek Fields was brilliant also, a great foil to the others. Should have got a BAFTA.

    • @elizabethman7313
      @elizabethman7313 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      NH had the words but PE could do it all with his face alone.

  • @MrISabier
    @MrISabier ปีที่แล้ว +18

    As a kid growing up, British slapstick comedies were the family staple. Mind Your Language, Carry On series, Those Magnificent Men In Their Flying Machines etc were repeat favorites. Now as an adult, Yes Minister / Prime Minister completes the circle as the finest mature comedy out there.
    Nothing tops this. Nothing.

  • @passiveaggressive6175
    @passiveaggressive6175 ปีที่แล้ว +19

    Nigel Hawthorne played this role with 1000% commitment. Fantastic

    • @mikeymcfadden6889
      @mikeymcfadden6889 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Wayne Knight Played Tantor The Elephant In Disney's Tarzan

  • @CarrionCrow993
    @CarrionCrow993 2 ปีที่แล้ว +12

    "It was off the record!"
    "IT WAS ON THE TAPE!"

  • @Twmpa
    @Twmpa ปีที่แล้ว +49

    If only the BBC could make stuff this good nowadays. I loved the way the series evolved from Sir Humphrey running rings around the minister to the prime minister hilriously toying with Sir Humphrey.

    • @danieldickson8591
      @danieldickson8591 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Jim Hacker as the PM still ended up dancing to Humphrey's tune most of the time. These examples of his screw-ups are extremely rare. But it's worth noting that in the episode of the last clip, Humphrey actually went to Hacker for advice on how to prepare for the interview, one area where Hacker was an expert.

    • @philg578
      @philg578 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      If only, this would not have been made in our day and age....

    • @richardlloyd2589
      @richardlloyd2589 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      They did a remake. It was dire. Or to quote a YM episode, appalling.

  • @PeterJ-de4wk
    @PeterJ-de4wk ปีที่แล้ว +13

    Must be one of the best written comedies of all time!

  • @williamdrijver4141
    @williamdrijver4141 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    Sir Arnold's pronunciation of the English language is the best ever!

    • @richardlloyd2589
      @richardlloyd2589 ปีที่แล้ว

      Every word carefully considered and measured before being spoken. Concise and to the point.
      I suspect almost all our current politicians have watched this many times, yet they don’t seem to have learnt from Sir Arnold, but instead copy Sir Humphrey’s attempts at wordy obfuscation.

  • @xplorer841
    @xplorer841 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    ‘Lulled him into a true sense of security’ hahaha epic writing

  • @louisebrislane6607
    @louisebrislane6607 ปีที่แล้ว +22

    This was I believe the greatest comedy show around. One is always guaranteed a good belly laugh!! It certainly opened my young eyes to the reality of who actually runs the country.

  • @pouleichel2760
    @pouleichel2760 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    ""lulled him in to at true sense of security" LOL

  • @nathanwilliams2152
    @nathanwilliams2152 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    “Then I’ll come and see YOU!!”
    “I’m busy too…”
    “WHAT???!!!” 😂😂😂

    • @sgt.thompson98
      @sgt.thompson98 5 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      "Sir Humprey, you may not come in, you do not have a permission."

  • @alanhilder1883
    @alanhilder1883 ปีที่แล้ว +19

    Perhaps this series needs to be re-released worldwide to show the last decade or so and current state of politics in all nations.

    • @ginajones1003
      @ginajones1003 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      The current state of politics in Britain has got worse because the prime minister had to resign because he was not trusted by more than 50 of his ministers anymore. That was an unprecedented situation. We will have a new prime minister from the 5th September but in the meantime Boris Johnson is insisting on being a caretaker prime minister. The trouble is he could be re-elected to be party leader again and therefore stand for prime minister in any future general election if the conservatives won a general election. That would be disaster for the country.

    • @darreng745
      @darreng745 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@ginajones1003 Why a disaster when you consider some of th people who have held that office before him?
      Edward Heath lied to us joining the EEC, Tony Blair lied to us in Afghanistan and Iraq and One of Gordon Brown's ministers Danny Alexander left a note saying sorry we have spent all of the money.
      All politicians lie the only thing they want is your vote and nothing more (other than you pay taxes ) and that you don't bleat about how badly the government wastes your money.

  • @godfreyberry1599
    @godfreyberry1599 ปีที่แล้ว +12

    Priceless, absolutely excellent. Where has superb British comedy like this gone ?.

  • @MarkHenstridge
    @MarkHenstridge 2 ปีที่แล้ว +37

    You know it's very difficult for me to pick my favourite British TV sitcom, there are so many to choose from but Yes Minister/Prime Minister are right up top with others like Faulty Towers, Kenny Everett, Monty Python's Flying Circus, The Goodies, Young Ones ect. Yes Minister/Prime Minister are in my top 10 and hand over heart if I see they are being aired I will make sure I watch them all again. Thanks for posting these hilarious scenes, Cheers from Australia

    • @Chapps1941
      @Chapps1941 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Looks like 6:0, UK v USA

    • @triarb5790
      @triarb5790 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Blackadder is right up there

  • @suninmoon4601
    @suninmoon4601 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

    Delightful! To be enjoyed over and over again without fear of loss of originality or entertainment value.

  • @chantawatchantarapanya8479
    @chantawatchantarapanya8479 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    “My God!”
    “No, it’s just your boss!!”

  • @AlexWard94
    @AlexWard94 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    The epitome of British comedy and I wasn’t even alive when it aired. The only television series I’ll never tire of rewatching. Laugh out loud every single time.

  • @kdjspanner3930
    @kdjspanner3930 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    One of the greatest scenes in movie and television history ever, the script is pure genesis!

  • @ChristophersMum
    @ChristophersMum 2 ปีที่แล้ว +14

    ...those were the days my friend...🎶