Indiscreet - Yes, Prime Minister - BBC

After Humphery apears on a BBC 3 radio show the PM discovers that Humphery was very indiscreet and may have slipped up incredibly. Classic clip from the political sitcom Yes, Prime Minister. Watch more high quality videos on the new BBC Worldwide KZbin channel here: / bbcworldwide
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[@guguigugu]

"He and I were at Oxford together." The very basics of British politics right here.

[@Electrononsenseable]

"He and I were at Eton together"

[@monizdm]

Why limit this to Britain, Or politics? It is life...

[@Megalomaniakaal]

@@monizdm This is true.

[@ronanstephens1597]

@@monizdm British politics is much more strongly influenced by historic class structures like this than, say, in America where a very different class structure and other factors predominate.

[@helipeek2736]

If he’d of said Cambridge, that’s an entirely different matter.

[@zincwing4475]

"Thank you Bernard, I couldn't put it less clearly myself." The highest compliment in politics...

[@danieloehler2494]

Diplomacy is the art of using a countless amount of words to express nothing at all.

[@petergreen5337]

Precisely.

[@msinvincible2000]

I love it when the minister and Bernard are "accomplices" against Sir Humpries. It's cute and hilarious

[@manstonhisk667]

Blackmail is hilarious.

[@crazyfroggie6546]

one of the few times they ever manage to get Humphrey up against the ropes.

[@BedsitBob]

@@crazyfroggie6546 That one and The key.

[@JimWhitaker]

The occasional Hacker victory is one of the nice things about the series.

[@ronanstephens1597]

@@BedsitBob Also when it turns out Humphry messed up that War contract decades ago and lead to millions of pounds in government loss. Hacker says the same "now this is serious Bernard" while straining not to burst out laughing.

[@mzytryck]

I love this scene in particular because it points out that despite Humphrey's contempt for Hacker, they merely have different specialities. Humphrey can use the most basic bureaucratic tricks to beat Hacker, but will then make the most elementary slip-up when making a public appearance

[@peterknutsen3070]

He gets overconfident at times.

[@Desmaad]

@@peterknutsen3070 He's always arrogant AF, quite frankly.

[@joevenespineli6389]

@@Desmaad He has reasons to be, its not misplaced

[@kb4903]

He’s not used to be held responsible.

[@Rapscallion2009]

@@joevenespineli6389 yeah, the guy got a first at Oxford, heads a department of government and is clearly educated, erudite and extremely clever. I wanted an episode in which he'd be agarst at something and make a moral judgement about it to show that he's not especially evil - just a technocrat with slightly macheivellian values.

[@kamion53]

"the BBC just sent me a tape." and Humphry reacts as he just sat on a huge sharp spine.

[@thefacelessmen2101]

Do politicians watch Yes Prime minister? "Yes but nobody laughs". Gareth Evans Australia AG 1986

[@arturs2436]

It has been told Dame Margaret Thatcher was a regular viewer of the series and i heard she did say it was a rather truthful image of how things are done.

[@rivermacilraith5754]

@@arturs2436 She co-starred in a sketch so fair to say she was a pretty big fan

[@QuannanHade]

@@rivermacilraith5754 Surely by co-starred in a sketch you mean "Wrote a sketch and sprung it on the cast and crew at a rewards night knowing that they couldn't refuse to play with her."?

[@jediknight1294]

@@QuannanHade its more complicated than that, they offered the option to her prior.to the event in question. There are rumors that it was partially a payoff regarding not investigating the rumors of a leak within the Civil Service to the show particularly hard.

[@michaele4830]

I watch over and over again. Amazingly 😂

[@patricke2088]

This is one of the best documentary shows ever

[@JaneDoe-ci3gj]

😂👍

[@jwrobin21]

Documentary in ALL BUT NAME.

[@Kenmcfarland001]

jwrobin21 it was Thatcher’s favourite show

[@jwrobin21]

@@Kenmcfarland001 I think she learned a lot from it.

[@gsenski]

BBC documentaries are the best. I had never realized that cannibalism had started in the Royal Navy.

[@BelloBudo007]

So many shows simply fail to stand the test of time. Yes Prime Minister is not one of them.

[@yegfreethinker]

Bill Blinky so true! I was born yet when the series concluded and I could never live without its sublime, droll dialogue

[@JonatasMonte]

It don't need to pass the test of time, it is still relevant!

[@blabla-rg7ky]

Seinfeld and Mind Your Language are the other 2

[@jackcreek]

Is it really still true that the government is run by old money "country club" civil servants? I was under the impression the leadership of the big political parties decide who gets the jobs now.

[@locarno24]

I always think the true measure of this show is how many serving politicians will openly agree to being massive fans, usually accompanied by comments like "depressingly accurate"...

[@BedsitBob]

"Always treat every microphone, as though it were a live microphone." Pity nobody told that to Gordon Brown 😀

[@andyjackson3663]

or any other politician from every other country...

[@the3lusive]

Or tony Blair

[@nickthomas4092]

Thank god they didnt...revealed themselves for the shits they are.

[@mosspally6995]

Woman was a bigot.

[@JonatasMonte]

That's why I hate cameras.

[@petergreen2552]

Now sadly all three of this majestic cast are no longer with us. A brilliant show.

[@borutsolina3569]

i discovered this series in December 2019 and i just finished it last week and i thought to myself mhm lets see what are those 3 guys doing today and i discovered they have all passed away with Bernard literally this month...i couldnt believe it

[@YD-uq5fi]

@武状元 Oh! I didn't know that Derek Fowlds died.

[@harrybjr]

Did not know Derek passed! So sorry to hear that!

[@alexlazebat839]

well through out series 2 Paul Eddingtion was not well he is nearly always sat down because of the skin cancer he had for so many years. He did Minder after this S7 E6.

[@fsdds1488]

@@alexlazebat839 Its also very sad to see him looking much older in S2, despite that S2 is made just 2 years after S1, and his skin condition just get even more horrible after S2 as you can see his face covered in large black spots.

[@BeerHawg]

there is nothing funnier than when Hacker realizes that he has a one-up on Humphrey!

[@jackal59]

"Do you mean you've lost your key?"

[@danieldickson8591]

There are a hundred subtle ways by which Humphrey condescendingly implies that it's he who is the actual head of their ministry/Her Majesty's government, and that he's merely humoring Hacker. It must get very grating.

[@stephenphillip5656]

Sir Humphrey's reaction to the news of the BBC's sending of the tape is priceless. Timing is everything & the cast of YM/YPM had it in *spades.*

[@synthonaplinth5980]

Thank you Bernard, I couldn't have put it less clearly myself! LOL

[@iandhr1]

Love it when Bernard sounds like Sir Humphrey

[@synthonaplinth5980]

@@iandhr1 He had some of the best one-liners in the series, as well.

[@nickperry45]

I think that the brilliance of Yes Minister/Prime Minister lies in the fact that not only does it have a fantastic script based largely on truth, but that it is also so immaculately acted. Genuinely performers at the top of their game.

[@markfryer9880]

Well said!

[@bazza945]

Ironically it is more truthful than the politics it portrays. 😊

[@iandhr1]

0:52 The way Hacker's eyes light up is perfection.

[@whzpoor]

shall i tell him? ... WHY?!

[@Dafmeister1978]

The whole of Yes, Prime Minister is a masterclass from Paul Eddington in non-verbal acting.

[@s1lm4r1l6]

Bernard's shake of the head when asked if Humphrey knows he's got the tape. Beautiful.

[@synthonaplinth5980]

@@s1lm4r1l6 Also the way that Humphrey bounces back up from the chair.

[@richardlloyd2589]

And “recovered by ‘intelligence’ “. 👌

[@andyjackson3663]

I've lost count of the number of times I've watched this and every single time I find it just as funny as the last time - pure utter comedy genius

[@andyjackson3663]

the look on the PM's face when it's confirmed Humphrey doesn't know they have the tape - you can almost hear the choir singing in the background behind him as he smiles.

[@finawatsonart]

Sir Humphrey on Brexit is pure comedy genius too

[@passiveagressive4983]

Just Some Dude the finest British sitcom of all time. Brilliantly written. The management and bureaucrat speak is spectacular.

[@malcolmabram2957]

It is like a Beethoven symphony. Okay I don't listen to one everyday, but it nevers gets boring. Also every time you listen to it/watch it, there is always something extra to find.

[@sas2300]

"Thank you bernard I couldn't have put it less clearly myself" lmao

[@andiholman2543]

I’ve always loved that no matter his machinations or shortcomings, Humphrey never lies. He simply throws back the question in a manner that can only be answered yes or no and allows Hackers own answer to act as proxy to his own!

[@monarchist1838]

This show could have gone on longer with a proper ending. Perhaps Hacker’s first election? A defeat or victory? His elevation to the Lords? However, you can tell Paul’s health is slowly failing him. That’s why the writers had him sit down in most scenes. Remarkable man, acting his best despite his pains.

[@BicyclesMayUseFullLane]

Honestly, what's there to write? The whole point of the show is that while Hacker may score a minor victory or two, especially when the victory benefits Sir Humphrey personally, the Civil Service can and will always outmaneuver politicians in the end. And if it doesn't, Bad Stuffs (tm) happen. Incidentally, this show caused various prime ministers in the '90s and 2000s to distrust the Civil Service, and put more stock in the advice of their political advisor. I think this explains why Brexit is a thing. In other words, this show probably caused Brexit...

[@Trebor74]

@@BicyclesMayUseFullLane I think you spend a great deal of time shovelling crap and putting it in the comment section of KZbin.

[@BicyclesMayUseFullLane]

@@Trebor74 K

[@afinecity1830]

@@BicyclesMayUseFullLane Only just read this trolling! Sorry to report that the rest of youtube can recognise comedy genius! But well done for playing.

[@hkchan1339]

The actor of James Hacker already had skin cancer when he is filming YOM, that’s why you see him sitting most of the time in the last 2 seasons. Back in the days there isnt so much treatment options. He sadly passed away soon after, I wish he could have won an award for his superb performance, it’s Humphrey who won most of the awards and he is embarrassed about it.

[@KyleRayner12]

"Shall I tell him?" "Why?" Perfection.

[@Ansible100]

Of course Hacker was more savvy when it came to the workings of the media than Humphrey. Hacker was an editor before becoming a minister.

[@steveross8364]

A marvellous show, shot in very few locations and scenes, excellent intelligent writing and performed by talented experts of their craft. Modern TV looks back on this masterpiece, aspires towards its greatness... and falls so, so short.

[@markfryer9880]

Well short in so many many ways! 😢

[@prospero4183]

That evil grin on his face, in his head was playing "its beginning to look at lot like christmas"

[@leftcoaster67]

This episode and "The Key" is one of the best episodes because it clips Sir Humphrey's wings a bit. :)

[@TheClearSummer]

I know, right? I love him as a mastermind, and even more so when he's foiled. XD

[@DanielMumby]

The Skeleton in the Cupboard is also good :)

[@SMAXZO]

@@DanielMumby Yeah, but Humpy got away in Skeleton in the Cupboard. Sure, Hacker got what he wanted....but he can't exactly use it to clip Humpy's wing a bit.

[@rafay8516]

Which episode is this?

[@sinclairjg]

And Skeleton in the Cupboard

[@drmamdooh99]

I remember telling someone about an American comedy show and he told me to go look up some good British comedies.....can't thank him enough for his advice.....

[@peterfireflylund]

Check out the original House of Cards (+ To Play the Kind and The Final Cut). I don't think you'll regret it.

[@kdurston1]

lmao, this just happened in Canada. Two top bureaucrats didn't know the microphones were on and were talking about how they don't read the data regarding COVID and just read off the script provided for them

[@stephenphillip5656]

In 2010, our then-PM Gordon Brown (Labour) was caught on live mic severely dissing a woman (a Labour supporter) who had just been berating him over the economy during an election "meet-the-people" walkabout, calling her "bigoted". "Oh, what a tangled web......" He's *NEVER* lived it down

[@cisium1184]

RIP Derek Fowlds.

[@DoubleGauss]

OMG.. I didn't know.

[@00bikeboy]

So sad they've all passed.

[@SamvedIyer]

@@00bikeboy John Nettleton is still around; the one who essayed the role of the frankly unbeatable genius Sir Arnold Robinson. But I see what you mean; these three were nothing short of a team.

[@MagnificentFiend]

@@SamvedIyer Diana Hoddinott (Annie Hacker) is still around as well.

[@SpectatorAlius]

Every time I watch one of these Yes, Minister clips, it is still funny, sometimes even more funny than that last time I watched, as I notice more fine details of their perfect comedic delivery!

[@russellsharpley7926]

This is one of the programmes that still stands up today.. exceptional writing and acting …

[@TheNefastor]

"I couldn't have put it less clearly myself". Genius 😁

[@lauragranger9813]

"well, there you are then." - Great closing line of any argument

[@phugoid]

They couldn't have had a more splendid cast of actors!

[@nikhiljoshiPi]

Goodbye Derek Fowlds, you gave us all the fond memories 🙂 Farewell, may the guardians lead you safely to Valhalla

[@keldaogg2157]

Now they are all together, double talking and confusing the gods.

[@Leonf123]

The 3 of them are together now but yes minister will live forever 👌🏽

[@achidikisob7759]

Those days when Hacker is like "Oh Humphrey, time to even the scales".

[@Plethorality]

There are very few pleasures like watching Sir Humphrey squirm.

[@johnh5424]

This show is so cleverly written, and the skill in the delivery is brilliant

[@agnecedergren8982]

the stories are true

[@maestososhifu]

Bernard once said to the PM "it is my job to make sure the chips stay up".. this scene is a striking example of that

[@tonycapella2063]

What do you think he meant when he said that?

[@00bikeboy]

How this didn't make the Writers Guild of America's top 100 best written shows is beyond reason.

[@TheSpydera]

British comedy is too sophisticated to be appreciative by Amrericans.

[@RhiannonFan]

Perhaps because the series was not written by American writers?

[@00bikeboy]

@@RhiannonFan That can't be the reason. The have several British shows on the list.

[@BillinHungary]

Quite often, comedy is at its best when done visually. It becomes obvious from the dialog that Hacker has something he can use against Humphrey, but when he kisses the tape reel and looks up as if he giving thanks to the Almighty...comic gold :)

[@maddocpax788]

This bit is awesome. One of two times in the show when Humphrey really screws up, and the (Prime) Minister gets to gloat.

[@Alaschafad]

Which is the other occasion?

[@redrackham6812]

@@Alaschafad The Skeleton in the Cupboard.

[@apenisavatuniveivuke7650]

@@redrackham6812 and the key

[@redrackham6812]

@@apenisavatuniveivuke7650 True.

[@nottmjas]

@@Alaschafad as well as One of Us, where Hacker gleefully reads out a damning assessment of Humphrey to him, which ironically clears him of spying.

[@pspboy7]

"Humpey!" LOL

[@jimspink2922]

2.55 Were you discrete Yes I was. Well there are then. Why do you ask as Humphery begins to to sit down. Oh its just that the BBC send me a tape. The look on Humphreys face and the way he bounces up again is classic

[@IC82Hillford]

2021 and still as relevant as ever.

[@marinotagliapietra7839]

Brilliant, Jim Hacker did manage to "get one over" sir Humphrey on occasions. Thanks to the politically savvy and well connected Bernard Woolley.

[@BillinHungary]

Bernard met with the interviewer primarily to save face for Humphrey who was his superior in the civil service, and save face for the PM. But when he comes into the PM's office, he also knows that Hacker is going to totally enjoy having something on Humphrey!!

[@metropod]

Comparing this to the early days of the show, it’s quite clear the student has become the master...

[@nulnoh219]

0:50 Oooh that smile... That devious smile!

[@raceace]

"Does Humphrey know your've got it?" followed by that meeting of minds. Just gold.

[@skfarouk]

- were you discreet - why do you ask? Classic

[@kokoeteantigha389]

Poor Hacker, his triumphs over Sir Humphrey were so few and far between that they were all the more sweet to savour for that reason!! And for us watching from the side it made those moments all the more enjoyable to share in.

[@yegfreethinker]

"Something about being able to halve unemployment tomorrow but the government hasn't got the guts" XD lol

[@anurag1551]

1:55 Bernards smile is awesome

[@kensavage7657]

It's 2020 now - if the BBC were to recast this show, and give them all of the same scripts, word for word (maybe adjusted slightly, for changes in technology), then this show would still be absolutely absolutely topical and true to current life!

[@D2attemp]

Ken Savage I swore there was a remake

[@locohombreau]

@@D2attemp There was a remake but it wasn't anywhere near as great as the original.

[@marka2520]

@@locohombreau Spitting Image isn't as funny now, either, and I think it's because it looks more like a documentary these days.

[@squizza28]

Yes, including current topic the euro sausage!

[@stephenphillip5656]

The remake was in 2013 and was based on the stage play (which itself told the story of one weekend's crisis meeting at the Prime Minister's residence at Chequers). 6 episodes, written by the original team of writers & with new actors as Paul Eddington & Nigel Hawthorne had sadly passed away. It had a *huge* hill to climb, following as it did these originals.....and it failed spectacularly. IMHO, it was too "forced", too shouty and was a big disappointment. Get a copy of these if you can (or want to) but personally I won't be seeking them out.

[@saurabhsinghmakrahi]

This always has been and ways will be the best TV Show I've ever had the privilege of watching. It will never stop amusing me. Never gets old.

[@zxc1972]

That's the funniest thing about it - it never gets old. Its also the saddest thing about it!

[@Leonf123]

Humpyyyy 🥺😏 😂😂

[@1who4me]

Amazing how the neighbor of the Goods rose so quickly in politics

[@jonnnyren6245]

1:10 Sir Bernard. The resident expert of needing to know the need to know on a need to know basis for the need to know in the proper discourse of the need to know in a need to know basis.

[@harineemosur6530]

This is one of the few episodes where poor Jim Hacker gets a upper hand and was fantastic

[@h.santiago4339]

His face when they tell him "Well the BBC sent me a tape!" hahahahahaha. Thats my reaction when I lie and they discover me!

[@YD-uq5fi]

I love how the Prime Minister put the entire reel in his suit.

[@suzannederringer1607]

These guys are just geniuses. Loved the Series when it was first broadcast and it's at least as relevant today.

[@Spar1hawk]

It's probably the "online training course" to be a politician...

[@craig2347]

@@Spar1hawk Or a civil servant.

[@lyndacastle190]

The very best comedy that the BBC ever produced.

[@ianredpath8359]

Great talent. Great actors. All sadly gone!

[@34hedgehog]

Absolutely peerless.

[@arwenae]

Love that final second!

[@danujawijaya]

I laugh for 5 minutes non stop after Humphrey was told that the BBC had sent the tape! 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@peterbassey9668]

If a shark were seated in that chair, Sir Humpy wouldn’t have leapt back into the air any higher.

[@sugarnads]

'humpyyyyyy' lol

[@jamestinsley3110]

This show literally doesn't age.

[@BeerHawg]

when Hacker kisses the reel! Classic!!

[@kaleemkhwaja7624]

Brilliant as always ۔۔۔۔۔۔۔۔۔۔۔۔

[@McRocket]

The final scene from - IMO - one of the finest series (comedy or otherwise) that I have ever seen.

[@GeoffMorrisdrive]

Pure CLASS

[@johndoyle4723]

One of the best, wish you could have shown more, one of the few times the PM got the better of Sir Humphrey. The expressions are priceless.

[@andrewhuckle803]

Love this comedy.

[@CiceroLounge]

One of the funniest clips from YPM, it's awful to see Sir Humphrey squirm in his seat praying for the tape to be 'mislaid'.

[@ianbailey4667]

Nice that Hacker said he was sent the tape rather than dropping Bernard in it

[@dailydiarynitalldark9395]

“What a happy coincidence” 😹

[@michaelhope007]

One of the funniest 3 minutes of comedy ever written and acted.

[@StarlasAiko]

It is always a treat when the minister manages to turn the tables on Humphrey

[@jebise1126]

were you discrete or were you not? yes

[@stephenphillip5656]

"Yes, you were, or yes, you weren't?" *"Yes"*

[@Anna_65]

Bernard is an expert at who needs to know what and why.

[@owenhaskins7193]

Beautifully written, perfectly acted!

[@quietflowstheriver]

Absolutely brilliant !!!

[@yidingliu8663]

When Bernard and Harker must save Humphery's ass, and you can see they really enjoyed it.

[@taunteratwill1787]

Yup break it off just before the funny bit starts. 😎

[@davidbarnes1955]

My dad, after meeting government officials years ago, told me this show was very close to the truth..and that's in Australia

[@2charliep]

Revenge, pure and simple, and so so sweet.

[@magnalucian8]

"I certainly have no intention of taking part in some shabby cover-up" !

[@MrG00ny65]

I would love to see the whole episode, not just this clip but I can`t find it anywhere. One of the best ever . Please release the whole thing.

[@charleschuckfinley3304]

Goonster it’s on Netflix

[@1986computer]

I can mail the CDs to you, free of charge.

[@tygattyche2545]

I have to watch the DVD-Boxset someday...

[@jlennon48]

Brilliant stuff .

[@kabc359]

That smile in 0.52-0.53....

[@FHBStudio]

Humphrey's worst enemy is himself.

[@samiullahkhan2391]

This needs to be re uploaded to reach more people 🤣

[@samuelstrachan2726]

Legendary

[@lordbadman9264]

RIP Bernard

[@NeidalRuekk]

The way he says "Humphrey..." like he's reprimanding a small child is pure gold.

[@15-Peter-20]

In my recommended after 9 years ... Thnx

[@kitty6720]

"Thank you, Bernard. I couldn't have put it less clearly myself" 🤣🤣🤣.

[@JayJay-mr1nr]

Bernard: Aah, you mean somebody needs to know but now that you know Sir Humphrey doesn’t need to know; but you need to know that Sir Humphrey doesn’t know, but he doesn’t need to know you know or you know he doesn’t need to know.