American Reacts Four Candles - The Two Ronnies

[@AhsokaTanoTheWhite]

When the late, great Ronnie Barker (the guy with the shopping list) died they held a service for him in Westminster Abbey in London. They usually had 2 alter boys carrying candles at the head of the procession, but this sketch is so legendary in the UK the had 4 alter boys, so 4 candles.

[@bostonblackie9503]

When Ronnie Cornet's service was at Westminster Abbey they had four candles at the alter.

[@carokat1111]

Thanks for sharing!

[@dicem8977]

Oh really, that's amazing. They were kind of before my time the Two Ronnie's but I've caught up with them and I love them. I with the BBC or ITV (not sure what network their show was on) would broadcast full Two Ronnie's episodes in a bit like they do with Morecambe and Wise another act from olden days that I love.

[@maudeboggins9834]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/oXKqZGyggM5joqs My Blackberry is not working Ronnie Corbett. You will laugh

[@MrDaiseymay]

I did not know that---better late than never--thanks.

[@59martinb]

The first gag you look confused at, four candles. Handles for forks, these are garden forks a digging implement the size of a spade.

[@rojavida]

This sketch is from a few years ago now. As has already been noted, British plugs are individually fused. Common sizes were 13Amp, 5Amp and 3Amp etc. Back when plugs like this were allowed to be used in bathrooms, it was still required to use a plug with a rubber outer case rather than the normal Bakelite or plastic outer casing. This offered greater insulation properties in a damp atmosphere.

[@lloydieization]

I understood the amps/plug bit, but I did wonder about it being rubber ... now it makes perfect sense.

[@lumpyfishgravy]

In the 70s it was still common to find modern 13A as well as older 5A and 2A circular pin types in the one house.

[@jimwatson1013]

I am so UK minded I was confused why he didnt get "What plug?" "13amp......" I forgot American homes do not have plugs with fuses so ofcourse that went over his head, I could get being confused on "Rubber Plugs" as it is one of those of the time jokes.

[@dlarge6502]

@@lumpyfishgravy Still is. Stayed in a cottage in Cornwall, new conversion of old barns. It had modern sockets and the older type in a couple of places.

[@maudeboggins9834]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/oXKqZGyggM5joqs My Blackberry is not working Ronnie Corbett. You will laugh

[@cketts8128]

The taller man (Ronnie Barker) was a master of wordplay and would often write these sketches. I’m glad this video had his explanation that he wasn’t happy with the original ending and what he thought of years later. The Two Ronnies were a huge part of the comedy scene back in the day.

[@redf7209]

At the end you are supposed to think bill hooks on the list is read by the salesman as bollocks. British plugs are fused appropriately for their usage, so 13 Amp is the fuse rating on the plug for a 13 amp maximum current.

[@paulbeard3238]

Or pillock it's used when someone is acting stupid you say you pillock it a South western sayings and also a stupid fish catch 1 and others jump in your boat 🛥️🐟🐟

[@rollomaughfling380]

It's a verbal joke, not a written one. It's "Pillocks" (dickheads) not "bollocks."

[@paulsavage9977]

@@paulbeard3238 the intended thing to think is bollocks, hence the shop keeper asking "do you want one or two?"

[@TheBT]

Ronnie Barker stated later that he didn't like the ending as the joke was not clear, and yeah it's the only flaw a sketch that is legendary

[@redf7209]

@@TheBT no, another flaw is that he asked for forkhandles (plural) and was given only one.

[@andrewbowman4611]

The 'oes-'ose-o's' part is a masterclass in skillful writing from Ronnie Barker, who wrote this under the name Gerald Wiley. Ronnie Corbett's performance is one of his finest of his career. Sadly, both Ronnies are no longer with us. Barker died in 2005, shortly after his appearance at the end of the video, while Corbett died in 2016, due to complications from Motor Neurones Disease. Both are sadly missed, especially by Brits of a certain generation. The bathroom plug joke is, after asking for a rubber bathroom one, he then reveals he was after a 13 amp electric plug. I don't usually explain jokes because, as the late Barry Cryer was prone to saying, analysing comedy is like dissecting a frog; nobody laughs and the frog dies.

[@Deegee_1969]

When Ronnie Corbett died, there was a procession in Westminster Abbey for the rememberance service, and at the front of the procession were 4 candles. www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/06/07/four-candles-tribute-ronnie-corbett-touching-westminster-abbey/

[@jeffstevens4262]

@@Deegee_1969 Thanks, that really made me smile. God rest them both.

[@madoldbatwoman]

Another loss to British comedy! We don't make them like that anymore.

[@billybobby7607]

Using mains plug in bathroom is a big no no.

[@andrewbowman4611]

@@billybobby7607 That's why it's a rubber one; it's water-insulated. Most bathrooms in the UK have a socket for a two-pronged charger plug, which usually used for an electric razor or toothbrush.

[@bobbyshaftowenttosea5410]

AM I THE FIRST TO SHOUT THE OFFICIAL RONNIE BARKER ALTERNATIVE ENDING ? "" MADELINE ! TAKE OVER PLEASE ! ! "" (BUXUM YOUNG ASSISTANT READS LIST) "" YES SIR. ...AND WHAT KIND OF KNOCKERS ARE YOU LOOKING FOR!! ""

[@chris-hz2wd]

😂😂 I love this sketch so much I don’t even need to watch it to make me laugh I can just say to myself “no fork handles, handles for forks” and I start laughing it’s an absolute classic

[@JustMe-ks8qc]

A good friend of mine interviewed Ronnie Barker while we were at university, long after he had retired from showbusiness. He was happily owning an antiques shop in the Cotswolds, living a quiet life out of the limelight. She said he was so lovely, that he was everything you would hope he would be. Sadly, it was only a few years before we lost him.

[@madoldbatwoman]

I can well believe that. He always seemed kindly and grandfatherly to me, even when he was younger. Because I was just a kid then.

[@matthill3293]

Yes, I've heard Ronnie B was nothing but lovely to everyone...Ronnie C on the other hand...

[@MrDaiseymay]

I think he died from Cancer. Perhaps he knew that he had limited time, I hope he enjoyed his last years.

[@craigmckay3514]

I really appreciate the effort you go to in trying to understand everything you watch. Whether you are reacting to a historical video or British comedy or British culture. I don't understand American cultural references all the time so no reason you should either but you try and I appreciate that.

[@warrengday]

So glad you've seen this classic and you watched to the end. I also recommend the miss-pronunciation sketch, and the Master Mind sketch.

[@madoldbatwoman]

Ronnie Barker reading something, in complete seriousness, that had either been typed on a typewriter with missing letters or words transposed will always have me giggling. He was a master of his craft.

[@sophiegeorge2816]

Great to see you reacting to the 2 ronnies, bill hooks sounds like bxxxxks Fork handle handle for garden fork

[@sallysteele9220]

I think you would enjoy 'The Phantom Raspberry Blower of Old London Town' by The Two Ronnies.

[@rickkennett8505]

Actually it was by 'Spike Milligan and a Gentleman' if creaky memory serves.

[@marklondon9004]

Child me found this to be the funniest thing imaginable! Peak humour.

[@angelau1194]

You have to watch "Allo Allo" the writing was just brilliant - it was set in a cafe in occupied France during WW2. One character was a gendarme and his catch phrase was "Good moaning I was just pissing by...." Totally unPC and how the actors kept a straight face when they delivered their lines beats me. Hope you enjoy it : )

[@jiggermast]

I second that.

[@vallee3140]

you know actually the mannerisms of Little Ronnie ,are so brilliant it makes this great. Love your reactions have added to my subscribed.

[@karl9411]

Little Ron was sublime here , expressive, controlled, fantastic acting , whilst holding it together

[@ojonasar]

The best bit for me has always been watching Ronnie Cs character getting more and more irate as the sketch goes on.

[@bucklberryreturns]

That and the fact he stops for a moment, pretending to look around for something nearby, as he's about to corpse from just looking at Ronnie Barker's deadpan vacant expression.

[@vallee3140]

he really made that sketch, great acting

[@terrythekittieful]

In that case you have to watch the sketch where they have just finished a game of squash and get back to the change rooms. Ronnie C (a regular player) vs Ronnie B (the first time player). Guess who wins and gets severely irate? It might even be funnier than this sketch,...it's a beauty.

[@terrythekittieful]

Sorry, that should be, guess who loses and gets severely irate?

[@radarlockeify]

Always a joy to watch the Two Ronnies.

[@HannahG_x]

My mum and I still always quote this scene when we talk about candles or buying candles 'four candles?' in the same accent :D

[@alfredbearman396]

Please watch this again you will enjoy just as much the 2nd 3rd & more.

[@grahamnancledra7036]

What is so masterful about this sketch and a lot of the Two Ronnies comedy is the timing. The double takes, the movement or lack of it, even when Ronnie B holds up the fork handle checking it's straightness. 'Allo 'Allo is a good one to look at but it's a comedy serial and you have to get the characters from Programme one. Try the lighting the cigarette and the stolen cuckoo clock from series 1 episode 1. Dad's Army and Hi-di-Hi are the the same vein but, do a quick wikipedia search to read up about the shows before watching. Good Luck and Tons of laughter and learning.

[@rayjennings3637]

Probably the most quoted British comedy sketch ever and quite probably the most favourite ever!

[@unojayc]

Billhooks on the list was miss read by him as bollocks so that's why he handed over to another assistant

[@FortisConscius]

The Two Ronnies are always a good bet. "Crossed Wires" "Mastermind" (both versions) The wordplay and puns are really well thought out.

[@Isleofskye]

Insurance against being Jewish and THe Accountant are 2 classic sketches...:)

[@sbaxter4207]

squash

[@booth2710]

That was the brilliant feature about the Two Ronnie's sketches - you can never get in front of the gag no matter how much you boggle the mind

[@basinstreetdesign5206]

The funniest Two Ronnies sketch I have ever seen is "Pub". It is a another example of English vernacular used to illustrate local idioms.

[@vincewilliamss]

The greatest sketch in the history of British comedy

[@SirBradiator]

One of the best 2 Ronnie's sketches is the Mastermind answering the question previously asked.

[@sndrka12]

Great show, take care, love from Glasgow

[@rayne2714]

this is an absolute classic British sketch the best way to describe it to Americans is its like your "who's on First" in terms of how funny it is

[@davepb5798]

Billhook is a large knife with a curved end, used for hedge laying etc. The H in billhook is often silent, so bill'ooks (bollocks)

[@Isleofskye]

WELL DONE Conor ! I knew you would let me down and watch the ENTIRE clip where the revised ending was explained. You would be surprised how many reactors miss the explanation...

[@secretarchivesofthevatican]

The ending, Billhooks, sounds a little like "bollocks", slang for testicles.

[@galtyuk]

Thats what I allways thought it ment

[@rollomaughfling380]

It's "Pillocks," slang for people who think "bill hooks" sounds anything like "bollocks."

[@Adrian-qk2fn]

The original ending the last item was Billhooks- which is very close to Bollocks; (spelt Bolox in the US, I believe).

[@deniseperryman2814]

So sad that there no longer with us but they left some brilliant sketches that we can still enjoy today we just love the Two Ronnies Love from Denise in Yorkshire England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿😂😂😂👏👏👍👋💞💞

[@TOYSTITCHER]

Nicely done ! Don’t worry about that last thing on the list…..the word on the drawer sounds like a popular British swear word that Americans don’t know 🤗. Thanks for the laughs 👍😁

[@mrpcb2566]

Great to see the realisation on your face when he changed to fork handles. And your expectation of what's on his list.

[@ayeready6050]

The bill-hooks gag is because it sounds like bollocks. They don't pronounce the h if its at the start of a word. That's why he thought he meant hoes and hose when he actually meant letter Os. Also fork 'andles = four candles

[@richardwest6358]

Why the puzzlement. Billhoock is a commonly used tool in the US and appears in their dictionaries

[@AhsokaTanoTheWhite]

FINALLY! The absolute pinnacle of British Comedy.

[@katerinakemp5701]

These shops were called haberdashery's, they stocked everything even the kitchen sink lol.

[@Imsuper656]

Handle for a garden 'Fork', there's 'plugs' that you use in a bath and 'plugs' that you use with electrical appliances (you plug them into the electrical socket in the wall). 'Saw tips' a cover for a wood saw. 'Pumps'...old fashioned tennis shoes. 'billhooks'...sounds like 'Bollocks' (Testicles)

[@GrouchyOldBear7]

Thanks for the video. I enjoyed it.

[@catherinemontgomery7130]

this sketch is from the early part of the 1970's. the bathroom plugs he got in the box was the plug that in the uk used to be put in the plug hole of the sink or the bath to keep the water in, it was pulled out to let the water out. 13 amp refers to electrical plugs that are on the end of cables that are put into plug sockets, like a tv, computer, vaccume cleaner - i think americans call them electric outlets, in the uk all electrical plugs have an amp value, 13 amp for larger electrical appliances, 5 amps radios, irons, kettles, etc then there are also 3 amp for things that use lower electrical ampage billhooks - bollocks

[@wordsmith52]

Corbett gets his own back in the sweet shop ('pronounciation problems') sketch - you should see it, if possible.

[@Washiela]

Billhooks - his question would have been:- " Got any bullocks?" 😂😂

[@northdevonpictures826]

If you were feeling bad about missing stuff, then don't. Glad you enjoyed the fun which was largely generated through word play and homophones: O's for hose; [sink] plugs for electric plugs, peas for P's, and so on. Gym shoes or plimsolls are sometimes called "pumps". This "Four Candles" skit was voted 'The Nation's Favourite Two Ronnies Sketch', and it has its own Wikipedia page. Ronnie Barker was one of our finest comedy character actors and writers - these two were a TV institution for many of us over here. They're fondly remembered and remain unbeaten today, probably. If you have time, why not watch and react to Ronnie Barker (as Fletcher) in the comedy series "Porridge". Good luck Connor, you have a lot of great British comedy to watch ;)

[@phillipwalker6517]

Little Ronnie made this, his face an annoyance was magic.

[@Someloke8895]

0:49 - Oh god, I genuinely thought you were about to salute. xD

[@CMDRRustyDog]

This sketch was voted No.1 of all time in the UK. Ronnie Corbett stole the show here for me. His facial expression, the way he acts and looks. It's just perfect.

[@petersymonds4975]

I can remember seeing this sketch in a Team Meeting in work in the late 90’s. I was a Technical Officer for BT, the telecomms company. We had a good laugh, it was supposed to highlight communications with clarity. Best team meeting ever.

[@purplefood1]

That's such a perfect ending as well

[@CrazyInsanelikeafox]

I love R.Barker sooo sooo much but the star of this sketch is definitely R.Corbett.🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@johnboy2562]

In the UK we have a custom of giving our houses names, that's why he asked for two letter O's. Mon Repose is an old fashioned name usually used by retired people, it means My Rest in French (or something like that).🏡

[@ianbrawn9764]

I am British and have seen this stuff loads of times and still laugh. Adding your US reaction enhances them even more. The three great shows to me were YES MINISTER/ PRIME MINISTER , TWO RONNIES, and MORECAMBE AND WISE. Welcome to the world ' wet yourself laughter' rendered even better by your evident puzzlement at some of it.

[@lextex3280]

You have come across two of the greatest comedians in comedy history, Ronnie Barker and Ronnie Corbett are legends in comedy. Ronnie Barkers play on words is legendary. You need to check out the miss-pronunciation sketch, and the Master Mind sketch.

[@DawnSuttonfabfour]

Some people have trouble with their worms.

[@lextex3280]

@@DawnSuttonfabfour I feel sorry for the mumblers who can't squeak properly. 😂.

[@susanpeters5392]

Two Ronnies ......the racing duck .... is a good sketch

[@Washiela]

This has to be my favourite Two Ronnie's sketch. Thank you for recognising our great, mad, silly, hilarious sense of humour 🇬🇧 🤩 🇺🇸

[@tonysilver9214]

The first gag (omitted here) is the woman walking out of the shop with a toilet roll and shopkeeper calls "Mind how you go." Certain English accents drop their h's from the beginning of words, hence the confusion over the fork 'andles, 'oes, 'ose,. o's. 'Mon repos' is the name on the customer's gate.....it's why he wants two o's. 'Mon Repos' is an archetypical name retired people give to their home.

[@Mick_T63]

Ronnie Corbett’s daughter Sophie Corbett opened a boutique shop in Victoria Street, Brighton, The Four Candles in honour of a TV sketch performed by her father and his late partner Ronnie Barker. I lived in the next street down from it.

[@BedsitBob]

The handle is for a Garden Fork. The 13 Amp plug, is an electric plug.

[@VincitOmniaVeritas.]

The last one “bill hooks” is for bollocks. 😁🤭

[@asdonut]

The last part said "Billhooks" which sounds like "Bollocks" hence the question one or two? A bill hook is a garden tool ( interesting note: it also was used in the middle ages as an infantry weapon (a slashing spear ))

[@cookiesroblox6759]

I recommend you watch this again a few more times.. as the more you watch it you will understand the jokes & what there saying more.. than you'll get it x

[@robhinds8150]

Hey Connor! Not sure if you have done a reactions post to the Two Ronnies does Mastermind? It's hilarious! Mastermind is a long-running, high-brow UK quiz show. Really enjoy your posts, and not just because you are really cute with a lovely accent lol! You come across as a genuine person, which is quite rare in the world of KZbin. Keep up the good work sir! From a fan in Cymru/Wales in the United Kingdom...

[@Cobalt-Jester]

Sad thing is, the larger of the 2 died not long after this show was recorded He never saw it in TV. Also the larger of the 2 is a genius word smith. He used to write sketches and post them anonymously to the BBC.

[@5762dg]

The cream of British comedy

[@britanniafirst1254]

I’m not sure you understood the subtle British humour at the end Connor. The word Bill Hooks spoken very quickly in a regional accent comes out as billucks…..which then translates in the British mind to Bollocks.

[@johnnypatrickhaus890]

Absolute classic British comedy 👌 👏 🤣

[@Payne2view]

A Bill Hook is a sort of hand axe/knife with a curved end, somtimes with a point at the rear of the blade. They look quite medieval in design. Used for cutting down small branches and hedge laying etc. on farms and similar places. I've actually used one when I was younger. Everyone else has explained the pun.

[@tbrowniscool]

Isn't it a play on words for Pillock? As in your a Pillock

[@Payne2view]

@@tbrowniscool More likely "Bollock" although it could be Pillock too. Although that would require Ronnie C's character misreading the B as a P.

[@tbrowniscool]

@@Payne2view I think your right!

[@KattyKitty66]

My brother met Ronnie Barker, he said he was so down to earth and friendly

[@jew-wheelsvanderburg]

The word at the end Billhooks is a play on words its actually Bollocks

[@Tractionengine_556]

Connor. Another shop related Two Ronnie's sketch you should check out is called the "Sweet Shop". This time it's Ronnie Corbett that's being the awkward customer.

[@grizzlygamer8891]

The plug gag he says No, 13 Amp. Our electrical plugs in the UK are all individually fused and he wanted a rubberized electrical plug for the bathroom, 23 Amp, not a plug for the sink.

[@Jamienomore]

A Handle for a Gardening Fork. Bill Hooks - Ballocks.

[@takata98]

My dad couldn't stand Ronnie Corbett, instead we used to get greater pleasure from watching "Open All Hours!" with Ronnie Barker. I find it so interesting to see how it's still such a classic on You Tube.

[@maudeboggins9834]

Ronnie Barker was brilliant. Such a clever writer, actor & mimic.

[@Cobalt-Jester]

Billhooks are a form of bladed tool. Similar to a machete but half the size with a hook facing away from the sharp edge. Not exactly , but it's a bladed hooked tool. It almost sounds like 'bollocks' a minor swear word meaning testicles..

[@vincentconnolly5499]

The end joke is just a play on the pronunciation of "Bill Hooks" and "Bollocks".

[@jamescockings6852]

There’s a reboot of this sketch with Ronnie Corbett and another English comedian Harry Enfield in place of Ronnie Barker (who had passed away) called. My BlackBerry Won’t Work which I think you’ll understand a lot more.

[@marcusparkins4104]

There is a more recent parody clip taken from this one with Ronnie Corbett (The little one) and Harry Enfield with a more modern twist which you must watch, its brilliant!

[@mrpcb2566]

The plug response is 13 amp. As in a 13 amp electric plug. Standard in the UK.

[@kayb9979]

"Billhooks" was misconstrued to read "Bollocks" : hence the joke.

[@shaneord7527]

Gotta go for blackberry sketch now.

[@alysialeyshon-richards2791]

Hi. Hope I am not repeating what others have already suggested to you but have you looked at either ' Rising Damp' or ' Butterflies'?

[@Wang_Monkey]

1st bit you missed was "13 amp", for the size of the plug so clearly an electric plug. The "bill hooks" was meant to be a play on "Bollocks" & he's right, it was a bit obscure

[@mattbaigent5373]

As mentioned before, the bill hooks part is meant to imply that Ronnie (the guy behind the counter) read it as bollocks and that’s very much a British word and essentially can be used in many ways but they are slang for testicles. It’s also another word like f**k, a word of you think someone is lying (talking bollocks)

[@walterbryden5775]

have you seen 'the accountant' yet. that's another classic of theirs.

[@MrNelliboy]

Pure Gold, u defo need to watch the Morecambe and Wise Breakfast sketch 👌

[@neilbone9490]

Most electric plugs on household appliances in the UK have a fuse in the plug hence the “13 amp plug” 👍

[@hugh-hoof-hearts4360]

A different class of comedy. Both, Ronnie Barker , see porridge, a great series with many future comedy hero’s playing smaller parts along the journey. All time favourite. Or in fact a early British film call “ moving in”. Many comedy greats in 1 black n white film. Inspired the plank and Rhubarb rhubarb. A must in your British comedy journey , little Britain you will love , probably be barred in the US .

[@PHDarren]

UK electric plugs have fuses in them, hence the 13amp (fuse).

[@xavierkreiss8394]

Hi A plug is what you'd call (I think) a socket.

[@dinger40]

Billhooks nearly sounds like Bollocks

[@neilburns8869]

Okay, so the customer has asked for a plug for his bathroom. Well, it's a well known fact that electricity and water don't really mix. So, the customer has already said that he wants a rubber plug so there's a good chance he's referring to a plug for a sink or a bath, so the shopkeeper has gone and fetched his box of rubber bathroom plugs and wants to know if he needs small, medium or large sized but the customer has replied "13 AMP!!" Which is a standard size electric fused plug in the UK! So, you can just visualise this guy getting eletricuted in his bathroom.😂

[@helenagreenwood2305]

The Mastermind clip where he answers the questions with the answer to the previous question is another one for you to look at - if you haven't already 😀

[@marklondon9004]

Recommendation: The Goodies. I don't think there's much on YT, though. Not top ten, but very different comedy.

[@Richard-Bullock]

Watch The Two Ronnies Mastermind sketch. Hilarious!

[@mrpcb2566]

The last joke; bull hooks..... Bull ooks ....boll ooks....bollocks.

[@andrewjones4568]

If you are looking for clips from great British comedies to react to then I would recommend The Day Today from the 90’s. It’s basically a spoof news show and it also helped launch the career of Steve Coogan and his character Alan Partidge although Alan plays a very small part on this actual show as she is just the sports presenter. Steve played lots of different guest characters in it though.