Monty Python - Whicker Island

A tropical island inhabited by a bunch of Alan Whicker look-alike interviewers

[@mizofan]

One of the finest sketches from the magnificent team whose brilliance towers over the wretched mediocrity of a modern wasteland where once was a veritable cornucopia of coruscating comedy.

[@perryberman2824]

mizofan Lemon curry?

[@RalphBrooker-gn9iv]

I grew up with Python. I’m 62. Was allowed to stay up to watch the show. I saw them live at Drury Lane (1975?). At their height they were sans pareil. But they began to rehash old material. Cheese Shop Sketch became the Bookshop Sketch ("Have you a copy of ‘101 Ways To Start a Fight’ by an Irish gentleman whose name eludes me?"). But British comedy has an almost eternal impetus. Before Python a number of Fringe shows and of course the Goons, arguably British humour’s first departure from the norm of vaudeville slapstick. Today we are spoiled by excellence. British comedy is a heritage. Peep Show, Fast Show, Harry & Paul, Toast of London. Not to forget the inimitable writings of Jimmy Perry and David Croft. I think British comedy has always flourished, with the possible exception of a time when Jim Davidson and Bernard Manning were at their peak.

[@FreeTVEngland]

'Whicker Island' is Winterton-on-Sea on the Norfolk coast. The swimming pool you can see from 0:51 onwards is located at the Hermanus Holidays resort in the village, and it still looks pretty much the same to this day...

[@Drwhofan1971]

what makes this skit so great is the fact the man parodied simply laughed his head off and loved it. Alan is a legend

[@luisreyes1963]

STREWTH!

[@perryberman2824]

I didn't even know who he was until he died. I just think this is one of the funniest sketches ever and now that I've actually seen and heard him it's even funnier. And next year we have the sensible party against the silly party.

[@KarlBaron]

When I originally saw Monty pythons flying circus this sketch completely flew over my head as I had no idea who he was. After seeing the “Clarkson Island” sketch which itself was a take on this, I came back to it and since then I’ve actually been watching a bunch of Whickers World which has been a fascinating insight into historical perspectives.

[@heynow50000]

Alan Whicker effectively invented the modern genre of TV journalism as we know it; the reporter doing the piece to camera, reporter walking and talking in shot, reporter as part of the story. He was an Army correspondent during WW2 - with the Army film unit during the campaign in Italy. A great man, great journalist - a real pro. He currently lives in Jersey. When asked once what six things he'd take to a desert island he replied: "Two blondes, two brunettes and two redheads".

[@golden.lights.twinkle2329]

Where gin and tonics jingle in a gyroscopic jubilee of something beginning with 'J'.

[@tmrezzek5728]

Always loved this one because it shows the Pythons working as a group. But then I watched the real Alan Whicker do a special report from San Francisco, and I'm amazed at how the Pythons nailed the cadence of the real Whicker's speech pattern. Frank Gorshin and Rich Little couldn't have done it better!

[@perryberman2824]

I totally agree with you.

[@simonsimon325]

It's specifically Wicker's visit to Devil's island they're parodying.

[@moondog102]

R.I.P. Alan Whicker. A giant amongst his peers. I remember being absolutely fascinated by Whickers World when I was young - he really did show the world as it was.

[@turtleilike]

They live in a sunshine paradise. A Caribbean dream, where only reality is missing. I love and miss Monty Python every day and the shit that's been around after them are dogs doing tricks for a round of applause on cue. This sketch is two minutes of perfection.

[@undergroundwarrior70]

When I first saw this sketch in 1974, (Monty Python's Flying Circus was aired every Tuesday night on PBS from Los Angeles, CA.) I had no idea who Whicker was, but I did have a feeling it was a parody on some journalist/interviewer by the name of Whicker. Now watching this on KZbin for the first time after 44 years since watching it PBS I was right. But I never knew his first name until now, 'Alan'. In 1974 I was 18. I will look up Mr. Alan Whicker when I get a chance. Thanks for the upload.

[@pressureworks]

Tv !?! You had tv ??

[@perryberman2824]

To Alan Whicker: Farewell and bon voy age. RIP!

[@Sarahfreckle]

One of the most brilliant skits they ever did!

[@JimSting]

Pure, perfect genius. Python is the absolute zenith of comedy.

[@NickRatnieks]

It's a mark of Alan Whicker's stature that he should have been parodied by this mob. Very funny- although it's worth remembering that as a young man Alan Whicker began his working life as part of the Army Film Unit which took 50% casualties in WW2 and he was very lucky to be a part of the other 50% -allowing him to become such a fantastic and long-lived broadcaster. Whicker's War was possibly one of the most outstanding books/documentaries of war recollections. For those of us that grew up with him- he is sorely missed as TV is now full of lightweights- not a great man in a lightweight suit.

[@katemctiernan7167]

Thank you for letting me know that they're parodying a real person. I was wondering what this was about.

[@ChubbyChecker182]

RIP Mr Whicker, I was only a kid when I saw your documentaries, they were brilliant, educational, and entertaining

[@MrFoodepedia]

He certainly travelled like a proper Englishman, suit, slacks heavy suitcases and local natives to do all the carrying. And never in shorts, not even on a beach

[@ChrisPrime1bot]

*Salutes* RIP Alan. Loved the clips of his interview with Dalek Co-creator, Terry Nation.

[@TeresaSvedman]

I met Mr. Whicker today in Cawsand, UK. I am from the US and didn't know how famous he was.

[@AlistairBurnsGashead]

A few tears in my eyes watching this just now, if you love life you can't fail to love Alan Whicker.

[@jasobres]

So which of the Pythons does the best Whicker imitation? I'm going with Eric.

[@TheSixtiesteenager]

jasobres Agreed! :)

[@Leebo13]

It's a little unfair on Terry Jones as his Welsh accent does make it a little more difficult for him.

[@initialcreation]

Graham, then Terry.

[@frglee]

RIP Alan Whicker 2 August 1925 - 12 July 2013 Fond memories

[@tonywalton5036]

If there's an afterlife he'll be up there now, interviewing angels. RIP one of the greats.

[@elpresso1983]

"WHO ARE LOSING A WINNING BATTLE" gets me every time hahahaha

[@PeterMountUK]

RIP Alan... another of the greats that we have lost

[@MikeKeel]

RIP Mr Whicker!

[@MrBigcityal]

Too many Whickers!

[@dave474c]

Not enough wankers?

[@padbrit]

RIP Alan, this is just a great epitaph to the last of the great Journalists. #OldSchool

[@sbbjason]

Having finally seen a real episode of Whicker's World, this skit makes much more sense (and makes it even more funnier).

[@koookeee]

"... who, I might say, are losing a winning battle!" Splendid!

[@TheRadical42]

Believe it or not: I've enjoyed Monty Python for decades. But only this year, 2024, did I find out that this sketch was about a real person! I thought it was just the Pythons being silly! 🙂🙃🙂🙃

[@comradet0m]

The timing is incredible. True masters, right there.

[@Finglesham]

Surely the real AW saw this as a compliment to his well known programmes. There is no bad publicity etc. A real gem though.

[@dinosaurznspace]

this is one of my favourit sketchs by them XD

[@dinosaurznspace]

This is one of my favourite sketches by them XD

[@phreakbot]

Damn, son ... that is a whole lotta Whickers.

[@leeiszico]

Pure genius!

[@TFJack98]

man monty python do know how to bring out the best like this short as a honour

[@mlaksevics]

RIP Alan Whicker...an inspiration!

[@dabble778]

Happy Australia Day. Sunny every day, especially good... for... the interviews... :-)

[@xenapgf]

A Classic Sketch about a Classic Television Icon. Thank You and goodbye Alan Whicker ( You will be missed but fondly Remembered )

[@ianblakesley3349]

This sketch was in the final UK season of Monty Python in early 1974 on the BBC, which featured also the Hitler by the Seaside routine. Still brilliant after over forty years.

[@dlamiss]

Cleese wasn't in the final season. it was from series three I believe

[@bezzaderbane9890]

Yes you've got confused there, this wasn't the final season and Hitler wasn't either. This was probably series 3 that was John's last series.

[@keithnaylor1981]

Could this be their best ever Python creation? Or is it: The Cheese Shop? The Mountaineering Hairdressers? The Dirty Fork? The Merchant Banker? The Dead Parrot? The RAF Banter? The Spanish Inquisition? So many to choose from!

[@AndyCigars]

@brabazon10 Well I'm sorry you feel that way, but we did want a bloc of flats. Nice though the abattoir is.

[@earthbeat15]

Absolutely nothing's re to say but superb ....RIP sir Alan whicker

[@humnmum]

Brilliant, brilliant! Was this where Robin Leach picked up his sing-song glissandos of vapid enthusiasm and wealth-adoring cliches? His unintentional parody of the Whicker style is nearly as spot-on as this Python sketch. Nearly. Nobody comes close to the MP geniuses.

[@railman01]

@Finglesham AW loved this sketch. He included it on his Journey of a lifetime program celebrating 50 years of travelogues and reporting, so good i bought the DVD.

[@Ra1nemaker]

This is my all time fav MP sketch! Thanks for that!

[@TheAudioProphet4]

Nailed it

[@hfelton]

Almost matched in hilarity by the old Fitzpatrick travelogues, though unintentionally by him. Along the lines of: ''It's time to leave this island paradise, this glittering jewel in the Pacific, though be assured we will return someday.''

[@thomiccor]

I just watched a couple documentaries by Alan Whicker, and then I can upon this. Awesome!

[@alojz300]

i cant stop watching mp videos, somebody please turn off my computer :D

[@torkadkorvmacka]

best sketch ever!!! legends!!!

[@Rolandzebub]

This never gets old.

[@murielsartre]

Damn, Mike does it again. How long did it take to rehearse that line, I wonder?

[@KristianCramer]

So THIS is where they got the idea to the "Clarkson island" sketch

[@ultraseb]

So did I..earlier on today in fact!! Had me gasping for air i was laughing so hard!! XD Top-notch!! ^^

[@dlamiss]

along with the spanish inquisition IMO the funniest two python sketches

[@DarkLouk]

..and waiting for the... inevitable interview.

[@emilkarpo]

It's brilliant

[@ngobleus]

"For this, is Whicker Island..."

[@luisreyes1963]

That sketch reminds me of a certain other unctious British media personality, the late Robin Leach. 😂

[@sam21462]

Simply brilliant.

[@MrBuch169169]

I think Chapman had the best impression. xD

[@murielsartre]

I personally would enjoy the music of repeat fees immensely!

[@SteveFranklinPalmer]

a classic of the seventies.

[@iluvugoldenblue]

"gin and tonic's jingle in a gyroscopic jubilee of something beginning with j" half of those rhyming words don't even start with j lolol

[@Stefing]

Farewell and bon voyage, Alan Whicker.

[@Nicky-0909]

@thatkindofguy234 yeah at the beginning of clarkson island it says whicker island..then it moves on to clarksons

[@samanthastacey846]

The old school times

[@MsPeperonata]

So there you have it. Farewell then, Alan Whicker.

[@ZacO8965]

Brilliant pure genius.

[@olivermunro1604]

R.i.p Alan may god bless your soul

[@georgebennett3197]

...and so ...we say ...farewell to Alan Whicker. RIP

[@mysticmissus]

RIP Alan Whicker xx

[@maccesandholm]

Never seen before, very good😅

[@wellcrucialkettering]

RIP, Alan, Whicker.

[@Snailbarf]

Damn.....I spend 75 bux on the entire Monty Python collection, and still watch it on KZbin. It's just a CLICK AWAY.

[@davidfalconer8913]

One of the best ( send ups ! ) in modern times ( ? ) .... DAVE™🛑

[@jackiejayetv]

Brilliant just brill

[@IamTomWaits]

Something beginning with 'J'...

[@splatstick]

It must have taken forever to do this cuz of the sharing of the lines and when they had to walk in fount of them.

[@Akamisago]

...A race who I might say are losing a winning battle...

[@HauntedXXXPancake]

If you liked this one, heck out 'Harry & Paul - Clarkson Island'. It's basicly the same joke, but with J. Clarkson. Homage or rup-off - you decide, but it's still pretty funny.

[@trainedjackass]

And sooooooo, from Whicker Island its fairwell and bonvoyage."

[@Mishima505]

RIP to the great man...

[@speedkleaver]

absolute classic!

[@SouthwestRanger]

R.I.P. Alan Whicker

[@NxDoyle]

It's very hard to watch this and not think of the Clarkson Island rip off from Enfield and Whitehouse. I'm sure fans would call it homage.

[@simonsimon325]

something beginning with j... brilliant 😂

[@fourgettes]

harry updated this

[@henman09]

R.I.P. Alan

[@pistol71]

He even sent this sketch up himself...a parody of a parody. R.I.P Alan Whicker....

[@Senqiu]

I guess they are laughing at Ewic`s style of talking:D Sweet...

[@davesphotogallery]

RIP Alan

[@TheJFARod]

Yeah, I admit that I only knew Alan Whicker because of this sketch. =)

[@Groucho-tg1tx]

Cheerio

[@chatham43]

....Python genius.......

[@communiqation]

and so from Whicker island it's fare well and bon voy age

[@ebf1957]

Surprised they didn't build a Whicker man on Whicker Island.

[@joelattfield2418]

like it.....like it alot!!

[@CharlotteC94]

ROFL! Python rules! Although the original is undoubtedly the best I am rather fond of the 'Clarkson Island' paradoy by Harry and Paul. I love Top Gear but Jeremy Clarkson does my head in!