[Hephaestion]

This hilarious clip is shown every New Years Eve in Denmark (or the programmers are in for it as they have encountered and experienced the full wrath of disgruntled television viewers when they decided to axe it one year ) ! It has been a tradition that started in the early 70´s - it airs when evening is approaching midnight.

The butler (James) is an absolute riot as he becomes ever more drunk for every time he has to makes the rounds. The tag line is: THE SAME PROCEDURE MISS SOPHIE? THE SAME PROCEDURE AS EVERY YEAR, JAMES!!!

Hope you all enjoy it:

Back story:

It's a bit bizarre when you think about it. A short British cabaret sketch from the 1920s has become a German New Year's tradition. Yet, although “The 90th Birthday or Dinner for One” is a famous cult classic in Germany and several other European countries, it is virtually unknown in the English-speaking world, including Britain, its birthplace.
Although newer versions have been produced (including a Plattdeutsch radio version and CD versions in other dialects), every year around Silvester (New Year's Eve), German television broadcasts the classic, black-and-white English-language version filmed back in 1963 in Hamburg. All across Germany, from the 31st of December to January 1st, Germans know it's the beginning of a new year when they watch this annual event.

[marky mark]

The old ones usually are the best.

Strange that it's become such a tradition, never seen or heard of it before.

[Hephaestion]

No, it is not known in either Britain or the U.S Mark!!


My dad in England was invited over to his German neighbours for New Years Eve. He kept talking about this hilarious sketch that he had never seen before, pretty soon I realised he was talking about this one.

[Peted1]

Comedy acting at its best, I wonder why it hasn't had more airings on UK TV.
I could watch it every New Year without fail. Reminded me somewhat of the Brian Rix farces.

[Hephaestion]

Originally Posted by Peted1

Comedy acting at its best, I wonder why it hasn't had more airings on UK TV.
I could watch it every New Year without fail. Reminded me somewhat of the Brian Rix farces.

I don´t think it has ever been aired Pete.

I am not familiar with Brian Rix, before my time I s´pose!

[Peted1]

Brian was responsible for something called (I think) the Whitehall farces. They were full length productions on stage (but filmed as well) and were hilarious for those who love pure comedy.

For more info check out:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/comedy/guide/ta...ix_brian.shtml

or,

http://p197.ezboard.com/Whitehall-Fa...opicID=1.topic

[Hephaestion]

Thanks for the link Pete! I´ll try and You Tube him and see if something comes up.

My Dad loves Old Mother Riley.Do you remember him? I had never heard of him but my dad ordered some DVD´s and he was so happy. It must have evoked some pleasant childhood memories.


I still love Laurel and Hardy! Oh and Charlie Chaplin. So rare that they show them on telly!

[jamela]

Originally Posted by Hephaestion

I don´t think it has ever been aired Pete.

!

Must have been aired, 'cos I have definitely seen it before, don't know when or where but I can remember laughing when he keep tripping over the rug.

[Peted1]

Yes Chris, I remember Old Mother Riley (now there's me dated)..........Not really my thing though. Glad your dad enjoyed the DVDs though.