Everyman: Famous Last Words - Spike Milligan

[@neil2550]

The world be a better place if there were more Spike Milligans

[@dixonpinfold2582]

Agreed. But the blackhearted writer/narrator casts him as a sickening and pathetic monstrosity.

[@Chris-wj8fz]

It is not worrying spike that Peter is interviewing semantically. Spike is just cleverer than this woke patronising public service broadcaster

[@Chris-wj8fz]

Come on...haven't we all been nodding while listening to spike

[@rosemaryclarke2348]

DEFINARTELY!

[@paulinelee1762]

What a Wonderful Wonderful Human Being. So Very honest and down to earth. And he made an awful lot of common sense. R.I.P. Spike. God Bless your Sweet Soul XXXXX

[@rgarlinyc]

Always loved the guy, always will! Thank G_d for Spike Milligan!

[@vjamesg100]

I miss him.

[@paulmcallum8496]

Spike was obviously suffering PTSD, both from moving back to London from India in the 1930’s and no doubt from his experiences in the war. A very intelligent man and extremely funny. And in no way was he ever mad.

[@danielfisch389]

He had always said he was bipolar, on a rather advanced level. Sometimes a down period could last up to two and a half years. In his manic phases, he was at his most creative. The bipolar behaviour was confirmed by his family and friends as well.

[@brigittegeorg]

Actually he Was mad, he even says so himself.

[@polar199]

@@brigittegeorgyou are in no position to know that.

[@brigittegeorg]

@@polar199 Err, yes I am. I heard him say it on the program, maybe you missed it.

[@martygough]

I think the doctors would have disagreed LOL He was clinically insane at times and he admitted it. But that does not negate his talent or credibility

[@neilfromstan]

I met Spike many years ago when I helped raise money for a special needs school to build a swimming pool. Spike agreed to open the pool on the understanding that he could throw the headmistress in. He did! And that all happened because a little girl from the school knocked on his door and asked if he would do it. A great man one of my all time favourite personalities, as a child I listened to the goons on my crystal set and loved every minute. I still have many of the shows on my tablet in mp3 form and play them regularly.

[@SkyeMpuremagic]

Thank you for sharing that memory!!

[@petervanwyngaard4788]

That's funny! About the headmistress !!!

[@cinemaipswich4636]

I am a better man because of Spike Mulligan. He taught me what comedy and humor was. Now he makes the angels laugh and cry. The world is a better place because of this man, who will never be forgotten.

[@larrymclarnon-pd8xf]

A n absolute treasure, and he was irish as well. What more needs to be said.😊😊😊

[@markbailey1970]

His honesty about his mental health still remains an inspiration. I miss him terribly

[@kenlieck7756]

@Olivia Purcel You could also be describing Jonathan Winters there...

[@robkeogh4593]

You know guys, i've always known of Spike, but only recently really discovered him, thanks to things like Audible he'll forever be discovered by generations. Thankyou Spike Milligan.

[@ihavefallenandicantreachmy2113]

@@robkeogh4593 If "KZbin" would get their Poop, in a group, future generations might discover him, here, as well. (By "him", i mean Spike Milligan.) JUST IN TIME FOR SPIXMAS!!!!!!!

[@Spitalhatch]

I've been a Goon fan since the 1950s and have read and enjoyed most, if not all, of his books, and admired him for his views on conservation, but that's the first time I've heard his thoughts on population control. Dear Spike, you brought tears to my eyes. What a lovely man!

[@billpage6487]

Spikes humour changed everything in comedy, all comediens owe him a lot. Such a funny guy, He's brilliant!

[@bigmoose1961]

A truly amazing human being. Much loved and still alive today in our hearts.

[@danvincent2600]

I think he was part elf tbh

[@heiltd1286]

Both Milligan and France were amazing human beings.

[@markfarrell6103]

Fantastic Bloke , ) best interview he ever gave

[@mollydooker9636]

He was ahead of his time in regards to the planet.

[@neilhobson3624]

Laura Bradley . You’re right Laura. I bet he was a blast to be around. 👍👍.

[@bunchofgrapesorafig]

In regards to the Planet lol, says the Universe lol 🤣. What are you by the way, the Divine Creator!

[@paulwoolley4957]

A Brillliant mind troubled by his experiences in life. A very funny and extremely talented man. God bless🙏💙🕊️

[@markbowman7240]

great interview with a legendary comedian and writer ..how correct was he too about the worlds population getting out of hand .a very wise and highly intelligent man whos greatly missed

[@luckyswine]

Bang on on the environment: well ahead of his time.

[@vjamesg100]

I have read a good many of his books. Superb writer.

[@brigittegeorg]

Absolutely brilliant. I love all his last words and that he called the war the Adolf Hitler show.

[@richardhill2643]

WOW! That has to have been the best ever interview with Spike Milligan. Usually any interview just descends into mayhem as the interviewer brings out the clown, but it it great to see a serious and very thoughtful interview with this much mis-understood genius.

[@neil2550]

I thought so too

[@Bow-j6c]

Compared to our politicians Spike was very balanced ❤ The most normal man I have ever witnessed in life RIP SPIKE 🙏

[@mickbrenton]

Definitely the best interview of Spike I've ever seen!!!

[@wakeupuk3860]

Grew up with the Goons (1950s) all my family including several Uncles would do the voices for me as a child and in the 1980s did the sane with my two sons by playing the recordings of the shows. Watched many documentaries which did not show always the very caring person he was. This KZbin is an absolute gem and have never seen before, and is more relevant to me as I am his age when it was recorded. As others have stated on here, it is with out doubt the best interview ever done as he does is not as many comedians do hide their true selves by resorting to being funny. Personally I find I have much in common with him, even though a veryy caring, loving and kind person I too am often inpatient with people and have very strong 'simple' opinions of aspects like over population and could not agree more with his view on vasectomy and after having two sons had the snip. His point even though loving his kids was spot on, that having another two was wrong which Peter Fances could not get. I too served in the forces and after leaving found never the same friends as I did when in and wished I had stayed in. No way do I have the genius and special way of thinking but I do believe (and do not mean to be arrogant), a few of us (a minority) are born with the ability to think differently to others and Spike Milligan was one of them. He is like the boy in the story of the Emperors New Clothes has the ability to step up and go against the flow, which I have often done to my downfall. I also believe such people who think differently to others are able make others laugh, which I am able to. Not good enough to be a comedian even though being a professional Presenter I can in my every day dealings with people make them laugh, which I get a great kick out of. But at the same time I do can be very inpatient with jobworths, arrogant and stupid people. Spike like John Cleese are masters of getting others to see what they see and we need far more comedians like him more than ever. Sadly with Woke the madness virus is destroying that and with out such people as Spike Milligan to not just make us laugh but make us see things differently the world is going to become a very unpleasant place to live in.

[@Spitalhatch]

Could not agree more with your comment on Woke madness. W.O.K.E. - pronounced DOOOM, folks!

[@jimparr01Utube]

Great interview. One of the planet's treasures. He lives on in millions of minds every day because of the belly-laughter he invokes in us.

[@annegladman8955]

What wonderful man Spike Milligan was

[@christianquinto6034]

¹

[@neilhobson3624]

You’re right Anne. His zany humour was priceless. I thought he was so funny , even when I was young👍👍.

[@stevenclarke2430]

what a fantastic interview and spoke the truth for the future what a great comedian r

[@danvincent2600]

Absolutely wonderful human being

[@Dave-kj4vr]

And 40 years later his concerns about the earth turned out to be well-founded.

[@derekpatey1161]

Thanks for sharing Spike, loved it.

[@baronlowie]

Years ago I read his war memoirs during breaks at work.I had to keep stopping to wipe away the tears of laughter. My mates thought I was nuts. Brilliant.

[@waukivorycopse2402]

Same here. Where Have All the Bullets Gone is genius.

[@boemcshane4790]

After hearing this Spike you just gave me the incentive to write ,Thank You

[@simonkormendy849]

Spike Milligan reminds me a lot about my mum, both he and my mum are Aries people and my mum exhibits quite a few of the same personality traits that he has, my mum is a very warm-hearted person who is very easy to get-along with she always wants to make people feel happy and she really cares a lot about her friends, she told me that she can tolerate a lot of physical pain, but she has a hard time dealing with emotional pain, once you get to know her you soon realize just how much of a wonderful person she really is, I'm so glad that she is my mum.

[@mikehunt5892]

Amazing how a man so sad could create so much laughter.

[@KimSenior]

Most great comics are sad people or have been through adversity.

[@WeWillAlwaysHaveVALIS]

But Dr, I am Pagliacci

[@rosemaryclarke2348]

Robin Williams?😢

[@Da1Dez]

I love watching him in casual interviews and talking from the heart, really makes you appreciate the man he was and how much joy and humour he brought to people.

[@SkyeMpuremagic]

I adore Spike Milligan 💜 ((....and I've only known of his existence for a little over a week Passed away 21 yrs ago and I'm besotted 😅))

[@dianaandlewis]

I am the New Zealand nurse mentioned here after Jane's birth .... however Spike's memories are not exactly accurate...I was already living in the house as the nanny...Paddy, his wife had her leg in plaster and Spike never had to look after the baby. He certainly was having a major depressive event while I was there, but I never said he was an alcoholic. I enjoyed my time there...and have some great memories....Diana Griffiths, Masterton, New Zealand.

[@Dave-kj4vr]

This is the incredible thing about youtube. Brilliant to see your side of the story

[@lksteve8372]

Diana, you must have some amazing memories of living in his house.

[@tarnopol]

Terrific upload!

[@BM-lw6gn]

I am 35 with Bipolar aka Manic Depression. Was a joy to watch this. I am working a LOT of hours to retire in 18 years. The Sooner I can remove myself from having to work with people and be restrained from telling folk to fuck off the better. I struggle in private life with basic things-shopping. No patience for folk. Work -lone worker. I was sent on a first aid course part was the Defib. I simply have no desire to save a life- went down like a lead balloon. Then I have points I rage with a passion to help others from foodbanks and such things. Rather bizarre.

[@Nozinbonsai]

Don't bother working to retire. Go help people for free forever.

[@carlstrohm6152]

Spike will never be forgotten by those who share his sense of the absurd .

[@mickharrison7262]

He'll never be forgotten by those who remember him that's for sure

[@carlstrohm6152]

@@mickharrison7262 Very Milliganesque Mick

[@andreewest4123]

does anyone else remember Spike's story of getting on the train when he had diarrhea?

[@carlstrohm6152]

@@andreewest4123 Go ahead Andree , fill us in !

[@MARKETMAN6789]

I have seen loads of videos of spike but never seen this one .I've loved them all .This one shows a side of him that I've seen little of .and I admire his truthfulness and insight of his hopes and fears .I hope he and his best friend made up their differences . Very funny man who I can relate to in many ways

[@maxwelldownham235]

My guess is that his friend wasn't up to Spike's sense of humour spoofing something as serious as the army and soldiers. It's his loss.

[@munichbier1167]

Harry Edgington was his best friend in the army, he’s throughout the first four volumes of his war books. It’s very sad they fell out.

[@vjab1108]

I have never seen this interview before of the Comedy Genius Spike Milligan. Brilliant.

[@chubbychubbs5552]

20 years ago, I was taking my youngest daughter to her primary school, we were half an hour early and like most mornings the reading books came out of the school bag, one of them was a book of poems by Spike, I’d always loved Spikes humour in films and TV and after reading the first couple of poems I was in absolute stitches....summers day, car windows open, my daughter puzzled and odd looks from passing parents, I just couldn’t help it. You gotta love Spike....

[@OldDunollieman]

Spike was a brilliant soul. I used to listen to the Goon Show when I was a wee boy in Scotland.

[@johnhanson5943]

A great comedian, writer and artist. 100% right on birth control! Miss Spike Milligan still!

[@johnjones9750]

There will never be another to come even close to Spike humility and genius.

[@edwinhenderson4129]

Thanks for uploading this! I was lucky enough to come across him through the original BBC radio broadcasts of The Goon Show, then his books Hitler, my part in his downfall and Rommel, gunner who? and wasn"t a fan of the TV show at the time but now realise that was my fault, his level of humour was above me. And he cared for the future of the planet..This short programme shows a bit of just how genuine a soul he had.

[@gmclocks]

Many interviewers should study this" interviewer par excellance" for bringing out a complex person's thoughts.

[@tomoneill1045]

I enjoyed his honest conversation he’s a very nice person ( sadly now gone)

[@neilhobson3624]

Spike Milligan was a genius. I read a couple of his war books. Even they are funny. You could tell he had all the time in the world for his comrades. 👍🇬🇧

[@alextough8670]

Brilliant - I love this man!

[@MrAllanpog]

Get this. My wife and I got lunch at Marks and Spencer in Hastings. We shared a table with a couple around our age and found they had organised the burial of the Spike. Town’s nearby, has a grave of an Irish Catholic in the local Anglican graveyard. It’s engraved with his phase in Gaelic “I told you I was sick.” Beautiful. RIP Terrance.

[@MashLimit]

Eh? Didn't quite understand some of that. Also do you not mean Debenhams, as I don't recall M & S having a restaurant/ eatery... Mind you I haven't visited the town in quite a few years.

[@barriewilliams4526]

I served in the same regiment as Spike, though a few years later.

[@cosicave5179]

Wonderful

[@DKSubconscious]

Excellent, the final credits made me want to watch Wind in the Willows with David Jason

[@stevebagnall1553]

Great uncle Terry, a true gentleman.

[@fredsenior893]

what a wonderfull human my hero fred nz

[@jamesdonald7485]

A brilliant humourist. Great sense of the absurd.

[@dr.s.p.]

He’s such an era sensation that many might never understand Spike or his barking mad humor so would give a dislike. However, to listen to the Telly Goons on a Sunday was a laughable treat; Mum could have her Archers and the Dale’s Diary or something, but I had the wireless on early for the tubes to warm up ready for the offbeat humor of those guys and Spike was a legend in those flower power days. A legend.

[@kiwitrainguy]

It has occurred to me as to why that man was singing the National Anthem on the tube. He was trying to get everyone to stand up so that he could get a seat for himself.

[@mobilegoat1]

He was a handsome young man .

[@victoriathorne8252]

Rest In Peace Spike Milligan

[@kiwitrainguy]

Better than resting in pieces.

[@magzb2642]

Celtic blood runs through celtic veins. It was ever thus.☘Stay with your heritage it's where your soul belongs.

[@KimSenior]

You’ve got to love the man.

[@jodif916]

Legend

[@jagmarc]

In London where I worked, a workmate was once boyfriend of the daughter for a while and he went to the house a few times, one time Spike had trashed the house in depression, a lovely but troubled man once get to know him according to my pal at work (welder fabricator)

[@LemBann]

Be great 👍 for all...

[@larrymclarnon-pd8xf]

Spike was an absolute treasure, a marvel and he had Irish blood in his veins. Need I say more.

[@garryentropy]

Spikes all surveying eye

[@AhmedAdly11]

A true hero

[@derekspence6994]

Madman but the best of men x

[@tyronewarren6662]

🗣 *That’s Hadley wood on the outskirts of High Barnet,I lived down the road from this genius in the 1980’s!*

[@butzee]

He was concerned about the population explosion 38 years ago!! Imagine if he was alive now?

[@JOHN-pt6gc]

The man was and still is eye wateringly funny and a genius 🏷️

[@edwardfranklin6331]

the goons were such a big part of my early life legends

[@bravo478bl]

Genius.

[@j1bc]

1 in a million

[@ivancarter7564]

Spikes so right .....when I die hes the man I want to greet me

[@kiwitrainguy]

If I met him in the afterlife I would ask him "How is life treating you".

[@StewartNicolasBILLYCONNOLLY]

When I die, if I am fortunate enough to be invited into Heaven, I will ask St Peter "Is Spike Milligan here in heaven?" If the answer is no then I will refuse my invitation...

[@songhbahel967]

17.30.....viewed this about a hundred times just for the Jahovah's burglers. Sheer joyous daft.

[@simonkormendy849]

Spike has tons of valid points he expresses in this interview, and I can totally see things from his point of view, he is absolutely spot-on with a lot he has to say, personally i don't think he was the crazy one, I think it is actually all the so-called "normal" people in the world who are the real crazy ones, and Spike is merely mis-understood by them.

[@shermoore1693]

"The army was the most explosive part of my life" hahahahah !!!!

[@johndesmond4676]

I love spike grand man x

[@PeterOHalloran-hf2ho]

You would never no that spike suffered from depression a super comedian and human being always making us laugh no .After what the circumstances ❤

[@Mr_Mooo]

Interesting concept for a TV show.

[@JakePurches-Base2music]

World population 1985 4.84 billion. 2020 - 8 billion. So almost double. Spike had a point.

[@soaruk3697]

but he forgot entirely about who consumes the most of the world's resources.......very much a rich selfish westerners viewpoint on the subject.

[@EVALLOYD]

Yes, but unfortunately, the population numbers are not spread out evenly all over the globe: very dense in some parts, and very sparse in others. In Western societies people are having less children and have been for years, causing a dip in the demographics, dips which have to be filled with the incoming of immigrants in order to maintain a healthy economical society, or so we're told.

[@theprof291166]

@@EVALLOYD I have since done some more research on this. Actually its only the African countries that have a positive birth rate. All 'western' nations especially Japan and Italy, have dire birth rate numbers that would in theory mean they will have no population at all in a few generations. China did a lot of damage to themselves with their one child policy. So yes immigration may well be the only way we can survive and pay taxes..

[@carolinedesiderio6737]

Not only Spike! We All have clear ideas on the populationcrisis

[@carolinedesiderio6737]

I am 82 years plus and have been FULLY aware since I was, a child living in a poshhome and school

[@bombcross]

On his Gravestone!written! Told you I was ill!

[@thardingau]

Some of the interviewer’s questions are a bit odd, but Spike handles them well.

[@freejulianassange3143]

I think that's kind. I was angered by some of them... but I'm grateful for this material still being available.

[@donaldcrawford3596]

Many great comics, suffered from manic depression. The list is long. Why, is a huge question. Maybe, they experience life's trials and tribulations.

[@kh23797]

Spike was born in 1918 into a world of 1.8 bn humans. Population reached 4.84 bn by 1985 (when this was filmed). Soon, we'll be at 8 bn. The UN estimates 9.8 bn by 2050, 11.2 bn by 2100. Spike had a point, but his idea that dirt-poor people should be sterilised is untenable. The rich West lives off the labour of the poor and our wealth depends on others' poverty. Some better scheme is urgently needed.

[@soaruk3697]

but he forgot entirely about who consumes the most of the world's resources.......a rich selfish westerners viewpoint on the subject....

[@WeWillAlwaysHaveVALIS]

Wholeheartedly agree

[@Spitalhatch]

He did not say that poor people should be sterilised. He said that people should stop producing children until they are able to feed them. What could be more logical?

[@bikerfirefarter7280]

​@@SpitalhatchAt what long term cost or goal? It is relatively easy to afford children in 'rich' and/or 'poor' conditions if a resource is there to be exploited. Depending on circumstances and personal/cultural issues the advocation of historically relatively more or less children requires a context not a catch-all reflex. Under various circumstances more or less can be applicable.

[@nickcrosby9875]

Spike was well ahead of the game on the environment

[@SlowfingerJC]

I love the way the commentator typifies the "je ne sais quois" of being quintessentially english. Spoken in a commanding know it all accent .. "His days in the army were the happiest" ?????? whereas in later years Spike told of the profound impact that shell shock had on his mental health. If being involved in a war is the happiest time of someones life then they must have an extremely terrible home life :-)

[@kiwitrainguy]

The war experience itself would've been terrible but the camaraderie is probably what he meant.

[@SlowfingerJC]

​@@kiwitrainguy Then an accurate description would have been "it was the worst time of my life but I did get to know some great people, not all of whom made it out alive". You don't need a war for camaraderie and there is nothing humanly positive about war.

[@WeWillAlwaysHaveVALIS]

@@SlowfingerJC asides the vast majority of technological advances we have made have been off the back of war, but morally I am in complete agreement with you.

[@eileenhenryselby-smith9762]

We have no plan therefore nothing can go wrong

[@Gary-V16]

Oh Spike.

[@Thefunksoulbro]

Brilliant line about being a passifist, his mother said, what would the neighbours think 😂

[@kiwitrainguy]

That's the sort of reasoning (by his Mother) that probably puts a lot more people off being pacifists.

[@Thefunksoulbro]

@@kiwitrainguy Tongue in cheek, but so ponient. His reply could have been. What other people think of me , is none of my business 😎 Have a great down under.

[@christopherfothergil]

The only man who could call King Charles names and get away with it.

[@Kingmick58]

Love it. And him. With Harry and Peter. Had to move recently and found Book two and three, no no.1. Got onto e-bay, book no.1 is up to $90! Can't afford that. Anybody out there has no.1? I'd be mighty happy if someone in the world could maybe send it to me. Will be returned in good condition. Promise. Thanks from the old Aussie Andy, Rockhampton QLD Australia.

[@Bigchurchmusic]

It might be argued that human beings have the ability to become more and more efficient, therefore using far less to produce far more. I'm all for people.

[@Nozinbonsai]

The ever expanding economic theory dudes disagree .idont think they're efficient.

[@billybronco4223]

"Do you do requests?" "Well depends if I know the song." "Can you play "Far Away"?"

[@meredith218461]

Milligans words were highly prophetic given todays climate crisis.

[@Dan-to9hl]

how dumb is the interviewer

[@josephmanning636]

I loved his work throughout my life from the 1950's onward, but much of that interview is an example of his self-delusion or deliberate dishonesty, whichever you prefer. He had very close friendships with all of his old army mates until he ultimately drove them away. His estrangement from his lifelong friend Edgington (ying tong iddle I po) was due to a disagreement about Milligan's over-indulgence of his children. There are many other examples. Read his long-term manager's biography, 'Spike'.

[@synthonaplinth5980]

Yup, I remember reading about that. He and Harry had a row over that very thing and Spike said some very harsh words, thereby destroying a friendship that had lasted for many years.