Dinner for One with Freddie Frinton and May Warden

A classic old time comedy about a Butler serving dinner who gets increasingly drunk while serving drinks. www.yorkmanmedia.com

[@nctpti2073]

Here in Germany, this is a tradition on New Years Eve. It shows at least once on every major German TV station. No one seems to know how the tradition started, but it is one nonetheless. And the production is great, so as a Canadian here, happily adopted it :D

[@immereinsmehralsdu]

Note that this is not the german version of the sketch but the one recorded by swiss television. The german version is longer (18 min) and has a different set and camera angles.

[@benchaney9047]

It’s absolutely shit

[@steventrost_0113]

Yes. Every year never missed

[@Leo-zi1uf]

@@immereinsmehralsdu We always watch the English version. We also watches the English one in school.

[@nooooo3400]

The sketch was not originally planned as a New Year's Eve entertainment. After it had been broadcast a few times as a pause filler in the ARD and the NDR, the program got its fixed slot nine years after it was first broadcast. On December 31, 1972, NDR entertainment director Henri Regnier took the tape out of the archive. Since then, Dinner for One has been broadcast at the turn of the year. The saying “Happy new year, Miss Sophie” (James as Mr. Pommeroy) could have contributed to the election as New Year's Eve. Dinner for One is sometimes referred to as one of the first magnetic recordings (MAZ) on German television. [15] (from Wikipedia)

[@Philipp1500]

Dinner for One is a tradition to watch on New Years eve in Germany. I came here for that, same procedure as last year.

[@seandefaoite]

Same procedure as every year!

[@Zhadowcleric]

Same Tradition in Denmark!

[@mermaidgirlxoxo]

😂😂😂

[@freschi9934]

Same Procedure 2023 aswell^^

[@mermaidgirlxoxo]

@@freschi9934 same!

[@user-gf2xp5ep5r]

I am American and my wife is from Deutschland … needless to say we watch this as tradition every NYE..and I love it ! Same procedure every year ! Gutes Neu Jar 2023! 🎉🥂🇩🇪

[@jonhayden6235]

This is a timeless treasure, and we join the Germans in observing this wonderful tradition. Happy New Year, everyone!

[@johnkelly1083]

I'm from the UK. I've literally never heard of this sketch 😅.

[@arthurbaldwin1804]

Freddie Frinton that’s a name I haven’t heard in a very long time. His television appearances used to have us kids in fits of laughter. Watching him on our 12” screen Pye black and white TV

[@yosoufomaryar6474]

Pov: it’s New Year’s Eve und ur here

[@sansfil]

Yea, exactly

[@ZIMA.RECORDS]

!!

[@readisgooddewaterkant7890]

True

[@b0ltun0]

in wich countries is this a tradition as well? I know its the case with germany lmfao

[@readisgooddewaterkant7890]

@@b0ltun0 germany, denmark sweden norway the netherlands south africa austria and finland

[@diarmuidkuhle8181]

Am German, can confirm this plays on several TV channels at different times to ensure everyone can catch it at some point in the evening.

[@saegemehlfee]

Hier sind wir alle schon wieder...

[@Anduriel7]

Bis zum nächsten Jahr

[@Alfie198]

I read about this wonderful actor in my Christmas edition of The New European. It explained the tradition of it being shown on German TV each year. Freddie Frinton is the actor, who incidentally was teetotal, which makes his performance even more remarkable. He was born in Grimsby and aged 14, left school to work in a fish processing factory but got the sack for his humorous antics. In 1962, Frinton and May Warden, then 72 years old, were performing Dinner for One at Blackpool Winter Gardens, where two German visitors, Peter Frankenfeld and Heimz Dunkhouse were on the lookout for some good English humour. They found what they were looking for and the rest is history! I write this on 31st December, when in Germany, many families will be looking forward to." The same procedure as last year".

[@micha3828]

Frohes, gesundes, neues Jahr.

[@lukasmuller5616]

Schön geschrieben, einen guten Rutsch und ein frohes und besseres neues Jahr für uns alle!

[@1991beachboy]

It's not only airing in Germany on new years eve but also in Austria, Switzerland, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland and Estonia.

[@Anduriel7]

@@1991beachboy Same procedure as every year. Guten Rutsch

[@1991beachboy]

@@Anduriel7 What does Guten Rutsch mean? I'm from Sweden and I definitly get Guten but not Rutsch.

[@michelleschrock9141]

I just saw this on TV a few minutes ago and it didn't disappointed me. I was in tears. 😂🤣

[@Malakai_030]

Wait a minute... You didn't know this one? Wow... This one is a German New Years tradition for like 30 years now.... I love you enjoyed it! :D

[@michelleschrock9141]

@@Malakai_030 I don't mean it like that. I should be more direct. I watch it every year too. I just see it on TV a few minutes ago. 😅📺

[@Malakai_030]

@@michelleschrock9141 Ah I see. But then again.. I love you enjoyed it. Once more. Happy New Year!

[@michelleschrock9141]

@@Malakai_030 Thanks for understanding. Happy new year to you too. 🎇🎆

[@finnexternbrink4432]

I am 98 and i watch this every year since my birth

[@a_demain]

“Dinner for One” is a comedy sketch that was originally written by Lauri Wylie in the 1920s. The sketch was first performed live in the 1940s and was later adapted for television. The most famous version of the sketch was performed by Freddie Frinton and May Warden in 1963. The sketch has become a New Year’s Eve tradition in Germany and other parts of Europe. It is also known as “Der 90. Geburtstag” (The 90th Birthday).

[@floorgle]

As an english person, i learned of this from my german class where apparently this is a tradition and im here to see why

[@laurenek]

Ditto. American here. Just heard about this from my German friends a couple days ago. Came to check it out.

[@kamalindsey]

​@@laurenek Big European tradition to watch this, not just Germany. State TV channels usually show it on New Years. Wikipedia says the premise is already known in the US as performed by Red Skelton and Lucille Ball, though I have not seen that version.

[@laurenekelly607]

@@kamalindsey I've not seen that one either. I guess this is kind of like "The Wizard of Oz" being a Christmas TV tradition in the UK. Americans say, "What?" I'd love to know the history behind some of this stuff.

[@athmou]

Greek living in Germany. Never seen this until I came here. Since then I watch it every year. I think that Germans believe it is an American or English tradition. Not sure though.

[@TheMadSqu]

Then please be aware that this is not the "German version". While this one is good, imho the sketch that is played each year on German television has another set, a German anouncer at the beginning and is a little different in the timing and imho a little more "defined" as I would put it. Also a big part for me is that it has another audience. In the German version there is a woman who just pi**es herself which enhances the atmosphere as well. At least in my opinion. But as far as I can see this version is not on youtube.

[@bridgettekatsane7400]

I still watch this every New Years Eve in memory of my mom. It used to be broadcast in South Africa, but now I watch it online just to bask in her memory. Miss you ma. Happy New Year everyone🎉🎉🎉❤️❤️❤️

[@mennahughes1698]

My eldest grand daughter has German connections with her boyfriend. When I shared this sketch with her and then she with them, her ratings went higher and higher with the German family!!! They watch it every year!

[@chinesecabbagefarmer]

That's wonderful! :)

[@michaeldillon3113]

What a wonderful charming story to discover that this sketch is held in such affection in Europe. Peace through the power of comedy ✌️🕊️

[@michaelheath5615]

A German guy I was chatting to at a BBQ in NH dragged me up to the house so we could watch this, and he told me it was a super-common New Year's Eve watch in Deutschland. That was fun.

[@Guerteltank]

My sister and me look up through all channels and watch as many different versions as possible every year. The same procedure as every year

[@olefredrikskjegstad5972]

It's a tradition in Norway as well, but instead for the evening ahead of Christmas. For us, that's the 24th of December, so this sketch airs every year on the 23rd, which we call "Little Christmas Eve"

[@kawaiilotus]

@@Guerteltank different versions? Could you clarify please?

[@qwertyTRiG]

@@kawaiilotus It was a stage skit, performed many times and filmed at least twice.

[@willhelme2408]

@@kawaiilotus Since it’s so popular many versions in different German dialects were produced as well as some parodies. I think that’s what the comment was referring to.

[@misakii3957]

My German friend told me this, so I watched on New Years Eve in 2022 as a japanese. Nice :)

[@notsureiL]

What did you think?

[@cuteduckdontlie4636]

Almost all North European countries watch this every single Xmas and New Year !

[@HoolyDooly-si2zz]

I thought the humor rather childish when you compare them with Dave Allen or Dick Emery Masters of Comedy

[@donstones2765]

It's Nye in Australia today and I missed this on the telly by an hour, so had to come here. Haven't missed seeing this once a year since 1998, just so funny. Thank you Miss Sophie, James and the Tiger.

[@sundaywasabi]

Happy New Year, Don! 🥂🍾🍀

[@Anduriel7]

Happy New Year Mr. Pommeroy.

[@GolfieButterbro]

This actor is absolutely incredible, haven't seen a lot performances as good as this one! I love this shit so bad, crying tears every single time😁

[@Deku-ns5go]

To everyone who reads this, happy new year!

[@mennahughes1698]

I am 82 and live in England. When I was in mt mid teens and on holiday in Blackpool, Lancs. I saw Freddie Frinton on stage, with I believe, Thora Hird as Miss Sophie. It was hilarious then even though I didn't fully understand the significance. It is still a classic to me and my French friends!

[@ernst-dietmarhorstmann4949]

My Lady, I am 52. But since my young years I watch this every year on old year evening, It is a tradition. I wish You the best for the next year. Best wishes from Hamburg/Germany

[@racheallange2056]

I am 48 and an American and I never seen this before until I was in Germany .( my husband is Bavarian ) way back when I was a teen watched British shows as many as I could...and how could I miss this classic ..I love Keeping Up Appearances.. Patricia Routledge is a gem..

[@TerrenceSpencer]

@@racheallange2056 In fact, this is a german production with british actors. In Britain, it's not very known and not popular. Because of the easy language, it was or is also understandable for people who don't speak englisch very well. Greatings from Germany!

[@racheallange2056]

@@TerrenceSpencer Happy New year from Bavaria! 😊

[@TerrenceSpencer]

@@racheallange2056 Grüße aus RLP :D

[@simondalzell5635]

I'm 58 and seeing this first time. Just Brilliant.

[@camelliainzurich1262]

Hilarious. Saw an article in The New York Times about this movie and I love it and yeah, I am part Swedish.

[@modtwentyeight]

I am 78 years old and this is the first time I am seeing this. I am trying to get myself up off the floor from laughing so hard. I will also now have to get a replacement keyboard because of all the coffee that came out of my nose watching this early in the morning. What a gem!!🤣

[@ntombikayisemore]

I watched dinner for one for many years, i never get tired of watching it. Even now I'm still in tears of laughter after watching it.

[@grahameboyd1995]

​@@ntombikayisemorelook

[@wihatmi5510]

Did you know that German people watch it every year on New Years Eve? They show it on all channels over and over again on this day. It's a tradition here.

[@dw620]

Apparently this is actually the "cut down" Swiss version which - I'm told by friends in Germany - is indicative of their lack of sense of humour! The original should be around somewhere... : )

[@wihatmi5510]

@@dw620 What is cut?

[@chaimakoko5862]

Thanks to my German friend I’m start learning about Germany more , the more I’m learning the more it’s interesting big love from Algeria 🇩🇿 happy new year

[@mylife2022]

I'm British and watching this for the first time ever.

[@Nightgrauen]

And how did you like it? I am german and yes, I really watch it every year... and just now, because I felt like having a good laugh.

[@mylife2022]

It does remind me so much of the stuffy etiquette and rigidity of certain classes. Such a shame we have a stupid class system

[@MirlitronOne]

First time for me too. I really can't understand why this is not better known in the UK. Great fun.

[@David_7171]

My annual New Year’s Eve tradition watching this.

[@maximonamitzhian9064]

I love how all of us here in the comments, we have something in common. We have a German relative, partner, or someone we know that introduced us to this...

[@pariscarbo]

I follow a German youtube channel that mentioned this. First time knowing about it. There is nothing like this where I live

[@NBisGettingReady]

I’m a nurse and I work in a senior’s home. One of the residents told me to watch this. So glad I did because this is hilarious !!! I’m Canadian 🇨🇦

[@johnnewman2453]

What a fantastic actor. They don't mak,m Like this any more. God bless Freddie

[@petelosuaniu]

I came here after King Charles III’s speech in Germany where he referred to it and I’d never heard of this new year tradition

[@wiannel8999]

This has been a traditional watch since 95! Happy 2021 folks

[@Z8Q8]

ich habe ein kleine Deutsch gelernt, aber ich weiss nicht auf diese skit.... it's hysterical!! Vielen Dank fur diese spirit-lifting clip : )

[@corascarlett3371]

Every year without failure this is sent here in Norway on the 23rd of December and I love it so much. Aware that it is more of a New Years Eve setting, but for my family at least it also helps with the Christmas mood.

[@u.barzantny347]

Herrlich, nach Möglichkeit lachen wir Silvester jedesmal über den tollen Schauspieler Freddy Frinton. Vielen Dank, ein gutes neues Jahr 2023!

[@lausdeandl]

No idea how many times I have watched this! ❤️ Same procedure every year!

[@Anduriel7]

Same procedure as every year.

[@HuwJones]

I was only introduced to this a few days ago and I think I've watched over 20 times now...and all the other versions out here! Absolutely brilliant. I'm 51 years old.

[@drunktwg]

This never gets old 😅

[@xiaoyuzhang5896]

I am Chinese and studied in Germany; I've heard from my colleagues about this new year's eva tradition; my supervisor said he has watched it over 30 times. Good to see this; Happy new year to all. (2023.1.6.)

[@dana102083]

I came here from a youtuber thats vietnamese studying in Germany. Im from Canada but its my first time :) happy new year x2

[@1991beachboy]

Wishing everyone a happy new year from Sweden! Also a yearly tradition here

[@cronoxofficial]

Frohes Neues Jahr an alle! Same procedure as every year! 🎉

[@erwinfraanje8170]

I remember watching this on new years eve as a kid in 1984...love it

[@axdambient]

I'm not European, I'm Latino this is my first time seeing this I'm watching this every NYE from now on

[@markpearson8721]

I must admit I'd never seen this until I heard about it in the news about King Charles' visit to Germany. I couldn't stop laughing by the end of it. I think I'll make it a personal tradition to watch this on New Year's Eve too from now on.

[@kathrynstemler6331]

Should Old Acquaintance be forgot?

[@Elize0805]

Me too, I think. Thank God for KZbin!! 🎉

[@aramisdagaz9]

Happy New Year, everyone!

[@davidmcc8727]

I am English and lived in Germany from 2008-12. My German friends were amazed when I told them no Brits knew of this scetch they assumed we all watched it

[@wolfganggiebel5306]

❤das Sylvester ritual

[@gioiaschonfeld2388]

I watch this every new years. Wherever I am.

[@Philipp1500]

Wieder da auch für dieses Jahr !

[@DunkiesGirlAgain]

New Years here, and following the same procedure as every year, I have watched this every year here in Australia for the last 31 years. Love it.

[@matelotmatelot6244]

Pure Gold. Old classics never die, they mature with age.

[@user-mr1gp2sz2q]

At the end of the film on TV, I prepare glasses for champagne ("Sekt" in German) every year. It's a tradition to watch this film as the last TV programm of the year in Austria, too. A Happy New Year 2024 from Vienna for every one ❤

[@Zitronenlimos]

Ein guten Start in das neue Jahr :D

[@Miristzuheiss]

The oldest German Tradition? Why? I Love it. I am 60. My Granny, my Mom. Every year the Same Procedere. In english!!!

[@knonkululeko1695]

Bring back

[@barbelharder5290]

Immer wieder schön zu sehen 🥰

[@melkiorwiseman5234]

I see that this version is missing the "preamble" where it's explained that "Miss Sophie's" friends have died before she did and yet she celebrates Christmas dinner by having a table setting in honour of each one of them.

[@notsureiL]

Because she is senile.

[@dw620]

I wonder how many people realise this is (presumably) the "cut down" version shown on Swiss TV that many people in German deride them for showing. Or so I've been told!

[@OrangeTabbyCat]

New Years Eve. Time to warch this for the….53rd timemin my life. Each year on New Years Eve. And yes I was assured I watched this as a baby already. And yes I am German.

[@F-OYT1887]

Moin und frohes neues Jahr 🎆🎊🎈

[@sonjadietz5297]

Ja, 2020 Auf jeden Fall : Dinner for ONE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@helenmarie4996]

hahahah

[@bobw7066]

My wife and I watch this show every new year.

[@viren-beschworer5930]

Cheers from Germany!🥂

[@MsZuegig]

getting ready for 2024!!!!

[@tonywise198]

Good ole Freddy Frinton. Often had a broken cigarette in his sketches. Timeless.

[@tykjenffs]

This has been a tradition to watch in Norway since the 80s, on the day before Christmas Eve. Timeless :)

[@ajs41]

Funny thing is it's not well-known here in England.

[@izabellaSands]

Happy New year 2024 Everyone 🎊🎉🍾🥂❤️🙏😊

[@RadagonTheRed]

I am 32 and was first introduced to this by a friend a couple of years ago. What a timeless classic and that ending was pretty edgy for the time! Amazing.

[@solsnail4741]

love it! great to see this and to hear it is still going strong in Germany and being watched around the world. Im in Yorkshire

[@dielaughing73]

I don't know if I've ever seen something so repetitive and predictable... but so damn hilarious! Great performances

[@tomitiustritus6672]

The Meta of it all is that it is literally the same procedure every year in Germany for decades. So it's metarepetitive and metapredictable, as half of the country can, and often does, speak the text in synchony. Every. Year.

[@justinhowe3878]

a great deal of comedy comes from repetition and predictability, with minor variations to retain the element and feeling of surprise. it's about the production of expectations. you can also read bergson on humor and laughter, who said that we laugh at the application of inappropriate strategies, a kind of automatism or habitual motion. we keep doing something that doesn't work anymore.

[@davidjohn2517]

Have watched this most years for 20 years, never fails to crease me up. In bits laughing every time. 😂

[@deerhound1952]

As has probably been already mentioned, this is almost totally unheard of in the UK! I only heard about it from a Danish friend who couldn't understand why I'd never seen it. Perhaps one day it will become a tradition here and we'll see it each year on British television. Let's hope so.

[@mainstream1978]

know how the tradition begin: A German 🇩🇪 men from a German 🇩🇪 television station has made vacation in England. And he saw this "Dinner for one" in a theater in England. And he liked it so much that he invited the man who plays the butler with the woman to the television station in Germany. The two then replayed the piece and the TV cameras 📺 recorded it. Since then it has been broadcast every year since I think 1952 on the WDR (television station) half an hour before midnight on New Year's Eve. And it is now a tradition in Germany to watch this film on New Year's Eve. many English and Americans do not know this film. there is a KZbin video where X watches the film for the first time:

[@andyalder7910]

Hadn't heard of this before King Charles speech at Bellevue Palace today.

[@matthiasgrojohann8807]

Immer wieder geil😂

[@spanglelime]

Happy New Year's everyone! My Danish best friend taught me about this tradition and I have to watch it every year now. 🥳🍾🥂🎆🎇

[@dreamnotfound8023]

Every year I Am Lauging till I die

[@wilfriedwindels193]

Es ist mal wieder Silvester Abend. Rutscht gut rein in 2023. Wilf.

[@LydiaWhitting]

So wonderful to have found it.. after so many years.. going to share with my adult child. Its a rare piece that can cheer u up any time of the year for time memorial.

[@Fanfiktion1988]

Thanks for Uploading this Masterpiece of TV Culture!!!

[@jhbassoon1137]

You have to watch "Dinner for One" with Freddie Frinton and May Warden on New Year. That's definitely a tradition. Funny thing is, it's not popular in England & US, despite being in English. It’s a German production from 1961. “Same procedure as every year Miss Sophie?” “Same procedure as every year James” Happy New Year :)

[@agathalandsburry]

I think I watched this comedy one hundred times:-) I love it so much! Thank you so much!

[@beardedmanace4942]

I'm here once again. May 2022 be better than last year

[@lizroberts1569]

I remember watching this as a child. Freddy Frinton was very popular

[@irgendwerausbayern1999]

The same procedure as _every_ year! That's sooo true. We Germans watch this every NYE.

[@rabe7087]

Every Year i sea this, This is a legend 🎉❤

[@paultaylor7082]

Freddie Frinton played a drunk better than anyone, despite being a lifetime Teetotaller. I was lucky enough to see him in a stage play in summer 1967 in Blackpool, in a version of the popular TV series 'Meet the Wife', with Thora Hird, he was brilliant. This series gets a mention in the Sgt Pepper's song 'Good Morning, Good Morning'. Sadly Freddie died in October 1968, I believe this film was shot in 1963.

[@janicemoore30]

Foster Brooks was better (also, not a drinker). kzbin.info/www/bejne/bommZHuZYtd0oc0&ab_channel=dino4ever

[@joannachen100]

Made me laugh and in tears every single time 🤣❤️

[@STAY_world1234]

It's so hilarious and Funny🤣

[@connortopping6943]

Frohes neues Jahr 2024!Aus GB 🇬🇧 🇩🇪 🇦🇹 ❤️ !

[@ArunKumar-wl1ke]

I just heard it's a german thing to watch this every new year's eve... so here i am

[@doodlezjay]

I remember watching this on new years with my mom and her friends. I just love watching it.

[@thandomvimbi1558]

I remember watching this from 1994-1997, every Christmas or new years eve in South Africa

[@daveworthing]

I haven't watched this for years! Brilliantly funny. This will now become a tradition in our house.

[@nonripeloki8959]

Gutes neues an alle❤🎉

[@jackiedutoit5474]

A family tradition. Lots of. Good memories.

[@EDMGmbH]

So. Vielen Lieben Dank für den Upload. Das brauch ich jetzt :) Und danach ein Herz und eine Seele :D

[@harrybrophy7681]

I am continually surprised how the entertainment quality of this production remains year after year.

[@ghirmayhabteghaber8959]

This reminds me of my beautiful German friends. It has been a while though. Happy New Year

[@wolfganggiebel5306]

I was a kid 1972 every year❤😂🎉

[@ericjarvis5570]

A masterclass in restrained slapstick.

[@KopiteZA]

absolute classic just wish they could do a 4k restoration of this

[@JonackFilm]

It wouldn't make it better

[@Marcel50379]

Joko and Klaas Made one

[@staceyleearmstrong7487]

Still one of my favorite shows never fails to make me laugh 😂

[@noushinshafagh9924]

Happy new year as well!🎉🎉🎉

[@lovisatausen8448]

This is absolutely amazing. I love watching this on new years eve

[@florisreyneke2059]

A tolal classic in all aspects. I love watching this. I am watching it now. And I laugh so much. And can Identify with the characters so much. What a show. Brilliant.