Antiques dealer hits Roger Cook with metal bar - Newsnight archives (1981)

In a remarkable report from 1981 Roger Cook is beaten with a metal bar by a dealer after he uncovers the selling of fake antiques. This is part of our #newsnightarchives series. Let us know what you'd like us to upload in the comments below.
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[@richardsandwell2285]

That was when TV licenses were worth paying for.

[@UncleBoratagain]

Hahahahha, so 21st Century! ITV had many incisive programmes but this one was the best, never funded forcibly by taxpayers.

[@barber65brentbrook17]

Hahaha

[@MattSingh1]

@Christ in Shades There's no evidence of a cover-up, you bleating right-wing conspiracy-theory wanker.

[@PC-lu3zf]

Yes

[@mikemcguinness1304]

Agreed.. That cook guy was a fucking legend

[@alainpreveaux2428]

That bar was the only thing that wasn't a plastic replica in that antique shop.

[@wisdomdantecourt8179]

😹😹😹

[@tonymcgrath8292]

🤣

[@reindeer-o-stoole]

😂😂😂

[@ArchieFatcackie]

Class!!

[@aribrahim1898]

Lmao 🤣

[@jamesanderson2030]

"Mr Harris invited me to step outside and talk things through, but his means of communication proved to be a metal bar". 😂

[@hgvgaming1652]

This line is as British as it gets! Lol!

[@StarWarsObituaryNews]

Well, words weren't working.

[@_.CCelestia._]

The noises he made while hitting the guy just made me lose it 😂😂😂😂

[@sophocles1198]

Lose what?

[@docbrown7087]

Heyaaa.

[@ramonhurtadocabezas]

El ruido que hace es para no pensar lo que está haciendo , Red Bulls te da alas .😂

[@lordtachanka903]

He sounds like the NPC’s in Skyrim when they attack you 😂😂😂

[@JJ-Toreddie]

That's his inner demon

[@kencur9690]

That’s not a metal bar: that’s an ancient Incan artifact, forged by the Vikings before their discovery of the Americas. This rare treasure confirms that theory.

[@sexyhomeowner9345]

Lmao

[@lookandlisten5740]

Ahhh... And here's me thinking it was a crowbar made in Sheffield circa 1972 .... Duhh

[@DMC888]

Probably a fake.

[@makoado6010]

inkas was a primitve stone age civilisation... éven at midle of medieval ages.

[@kencur9690]

@@makoado6010 wrong. Incas invented laser by 1209. Educate yourself.

[@robertstorey7476]

Calling the police before you attack someone with a metal bar wasn't the smartest move!

[@alexnelson9512]

Was he prosecuted though? Unlikely - he probably pays for protection from the wrong sort of police officer. Roger should have been a martial artist.

[@thesocialmediascientistmbe]

Considering he knew there was also a camera recording him, probably not.

[@Tuberuser187]

If it wasn't for the camera its a great move, gives a record that might support a "self defence" claim.

[@stoolpigeon4285]

LOL

[@lancethrust9488]

80S UK FISTY CUFFS WERE NEVER REPORTED

[@No.Handle31]

I miss the Cook Report. Roger was like the Terminator he always took a beating. And he came back for more.

[@euphoricbliss6699]

Legend!!

[@millimetreperfect]

I remember hearing him on the radio when I was a child saying Mr X why are you hitting me? …..ooff! You’re still hitting me…. A real professional

[@rjjcms1]

Courageous man.

[@Kj16V]

Ah yes. I remember the time when a dodgy used motorcycle dealer froze him in liquid nitrogen and shot him with a pistol. He shattered into a million pieces, but then he reformed a couple of minutes later and continued to question the dodgy dealer. A true professional.

[@Leadfoot_P71]

@@Kj16V Oh, I thought it was a shotgun blast? Maybe I remember wrong.

[@donlitos]

Most British thing I’ve ever seen, remaining calm and gentlemanly, whilst being beaten to a pulp with a metal bar

[@davidsimpson8192]

He was a Kiwi , brought up in Australia..but in the UK from 68

[@LittleMissPyeWacket]

@@davidsimpson8192 He's still British, not sure what your point is.

[@BertBobRobert]

Does holding British citizenship make one British? Certainly by some definitions but he isn't British to me. I hold citizenship in three countries, have spent most of my life outside of Britain, but I'd consider myself British. @@LittleMissPyeWacket

[@chrisfoleyfoley673]

His point is that he is from New Zealand and not British, both his parents were kiwis

[@drifty_grifty]

​@@chrisfoleyfoley673 kiwis and Aussies are Brits unless Maoris

[@ainsleyharriott2209]

I love how he’s like ”Arrrrrrrghhhh arrrrrrggghhh arghhh” swinging it wildly

[@Colin32269]

That's because you are an eegit😅

[@ShitHappensRLY]

Truly an intellectual man, calling cops just before beating someone with metal bar

[@cjbenedict6822]

Out side to, so the cop likely to see him before he sees them😵🤦‍♂️

[@clayton9136]

Humans always been like this. Lol.

[@sazoy1]

He's being invaded, he defended himself.

[@thomaseisenberg9924]

@@sazoy1 Sure! A Metal Bar against a camera! Prison ahead….

[@ShamAmram]

In case you thought media gaslighting only began recently

[@brianm2881]

I dare say that if you go on a metal bar rampage, there's probably a bit more going on in your life than being accosted by Roger Cook.

[@chrishateley5582]

I remember being bored to tears by The Cook Report when I was little, but it now seems like the sort of thing I'd find fascinating as an adult.

[@wilhelmhesse1348]

"Bored to tears by the Cook Report" 🤣🤣🤣

[@chrishateley5582]

@@wilhelmhesse1348 Dude, I was 6.

[@evertonfc6162]

I loved it as a kid, genuinely my favourite show when I was 8

[@daithiocinnsealach1982]

Yes, seemed very boring back then.

[@blludoguk]

I’d suggest watching some of Tommy Robinson latest work . Beats all this hands down. But obviously they’d rather you didn’t see it and just stuck to the baseless opinion he’s a racist nazi scumbag

[@euphoricbliss6699]

This is my new all time favourite clip!! I love the way the shop keeper acts all scared at first calling the police but then goes bat shit insane when he grabs the iron bar. The demonic noises he makes as he furiously beats Roger and he goes flying out the shop LMAO. I love how Roger also leans his ass into the beating, what a LEGEND!!

[@monkeyseemonkeydo432]

People in the background just going about their business meanwhile the bar is being bent into the shape of his buttocks

[@mr.aldini6801]

And the freeze frames! My God!

[@pies9393]

Those noises are absolutely hilarious lol

[@stillben]

Do you still have it as your favourite after these intervening years?

[@euphoricbliss6699]

@@stillben Well It's still one hell of a clip. Although I hate the fact it even exists also lol

[@stumpusMaximus]

Roger cook was a ‘wanted’ man with death threats. The only reporter who truly exposed these barstewards and actively hunted them down. Unlike the plastic lot today that do nothing but bark but no bite. Spineless. Cook would throw himself in front of cars, anything to get it on tape - it was tape back then. Your a legend mate.

[@jananilcolonoscopu4034]

@Abraxas never heard that one have ya son

[@deanpd3402]

@Abraxas bar stewards...

[@TheKingOfBeans]

Sounds like a jackass

[@la7dfa]

This must be almost as horrible as some guy revealing he is Chris Hansen and you are caught on TV with a minor ;)

[@CapybaraMMA]

Check out Rob Wolchek he’s a reporter form Detroit that does this stuff. Old school guy

[@rfburns5444]

Bravest camera crew ever,run like hell and let Cook take the beating,some say the sound recordist shaved 18 seconds off Roger Banisters 4 minute mile

[@rogerdavies1234]

How on earth did he stay calm whilst being beaten with a metal bar to the extent that he broke three ribs? I'd start watching TV again if Roger cook came back.

[@reindeer-o-stoole]

he's back as of early 2021. as started is own channel bankrolled by jimmy pursey.

[@andyelliott8027]

The camera crew were a bunch of nancy boys, they ran away and didn't even try to help him. On that kind of show you need a couple of lads who can look after themselves.

[@stickytapenrust6869]

@@andyelliott8027 It’s more likely they would have been sacked if that expensive equipment was damaged, that’s why they ran away.

[@tabascocat5102]

@@andyelliott8027 Nancy boys? They were professional and kept filming. They're rightfully not interested in being seen to be 'hard'. Which is terrible important to you, it seems

[@andyelliott8027]

@@tabascocat5102 They should help him.

[@jonfonts4050]

The most British thing I've seen. Getting attacked and just taking it like a good ole bloke

[@davidbrockmeier9538]

But where was the antiques dealer sense of British humor though? "Ooooh! A transcript! Typed it up yourself, didn't ya? Words on a page! Guess you got me there! Lemme show you this antique over here. This is a metal bar that was used in the battle of '81, and is by far the most valuable item in all the shop." ::proceeds to beat them::

[@PS987654321PS]

Oh shut up.

[@HansDelbruck53]

ol'

[@punypixel2795]

He's from New Zealand

[@jordangreen4400]

*jolly good*

[@nicklad9463]

"Hit me with your rhythm stick ,its nice to be a lunatic"

[@Automedon2]

I think everyone would like to smack many TV presenters with a metal bar

[@grghkllb3875]

Also lying crooks and grifters.

[@brownwarrior6867]

This is where the term “Rodgered aggressively with a stiff blunt instrument” originated.

[@mikejones-go8vz]

😂

[@davey0987]

Cook was proper journalist he didn't even run from being beaten with bar

[@Yagdrol]

The antique scammer almost smiles when he picks up his trusty iron bar.😄

[@upturnedblousecollar5811]

My jaw dropped at how Roger still insisted on interviewing the crook while having his ribs smashed. What a legend of television and what a tough gentleman. He should've been knighted for his TV work.

[@ramonhurtadocabezas]

Jaaa 😄🤣🤣🤣

[@dougtheviking6503]

As an American love these old Roger Cook investigations. I believe the News world as a whole needs to take a note from this guy . Get to the point and truth of the matter . But wow, guy takes a beating 😳

[@brianmunich553]

If you like that you'd also like Donald McIntyre investigations (Wayne's world) is a good one where he goes undercover to bust Wayne hardy a nightclub bouncer who dealt in drugs

[@sinisterthoughts2896]

As an American, he would've been nailed for trespassing.

[@crupt1023]

Yeah here in America once its made even a little bit clear you aren't welcome in a shop, if you stick around, you're officially in "fucking around and about to find out" territory. Maybe me being an American is why I agree with the guy with the metal bar. I would have also attacked that reporter.

[@WWG1WWGA]

@@sinisterthoughts2896 u know nothing about America. Or, trespassing in America, for that matter. 🤦😏

[@thewomble1509]

@@sinisterthoughts2896 In Britain, trespass is a civil matter, not a police one. Also, they were in his SHOP which was open to the public as his place of business...................

[@TyroneDaviesWELSHMAN]

Good old Roger Cook.. the world needs more journalists with that kind of guts, integrity and dammit.. charisma!

[@terry_willis]

This one of the funniest skits the BBC has ever presented. Benny Hill could have taken a lesson from this presentation.

[@createmorebiz7652]

The shop owner said, It's a 'mad house' they're like 'the mafia' and then proceeded to 'go insane' and act like 'the mafia' on Roger Cooks ass!

[@allylou5151]

LOL 😆

[@upturnedblousecollar5811]

arse*

[@vestibulate]

@@upturnedblousecollar5811 Forgive the Yanks. They know not what they spell.

[@paulbush2249]

He was making a prediction

[@1984isHereNow]

No one has done it like Cook, we have had a few pretenders but he was the master.

[@1984isHereNow]

***** I vaguely remember them ones mate, blimey, how old am I ?

[@lauriesmith82]

Roger Cook is an absolute saint - he is possibly one of the greatest 'unsung heroes' of REAL investigative journalism ever! His determination to expose these ruthless, despicable criminals despite extreme personal risk has never been replicated since. We miss you SO much Roger - especially as fraudulent crime, scams, official incompetence and injustice are much more common and widespread than ever before. You sir, are a credit to your profession!

[@kaceyanders6599]

In 1990 (i.e. 6 years after the 1984 UK miners strike) Cook and the Daily Mirror (a UK tabloid which, ironically, is pro-Unions) insinuated that Arthur Scargill (the National Union of Miners [NUM] leader during the strike) had trousered money donated to the union in order to support the miners during the strike. I'm no Scargill fan - he was as militant and uncompromising as they come - but this accusation was without merit. Cook was/is a brave man, but very few (if any) of his investigations led to conviction. I personally think he was exaggerating issues to justify his work.

[@weedliftlefty5425]

master of jelousey

[@jacksonirving4594]

@Rex I balance a snickers bar sometimes.

[@Sleepysidney]

Roger cook was the original and the best at exposé television. All these shows on tv nowadays trying similar just can't compare

[@hermesmcclintok]

He was trespassing and got beat with a metal bar. Lesson learned maybe?

[@shaunlappin4180]

So cocky when he says "would you like to see the transcript"? Love it

[@donmcatee45]

Mr. Harris invited me to step outside to talk things through. But his means of communication proved to be, a metal bar. This could have been strait from Monty Python’s Flying Circus. The British are masters of the understatement.

[@petesmitt]

Cook is Kiwi born and grew up in Australia, becoming a journalist with the ABC, before moving to England.

[@jjayala5512]

@@petesmitt CommonWealthers

[@lexorcism]

Works perfectly if you read it in John Cleese's voice.

[@stephenroche5107]

He barred him from his shop.

[@bartonyoung3631]

Underrated comment

[@michaelconnell7808]

😂😂😂😂

[@IbnZebbug]

Lol 🤣🤣🤣 you sure about that😂😂 🤣 hilarious comment

[@eamonnquigley2125]

yes he barred him from his shop and then took the bar too him .............................. headbanger..

[@james-kc7xk]

And barred him again.

[@tommyball1863]

I've met Roger and he is such an incredible man...

[@malbig2344]

Really...

[@malbig2344]

@Simon McCreath no just riveted to the spot by Tonny's story.

[@viborgvee8399]

The sudden cut to the men in a heap in the middle of the road meters and meters away from the camera was just 👌 good editing haha

[@theephemeralglade1935]

So British. "I say, old boy, I think that your striking me with that bar. Would you mind stopping as I find it to be quite uncomfortable."

[@macklee6837]

"Would you like to see the transcript?" *nods* "You would? Jolly good" 🤣🤣

[@Si_digs]

😂😂😂

[@nonsenseworld72]

what horrid people, even that woman ripping up the transcript. Some people are just shit. Cook is a legend in investigate journalism. No one has had the bottle to do what he has done, apart from maybe Mcintyre.

[@caeserromero3013]

Not the smartest is she...It was a transcript of a TAPE RECORDING 😂😂😂

[@nonsenseworld72]

@@caeserromero3013 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣👍

[@reynaldoflores4522]

@@caeserromero3013 Cook has more copies in his office.

[@thomasb7347]

But now the evidence is gone forever! They certainly brought the only copy with them and destroyed the tape

[@sinisterthoughts2896]

Cook was also being an ass to instigate something. It's what gets ratings.

[@wezzmusic]

I've been looking for clips of the fabulous & rather superb Roger for ages. Glad to have found it. Superb.

[@jaimek990]

Balls of steel, what a legend Roger Cook wasC

[@TonyEnglandUK]

is* Roger's still around. He's an author these days.

[@dommidavros2211]

I used to love the Cook report but it always infuriated me that he never retaliated!!

[@jimkon5767]

It's really too bad more of the media isn't treated like this in the USA today ...

[@aureol40012]

No guessing which way you vote then 🙄

[@colinmitchell9971]

Loved the Cook Report. We need more Roger Cooks in this world more than ever!

[@sjw101thepoliticalgamer8]

The British are masters in understatement. Verry classy report by Cook and the Newsnight team at the time there. Hope the thug was prosecuted for that attack though.

[@elgamerico]

Always thought he was from the UK. He's actually from New Zeleand

[@matthewleslie4448]

@@Master...deBater Don't talk rubbish

[@OrbvsTomarvm]

@@Master...deBater what a 💤💤💤

[@kristinaburke8720]

MASTER deBATER. ughh just shut up, we get you spend a lot on time on google

[@barrystevens2699]

@ Why is he an idio?. Everything he said is true.

[@rondon9897]

3 cracked ribs?? Roger was absolutely fearless - what a man.

[@johnlynn9388]

The noise the antique dealer made before his attack was like he was charging in to a medieval battle.

[@TNT-km2eg]

That crook would do beautiful job as a voice-over for wild animals and rabid dogs

[@grahamh6988]

Roger was an amazing reporter. If I'd been in his shoes, dealer bloke would be getting the same back....over several days......in a quiet barn somewhere!

[@golds335]

yer i would of had to floor him i think.

[@JohnSmith-cs7jg]

You’re hard

[@golds335]

@@JohnSmith-cs7jg not really john not as hard as you.

[@jdb47games]

Yes, tough guy.

[@golds335]

@@jdb47games

[@haybob2527]

Now, that's what I call good customer service,1980s style..😁👍

[@blownmoon1462]

What a tough guy you are when you have a metal bar in your hands

[@suzyqualcast6269]

Tooled up, demonic grin, eyes sempt to go pupil red, then growling.

[@stephenhumphrey7935]

@@suzyqualcast6269 He couldn't help it, that was an ancient magical staff, once owned by a Viking called Olaf the Rib Smasher. It controlled him the moment he picked it up.

[@novakingood3788]

Love the way the crew rushes to Roger's defence. I stood next to him in a pub many years ago and he was about 6' and a solid build, so he could have knocked the shit out of that arsehole fraud, but I guess he figured he'd get into trouble despite having been repeatedly hit with a metal rod. What happened to the fake dealer?

[@kasimirdenhertog3516]

Apparently, died in jail 2 years hence.

[@mortenovergaard7397]

in that situation, where a camera is recording, the best option is probably to take the beating, and let the offender serve out the time.

[@tehs3raph1m]

@@mortenovergaard7397 several cracked ribs though... Jeez... Dining out on that for years I bet, once he could breathe deeply enough to tell it.

[@rustysutton]

@@tehs3raph1m it does certainly hurt pretty bad but as long as you dont make any wrong movements its not that bad ive done physical work with a broken rib before , 3 might be a bit much tough xD

[@mrsolodolo5770]

@@mortenovergaard7397 sod that he could have ended up much worse. He is well within his rights to knock the dealer clean out if he can. Being attacked with a weapon calls for serious self defense camera rolling or not. I believe he was just in shock by the sudden change of temperment and didn't know how to respond.

[@jimboyd1277]

So what happened to antiques dealer "Christopher George Harris" of 217 Preston Road, Brighton" then?

[@ShoJ369]

I'd like to know if Mr Harris was charged ? I do hope so.

[@grahamunderwood9353]

no but the metal bar is still having hospital treatment after being used on a fat fecker

[@Ronald_Custard]

Mr Harris was my grandads friend he was charged and died in prison 2yrs later

[@williamlane9844]

@@Ronald_Custard he was a lying thief con man

[@luluah1198]

@@Ronald_Custard did he??? Someone else said he went on to make a fortune in property

[@Ronald_Custard]

@@luluah1198 yep that was his brother who made the fortune in property

[@BAMBOOLOUNGE]

I bought chips from a kebab van once, they were cold. I complained and received the same treatment.

[@kevh9497]

I think buying chips from a kebab van should have had alarm bells ringing in the first place.

[@Pseudonym-aka-alias]

Shish😎

[@carouselcakes6237]

Ah the cook report. My 15 yr old self & my bestie at the time loved Mr Cook’s crusades against the crooks. We found his tenacity to nail these scoundrels highly amusing. Essential Thursday night tv followed by Cell block later on.

[@bobdole6691]

I love the way the most pious of British sometimes trip over their words and say, “we’re here to answer you a few questions”. I just love that

[@Callie1981]

Pious?

[@kc4cvh]

What sentence did the antiques fraudster receive? Certainly he must have been convicted on a charge of assault, with the act recorded on videotape, and investigation likely revealed a large number of sales of faux antiques.

[@isaacshaver6218]

I believe he's in the house of commons now....lol

[@tipi5586]

@@isaacshaver6218 Actually he died in prison 2 years later.

[@altt-check1-2]

@@tipi5586- did he really ? Is there anywhere I can read about that ?

[@aadrianlee]

Bring back the Cook Report.

[@Joemckenzie-85]

He's dead

[@oliverchong2428]

Wasn’t the geezer actually roaring like a tiger when he was attacking Roger Cook? That sounded so weird! 🤣 Fair play to Roger Cook, was always professional, courteous and calm, even when a complete nutter was beating him with a metal bar.

[@Vic-ng8if]

Raaarrrr!

[@johnnymcblaze]

WW1 mentality. War cry before you charge.

[@hermesmcclintok]

He was cornered in a backroom by uninvited trespassers. Lucky he didn’t shoot them.

[@Vic-ng8if]

@@hermesmcclintok like a wounded Skink. Off he went on a mentalist rampage. I've said it once, and I'll say it again, Raaaarrrrr

[@greasemonk4576]

@@hermesmcclintok In England? Lmao

[@Edward1312]

The antique dealer had some anger management issues. His personality shifted on a six pence from calm and collected to raving psycho.

[@letsdiscussitoversometea8479]

Never the *_underlying_* issue... just the *_superficial_* one, right???

[@colesteele1]

When “keeping it real,” goes wrong.

[@JamezMorrizProjectz]

Fuck that! I don’t like people playing on my phone!

[@BeardyBaldyBob]

I've heard that the dealer was charged and convicted of assault of some kind and died 2 years later in prison. Not sure how accurate that is but it's all I could find about this incident.

[@novakingood3788]

God, I hope so.

[@goddessravenlovelife7452]

Funny he mentioned the mafia what a curious statement to make when you're a fake antiques dealer 🤔

[@alastairgreen6783]

You're

[@scooboy]

Roger was the real deal , many have tried to imitate him but never succeeded

[@TonyEnglandUK]

He's still alive, 79.

[@scooboy]

@@TonyEnglandUK, glad to hear he is still kicking .

[@TonyEnglandUK]

@@scooboy He became more of an author, his books are a great read, too.

[@TonyEnglandUK]

@@scooboy I'm equally glad to hear he isn't still TAKING a kicking lol.

[@chathamabs2011]

Peter Snow at the end, absolutely brilliant. 👌

[@flabbybum9562]

He was also prosecuted for false advertising. The sign in his shop clearly said no breakages.

[@vestibulate]

badum-dum.

[@dirtylemon3379]

Just when I thought I’d seen every Monty Python sketch ever.

[@RJ-wx3fh]

It was all a misunderstanding over some maliciously mistranslated Hungarian...

[@davetheman2615]

Roger Cook was fearless, a legend

[@thatguythatwascalledpainse1533]

and also a fat lying piece of shit with the crap he said about Satanism.

[@luzvalencia8995]

He took that beating and didn’t fight back. Truly fearless A legend at taking beatings

[@davetheman2615]

@@luzvalencia8995 In fairness Roger Cook is a big Fella, and could easily damage most people who who attacked him, But If he ever fought back, that would not go down well with the Tv Commissioners, so that would be the end of the Roger Cook Report, it would have been pulled once he threw the first punch back

[@ProjectFlashlight612]

This was, worryingly, the nineteenth time Cook had been hit with a metal object that year.

[@DCI-Frank-Burnside]

You've been selling innocent grandmothers fake Ming vases, haven't you?

[@mistervacation23]

Funny AF. I thought it was a Monty Python skit

[@BigPhilBigBike]

“Phew! Boy! That escalated quickly! I mean that really got out of hand, fast!” - Ron Burgundy

[@wez4517]

I notice that his female accomplice picked up the transcript and started to rip it up... there's an admission of guilt right there!

[@jdb47games]

Perhaps she thinks ripping up the transcript will make it go away!

[@letsdiscussitoversometea8479]

No it's not an "admission of guilt". Civilization fought for centuries for the right to remain private, and complicated personal circumstances can present as one possible reason as to *_why_* somebody may choose to do such a thing. Life isn't necessarily as straightforward as your apparent assessment of the situation, appears to suggest. Reproval is *INFINITELY* preferable to exposure given an apparent situation such as this, as the latter can fail to take into account untold numbers of factors that may be critical in establishing a far fuller picture of the totality of the situation - *_not_* in turn leading to the "exposed" individual being left high and dry with absolutely no comeback if things latterly transpire. Extremely dangerous mentality.

[@Jaydot34.]

Sheeiittt I forgot about roger cook until coming across this video Roger Cook is a certified fucking legend no reporters ever close he didn’t play getting all up in there faces lol he literally got BATTERED with capital B here and still went back for more 😂😂 ffaaakinel

[@Onmysheet]

His wife seems unprepared to defend him, as even she knows he deserves it.

[@Onmysheet]

I meant before that in the shop. She just stands there hopeless of what to do. He was probably a bully and she didn't want to be part of his deeds.

[@pop_o_matic]

You can see the shop owner consider swinging at Cook’s head for a second but remembers he’s on camera.😂

[@thomascaldwell6751]

I have no idea how this ended up on my feed but that the best 2:47 Mins of TV ever

[@jj342]

Some reporters need this today

[@JulianLeahy]

they were trespassing

[@Si_digs]

​@@JulianLeahy😂😂😂 oh that makes it ok 🙄

[@mooseyman74]

I thought it was usual to ask if you wanted police, ambulance or fire service? Don't think he called anyone.

[@suzyqualcast6269]

Hmmm.

[@pyroguitars1296]

If they had asked: Police please....actually, you'd better send an ambulance too.

[@jeremytravis360]

I remember Roger being attacked more than once, I forget how many times I saw him in a plaster cast.

[@shaun5944]

Roger Cook was a brave man. I used to love watching he's investigation programmes. He even went out to Africa to investigate a false hunting safari company. Well done Roger 👍🇬🇧

[@robspencer35]

Yikes! I thought the squeaky-voiced dealer was going to add a few more cracks on my phone screen! 😉

[@gordonpearce4015]

Did the antique dealer get charged with the abuse.i wouldn't want him for a parent or a friend.

[@neverspreadjamonabadjer8459]

Even his metal bar was of dubious quality ...look at the way it bent with such ease. ☹

[@Gaming-Mad]

The Roars Mr Harris gives out while he is attacking sounds very much like the "War Cry" Skill in the video game Elden Ring lol.

[@adismell]

This guy really is a legend.

[@stardust-hr8wh]

I agree, you don't see antique dealers like that any more

[@lookandlisten5740]

@@stardust-hr8wh- absolutely...Arthur Negus once ripped off the leg of a Queen Ann table and battered someone within an inch of their life on an episode of " Going for a song" .... obviously the BBC has never broadcast it.

[@stardust-hr8wh]

@@lookandlisten5740 you don't see those old schoolers anymore. Absolute f****** legend!!

[@lookandlisten5740]

@@stardust-hr8wh - yep..its all sentimental shite like the repair shop nowadays .... They should just bin the grandmother's old clock and tell the granddaughter " it was to hard to fix..so we got you a digital wall clock from argus instead..now p*ss off"

[@_v-.]

Roger Cook and Keith Floyd are 2 absolute legends of 80s TV. Brilliant 😁📺

[@STEJTHEGREATEST]

1:50 I was half expecting Cookie boy to start throwing punches back like Bob Probert after being jumped like that!!!! It looked like a hockey fight, almost!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@BloodMoonASMR]

The 20th century was wild 😂

[@bumblaster9000]

all journalists could do with this treatment

[@JB-vv9ow]

His secretary was very good at her job she picked up any paperwork from the ground and put them back into their folders.

[@LeafMobbMusic]

A true hero. If we had reporters like him today they'd be snuffed before the 6 o clock news. I miss when the news actually reported real news instead of political or racial sensationalist pieces.

[@painfulsilence316]

You're clearly brainless. You think "real news" isn't political? What a fucking moron you are

[@tobleramone]

How is this 'real news' any more than anything political?

[@Terry.W]

Roger Cook rocks..

[@calessel3139]

Kind of odd how the on location video looks 40 years old being fuzzy and faded, while the in studio report appears sharp with vivid colors almost as if it was recorded recently.

[@gbarbecue2399]

Your point being?

[@tsd550]

The location footage was on film, which can degrade in the way it has here. The studio footage will be on VT which does not degrade in the same way.

[@cd3949]

On location used film stock.

[@losttango]

​@@tsd550 Presumably they didn't dig out the original film stock to put this KZbin clip together. The film would have been transferred to video before broadcast I would guess, and the whole of this clip would therefore be from the video master.

[@garyfrancis6193]

Notice how helpful the woman is in defending her colleague.

[@jcw3195]

The crew's self righteous arrogance blinded them to the possibility they were walking into a loaded situation.

[@michaelbramall6799]

Kind of had similar thoughts on this one

[@D.B_COOPER_1]

Rodger Cook got absolutely battered in this. I'd of hoped he had a few lads that could handle themselves before confronting nutters like this.

[@MrIrishscouse]

Trouble is you never know how aggressive someone like that might get if they're confronted like that. Brilliant video.

[@martinsmith8487]

Roger walked into a bar, it was an iron bar

[@nationalweatherbroadcast8445]

When your Vault dweller has 1 strength and you've still got the baton from the beginning

[@Gaming-Mad]

lol good idea to have a super mutant bodyguard lol

[@Pikee]

>that nose >Calls the police as he strikes you with a metal bar

[@thecrusader4422]

Top bloke he wasn't frightened of the truth

[@letsdiscussitoversometea8479]

You mean *_his_* determination of the "whole" truth do you mean???

[@markrunk9171]

That's how all reporters should be handled.