Michael Parkinson, Kenneth Williams, Maggie Smith and Sir John Betjeman

[@annieg1812]

Just watch this a couple days ago September 25th 2024 not realizing that Kenneth and Maggie were in a lot of theatre together... and today 27th she has passed..Bless her Margaret Nathalie Smith CH DBE..

[@GeorgeFairbrother]

She said in another interview, I think it might have been on a series called Acting in the 60s, that KW had actually coached her in aspects of comedy acting and timing - It was a fascinating friendship. The end of an era.

[@jorvikaengelskvinna7157]

And now we have lost all of these wonderful, talented individuals. Very sad. I loved all of them.

[@GeorgeFairbrother]

@@jorvikaengelskvinna7157 Same here🙏

[@margaretdownie4407]

Maggie Smith and Kenneth Williams loved each other,in the deepest meaning of the word, he wanted to marry her, that's how much he loved and respected her.

[@Richard19551]

Kenneth Williams is so WILDLY articulate! What a wonderful group! Thank you for posting!

[@GeorgeFairbrother]

Thank you for commenting, I agree, I find him fascinating to listen to whether you agree with him or not.

[@highdownmartin]

A fair bit of repetition deviation and hesitation in this instance. But a tour de force, is our Ken.

[@kingy002]

@@highdownmartin You wit, you!

[@61sven]

This clip is both uplifting and depressing. Uplifting to hear such interesting, witty and stimulating conversation from such wonderful personalities. Depressing to compare it to the shallow dull and often puerile fare we are offered in 2024 where mediocrity is celebrated. If television were like this today. I might watch more of it, instead I search KZbin for memories of better times.

[@GeorgeFairbrother]

Same here. You're absolutely right about it being uplifting and depressing at the same time.

[@aaropajari7058]

Ironic given how vastly much better paid far lesser figures are for such appearances and work these days.

[@AnnaMaledonPictureBookAuthor]

you're right. It reminds me of what one American children's writer said in the interview. She won Newberry for one of her novels for children and the TV station invited for a talk. I think she had to take a plane to get there, her plane was delayed, she hardly slept and on the last moment her interview was dropped - they prefered an inteview with some porn star or something of that nature. I don't own a TV. If I want some entertainment I use KZbin to find sth valuable, usually sth quite old as you mention.

[@pete7825]

Just perfect. Will culture and TV ever reach those heights again?

[@GeorgeFairbrother]

It's a brilliant segment. I particularly like how both Parky and KW knew when to rein it in so things wouldn't get out of hand. KW's "I've never been so insulted" was perfectly timed. I totally agree with your comment, this is one of my favourite Parkinson moments.

[@michaelgreene7041]

If the likes of Big Brother and Celebrity Love Island are anything to go by, we are heading at breakneck speed back to the primordial swamps from whence we came. Note too how the speakers are allowed finish a sentence without being interrupted, another sadly bygone relic from yesteryear.

[@georgemorley1029]

Never.

[@andrewmcilwraith1997]

@@georgemorley1029 No never! Can you imagine this now? Democratising video media seemed liberating, and I suppose it was, but we should have known what would result. Love this, pish that a lot of it is. However, we will never know this again. I want educated pish, yeahhhh!!!XXX

[@garetcrossman6626]

An educational and entertaining discussion, but nothing to do with Parkinson. In fact, even here, Parkinson's few interventions are totally unnecessary.

[@grahamhill2130]

Wonderful how Parkinson gave his guests the time to speak and be involved - a great skill. RIP

[@Scottie_S]

What I wouldn't give to be able to turn back the clock to have Kenneth Williams back in our universe. He was smart, witty and told great stories that I used to love listening to.

[@GeorgeFairbrother]

Yes, and this combination with John Betjeman and Maggie Smith is about the ultimate 'comfort watch'.

[@clarehennessey3653]

Agreed. If there was ever a time that humanity needed inspiration, it's now.

[@ctmcollins4160]

I have this video bookmarked, as I go back to it quite often for humour and reflection. Or political debates with my brother in-law! But I always stopped before Mr Betjeman. It was the Kenneth Williams bit....that I was after. A week ago I watched to the end.......lo and behold I discovered "Slough". However, today is a sad day as George says below.............Michael Parkinson was a family favourite......his shows from Ali to Spike. and Emu....... ...have been a large influence on my life. Hell, I was hooked by the intro music...Harry Stoneham and his quartet...then big band!! Rest In Peace, Sir.......but we will always call you "Parky"

[@GeorgeFairbrother]

Totally agree. I used to have that segment on audio tape and played it quite often in my car. I was always captivated by the reading of Death in Leamington, although I'm not sure I ever totally understood it. . I love the way Parky and KW, total professionals, knew instinctively just how far to push their disagreement, then pulled back. This kind of TV is a lost art now, I think.

[@majordolbyscat]

RIP Sir Michael Parkinson. This like many of his interviews has stood the test of time in my memory. No other chat show host seemed to offer such freedom to talk, apart from maybe someone like the excellent Dick Cavett stateside.

[@GeorgeFairbrother]

Excellent points, there were many remarkable encounters, I think Orson Welles was one of my favourites (apart from this one). One of his best interviews, I think, was with the intimidating Australian media mogul Kerry Packer, they had a robust disagreement about Tony Greig and World Series Cricket, which Packer was financing, yet things remained courteous the whole time. A masterclass, and probably a forgotten art. Parky did a very nice, warm and friendly interview with Kenneth Williams on Desert Island Discs, I think a year or so before KW passed away. Also agree about Dick Cavett, another great talent.

[@roberttruman8444]

I was about to say he was the British Dick Cavett. Both great interviewers who got the very best out of their subjects and gave them the time to speak.

[@cosmojonesmusic]

I'm loathe to yearn for 'the good old days' but this is what tv was made for.

[@GeorgeFairbrother]

I tend to unashamedly yearn for the good old days 😅

[@iansmith9125]

How true 👍

[@bernie4268]

Wow what a triumvirate of amazing talent on this show. Dame Maggie, Sir John Betjeman and Lord Kenneth!

[@GeorgeFairbrother]

Yes, I love this mix of personalities as well. Television is certainly not what it once was. Thanks for commenting.

[@naradaian]

Holy moly. Tv was once worth watching Absolutely fabulous

[@WelshHomo87]

It really was

[@FrankCowell]

True!

[@simonfutcher5702]

Such a shame that all four of them are no longer with us. Speaking from the heart with sincerity, compassion and authenticity. Not giving a damn about promoting the next thing they’re appearing in. A show like this would never happen again and we’re all the poorer for it.

[@GeorgeFairbrother]

Extremely well put, I couldn't agree more.

[@jacklondoner4579]

This is when Saturday night telly was worth watching. Mind you I liked the daytime talk shows back then too.

[@GeorgeFairbrother]

A very good point. We shouldn't forget Mavis Nicholson as a great interviewer as well.

[@jacklondoner4579]

@@GeorgeFairbrother Oh yes. She was brilliant.

[@GeorgeFairbrother]

@@jacklondoner4579 It seems that the BBC recognise Parky's back catalogue of interviews as a goldmine of history and have done retrospectives and also frequent social media posts to keep them in the public eye. I haven't seen too much of Mavis' work apart from KZbin clips. There must be an equally fascinating catalogue somewhere in the vaults of Fremantle or whoever owns the Thames archive.

[@larrymclarnon-pd8xf]

Kenneth Williams hits the nail on the head. Lovely to see John Betjeman.

[@GeorgeFairbrother]

I agree, It's a great combination - I also love how Parky and KW know just how far to take it without it getting out of hand.

[@GeorgeFairbrother]

RIP PARKY. Michael Parkinson has passed away, August 16th, 2023, aged 88. 🙏

[@ctmcollins4160]

Jst noticed that you posted this to begin with! Duh......Thanx for putting it out there.

[@davidevans3227]

thankyou for the bit in the description too.. interesting

[@marillionman8811]

Parkinson was the best interviewer this country and possibly the world could ever have.

[@GeorgeFairbrother]

I totally agree, in this case both he and KW instinctively knew just how far they could push their disagreement without it getting out of hand, and the throw to John Betjeman just defused everything brilliantly. They really did make telly for adults in those days, when it was all about the guests and not the host. His interview with Orson Welles from around 1972 I think was among his best. @@marillionman8811

[@Patrick3183]

Died on Madonna’s 65th birthday

[@tombstoneharrystudios584]

Such a beautiful recitation of the poem & Betjeman’s tears of delight

[@GeorgeFairbrother]

I agree, just a perfect moment.

[@Edward1312]

Betjeman's conversational speech is as poetic as his poetry!

[@sirbarnabyst.johntoffingto9017]

Oh, indeed yes. But I must disagree with his views on tower block housing. The views are often worth the lacking of one''s own garden to sit in of an summer's afternoon/evening.

[@robjohnson7806]

Come friendly bombs and fall on Slough ... I have always adored teaching that poem. ❤

[@johnnicholls5344]

I would imagine that Kenneth Williams would have written this interview up in his diary. So you could get an exact date for the interview by consulting the diaries.

[@tixie1895]

I’ve read his diaries and they are brilliant!

[@tonydolton4544]

I wish they would air intelligent conversations like this on tv now

[@ralphplumb7027]

There are not many well educated “personalities” and so called “celebrities” who could hold an intellectual conversation these days. The quality of novels that kids are reading early in their lives now is sadly lacking!!.

[@tonydolton4544]

@@ralphplumb7027 very true, though most intelligent conversations can be found on pod casts these days, in some back water of the internet.

[@kingy002]

@@ralphplumb7027 I think there are plenty of intelligent people from those cultures. It is just that they are not given the air time today.

[@internetfairy1]

So refreshing to watch these articulate, interesting people interact. So different from the rubbish that gets bandied about now!

[@Edward1312]

It was Wilfred Owen Ken was quoting from the poem "Insensibility" when he said the eternal reciprocity of tears. "By choice they made themselves immune, To pity and whatever mourns in man; Before the last sea and the hapless stars; Whatever mourns when many leave these shores; Whatever shares; The eternal reciprocity of tears".

[@GeorgeFairbrother]

Thank you for providing that additional context.

[@markrogers64]

Great interview.

[@bluecollarguy67]

Maggie Smith…..that voice! ❤

[@kingy002]

She did a better job of the poem than Kenneth.

[@mattbod]

Kenneth Williams was an absolute national treasure: so funny. I adored the Carry On Films. John Bejtamin was a legend too. Ken was bang on about housing. He was a bright guy.

[@mariemccann5895]

He was a bore.

[@maureenrhysjones4643]

@@mariemccann5895 how shallow of you.

[@mariemccann5895]

@@maureenrhysjones4643 Speaking of bores, are you Welsh?

[@suzanne5781]

Maggie Smith was stunning! So sorry to lose Michael Parkinson, growing up in Australia my family always watched his show.

[@GeorgeFairbrother]

Same here. Actually I only recently discovered his complete interview with Kerry Packer, which is actually one of his best. That kind of tough but courteous interviewing, or conversation, is a lost art now, sadly.

[@jamesmiller6244]

Brilliant thank you for posting this

[@GeorgeFairbrother]

Thank you, I'm very glad you enjoyed it. It's one of my favourite Parky moments as well.

[@andrewtongue7084]

All four, sat around a table...are not unlike 'Death In Leamington', for they have all moved ' to a room next door'..... RIP that formidable quartet.

[@jeanmyers1787]

What a wonderful video, I didn’t know Maggie and Kenneth were such friends.

[@MiriamWalcott]

You need to find the excerpt of when the two of them went shopping for a bra for Maggie. At the moment can't remember if I saw it on YT or FB but it appeared since the passing of Maggie.

[@GeorgeFairbrother]

@@MiriamWalcott I think that was on Parky's Kenneth Williams retrospective which featured this clip as well as a couple of great stories about Edith Evans. Brilliant. 😅

[@UXB-p5u]

Kenny and Sir John would be devastated what's happening in our country today!

[@user-bt4jg5lh4b]

Rip parky, great interview and very relevant still what they are talking about

[@CloudhoundCoUk]

What is shocking is the same political issue of housing. Only got worse. Kenneth is simply brilliant.

[@garyturner5739]

Maggie Smith trying to get a word in edge ways with the great Kenneth Williams.

[@GeorgeFairbrother]

It's a cracking bit of telly.

[@kingy002]

Few could get a word in when Kenneth was in flight.

[@GeorgeFairbrother]

For those who might be interested in how the relationship between Kenneth Williams and Michael Parkinson unfolded in the ensuing years, they had a very enjoyable, warm and friendly encounter in July of 1987, when Parky was hosting the BBC's Desert Island Discs programme and KW was his guest. Link here to the BBC website to listen or download; www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p009mljj

[@roshanshivdasani1984]

9

[@BUKCOLLECTOR]

Enjoyed your poems. And your unique word choices enhanced the poems emotional impact and kept me engaged throughout. I’m a poet specializing in Japanese forms: haiku, tanka, haibun, kyoka, senryu. I hope you don’t mind me sharing a tanka and my haiku, a tribute poem to Bashō’s frog with commentary by the late AHA founder and poet Jane Reichhold who considered my Basho haiku among her top 10 haiku of all time. What an honor. Here’s the Bashō poem and commentary: Bashō’s frog four hundred years of ripples At first the idea of picking only 10 of my favorite haiku seemed a rather daunting task. How could I review all the haiku I have read in my life and decide that there were only 10 that were outstanding? Then realized I was already getting a steady stream of excellent haiku day by day through the AHA forum. The puns and write-offs based on Basho's most famous haiku are so numerous I would have said that nothing new could be said with this method, but here Al Fogel proved me wrong. Perhaps part of my delight in this haiku lies in the fact that I agree with him. Here he is saying one thing about realism-ripples are on a pond after a frog jumps in, but because it refers back to Basho and his famous haiku, he is also saying something about the haiku and authors who have followed him. We, and our work, are just ripples while Basho holds the honor of inventing the idea of the sound of a frog leaping is the sound of water As haiku spreads around the world, making ripples in more and larger ponds, its ripples are wider-including us all. But his last word reminds us all that we are ripples and our lives ephemeral. It will be the frogs that will remain. ~~ And my tanka: returning home from a Jackson Pollock exhibition I smear my face with paint and morph into art ~~ -All love in isolation from Miami Beach, Florida, Al

[@australian6983]

Maggi smith seems like such a decent respectful women.

[@jeanmyers1787]

I think she would have hated being described as such, even know it’s true.

[@rosemaryallen2128]

The vulnerability of the artist! That resonated with me. Especially as these three splendid achievers were/are noted for such. It is an irony that the greatest creativity springs from the greatest emotional traumas, a fact for which we must be oddly grateful.

[@GeorgeFairbrother]

John Betjeman's comment of dreading seeing his name in print, and not even subscribing to a press-cutting agency, was a fascinating insight. I often wonder what that generation of artists would make of the current media and social media landscape. Great point, and thank you for commenting.

[@EBGBeee]

I'm always staggered by the process of casting for actors. It's the most brutal of procedures, applied to those who must be vulnerable and open to emotion by definition.

[@jupitermarx]

Its so magnetic to hear proper English spoken😊

[@GeorgeFairbrother]

I've come to really appreciate how the art of speech for actors and broadcasters was an important thing, particularly in some of the British period dramas of the 70s and early 80s. One that particularly struck me recently, although not a period piece, was a 1970s political drama called Bill Brand, Peter Howell and Alan Badel in particular. A joy just to listen to them talk. It appears to be a lost art, or perhaps it not longer really matters.

[@andrewmcilwraith1997]

"The evilness of tall skyscrapers and nothingness". We were warned. Annihillation (I can't spell it) is imminent.

[@estoforte388]

Sir John was having the time of his life.

[@GeorgeFairbrother]

Yes he was, I agree, it's a real pleasure to watch for that reason.

[@mral8145]

Brilliant from all participants, but Parky was great!

[@GeorgeFairbrother]

I'd always admired the professionalism in that both Parky and KW knew just how far they could push the argument without it getting out of hand..."I've never been so insulted" was perfectly timed...

[@milesclery-fox3036]

Compare even just that one excerpt with what is on offer now and weep.

[@GeorgeFairbrother]

Yes.

[@hayleyanna2625]

Fabulous stuff.❤

[@jupitermarx]

My God Kennths batteries must have been changed to brand new this interview. 😅😅

[@GeorgeFairbrother]

😅

[@elvisleeboy]

Kenneth Williams is irreplaceable. I wonder if the public appreciated how fortune they were to live in an era when he was regularly on television. It is unfortunate that his later appearance on Parkinson alongside Diana Dors is not available to watch on KZbin. Likewise his excellent appearances on The Mike Walsh Show, which indeed were once on KZbin.

[@jamesgale2147]

I suppose the truth of the matter is, that there could only have ever been one Kenneth Williams

[@MrDaiseymay]

SADLY, tIME RAN OUT FOR ALL, EXCEPT MAGGIE.

[@Clive-p2q]

Kenny and Maggie were friends since the 50s

[@GeorgeFairbrother]

I remember seeing an interview with Maggie Smith, it might have been on 'Acting in the Sixties', in which she explains how KW actually coached her in terms of acting and comic timing. A great combination of talent.

[@lordmartin2933]

What a privilege to see X

[@GeorgeFairbrother]

Thank you, it's one of my favourites as well.

[@onthemove301]

A programme from a civilisation sadly lost to history.

[@markbaker2629]

Kenneth…. Slow down and let others speak 🥴

[@johntomlinson6849]

The others had already been on and had their spot. This segment within a one hour programme was his turn.

[@giffgaffnettwork5626]

Since Betjeman said himself, on the show, "I am 65 nearly 66" [born August 1906] the tv recording was in 1972 as it was his coming 66th birthday! 1973 would be too late. In any case. By then he had fully parted from his wife in 1973! She got mentioned a lot in the 1972 interview, recently broadcast again on BBC4.

[@GeorgeFairbrother]

Great to know, thank you for that additional context.

[@RavenFrostCreations]

RIP Maggie Smith 27/9/24

[@greentombdive]

In public, Williams found it terribly difficult to have a ‘conversation’.

[@GeorgeFairbrother]

Interesting point, I'd never thought about it in those terms but I see what you mean.

[@ernestberry5226]

Wow .our stars were actually, intelligent , funny and cultured.

[@GeorgeFairbrother]

It was a different world 😅

[@dukedepommefrite]

Wonderful posh accents!

[@GeorgeFairbrother]

Thank you for commenting, your grace. :))

[@lebedev63]

Kenneth hogs the limelight, shame. Not enough Maggie or Betjeman. What a great time for good tv and real conversation.

[@GeorgeFairbrother]

I agree, not much like this on telly any more. Parky said when introducing this episode in a retrospective that having guests that would together elevate the conversation beyond an interview Q and A was one of their aims, and noted that in this instance it worked particularly well. Everyone could see that KW was trying to take over, but it retrospect I think it kind of became part of the episode's enduring charm, in the way that Maggie Smith and Sir John reacted to it.

[@MiriamWalcott]

You must remember that we're viewing a clip from an entire show. Kenneth was the last of the three guests who would've already had their time. This was his.

[@GeorgeFairbrother]

@@MiriamWalcott Very fair point.

[@australian6983]

Full?

[@unowen-nh9ov]

Rex Reed was famous for his vitriol, think he inspired Ava Gardner's, "They're either at your feet or at your throat." After a particularly embarrassing notice, Dame Diana Rigg compiled a book of reviews, "No Turn Unstoned", she appealed to peers for their worst instances, they were eager to participate.

[@GeorgeFairbrother]

Great insight about Reed, thanks for commenting. I loved also KW's 'eunuchs in harem' analogy...

[@Geraint3000]

When chat shows weren't controlled by PR people.

[@GeorgeFairbrother]

...And television was actually made for adults

[@EBGBeee]

This is the thing. I'm sure that Graham Norton could probably rise to this sort of level if permitted, as could some of his guests (or different ones). But now chat shows really are just about selling the latest projects, rather than proper discussions.

[@Geraint3000]

@@EBGBeee Also the cult of celebrity doesn't help. How many Betjemans are there these days? His kind have been replaced by the likes of Rylan and Cheryl Cole. 'Relatable' - that awful word comes to mind.

[@rotonda4068]

Betjeman genuinely moved by that.

[@GeorgeFairbrother]

Yes, it's a a great moment

[@lylahale5284]

RIP to "Parky"....but i always think of my dad, as we used to watch "Parkinson" religiously, but im sure it was so my dad could see how many times he touched or scratched his nose..."go on touch your nose" my dad would cry...then when he did my dad would go "wahhhhey" followed by the number, in order, of times he touched it during the episode

[@GeorgeFairbrother]

That's brilliant. Thanks for commenting. 🤣🤣

[@jonathaneffemey944]

RIP SIR MICHAEL

[@MrDaiseymay]

WITH kENNY ON, NOBODY ELSE IS REQUIRED

[@michaelcullen5308]

People complaining about Kenneth speaking too much: this was his segment - the other two had already had theirs.

[@GeorgeFairbrother]

You're not the only person to point this out. Very fair point.

[@argieav]

For a man who prided himself on his use of language , I would question Williams use of the word ‘augurs’ for what critics set out to be. love the guy obvs for his wit.

[@GeorgeFairbrother]

Learn something everyday - I looked Augur up and it didn't quite mean exactly what I thought it did. 😅

[@butzee]

My god has Williams had a few lines of something uplifting before coming on? He couldn't speak any faster??

[@markbaker2629]

I fast forward…. He’s still hasn’t shut up🥴😄

[@GeorgeFairbrother]

The audience start chuckling about that as well 😅

[@allenjenkins7947]

Kenneth Williams was probably the only person who could out-talk Robin Williams.

[@michaelsmith2126]

Kenneth is so sharp

[@msl381]

Williams spot on about the selfish strikers, just looking after themselves and to hell with everyone else.

[@kengray7526]

Kenneth Williams a brillant man 💚

[@edwardhudson9851]

Williams & Sir Betch are God's imo

[@vervyerver]

RIP Dame Maggie Smith😢

[@garethmorgan3665]

Class :-)

[@fkd1963]

RIP to the Dame

[@sirbarnabyst.johntoffingto9017]

I love tower blocks. I was fascinated with New York skyscrapers when I was about 7.

[@GeorgeFairbrother]

Same here, although I've never had to live in one so I can only judge from interest's sake. John Betjeman certainly wasn't a fan.

[@sianwarwick633]

Kenneth Williams, quite unstoppable

[@kengray7526]

Maggie Smith a beautiful woman 💚

[@roderickdewar1064]

Kenneth Williams motor mouth.

[@rogerturner5504]

In a good way.

[@davidreid8075]

Poor Maggie, out of her depth..

[@daniellamcgee4251]

I don't think you realised that Maggie was respectfully listening, after already having had her time to talk. If Maggie Smith was out of her depth with Kenneth Williams, they wouldn't have been such close friends.

[@wordscapes5690]

Maggie, making sense and being jabbered over by Kenneth being Kenneth despite good advice.

[@GeorgeFairbrother]

I think everyone could see the funny side of that. 😅

[@unowen-nh9ov]

They were friends (apparently he inspired some of her performances) & ALL of the dudes are talking over her, typical. This conversation is ironic long after the fact, Britain notorious for winning the War & losing the peace, labour problems ended their auto industry, British Leyland notably - like Italy!

[@GeorgeFairbrother]

@@unowen-nh9ov Interesting point about talking over Maggie Smith - I love old Parky but he did seem to struggle a little at times with some of his female guests, unless they were old Hollywood stars...

[@58christiansful]

Kenneth Williams is insufferable with his manic monologue! Highly neurotic - or pretending to be as he thinks it is funny.

[@kinetsievarvenfloot1237]

Oh do naff off! 🙄

[@Jamesp1972]

John Betjeman seems like a nice bloke, but not exactly a great poet

[@Edward1312]

A great poet maybe not, but certainly an enjoyable, competent and invocative one, without question.

[@michaelpatterson5811]

What? How would you define 'a great poet' then, James?

[@noriemeha]

A matter of opinion. I've learned through a long life, if an artist is popular they can't be 'great'. Be they painter, composer, writer....

[@michaelpatterson5811]

That's not proved historically, no matter how long your own life, norie - so let's look at what you say is your 'opinion'.You use the word 'artist' - but all the past masters of the performing arts (musicians, dancers, actors in theatre & film) can only be popular because they are 'great' while they are alive. But if you are really meaning poets, writers, painters, composers - then (a random selection) how do you explain the lifetime popularity of Dickens; or Hardy; or Oscar Wilde; or da Vinci; or Michelangelo; or J S Bach; or Byron; or Liszt; or Palestrina, or Betjeman . . . . @@noriemeha

[@helenwatts8856]

Great poets can also rhyme. He had a simple way of saying what is quite deep.

[@roscomeon3965]

Parkinson was brilliant. So was Kenneth Williams. Four erudite professionals.