Spike Milligan - Face Your Image

David Dimbleby interviews Spike Milligan for an edition of 'Face Your Image'. Transmitted on BBC2, 1975.

[@johnwiggy1159]

What a lovely man, the world is a sadder place without him.

[@tkomla]

And a better place for having known him 💜

[@bluethunder270]

How exactly is it sadder? Can you give us an empirical example?

[@stevelyons3347]

@@bluethunder270 Don't be silly.

[@SkyeMpuremagic]

I absolutely adore him 💜

[@YoSlushi]

Spike was a beautiful genius but also a simple soul. A man crushed by the idocy of mankind.

[@MauriatOttolink]

David Hail-Thomas Spike was not crushed by the idiocy of mankind but by his his awareness of it and mankind's total lack of desire to remedy it. Worse now than in Spike's time. Spike ..Lovely man, My Hero. One of many in many fields.

[@Kobe29261]

Much like Bertrand Russell in that sense. When a man looks into the chasm of collective human incompetence it demands great courage for the psyche not to spasm with disgust and dread. Its a good test really, life drives some of our best minds mad - necessary but insufficient as the diagnosticians say.

[@MauriatOttolink]

After his air rifle prank, when he was "bound over" by the magistrate, "to keep the peace for 12 months," the reporters were waiting outside the court. The Press asked him, "What happened, Spike?" He said "The Judge said that I can't do it again for a year!"

[@brutallyremastered4255]

Marvellous.

[@lisamay464]

I think he was more of an example of what normal is.... he was authentic. Something that is greatly lacking in alot of people. He knew himself. How many know themselves? I feel an affinity with him. The man sitting across from him to me represents what's expected of people, expected to be straight laced, suited and booted following a narrative with out question. Spike's eyes, very expressive, deep but guarded and full of humour at times, a man full to the brim of ever changing emotions within, swirling about. He was very human and showed his many sides, that's a rare gift to the world. We all have many sides to us but are scared to let them show because of what society will say..... I'm glad for the likes of Spike Milligan he gives me courage to be my authentic self and to challenge my own narrative and that of society's. I agree its a beautiful thing when the wind changes.... such simplicity.

[@INCHO222]

Spike was a beautiful human. He chose not to conform and took the path of eccentricity which blessed us with wonderful memories. No doubt he was emotionally scarred from his war days. I so enjoyed this interview - especially Spikes view of the western world and obsession with materialism. Miss him loads. Dimbleby does a good job here - Spike was notoriously a difficult interviewee and he opened up so much here.

[@DavidM2000AD]

I said the world was mad The world said I was mad Goddamnit, they outvoted me! Spike, the only sane one.

[@stevejailbirdmatt]

I've never seen Spike so serious. A fascinating example of his shrewd side. Deeply intelligent and ahead of his time when criticizing smokers. I empathise with his feelings towards people and society.

[@michaelfisher9671]

Spot on. I’ve never heard him being serious before. At all. Ever.

[@johnhanson5943]

Great man. Loved him. He was so right that we had a society of idiots. In 2022 we see the climax of this. The British Isles, including Ireland, are today on their last legs due to years of idiocy - especially in the career political/establishment classes.

[@zthetha]

Say what you want about Spike but at least he is honest about being mad unlike the rest of the world that pretends to be sane.

[@jeremiahshea6992]

willie otoole..good observation..not a correct paraphrase but they say"behind every comedienne/funnyman lays a very sad person"..none the less a fucking comic genius..especially compared 2now..most of the humour is shite.

[@jimbobjimjim6500]

He said he did have a traumatic childhood when he was on a psychiatry program called "In the pyschiatrists chair with Anthony Clare". Hes not being completely honest here, maybe he wasnt in the mood.

[@sesescence]

OK, so I just read another couple of comments below. I am over 60 years old now. I have suffered from depression at times. I read a lot though, when I'm not in that state, obviously. Now Spike is talking about exactly what I went through. It just took me quite a few more years than him to really become comedic. Funny, now it's talking about him losing all faith in women, and that's how I feel about men. But those men are the ones that basically conned me with emotions, then conned me out of my money. Lovely, Spike says!. I know what he means. One can only laugh at oneself if they want to get over the emotional setback. It has also been said, for many years now, that people with a high IQ can be bordering on mental illness such as depression. I reckon that it could be, in my opinion, that one realises that others do not live to the same values that you and your family have grown up to believe. These values have nothing to do with religion, but all to do with respect, compassion, and caring for your family :-)

[@glenysbuselli8274]

Spike was one of the best philosophers I have heard.

[@Duh1996bob]

What a gentle man .

[@beverleypettit3577]

Gentle indeed...

[@rickfrancismusic]

This whole interview was beautiful. Spike was so laid back and candid and very endearing. The guy is brilliant. I love his heart. The interviewer was spot on. The whole thing was such a joy to watch.

[@el6178]

The amount of honest response in some of these older interviews is astonishing. Hugely ahead of his time, full of witt with his dark corners like every great comedian. He freed people's minds from convention.

[@emmcatherine1460]

My first time watching this interview. At the end i had tears in my eyes for such a Wonderful person telling their truth, warts and all.

[@snails9505]

"When you look back on your life..." "I look sideways on my life. I've got a bad neck."

[@Kobe29261]

Such an extraordinary mind - thank God he 'lost his mind'

[@johnnynimmons8222]

A totally honest man.If you want to see his grave it's in Winchelsea near Rye. God rest you Spike.

[@Surv1ve_Thrive]

Interesting, thank you. I like that area, as do many. Was he particularly fond of it?

[@davidroman1342]

What a great laid back interview. Pure genius. Very deep and sadly missed

[@jonjones1553]

Is this the most interesting man ever? I think so.

[@skinheadjon901]

Another Jon Jones - fantastic name 🤩

[@daphnegunston]

@@skinheadjon901 qqqqqq

[@martinlang4479]

Amazing. I have never seen Spike serious before. He's an extraordinary child.

[@rarecockneyguvnor4945]

Spike milligan a lovely human being i really do like his humour

[@MrArchie800]

I’ve never actually heard him talking seriously like this before, but even 40 years after this interview his observations are still wonderfully accurate, poignant and relevant in 2017. I genuinely think he demonstrates some of the best traits in humanity while highlighting some of the worst.No fu##ing wonder he was depressed!!

[@MsSteve70]

Indeed! Thanks for your comment.

[@SkyeMpuremagic]

​@@MsSteve70 Precisely... He was depressed because he saw the TRUTH and could not deny it to himself like many do ((same frickin reason I get depressed))

[@rsrfm24]

Not been a Spike fan before but slowly being converted by this candid relaxed interview. His silly sense of humour through manic expressions of life and it’s ways in society attracts you to him. He is comical in his own world displaying to all his thoughts ,giggles of life. Not ever to be taken seriously! Not an idiot!! Breakdowns in his life have made him wiser!!! Thanks Spike for your imput in life and your ‘madness’ and comedy wisdom.

[@dianeirvine7624]

Spike is lucky ,he doesn't live in the real world ,only his ,God bless

[@reason43poole37]

Love this, there is something comforting in the imperfection it relates to us all and in some way I would not want is any other way. Thanks Mr Milligan for your honesty.

[@boatbrokerpro1323]

My dad was spikes best friend in India when he was 10. Both born in India . My dad 1924

[@toulds]

Even more so today - this interview is magical.

[@alhawaritalbi6371]

A rigid David Dimbleby on Aptamil. Epic Spike! , a legend. RIP.

[@bobsyeruncle4841]

ive never seen him so serious, i liked it when he laughed about Eccles.

[@beerd67]

I adore this man's mindset. He takes you to places, seldom experienced today. I call it, "opening a can of forgetfulness. That's how I interpret his style of humour. A 'true genius'... ❤️

[@garethm3242]

Jeezis - all the people ripped Spike to shreds in this. Must have been torturous for him, and he was clearly in a depression here to start with.

[@markbraxton1289]

Your right his eyes look like he's on something

[@SECTOSECTO]

🌟💜🌟

[@anthonytindle5758]

Mr milligan a very nice man with his head screwed on the correct way God bless him.This World is short of people like spike miss him and all his exentricities was a very talented man for his era.

[@cosicave5179]

A wonderful man full of integrity, plagued by self-awareness and fighting a battle to make sense of a world which does not.

[@StewartNicolasBILLYCONNOLLY]

Dimbleby is a BBC clone who is accepted by the establishment as a "standard interviewer" In actual fact the whole Dimbleby Family were bred into being BBC/Establishment figures. When people like the Dimblebys come up against someone like Mr. Milligan, they are completely out of their depth. In my humble opinion Spike and the legion of comedians that he inspired, soar high above the intelligence level of the Average.

[@davidbevan8149]

Spike is so spiritual

[@Scalachi123]

Affirmative

[@mnbv990]

totally agree.

[@tanja8907]

Absolutely spot on! My eyes aren't what they used to be you know. They used to be my ears. He is greatly missed.

[@markellis796]

absolutely correct, Dimbleby seems uncomfortable and clearly out of his comfort zone, what is clear is his struggle to even consider Spike as someone without university education but for some unknown reason has a talent.

[@robhutton6916]

He revered innocence. Gotta love that.

[@johncastle8254]

John Lennon ,spike Milligan ,Vincent Van Gogh ,three of my absolute heroes ,beautiful souls .

[@jonathangems]

We all miss him so much.

[@callanturner4749]

How wonderful to hear Spike be serious in an interview for a change. At least as serious as he gets.

[@mr.shankly]

I wonder why on earth 6 people down voted this video.Strange.

[@mr.shankly]

DJ Moon Hahaha

[@synthonaplinth5980]

Benny Hill fans, maybe?

[@nobodyanderson4353]

Dimmblebys syrup maker

[@headboy]

I so relate to this man.

[@acason0]

Funnily enough, me too. Spike in this interview is far from eccentric, he is candid and articulate. If anything, there is greater consistency in his take on life than the model that causes him dismay. Spike reasoning is a benchmark for sanity, observation bereft of political correctness. Spike was the antipathy of formulaic entertainment. On a sad note, it is a shame that a mental breakdown is spoken about as a deficiency, where in this case, it is simply the result of Sipke's insight and sensitivity. Clearly Spike would be better company than David in any circumstance.

[@mdiz4564]

Wow! What a great interview. They don’t make TV like this anymore but then we don’t have stars like Spike just reality celebrities.

[@surfasteve68]

This is fascinating, a rare insight into a comedy genius, many thanks for sharing.

[@johnmulkearn3005]

like most maniac depressives he must of taken his medication before he went on .

[@bardotbardo3633]

Spike touches the Dimbleby nail on the head when he takes the skit turning his head to the side. Brilliant Spike. Thank you Spike 🌹

[@daiu48]

Thanks for posting this very good interview - most interviews of Spike are in front of a TV audience. An opportunity to understand more about Spike as an individual.

[@Robert.Deeeee]

I've never seen this before. Thanks for uploading 👍

[@pauladams1915]

This is gold. A sadly missed genius

[@steerpike66]

Nobody could interview Milligan. He made all interviewers look banal and trite and pointless. And it wasn't because he was constantly hilarious. He had a sort of quiet charisma that radiated happiness and sadness in equal measure, as though they were the same thing, and then his occasional shafts of wit were more like light than words.

[@ketchup5344]

Beautiful discription of Spike ✌🏽

[@user-li1gp2jw8k]

David Wilder He had an inner divinity that could not be understood by most. Enigmatic spirit

[@stevebutler6328]

I just love spine milligner(the well known typing error) r.i.p spine there will never be another.

[@preteristlab-endtimes5683]

I read the comments below and disagree with the criticisms. Dimbleby was the first man I've ever seen that was able to appreciate the man Milligan, and probe seriously for his heart. His questioning was tough. Spike interpreted 'evasion' correctly as 'moral cowardice,' but answered with brutal honesty. To me Mr Milligan came across as beautifully flawed and refreshingly humble for such a comedic icon. I agree with vvoodee that Spike was a 'treasure.' Kudos to David Dimbleby for doing justice to a difficult subject with rare insight. Bless you Spike Milligan. Thank you for your laughter. Now rest in peace.

[@Sixtiesdude1]

Interesting interview series first broadcast in 1974. David Dimbleby best known for political interviewing, here attempts to delve beneath the surface of some well known personalities of the day. This was a series of seven interviews which included politicians Lords Longford, Hailsham and George Brown.The non political comprised of Spike, Malcolm Muggeridge, and Germaine Greer. Well worth repeating.

[@MsSteve70]

Thank you for the production detail.

[@derbyshirewalker]

I never tire of watching Spike Milligan…national treasure !

[@timmccaffrey1326]

David Dimbleby was not up to the task of interviewing Spike and uneducated as he was, Spike seems to be far more intelligent than Dimbleby. and superior in his general understanding of life. A golden opportunity was lost here as it was rare to find Spike in a serious mood. Still it's very interesting.

[@tomitstube]

i thought dimbleby did a great job probing spike. he got spike to open up about his "madness", his mood swings, his early life, and even happiness itself.

[@timmccaffrey1326]

I'd say Spike was a very difficult man to interview. His secretary who was with him for many years wrote a very interesting and affectionate biography of Spike after his death. There were many times when he was almost impossible to deal with and she thought that his chronic insomnia had a great effect on his behavior. Finally when he was completely exhausted he would lock himself into his office and with the aid of powerful sleeping pills he might sleep for three straight days. Maybe the war had a lasting effect on him.

[@tomitstube]

Tim mcCaffrey spike does go into these things, he's said he was called "difficult" in those days because of his depression, no doubt the insomnia was a symptom of that depression. spike has said the war made him aware of his condition, something that was there all along. david foster wallace (also a brilliant man with depression) explains how there are "good days" and "bad days" and how there is little control over which way it will go, or how long it will last. spike also said about the powerful sedatives he took, or were prescribed, that they would shut him down long enough the symptoms would calm down.

[@timmccaffrey1326]

I'm only repeating what his long time secretary wrote in her biography of Spike. I can't remember her name right now but she is still alive. It is plain to anyone who has read this book that this lady liked Spike very much, but she said he was hopeless as regards his financial affairs and tried to avoid any responsibility in general. He was also she said the kindest and most generous man she had ever met. The man was a genius and I love his work.

[@curleyteeth]

How would you have interviewed Spike then Tim.Tell us,we are dying to know.Set out your questions for us to evaluate and see if we all agree.Out of your depth Timmy my old tipper.Jim.Liverpool.

[@FromaTwistedMind]

Spike was right. Humans are idiots & we are all onions 🌰 😢.... But some gentle folks are born with a few layers less/ removed, and as a result are less equipped to deal with life/ fakes disappointments & emotions less than most whilst preferring to retreat into ones own head! His thoughts on his own cat & cats regards garden birds is spot on. God Bless him. British treasure.

[@theguitardude5613]

I love Spike. A very genuine guy.

[@JoeRivermanSongwriter]

Thanks for uploading. Love Spike. Very rare to see him being serious and candid.

[@ysgol3]

Just as relevant today, a lovely reminder of what a wonderfully thoughtful, humane, brilliant man Spike was.

[@chriss6733]

A beautiful soul.

[@kdcruz75]

The bankers in their war had spike drafted in under the military, And the bankers during peace had the overdrafts do him in under

[@tonyfranks9551]

Loved it.....

[@edwardmulholland7912]

A really interesting interview - Spike was so ahead of his time, both as a human being and as a writer/performer. Where are the Spikes of today?

[@gavinreid8351]

Edward mulholland on medication.

[@peterpiperpuppets330]

i'm still here , by the grace of God , i have escaped falling into the media snare , i go to old folks homes where i feel quite at home & entertain..

[@andrewhorsman3926]

God bless a beautiful troubled man who brought us so much lovely humour. God bless him.

[@andydixon2980]

This reminds me of the famous Tony Hancock interview with John Freeman. Spike is very brave to reveal himself so honestly, and his flaws. Hancock tried to do the same but ultimately couldn't live with himself.

[@TheRealist2022]

Spike's demeanour is possibly down to his Lithium, which levels off his bi-polarity. I'd have loved to have gone for a pint with him.

[@MrArchie800]

Whenever I listen to people like Spike, and other folk from that era, the Indian [sic] ‘colonies’ sound like wonderful and romantic places to have been born and raised (perhaps only if you were British?). But in any case it really does highlight just what an absolute mess we have collectively made of our world.

[@MartinLake-qf5eu]

1969, in Durban, South Africa, was where these pearls of wisdom were first offered, as genuine advice, and we'll meant......

[@MeissnerEffect]

True sanity, bent by the ill-winds of consumerism. This is what happens to the sane in an insane world is all. Still a celebration of willpower, gifts and tenacity. And the healing joy of a laugh.

[@gal3369]

Miss this honest guy so much

[@jonwizard3989]

"Some things you don´t find...it finds you" Rumi. Spike says exactly the same thing...great interview !

[@louisefincham]

Lovely, lovely, beautiful and gentle genius.

[@treborob]

Beautiful interview with a unique man.

[@matthewstokes1608]

How marvellous! - so interesting to watch Spike and listen to those close to him. Funniest man at times - sad at others... I feel a kinship somehow with that guy. See you someday Spike, I hope! ... I met him once in Hastings at a poetry reading - funny and intelligent. Happy memories watching him.

[@byronbuxton8214]

It's easy to feign madness when one is of privilege! Spike has had a taste of various lives and is truly one of lifes dancers!

[@gavinreid8351]

Byron Buxton he did spend time, several times, in mental hospital.

[@shesawindup]

When his serious face breaks into a grin - wonderful

[@jumblyman]

That was very special. Great concept for the show and Dimbleby is an outstanding interviewer.

[@stormboy1517]

his life with ptsd is insightful.

[@richardsharpe2966]

Spike was a clever man he should have gone to University easily

[@douglastaggart9360]

Being clever and going to university don't necessarily go together.

[@dpagain2167]

What a beautiful smile!

[@padraiglyons7547]

Extremely impressed that Spike here answers some very difficult searching questions - despite being in my opinion deflective at times in answering some of the more difficult ones, in an honest manner. More interviewers should ask these kind of questions and more people should answer them even when they are uncomfortable questions. If this was encouraged in society people wouldn't have such hang-ups about their faults and perhaps do more about them and not spend every second of their lives worrying too much what other people thought about them.

[@synthonaplinth5980]

Very nice insight on Erik Satie at the start of the program.

[@primesetter]

Do you know the title of that music? Tnx

[@synthonaplinth5980]

primesetter Certainly. The name of the piece is 'Gymnopedie No. 3'.

[@lhunt480]

A complicated man is Spike, but I love so many many elements of his intelligently simple psyche 😊

[@ThirzaLynetteClarke-ku9dq]

He is right his work pursued him.

[@brainwaiver1]

I grew up listening to The Goons and particularly loved Spike. His contribution to British culture shaped even the royals. He was his own naysayer. In the early sixties I hitchhiked to London to see The Bedsitting Room which was being touted as funniest ever but couldn't afford the ticket. The absurdity fit the objective to goon around. Cheers Spike.

[@BM-lw6gn]

In my 30s and find myself watching due to his manic depression aka Bipolar. Have this myself and watched a few videos on him- can see the traits and like him on Lithium- . He died of Kidney failure- wonderif the Lithium done this which I fear as a known thing with Lithium

[@LarryMcLarnon]

Spike,,comic genius, Irishman in his soul.

[@roberthadley1717]

The wonderful Spike Milligan.

[@joannanoel4757]

What s gentle man...and a gentleman....

[@joannanoel4757]

..and Judith Craig really rattled him, sadly....

[@how-cu5do]

this is absolutely a brilliant interview

[@raysilver2b]

There was a part where spike was talking about being happier with plants and animals rather than people and all the problem created by them. He admitted that he could, perhaps, be accused of coward's. My opinion is that, without good reason, one would not want to place oneself in physical danger, and yet we often, allow ourself's to be placed in mental danger? So Spike, being out of step with our mad, often crawl, society provably means that your more sane than the rest of us.

[@malcolmlyndsell5009]

Spike was a man of character I would aspire too , He was sensitive and had to deal with awful matters , very much like we all do, I regard him as a brother , Funny beyond anything i could conceive, he made fun of the rubbish, fabulous man, He said waking up and seeing rain or another day was far more important , He was right!!

[@tombolton3705]

Utterly beguiling. His depth of pain, when it surfaces, seems to render him more childlike than he professes. His views about Western civilisation show the extent of his intellectual independence. Truly a multifaceted genius, in my humble opinion.

[@ketchup5344]

Where are todays' Spikes? Sorry-they dont make them anymore 😢

[@theofs4456]

If only Spike and Russell Brand could have done a podcast together.

[@RedcoatsReturn]

Dimbleby…is the straight man….in this double act. Spike was a joy of crazy humor which was unique😄….sure miss him…RIP 😔

[@Romulus980]

This is the serious side of him, elusive to media. Highly intelligent and very perceptive side to him....

[@KINGSOWN100]

What a marvellous man..........Spike was ok too!😂😂😂

[@ThirzaLynetteClarke-ku9dq]

God gave us a God gifted human and he learned to laugh at himself and take us along with him for ever. I share his philosophy. Thank you.

[@jessiejames7492]

delightful to listen to this . hes being a bit serious here. his childhood stories were great to know. the interview with gay burne was hilarious . not serious a second...wonderful

[@martinplatt5928]

Wow....GENIUS....funniest man ever.

[@tomcochrane56]

Poor Spike a really wonderful human being, unfortunately he suffered terribly from depression.

[@25dimensionsfrancis42]

Wonderful man wise and intelligent who is very aware of the human condition.

[@Shads62]

I told you I was Ill.... The best epitaph ever