Kenneth Williams In A Heated Argument

The comedian gets into an argument about politics with Michael Parkinson on his show. The show was recorded and broadcast on Saturday February 17th 1973. The other two guests are Sir John Betjeman and Maggie Smith.

[@frankfisher99]

Intelligent, articulate, well-read, passionate - you see NOTHING like this on TV any more.

[@Philognosis1]

Yes, Parkinson was. Kenneth, though, was talking out of his arse.

[@BernardWilkinson]

Ant and Dec will havwe something to say about that!

[@frankfisher99]

@@doublewhopper67 examples?

[@chiarabay9364]

Shame he had to be interviewed by that pervert Parkinson

[@MissJensk1]

So very true.

[@frankhinstine4552]

Back in the days when you had to be talented to get on TV...

[@batheandrelaxinmyshit6344]

You are vulgar and a horrible human being

[@every1665]

@@batheandrelaxinmyshit6344 Yes, but he keeps his car nicely vacuumed.

[@kv1815]

How true...

[@dowlingthebakuninbot7691]

Talented, intelligent and with something to say, Matron.

[@StratsRUs]

Just Carry On Movies and privileged posh people.

[@eddybabe7963]

Ah the days when chat shows consisted of intelligent, eloquently discussions. A meeting of truly talented people. Now its full of jelly mould singers and fake moronic wannabes.

[@eddybabe7963]

@@RPMcM09 The comparison is to today's chat show standards not mine.

[@dhalsim-1]

Today's chat shows are just full of self promoters

[@darren430]

Never a truer word was spoken Eddy Babe.

[@TheMasterNo6]

@@eddybabe7963 Well said. I reckon OMR is as brainless as the tripe he or she prefers to watch, hence, they felt impelled to make such a crass, arrogant and blinkered comment towards someone who rightly said things were better back then on chat shows.

[@robgoodsight6216]

yes...sadly

[@byronelenica8329]

Kenneth was supremely intelligent. We need this straight-talking, integrity today.

[@fuckfannyfiddlefart]

And an elitists hypocrite with no class consciousness whose acceptance rests on the working people he would decry for their class struggles.

[@ScottishPEACEguy]

He was talking bollocks.

[@jamescullen2448]

byron elenica yes but he is dead

[@byronelenica8329]

@@jamescullen2448 is he?? cripes!!! I did not know that????? Shock horror.

[@jamescullen2448]

byron elenica well he might not be,because he was in carry on screaming,💀

[@97channel]

It's not an argument in the modern sense of the word. Arguments these days typically revolve around name calling, aggression and not much point. Here, we have a conversation. A passion. Two men with conflicting viewpoints allowing one another to speak before voicing disagreement. It gets heated, but not nasty. Then they have a little laugh with one another to break the ice, and carry on with their lives. No harm done.

[@spicenug]

And was more enjoyable to watch as a viewer as a result, I'm tired of these ''debate'' shows where they just seem to consist of talking over one another, although this was before my time it was interesting to watch.

[@jessiejames7492]

this is class. unlike nowadays...strength is measured on how much shouting you can do, intimidation and vulgarity

[@marcuscross8051]

What you're referring to I would call a "row".

[@chatteyj]

Yes this is exactly what an argument should look like.

[@jeremytaylor4085]

A clash of ideas, rather than egos.

[@michaelstephen819]

I'm sure Ken would be spinning in his grave if he could see the state of London now.

[@paulh7360]

John Gordon that’s east London if you go north, north west you’ll find lots of Jewish people if you go south east you find lots of black people if you go to West it’s mostly middle class white people and Edgware is a very Arab area, what you very rarely find is working class English as they have all mostly gone to Kent and Essex after they sold their council houses but in all these areas is a huge mix, I do prefer the old days myself but it is what it is. Another change is that you will now find tons of middle class white English people in PEKHAM and Brixton which is a huge change from 10-20 years ago when it was mostly Afro-Caribbean, it’s an ever changing city but if you travel it widely you certainly would not call it londanistan.

[@ibrahimsulaiman9047]

@@paulh7360 Well said, although the "London is a hellhole" types are usually just common racists, so your nuances are lost on them.

[@matthewread7220]

@Julia A not the same, no where near the same as in his day

[@matthewread7220]

@Julia A fair enough

[@matthewread7220]

@@tedhuges8275 unfortunately your right.

[@petehouse8380]

Absolutely with Kenneth, what a treasure he was. And wasn’t Maggie a Fox?

[@MorrisDrummond]

Professor McGoneghal was a hottie!

[@stikndip]

Yes and yes :o)

[@TonyEnglandUK]

Maggie needed several bacon sandwiches.

[@cyberbeanie5387]

No

[@Potato_salad345]

Yeah Maggie was a fox back then. But have you seen her now.? An old, ugly, moody, annoying woman. You can't even imagine that she was quite attractive once upon a time.

[@richardhart9204]

Trust me, here in the U.K. you simply do not hear accents like this anymore, even amongst the middle and upper classes. I'm 56, and when I hear voices like these, it reminds me of teachers I had as a child. It's truly astonishing how rapidly language changes.

[@spidyman8853]

Accents not language

[@richardhart9204]

@@spidyman8853 ... two sides of the same coin - both have changed.

[@Desertduleler_88]

Immigration has probably had a lot to do with that.......

[@richardhart9204]

@@Desertduleler_88 Immigration has historically always been the key factor in changing languages and accents. However, today, the influences of foreign TV and movies (mainly American) have been added to the mix. The appalling TV show "Neighbours" did profound linguistic damage to two generations of young British girls.

[@Desertduleler_88]

@@richardhart9204 l was referring to non European immigrants which don’t speak English as their first language. I find it hard to believe “Neighbours “ was destructive to Britain compared to American content.

[@tbone35453]

Kenneth Williams was a tour-de-force in this interview. You can tell he's well read, has thought about the subject and is highly intelligent and articulate. R.I.P.

[@nicholasdavies6264]

He certainly was VERY INTELLIGENT! And a fabulous actor !

[@polar199]

and on speed

[@benthejrporter]

A gentleman and a scholar, and he's absolutely right; suburban London's developments look awful. RIP.

[@kevinwhelan9607]

Well said, T-bone!

[@timmasters1195]

You calling him a "tour de force" and claiming you can judge who is well read is too funny. A person can't be that, his performance could be, but not him...😂😂😂

[@AmaanStorm]

“I’ve never been so insulted!” The man is a legend!

[@slayerrocks2]

"Well, you should get out more." Was the ideal retort, at that point.

[@peterclarke3619]

I so wanted Parkie to say “oh come on, think back”

[@Treviscoe]

@@slayerrocks2 I remember Benny Hill giving that as the answer to that same comment in his show.

[@gusjackson3658]

Ken has more caring and passion about others than I ever realized.

[@cBearTV-]

Yes me too, I had a horrible feeling he was going to talk about protecting old buildings etc, but no he was all about homes for people 👍💛.. I feel bad I stereotyped him in my mind due to linguistic ability.

[@xamurai00]

@Randy Bobandy Never practiced it.

[@thejoin4687]

@@xamurai00 His diaries suggest otherwise!

[@ScottishPEACEguy]

He was talking bollocks about jobs.

[@stevemoorman9481]

@@xamurai00 he claimed to be celebate but those who travelled with him to tunisia would tell you a different story. He was often seen disappearing off riding pillion on young mens mopeds.

[@neilsun2521]

You'd never get celebs quoting Voltaire on TV nowadays

[@SniffMyDeadwax]

Absolutely Correct-can you imagine Kerry Katona or any of those fools from One Direction quoting a little Voltaire Kant or Shaw -dumb down, Deeper on down.

[@SniffMyDeadwax]

Ogri Grindstaff oh calm down you septic turd Noel Fielding turd would think that Voltaire is an hors d'oeuvre not the point I made and you’re not as clever as you think you are.

[@UNOwen1]

Niles Harilie the Voltron.., isn't he a car that talks?😉

[@fessellsahmed2587]

Un be lieve a ble. I grew up in 70s watching carry on films not knowing this guy is a genius. I love him more now. Guys nowadays haven't heard of Voltaire. In my day guys worked down the pits

[@CountDoucheula]

@@crispindry2815 Fry, yes. Fielding, no. Russell Brand? Quite possibly.

[@sandykemp7562]

Parkinson has a go at Kenneth Williams that he can’t relate to a man in a menial job. Kenneth Williams came from a working class family and only got into comedy once he returned from the war. He wasn’t born with a silver spoon in his mouth. He worked hard and had real talent to get where he was by that time. In that era you HAD to have talent to become a celebrity. Whereas now you can become a celebrity for no apparent reason whatsoever.

[@leanneleatherbarrow5843]

Yes he did come from a working class family and did work hard but what parkinson was saying just because you did well doesn't mean a working class man doesn't deserve a decent wage who also works hard.

[@sandykemp7562]

@@leanneleatherbarrow5843 absolutely. Anyone who works hard deserves a decent wage. In many ways I suppose the conversation they were having is perhaps more applicable to today’s world even more than the 1970s. There are hard working people who work their fingers to the bone and struggle to get by financially. Yet there are people out there who have celebrity status, are gifted endless luxuries all whilst contributing nothing of real value to society: Reality TV Stars, Social Media Influencers, Footballers Wives…I could go on. At least back in the 70s to be a celebrity you had to have some sort of worthwhile talent to be famous. Just need to look at guys like Ken Dodd, Les Dawson, Joe Longthorne, Bob Monkhouse, Bruce Forsyth…they all had genuine talents and worked hard to get where they ended up. Sadly not everyone has a talent that can land them a life of luxury but I wholeheartedly agree with you (and Parkinson in that respect) that anyone who works hard, regardless of social status, SHOULD be given a decent wage. It’s just a pity that society has always and probably will always favour the haves over the have nots.

[@fessellsahmed2587]

Grew up in 70s in the impoverished North not knowing what a genius and kind hearted man Kenneth was. ❤

[@gscobie6]

Kenneth is clearly passionate about the subject and it's great that he manages to finish it off with a bit of humour.

[@orsonincharge4879]

Ohh , Matron !

[@gman8471]

I love that here we have Britain's poet laureate and of the top British thespians and the one who's got the most to say is the bloke from the Carry On films!

[@johnrichardson519]

KW was quite good at talking over people but to be fair, even in those days chat shows would give each guest their main turn. Im sure Maggie Smith and John Betjamin did get a chance to say rather more during the programme. If everyone had been as amusingly dominating as KW it wouldn't have worked and I'm sure that's partly why Parky took issue with some of what he said.

[@kevinreay1510]

Kenneth was a Tory and I'm a Socialist. He's right on the money about the housing situation though.

[@patrick7775]

A commie in other words, a curse on society .

[@michaelwilson6483]

Tories are the biggest blight on society

[@kevinreay1510]

@@patrick7775 You seem like a bright fellow. I hope you're employed in some high level job where you obvious intellect can be put to good use.

[@axelbruv]

I think he made a fair point there. And then it all went downhill once he started ranting about striking.

[@kanifuker721]

This conversation was missing Oliver Reed.

[@keysersoze4322]

Every conversation is missing Oliver Reed!

[@300leothelion]

This genius spoke sense. Homes not theatres. But still we built shit offices, now empty and shit theatres now empty. But houses never will be. Just visit any town or city.

[@gman8471]

Kenneth Williams, a man who's still funny when he's having a heated political debate.

[@chrisdonohue1607]

What is happening in England? I don't see personalities like them anymore. Sorry, English not first language.

[@Deegee_1969]

We have garnered the cult of mediocrity, here in England now. Too many people wanting their glimpse of fame and dreaming of a "Get rich quick" scenario. Sadly, far too many get their 5 minutes of fame and a cash injection, but it's not enough for them and their desired lifestyles. Once their fame fizzles out, they're brought back to Earth with a thump. And just around the corner are the gutter press, waiting to pounce on yet another "Riches to rags" story. Another issue is the one of offence. The fame wannabes don't want to risk causing offence to people, for fear of their manager dropping them like a stone.And managers want to play things safe nowadays. Thus, the UK is now plentiful in celebrities, but lacking in personalities.

[@ssss-df5qz]

@@Deegee_1969 he said it himself in this video - "Self discipline, going on night after night and doing it well". He did it because he enjoyed it. I don't get that feeling from any modern day celebrities.

[@rw4614]

Kenneth was an absolute legend and articulate man and clearly passionate about moral issues that damage society.

[@juliet7703]

I didn't realise that he cared so much about these issues. I enjoyed hearing him speak so passionately . Thanks for the upload

[@brettjohnson536]

Moral issues like... worker frustration? Wanting to be compensated properly for your work?

[@swiftplus7398]

We need more people like Kenneth Williams in our world....

[@flemwad]

What a true British legend Kenneth Williams was

[@samr8603]

Elephant and Castle is still a dump in 2019.

[@TonyEnglandUK]

@@infol1537 You people aren't the solution, you're the problem. You can't wait to say something negative about your own country. Your ancestors must read your stuff and think _"Is that what a Brit sounds like in 2020?"_

[@mus139]

You are obviously clueless...I lived in the E&C and it was a nice place back in the 70s and 80s...its a Dump now, but was not back in the days.

[@TonyEnglandUK]

@@mus139 Then get off your arse and fix it instead of being a whining, negative wimp.

[@TonyEnglandUK]

@@mus139 Honestly, real Brits are sick and tired of you lowlifes running your own incredible country down. Thank god your ancestors can't read what you pussies say about Britain in 2020, they'd be ashamed of you.

[@VutecVision]

Kenneth Williams... What an amazing gentleman.

[@stephensimpson4022]

I could listen to Ken Williams forever. This is brilliant television and certainly not dumbed down.

[@SD-li9g]

So easily.

[@lindairvine7679]

Yes not like now !

[@kathyhills9326]

The Parkinson interviews were fabulous and demonstrated what CRAP chat shows today really are. I particularly loved the ones where he devoted the entire show to only one guest - Richard Harris, Dr. Jacob Bronowski, and the great Sammy Davis Jr.

[@michaelkelly8407]

Kenneth Williams, what a legend

[@huwjanus]

I grew up watching Kenneth in the wonderful Carry On films. Its great to see him here as an intelligent man giving his opinion in an intelligent and passionate way. His work brought happiness to millions and that legacy will live on, and its nice to see that he really cared about what he did and the people who watched him.

[@helenamcginty4920]

The carry on films were an insult to Kenneth Williams who was obviously capable of something with a little more depth

[@woowah32]

@@helenamcginty4920They weren’t an insult, they made him!!

[@richardwynn9045]

@@woowah32and yet he really didnt enjoy them, despite being the most featured actor of the whole ensemble

[@moominpic]

The days when chat shows had some passion and not just bland sucking up and selling a new product.

[@petermills2061]

Certainly high quality guests but I bet all three were promoting their new books, plays , films etc !!

[@typsy74]

For passion see opinion for opinion see cancelled ...You cant have an opinion or free thought these days its just not allowed

[@junglebrov]

I love the way Kenneth just calmed it down with a joke at the end.

[@mcagbe]

I love how Sir John Betjeman giggles at Kenneth Williams' "Ive never been so insulted"

[@rodneyjessop3398]

Absolutely fantastic! I realy do miss this kind of t.v. Kenneth was a great deal more than carry on.

[@jasoncowell5133]

Remember seeing him when I was 8 on a visit to London from Ireland.. we didnt have the courage to ask for an autograph. Sadly he died a month later. Always felt he was such a great entertainer, supremely intelligent and well read and so funny as this interview in abundance. RIP

[@davidvasey5065]

Jesus how old are you now

[@lakshmandalpadado9066]

Parky is no match for Kenneth Williams - an absolute genius !

[@thewomble1509]

Parky's argument was realistic, Williams was idealistic.

[@jessiejames7492]

agree. he also had that union leader on after this ..the following week. i cant find that interview. but it was awesome.

[@thewomble1509]

Scargill? I seem to recall Parky interviewing him at some point.

[@jessiejames7492]

no jimmy reid..i could listen to them forever! kzbin.info/www/bejne/onuyk3-oj6mHeNU

[@UNOwen1]

Lakshman Dalpadado I know. I never knew Kenneth, but I REALLY do miss him, his wonderful way he has ('had'...oops).

[@videoreff]

When Kenneth died a lot of people were wondering when the new Kenneth Williams would come along. It hasn't happened yet.

[@Jennifer-lp7jo]

Doubt that will ever happen he was a fascinating person 🙃

[@mattjaylane5850]

I'd hazard the closest is Stephen Fry

[@lorenzomagazzeni5425]

@@mattjaylane5850 No way .

[@Larry]

Kenneth must be smiling up in heaven knowign they're finally pullign down the elephant and castle.

[@donaldduck7461]

He’s not in heaven, he’s sleeping. I’d think he’d be more upset at Europe’s identity & culture disappearing for communism under the guise of political correctness.

[@donaldduck7461]

@@paulanthony5274 Look at the Kalergi symbol on the E.U flag. Research Richard Coudenhove Kalergi

[@MrChintaro]

@@donaldduck7461 Except Kenneth was pro EU.

[@donaldduck7461]

@@MrChintaro You’re right

[@rehabwales]

@@donaldduck7461 Oh FFS we've had enough of bullshit conspiracy theories for this year already.

[@shanekilpatrick3378]

Kenneth hit the nail on the head. Help your fellow man 😀👍🏻

[@tag6tag]

I really liked Kenneth, he was truly one of a kind .a man that will be missed for years to come.

[@robharding1957]

Kenneth Williams is yet again, the star of the show, so entertaining, and funny with it.

[@nicholasjohnson6724]

Just shows what a thoughtful, intelligent man Kenneth was. He is missed, even in Australia !!

[@hrryzdlr]

i love kenneth. and maggie smith looks so beautiful and elegant.

[@garyduckworth4522]

Excellent that Kenneth Williams and Parkinson could argue against each other like that…no “standard narrative” that we’re all doomed to follow nowadays with the fear of causing outrage.

[@PenisMcWhirtar]

Maggie Smith was 43 years old when this was filmed. It's often said that everybody has a period in life during which they look most beautiful and for me, this was when she was most incredibly attractive. Apart from that, she's an incredible woman and an absolutely brilliant actress. KW is great fun but thanks to the camera operator for keeping Maggie Smith in the frame!

[@clacclackerson3678]

Yes, she looks fantastic!

[@EmmaPeacock-cc9fl]

I am very very late to the party but yes she looks absolutely beautiful here. And I think she looks so like her son, Toby Stephenson, here.

[@liverpoolscottish6430]

Kenneth Williams was a national treasure. Highly intelligent, articulate, very amusing and a little eccentric in a way that only an Englishman can be. He also had the spine to serve in the British Army when it really was the British Army- with very high standards and rigid discipline- so he was no milksop either. What a character, we will never see his like again sadly.

[@zakofrx]

Probably forced to serve at that time but didnt make him any lesser..

[@notamused3715]

All those years ago and STILL Britain has a severe homelessness problem,in fact, a far,far,worse homelessness problem, to the pint of crisis! It comes to something when a comedy actor, and he was hilarious,bless him,has more sense and compassion for the poor than our leaders! WHAT am I talking about?? EVERYONE has more compassion for the poor than our heartless leaders!!!!

[@t7612-v6h]

This is telling. Hearing some legend from the 80s arguing could teach us much in our modern era.

[@BearCubster]

Maggie Smith looked so beautiful and very sophisticated.

[@harbourdogNL]

Stunning, absolutely stunning. One could even say PHWOAR!

[@marinewarrior2127]

Agreed. Maggie is absolutely stunning

[@cathyshaw1227]

She was very beautiful, i can see her son Toby Stephens in her looks.

[@davidjames579]

Why are people laughing at what Ken is saying? He's not joking.

[@Reymundodonsayo]

David James even if there was a live audience you can be sure canned laughter was already standard fare even then.

[@rhapsag]

Probably because they're not quite sure what to make of their comic hero speaking so passionately on such a serious subject. They're not laughing at what he's saying - they're laughing at the fact that he's saying it.

[@zacmumblethunder7466]

@@Reymundodonsayo No canned laughter on this. It went out live and they always showed the studio audience at the start. Some people would laugh simply because it was Kenny ranting. Like people went to see Harry H Corbett in Richard III because of Steptoe and Son and laughed whenever he spoke, completely failing to understand what they were hearing.

[@TheKonga88]

Because they are braindead sheep..

[@davidjames579]

@@rhapsag Thanks for your insight. I was curious as to the reason. If this reads as sarcastic, I am actually being genuine.

[@michealcurrie8272]

Kenneth Williams is completely correct, pride in the job, you do - no matter what it is. Mr. Williams R.I.P.

[@SuperSupermanX1999]

I mean, as was pointed out in this interview, it's very easy for him to say when he's got a glamorous and well paid job that he loves. But as Michael pointed out, not every job is like that and it's quite right that people in those job, which are essential for our country to keep ticking, should aspire for more. Doesn't matter how much pride you take in your job if it doesn't pay you enough to live off, as many teachers and nurses and bin men are currently finding.

[@graememckay9972]

​@@SuperSupermanX1999Kenneth also saying people shouldn't strike because it harms others is also nonsense. He says people should be more forgiving. Would he be like that if the theatre bosses were paying him pennies while charging huge fees at the box office? He would be withdrawing his Labour to fight for a better wage just like the people he criticised.

[@playbic15]

maggie smith looks so gorgeous hereee!

[@kennedykennedyhlychho1238]

That bit about voltairr... ALWAYs gefts ME 😂😂😂😂😂

[@Knappa22]

Got to laugh at champagne socialist Parky being demolished by Kenneth!

[@blahdelablah]

I don't think he demolished him. It's not enough to speak with conviction, the substance of what you're saying matters, and for someone who believes in improving the social standing of workers his arguments aren't particularly convincing (in other words, his arguments only land with people who already agree with him).

[@Krshna28]

@@blahdelablah Kenneth did demolish him. Kenneth was talking about society coming to help each other to better everyone's lives. Parky had nothing to say except raise wage for the person who doesn't want to get a better job. And this is 1973, jobs were everywhere.

[@blahdelablah]

@@Krshna28 Not every job that is required by society is a stimulating job. Even if other jobs are available, at the very least people should be free to bargain collectively for better rewards for their work. It doesn't mean that they'll get it, but if their work is undervalued then it's as good a way as any to address that.

[@Krshna28]

@@blahdelablah The problem during that era was that the jobs already had good rewards, but it was never enough. In the previous decades people generally supported unions and they did good work. By 1973, working conditions and pay were pretty good. But unions were never happy, and started striking of trivial issues. People began to resent the unions. The point of unions were to help those in need, but unless you paid the membership, they didn't care.

[@blahdelablah]

@@Krshna28 I'm sure it's possible for unions to get greedy, so it's necessary to look at each request by unions on a case by case basis. In general I don't think it's the responsibility of unions to tackle the issues of non-members, even for members of public sector unions. Homelessness is undoubtedly a problem, but the main way to tackle this is for governments to provide social housing and rehabilitation and training programs. As the American judge Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. put it, "Taxes are the price we pay for civilization.". Aside from driving innovation, the main priority of paying taxes should be to provide a safety net for the least fortunate amongst us.

[@michaelbithell2850]

He's a very funny man there isn't many on his level today

[@79Sarwar]

A real Englishman. Even the way they spoke back then had class.

[@misererenobis8900]

OMR What problem do you have with Kenneth Williams?

[@79Sarwar]

OMR - Forget the way he sounds/looks. Thats his own unique voice! He definitely has an extensive vocabulary, which I very much doubt you have in your repertoire. Notice how the movie and music industry has changed for the worse since these men started to disappear. Coincidence? Unless your telling me you prefer Justin Bieber and ppl like Vin Diesel ect.

[@paulasheerin9781]

Totally oblivious to the lives of the working class

[@zetaconvex1987]

Wow, never knew Williams was so intelligent.

[@PhilEadie65]

Most celebs in those days were. There were no social media shortcuts.

[@f1gp454]

Absolutely spot on.

[@lorenzomagazzeni5425]

Maggie Smith... was there . Who is Maggie Smith ? No idea. I must go to Google.

[@alicetheactress]

That was an amazing argument! Side thought: Maggie Smith's hairstyle is awesome and really suits her.

[@vrikey]

You know, despite all the comments here, watching these old segments with Kenneth Williams is just plain FUN! Don't we all agree?

[@NickSBailey]

Definitely, if only modern celebrities were half as interesting to listen to. I don't agree with everything he said he definitely lost me when he said people should realise their limitations but I could still listen to him all day.

[@ChrisMurrayBradford1952]

vrikey yes we agree.

[@markygreenall8645]

Yes we do.

[@wyvernlord23]

There was no pause. He just kept talking in one long incredibly unbroken sentence, moving from topic to topic, so that no one had a chance to interrupt; it was really quite hypnotic

[@ananswer7135]

...listen to him on 'Just a Minute'

[@reaneya]

Will-o'-the wisp has fond memories for my childhood.

[@garyreid7865]

great show

[@samantharossiter8808]

gary reid Mavis cruet the fairy Edna the evil witch, wasn’t she a tv lol 😂

[@garyreid7865]

@@samantharossiter8808 yes she was

[@redstar1223]

When celebrity was earned. We are being sold short today

[@eddieroadrunner6691]

Gemma Collins 😂😂😂😂😂

[@howhardgerrard]

"They must accept there limitations" if only that could get through to people today everyone wants to be special, famous and rich.

[@watercolourmark]

Isn't that the definition of a Westerner with a internet connection - Special, famous and rich. We are home in the land of milk and honey, and everything is within reach.

[@dazpatreg]

That's probably the most obnoxious nonsense I've ever heard or read. If people were to accept their limitations then humanity would have achieved nothing.

[@parishna4882]

@@dazpatreg "All this lay in the planet's remote past. It was, however, a descendant of one of these eccentric poets who invented the spurious tales of impending doom which enabled the people of Golgafrincham to rid themselves of an entire useless third of their population. The other two-thirds stayed firmly at home and lived full, rich and happy lives until they were all suddenly wiped out by a virulent disease contracted from a dirty telephone."

[@faustusTVR]

@@parishna4882 Adams at his best, brilliant.

[@TheGiokink]

Wow never realised KW cared so much abouyt the homeless. Wonder what he would think now if he saw all the homeless in the UK.

[@crotchet1586]

Keep listening and accept your limitations and shit wage...elitist bullshit

[@homebrandrules]

bob thebuilder early example of virtue signalling? regardless, loved his wit , I loved litsening to just a minute

[@jasonantigua6825]

bob thebuilder Not much if he caught one pissing in his doorway

[@danfernandes5607]

Wow read between the lines. KW would still be living in his giant house cleaning it for the 50th time that day, not giving a shit about anyone else.

[@davidoconnell4100]

Everything he said was viewable through his own tortured psyche.

[@TheWildheartmuse]

Oh they just don't make them like that anymore do they! I love listening to Round the Horn on Radio 4 Extra (on line) and hearing the wonderful Kenneth Williams and all that he got away with. Lovely.

[@febweb17]

Rambling Sid Rumpole, "At this time of year I always rub butter on my red-hot-poker.

[@JonDingle]

Ken was right on the money with what he was saying and Parkinson was totally wrong.

[@mickdwyer4254]

He was incorrect about the pride of a job,if you get shit on from the higher ups,do you think for one second that pride would come into it.?

[@marclacey2263]

@@mickdwyer4254 Why would you get shit on if you do a job well? If you do a good job and get shit on by higher-ups, get new job. Your current employer won't last anyway. Sounds to me like you are brainwashed by communist propaganda.

[@Mustbetrue133]

@@marclacey2263 Ur a bit of a moron really aren't ya😬 Real world we get shit on,go back to sleep Marc it was all just a bad dream😴sshhhhh

[@johnrichardson519]

I thought both KW and Parky made good points. Wouldn't have wanted KW's rather Tory idealisation of work regardless of pay without Parky's more grounded riposte.

[@davidwolstenholme6413]

I adore Kenneth Williams.

[@davidroman1342]

Intelligent man

[@retro1082]

I echo the comments that you don't get this on any chat-show now. But on a separate point, I love that the fact he "painted me own walls" is a sign that he was hard up!

[@danabrahams7892]

Absolutely brilliant. I did not think he could go up anymore in my estimations, but he has now

[@stevebbuk]

I totally agree Dan. What a contrast from the rubbish we are asked to digest these days.

[@wangdangdoodie]

Spoiled, only by the presence of Michael Parkinson.

[@vooveks]

Parky is such a nob. I'd forgotten how annoying he was. Kenneth Williams, however, was great to watch, even if his opinions made me cringe a bit in places.

[@stevebbuk]

What does he say at 6:25? I found him hard to follow.

[@andrewroberts8139]

I'm surprised to hear you say that - the stagnation in people's wages is closely connected to the decline in union power. Quite bizarre to make an argument which places unions in opposition to homelessness - if you are not getting decent wages you may very well find yourself homeless.

[@feederaccount46]

Though Parkinson makes a point.. Williams is way ahead of him “you strive to do a job to the best of your abilities”, “one must accept their limitations” .. this is striving to do better at the same time being a realist!

[@hanktheblesseddeejay]

J EDIT spot on, the person that gets ahead typically is the person that cares and applies themselves that can be an actor, it can be a manual labourer it can be anyone in any walk of life. Ken speaks the truth whilst parky gives a lazy argument about entitlement

[@hanktheblesseddeejay]

@Edward Hayes as anyone should, the way I see it is many of these union men, of whom I worked with in factories, people who came into working life in the sixties and seventies, just cared about themselves it wasn't a socialist morality. That's what Ken is saying when he says about the extra quid. I've been the idler getting away with the bare minimum and I've applied myself I know both mindsets and the truth is when you apply yourself you typically get further and other people don't like it because the truth is that they could do the same but they don't want to and the union is just another way of them getting more out the boss for the same work (excluding a rise to match cost of living etc), this'll be the same person that goes on and talks up their pay in the office to get it higher than a fellow worker even after the union got it up. That same person would then give a Parky argument, or label someone like Ken a Champagne Socialist. I witnessed that for 15 odd years. And I stand by Ken, apply yourself, get rewarded and think about the good of others. I also stand by the rights of the workers to organise against employers and governments that undermine their ability to live a decent lives by squeezing them too tight

[@hanktheblesseddeejay]

@Edward Hayes I agree with all that but I think the point was if all you do is care about the extra quid you're not taking forward the social morality that would try to attain real improvement for everyone, whether that is actually possible or not is another thing, but just because Ken made a success of himself doesn't take away from that, at least he knows what it's like to hold down various shit jobs and live that life, some people never even see that, especially those who had a charmed life before their careers in film and media, I know he was set for stardom, but he'd probably still have those principles if he hadn't made it. Ken is not the person who needs dressing down in my view. The unions are all the working man and woman has to have power over employers and I certainly would want to see a UK with out them, and I don't complain when people are on strike but equally ask yourself how do you take things forward outside the union membership and striking. That's all I'm saying, and I stand by the point it's not what you do it's the way you do it... every job can be done badly or it can be done well..

[@Krshna28]

@Edward Hayes What are you on about? The carry on films were famous for the poor pay that actors received. What the leading actresses got was absolutely atrocious. Kenneth never got paid anything close to a Hollywood star. He had to continue working throughout his whole life. He also comes from a working class family, he was never rich. Try to understand people before you slate them. And anyway, jobs in the '60's (and up to the time of this programme in '73) were really easy to find. They were everywhere. People always had the option of finding a better job. And even a low pay job was enough to afford a mortgage and a family. Not like these days. And not like the 40's and 50's when Kenneth was a young man. Union bosses became too powerful, too selfish and had become the very thing they were supposed to fight against. No matter what was given, it was never good enough. The result: shit economy, not enough jobs in the UK, and union bosses have become irrelevant and powerless.

[@hanktheblesseddeejay]

@@Krshna28 👍🏻

[@rodneyclarke6477]

Dame Maggie Smith was a Beauty back in the day.

[@24579william]

She was something else. As is Joanna Lumley, Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders. Today it is all about the black leftie lgtb Asian tick box. Total crap.

[@rodneyclarke6477]

Yes definitely agree regarding Joanna Lumley she is definitely Beautiful,Talented & Smart.Overall we have lost something.

[@curtisphillips1395]

"The dreadfulness of the Elephant and Castle". That's where I live...

[@buckbumble]

Curtis Phillips it is a shit hole

[@TheComputec]

Apparently Donald Trump won't be coming there soon

[@greenaum]

Is bloody ugly though.

[@joannerussell7852]

Why is it called Elephant and Castle?

[@fishbmw]

Joanne Russel The name is derived from a coaching inn that used to stand there. hidden-london.com/gazetteer/elephant-and-castle/

[@davidviner4932]

I think parky was put in his place soundly here, Kenneth was right and only saying it how he saw it

[@GetToDaChoppa-k5r]

Why shouldn't people go on strike to earn more money? Aren't they worth it?

[@NickSBailey]

I can see both sides but Parky had a good point and derailed Kenneth for a bit and the only way he could recover was to start going on about Voltaire to show how well read he was. Luckily it was also quite funny.

[@derekscanlan4641]

kenneth was great here at talking over everyone and using humour to deflect rational arguments made against him. yes, well played. cicero would have been proud of him

[@RosePetal17]

Very timely discussion. There was a time when people in media spoke honestly, without editing and from their hearts. I can't imagine important topics being discussed within this kind of forum in 2012. Such passion!!!

[@marcbiff2192]

Thank Christ you aren't in 2023.

[@Petey8482]

He wipes the floor with Parky 😂😂🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@smudger671]

No he doesn't.

[@Krshna28]

@@smudger671 He does.

[@smudger671]

@@Krshna28 He doesn't - he makes himself look like a right wing prick.

[@frederickmiles327]

At first I thought overeducated communist. But then I realised he was a thespian out of the WW2 British army an extraordinarily ineffectual fighting force. I mean Montgomery, could be confused with Baden Powell. I mean, they made 10 miles against the boy SS divisions, which had no air cover other than air recc by Goring Ardo 326 flying 10 miles high over the Normanby headgerows not computed or interpreted by Alan Turing's enigma or instructors. Clearly Churchill was right the really villain was the British head of the UK forces of Army education, George Wigg, jumped up commissar. As apparently Winston Churchills final act was after getting loaded in 57/8 in the House Lords bar was to arrive in the Public Gallery with his last discover Iain McLeod, a Fettes educated wastrel, a professional gambler unable to even hold a job as a playing card salesman, and inevitably one of Britain's greatest cabinet ministers,.and scream hate at George Wigg, who would destroy Britain and politics for intelligent men, in his vicious exposure of the obvious fact that the Minister of War, Profumo , slept with and enjoyed sex with twenty year old call girls, surprise, surprise what the hell else would he be in politics for. Not a squeaker like Wigg and Williams.

[@alexc6784]

A 2 year old could wipe the floor with that moron

[@endrightwinglunacy]

Williams is right. As David Starkey said (coincidentally another gay man), it's often the people who come from 'nowt who are the most conservative.

[@evoermine]

ERL - why even mention their sexuality? It’s totally irrelevant to the point you’re making.

[@endrightwinglunacy]

Because it's at odds with today's SJW snowflake mentality, where being gay makes you an automatic 'victim'. Williams didn't and Starkey doesn't act like a victim.

[@blahdelablah]

Unions are useful vehicles for working class people to improve their lot in life. If they were asking for large pay increases then I could understand, but the requests appear to be modest. What's the problem with that approach?

[@user-lx6bl2wd8g]

@@evoermine Bit of interest, though. Never knew that about Mr Starkey.

[@iamthebroker]

James Wilkinson correct James

[@dariusanderton3760]

Its so remarkable seeing Maggie Smith when she was younger. I only learned who she was from the Harry Potter movies and Downton Abbey. But definitely recognizable as the same person, and very classy, and attractive as well.

[@patrick7775]

She's about as ugly as they come.

[@lorenzomagazzeni5425]

I still have no idea who's Maggie Smith is or was.

[@ravenhill-the-hospitaller-1968]

Kenneth would be appalled at the country now, times have changed quite dramatically, not for the best.

[@ERobbins1234]

You don’t get thought-provoking debates on tv these days. Both men made good points.

[@ifanmorgan8070]

Parky a snob who looks down on the common man. Surprised ?

[@sratus]

That's not what comes across at all. Williams comes across as being completely out of touch and Parky quite rightly tells him he's talking crap.

[@martinrussell1516]

Maggie Smith was so beautiful wasn’t she..!She didn’t get much of a word in there though. Lol

[@paulanthony4534]

Martin Russell your kiddin me.. She was a boot

[@apexmike849]

Well, I don't know lad, she could've cooked my sock if she'd felt like it.

[@modfus]

She did have a certain feminine sophistication. Not classically beautiful but definitely quite stylish and elegant.

[@dickcarpenter8947]

when Ken starts his rant..... Miss Smith's face priceless. the art of keeping a straight face !

[@ifanmorgan8070]

05:26 the woman was FINE

[@jordsupp]

And Maggie is as utterly gorgeous then as she is now.

[@Eleventhearlofmars]

jordsupp I don’t get all this fawning over Maggie Smith, she looks like a transgender dominatrix to me.

[@Joshua-jj4xn]

Im mean..she's not REALLY gorgeous any more is she?

[@lorenzomagazzeni5425]

@@Joshua-jj4xn WTF is Maggie Smith ?

[@lorenzomagazzeni5425]

@@Joshua-jj4xn If I have to go to google to find out who Maggie Smith is, it means... You sure don't need to google Ava Gardner, Sofia Loren or Marilyn Monroe.

[@HowDareThey1970]

Whoa! Rapid fire rant! Well informed and well prepared too...

[@mizread]

It's shockingly apparent that that the iq quota no longer exists. You can no longer have free debate. Nowadays, we're being threatened with all kinds of punative comeback for expressing our opinion

[@carolynlewis1306]

A heated argument? I dont think so. More like a friendly chat.

[@DunnGolfing]

This is why KZbin exists inspired stuff and we are no further forward homes affordable lol buildings empty 2018 everyone should watch this 👍

[@TYRONEGIRL1]

If an interviewer dared speak up to a guest these days, the guest would walk off, wage a twitter war and milk it for every second of publicity they could...I miss these days, Kenneth Williams was a real 'celebrity', I'd love to hear his views on the pathetic reality shows that pass for entertainment now. We desperately need a new Parky :)

[@Eleventhearlofmars]

TYRONEGIRL1 I’m actually considering getting rid of my tv, for the first time ever because the dross that all the channels are serving up now is total garbage. Plus they actually repeat the crap that you don’t want to see a first time. I remember when there was two tv channels in the 70s and the tv shows back then were excellent, infact, everyone goes on KZbin to watch those old shows today lol

[@geoffpoole483]

That's what I did about ten years ago. Go for it!

[@MrPeachblossom]

did it 4 years ago .never once regretted it

[@timothysdog6130]

Madrigalman22 I agree with every word

[@timothysdog6130]

TYRONEGIRL1 there are a lot of crude and talentless celebrities now. They get paid huge amounts of money and we are supposed to sit and watch them. I turn my tv off. I remember the generation game on a Saturday evening. It was great family entertainment and it involved real people with real lives. Those were happy days

[@wesmatron]

When people (even in light chat shows) on TV had minds and opinions.

[@WomanNextDoor]

Kenneth would be having a fit over the lack of social housing today. Bless him, he was such a lovely man.

[@SenorZorrozzz]

People were thin in those days. Yes they eat smaller portions but they didn’t have all the chemicals and additives in their food like we do today. In other words their food was not shot up with estrogen.

[@p5bcoupe200]

Apart from the fat people.

[@susanfagan2727]

Love Kenny! ❤️ hate Parky !

[@markfindlay8636]

Never thought he was a good interviewer!

[@keneblana]

Absolute quality. Marvelous stuff. Norton is fun but I miss this so much. The audience wised quickly up and got over the comical voice to see the genuine intelligent man beneath.

[@RicTic66]

Old 'Parkie' was practically a Bolshevik 😁....

[@I_Don_t_want_a_handle]

He's from Barnsley, the son of a miner. What else would he be?

[@goliathsparrow1082]

'You must have a home'- couldnt agree more: everyone deserves to be dage and sheltered

[@panzfaust9812]

Young maggie is old school cool

[@leemahon1406]

A highly talented but troubled Man and deeply missed ❤️

[@TheBearSpiceKitchen]

“Let’s talk about poetry” - that whole thing WAS poetry. 👍🏻

[@johnnydavidauthor]

What a great clip - 1973 - I was "2"!!! Oh my word!!! I'd love to watch the whole show! Ken is so passionate and clear minded - very intelligent fellow - love him :-)

[@eastender1862]

Parkinson was such a respectful interviewer...allowed people to have a fair length of time to express their opinion...

[@tomelders]

And he was also on the right side of this debate. KW was dead wrong if you ask me. Still wonderful to listen to, but dead wrong.

[@johnrichardson519]

​@@tomeldersQuite right. Not often Parky told a guest he was talking crap but it made for another great TV moment. But because it was the exception not the rule.

[@GormKjeldsen]

Ahh.. The good old days. When you could have an argument without everybody loosing their minds. Oh, and just to be clear: Kenneth Williams (whoever he is (was)) is absolutely wrong here. 😎

[@johnrichardson519]

Mostly wrong. Look him up on Wikipedia!

[@christophernorton33]

The priceless Kenneth Williams. I hope he is having a ball on the other side of life .