The Office (UK) - Wanking claw ( eric hitchmo)

[@cycling4life351]

That is a spot on impression of Hitchmo.. and I’ve never actually seen him

[@bensmithkent22]

He sounds exactly like that

[@thedude4795]

he's at the Coventry Conference

[@ritchie9709]

You haven’t been to the Coventry conference then

[@DamaNovus]

love the detail of Neil doing his welcome speech casually and off the cuff then Brent having notes for his speech and rifling through them as each one fails to land. the reflection of how hard Brent tries and puts effort in to being the "comedian", no wonder he despises Neil so much after seeing him win over everyone without any signs of preperation

[@fastfrankblack]

every little detail is just perfect.

[@soup8786]

fastfrankblack yep exquisitely done it's painful. The brentisms the way he talks it's so cringe

[@MultiCamOrange]

Tim: “Ooooh!”

[@mjbdvp]

Yes, like Jennifer covering her face at 3:40, just a classic

[@danielelston7457]

One of the best shows ever made. Ricky Gervais is a genius

[@ceesmith]

The girl at the front clapping a leg cause she's holding a drink - I've seen that done and sad to say I've done it myself!

[@eddy4688]

The atom bomb on Swindon causing 15 quids worth of damage was the funniest bit.

[@lr990]

Little slugs

[@harryc505]

That’s part of it

[@holamoco]

I don't get it. Can someone explain?

[@harryc505]

@@holamoco it suggests an atomic Bomb dropping on Swindon wouldn’t make much difference to the area as it’s already a bit of a shithole

[@holamoco]

@@harryc505 Aahh thanks 😂

[@laflame7338]

Tim’s ‘ooh’ will always be one of the funniest moments in the show

[@KingKurt]

😂

[@Bjurzum]

I have a really hard time watching this. It's so embarrassing and yet so funny. The Office truly is one of the greatest shows of all time.

[@rubberchix]

Bjurzum absolutely

[@FoodforThought12345678dsds]

better than big bang theory?

[@terryadams5928]

Do you know how to read? He said ONE OF. And yes, it is better than Big Bang theory.

[@planetearth5667]

@@FoodforThought12345678dsds yes

[@ThePlandaly]

USA Version is better

[@crustyferret8956]

‘They were cracking up and he loved it BECAUSE THERE WAS NOTHING VICIOUS.’

[@JeffVader39]

😂 it’s the way he says it

[@cinnaminson0653]

That was epic. It shows what a wanker Brent actually is.

[@Tom-iv3nd]

Except the funny stuff involves something vicious

[@oddities-whatnot]

Its almost unbearable to watch, its so embarrassing for David as he stumbles through his routine, frantically shuffling his crumpled notes. Brilliant, utterly brilliant show.

[@weirdgetsaround]

its so cringeworthy and realistic. i thought it was a documentary when i first saw it. genius

[@pmacc3557]

i dont agree with that in the workplace

[@carlmarquardt994]

Yep the fact that Neil killed it before David came on. It didn't take him long to realise he was tanking. Neil's offsider the lady is trying hard not to laugh in the sence.

[@sharky8577]

Yeah and have you noticed how he actually misses a couple of pages out completely - he must have thought “this isn’t going well at all - better not do that one - or that one” if the routine he did was so bad - just how bad was the stuff he decided to skip ?

[@zapkvr]

Almost as good as Curb your enthusiasm

[@pattate9636]

The way Brent longingly looks at Neil as Neil is doing his pretty much spot on welcoming address absolutely nails Brent's character. He admires and yet despises Neil at the same time, the way he instantly commands respect from his staff through his laid back yet authoritative demeanour, his perfectly judged and balanced humour and how the staff react warmly to Neil's witty tone. Brent wants to be everything Neil is and yet his own insecurity and narcissism means he will never shape up to Neil as a manager. He admires him and yet hates him equally.

[@SoFkwHat80]

It's like Trump looking at Obama.

[@irishbear8383]

Spot on analysis man. It really comes to a head at the dancing scene, and then later it had to ultimately be Neil that fired David in the end. Tragic

[@ashleybray6299]

And do you know "philosopher" said that

[@SoFkwHat80]

@@xSwaghettiYolonesEx I don't agree with that in the workplace .

[@melciveng]

In our own minds we’re Neil or Tim but in reality we’re closer to Brent and Gareth

[@joelk3187]

1:26 I love how he stands up then hesitantly sits back down.

[@theculturedthug6609]

I don't agree with that in the work place...

[@sparko2012]

Wasn't a great start was it 🤣

[@NileSWPhotography]

Those little details that make this show absolutely brilliant 😂 we’ve all been there 🤣😂 getting out or coming out at the wrong cue 😂🤣😩

[@swezze2737]

Perfect acting

[@TWisM009]

Also you notice Neil does a little shoo away hand gesture when he stands and then brent sits back down.

[@andrewjenkinson8948]

One of the most painfully brilliant scenes in the history of television.

[@fletcherb.stainthorpe2103]

The difference between Office US and Office UK is that when you watch the US version you can never forget that they're all actors and every word is scripted. Whereas when you watch the UK version you feel these are real people, not actors, you're just watching, a fly on the wall.

[@Matt19matt19]

Fletcher B. Stainthorpe nice to see a comment that's not 9 years old. I agree with you. It's so embarrassing and a cringe fest. I know people like the characters in this show. Especially David brent. Yes you can believe they are real people in a documentary

[@MrBannystar]

Yes, yes and yes. This is exactly the same thing that I always say to my American friends, or even the fifth columnists who only watch the version from across the pond. Bits of the US version have made me chuckle, but the original could easily be real life.

[@PatPauloMMA]

This is why I can’t watch the US office. There is no way those people would exist in real life. It’s like a cartoon with real actors, some people love it but it’s not for me.

[@feliperagonha]

All the characters in the US version are awkward. They are all there to make you laugh. Yes it's not realistic because that would be improbable. But it is funny. The UK version has only 2 or 3 funny characters. The rest of them are serious and realistic. So theres only one difference. If you like joke based humor, or cringe humor. Both are equally great.

[@Highlander1518]

Fletcher B. Stainthorpe This. This right here. You hit the nail on the head. UK comedy will always be far superior.

[@robroy488]

Its the little, subtle things that make this so genius, like at 1.30 when Niall says "now David" and Brent stands up to early in his haste to do his performance. Him angrily chastising the person who's phone rings etc it's all just brilliant.

[@reconbravo104]

I love how Gareth sits slightly to the front of everyone as if it gives him importance

[@tc98826]

I love the subtlety of Neil's casual yet funny speech. He's barely trying which makes Brent's straining for laughs seem all the more desperate.

[@Onmysheet]

The problem with Brent is that he's treating his presentation as a stand up comedian, to try and one-up Neil.

[@Azoria4]

@@Onmysheet wow no way

[@philiphunn194]

Not to mention Neil knows his audience while Brent is just throwing stolen jokes (and already-unfunny situational gags) at them in the belief that they'll find them as funny as he does.

[@belladarling4256]

One of the funniest scenes to evrr hit the screen. No laugh track needed. brilliant.

[@philmuggeson1849]

Anyone else watch this hoping and praying that Brent absolutely nails it this time and he gets a standing ovation?

[@Nickthegreek123]

The thing that always cracks me up about this scene is Tims reaction when Gareth says wanking claw.

[@RustyLongPipe]

Haha. It’s similar to brents reaction when Gareth tells his ultimate fantasy

[@cjay6547]

The Nokia Kick ringtone ........good lord, nostalgia! 🙄🤣

[@ZeldaFitz]

I love them shoes Gareth is wearing with the big silver buckle. A total prick at my work used to wear shoes like that.

[@barrydduggan]

Yeah, they're made especially for pricks.

[@S.Hitchcock]

Dick Turpin had a pair

[@RaferJeffersonIII]

Worst of the 90s FHM style collection

[@jmcooney2000]

You're the prick mate, if anyone is

[@thegirlinquestion]

@@jmcooney2000 found the prick who wears the shoes

[@joelk3187]

2:27 I love Tim’s reaction. It’s like someone’s actual reaction to something like this.

[@themurfoo]

My thoughts exactly!! It’s as if he had never heard the speech before!!

[@bensmithkent22]

Thats the two ronnies you not like that. Thats classic stuff

[@frankhinstine4552]

I've got to make a speech at my daughter's wedding soon and I'm terrified that I will get the same reception as David Brent, I can't even fall back on the "wanking claw" anecdote..

[@jonathanturbide2232]

So, how did it go?

[@jasonblaha6169]

Make sure they turn their phones off when you give your speech. That’s part of it.

[@michaellloyd9914]

I’d have definitely shoehorned it in somewhere

[@oscargrainger2962]

When David started doing the Cleese funny walk from Fawlty towers I nearly imploded.

[@THMark66]

Loved this when it came out & am sitting in my canteen at work, all these years later, with a laughter tear rolling down my cheek as I attempt to not look completely insane to others in the room! Genius!

[@andymerrett]

I don't agree with that in the workplace.

[@sharky8577]

“Some “”comedians”” would have picked other stuff” Brent actually totally believes he’s a comedian not an office manager 😂

[@vanjones11]

turn the phone off... thats .. part of it brilliant

[@belladarling4256]

VanJones agreed

[@andymerrett]

Well if you won't make the effort.

[@MALEXI10]

Ricky's acting in The Office is extremely underrated.

[@simonoliver8576]

I think Steven merchant acting is even more underrated than r Gervais in general pal he played a bit part acting role in the office the joke was about his height and david brent upset him and he stormed off in a strop one of the best scenes from the office uk that was 🤣🤣

[@samweldon5914]

This kind of comedy, as difficult as it is to watch, is absolute genius. So well written! Keeping a straight face whilst filming must have been near impossible 😂

[@sebastianharker4892]

David Brent is an utter Legend. Absolutely hilarious.

[@guinnessharvey4476]

Brent’s Columbo impression is oddly perfect

[@2much2soon773]

Martin Freeman is such a fantastic actor.He doesn’t even have any lines in this clip, his expression at the end when Gareth makes the comment about the claw is priceless.

[@rioclio9242]

If I’d had to relocate to another office as part of corporate downsizing and walked into this induction to find this was my new boss, I’d f*kin love it.

[@hastendownthewing29]

Absolutely, undeniably the best show of all time.

[@hristopandev5768]

Only fools and horses..

[@LukasOfTheLight]

@@hristopandev5768 lol

[@M9Diry]

In real life people would laugh to ease the tension and laugh at how bad it is , giving David the false impression that he’s funny and thus continuing the cycle of doom

[@patriceaqa288]

A dF not necessarily. I saw a teacher I worked with routinely bomb like this when he attempted to make the kids laugh. His lack of self awareness made him more loud and OTT the more poorly his 'material' was received. He made Brent appear as an ideal boss.

[@M9Diry]

@@patriceaqa288 to be fair , I see comedians do that a lot as well. Shout louder to get laughs or cover the silence. So awkward

[@metafis2490]

The actors playing Neil and Jennifer.(especially Jennifer) are trying so hard to keep straight faces when David is giving his 'show'.

[@RustyLongPipe]

metafis the actress who plays Jennifer is like that in every scene. Watch the scene where she’s in his office (the one where finchy leaves the voicemail) and Brent is talking about nobby burton who sells the ties, you can tell she’s dying to laugh in that scene. Lol

[@Kloppsserialbottlers]

@jnicemint And that would be achieving the complete opposite so you're wrong.

[@CryptoScotAllan]

@@Kloppsserialbottlers no you are wrong lol its meant to come across as real...

[@greigallan5845]

Gervais is brilliant. Destined to be one of the all-time greats. I must thank him.

[@danielosullivan7940]

You must remember to thank him

[@LukasOfTheLight]

He was. Now he does Afterlife and shitey boomer anti-"woke" comedy. Lost his touch around the time he lost his weight and started doing photo-shoots with "atheist" written on his forehead.

[@philmckenna5709]

@LukasOfTheLight Stop your whining

[@andymerrett]

@@LukasOfTheLight Ooh, you're hard.

[@adamjones8356]

Is it just me who would love to have David Brent as a boss?

[@laverdajota8089]

Jones Adam Hywel I worked for a gas company and I’m sure Ricky G modelled David Brent on my ex Boss .

[@yeahyeahyeah-7674]

Laverda Jota would love to hear some stories

[@laverdajota8089]

Yeah Yeah Yeah - if your real name is malc , you will know who I mean ,

[@shesbaldbutiwould]

only so i could piss about without consequences

[@alexeiharp7676]

Funny to watch but it might be unbearable on mid terms period

[@leighton147ify]

What a talent Ricky Gervais is. He can act in as the worst possible comedian, then in real life he is one of the worlds top comedians.

[@aarondonnelly6017]

Love how he rushes through his lines, even answering himself as he tries to claw back the audience after Neil's speech then gets angry when they don't get his old comedy quotations

[@rmlfilms123]

Tim's face when Gareth says "yeah you do, the wanking claw" priceless!

[@ChorltonOutlaw]

keith looking disapproving when Neil insults Slough is a great touch

[@idontdovarioustasks]

Is that why he went to the pub with David instead of playing cricket with Neil?

[@Katya-zj7ni]

He’s got the knack of making you cringe with embarrassment and laughing at the same time 😂

[@jamesh2003]

This was the moment Jennifer and Neil realised they had to get this guy out. 😂😂

[@OkieAllDay]

"I'm not used to public squeaking. I piss-pronunciate a lot of my worms." Tough crowd. I thought that was hilarious.

[@upturnedblousecollar5811]

For those who don't get Brent's paper shop joke, the joke is that he's suggesting the shop itself is made out of paper and hence it blew away. Obviously shops in the real world aren't really made of paper, Brent is using comedic licence perfectly.

[@999ukfire]

That’s the two Ronnies……classic stuff

[@dant7072]

He also nicked it from the two Ronnies but there ya go

[@LukasOfTheLight]

It's a Two Ronnies joke. The point is that he's just regurgitated already tired comedy from the seventies; same as the "Dead Parrot" team name from the quiz.

[@AdamSmith75th]

I must’ve seen the scene countless times, and I still get secondhand embarrassment from the scene. My word, this is just perfectly executed. I think it gets better and better with age.

[@mojorisin8368]

"Only me" put me into a cringe coma.

[@HumansAreShitFactories]

No one cares

[@AdamSmith75th]

@@HumansAreShitFactories But Geoff, you cared enough to comment you silly sausage…

[@mrfishmon5517]

58 seconds. The way he fixes his tie with the little hand 😂😂😂

[@MichaelTaylor-rz4wm]

Love it! Comedy doesn't get much better than this. Ricky is a genius!

[@bat_grams]

The way he says "thats great" after the Columbo/Hitchmo bit. He thinks its the funniest bit he's done and surprised himself....just cracking acting and writing

[@danieleyre8913]

I remember laughing my arse off to this almost 20 years ago. I never noticed Neil and Jennifer smirking to themselves behind his back until now. LOL...

[@stevenponte6655]

grrr neil. I recently watched a british drama show and he was in it. But all i could think of was Grrr NEIL!!!

[@danieleyre8913]

@@stevenponte6655 Erm… …okay.

[@xraycortina]

Read John Betjeman's poem about Slough. He thought it was bollocks as well, and this was in the 1930s. Thanks for posting, much appreciated.

[@KristianH1986]

You know that dream where you’re suddenly naked at work and you somehow have to make it to your car without anyone seeing you? This gives me 100x the anxiety than that dream does 😂😂

[@grammarofficerkrupke4398]

The funniest thing about this is how Brent is hung up on Eric Hitchmough always saying "I don't agree with that in the work place". It must be because he's been saying it to Brent a lot.

[@andymerrett]

Yeah but I didn't know he talked like that.

[@michaellloyd9914]

@@andymerrett he talks exactly like that

[@godzilla12325]

How they all kept a straight face through this i dont know 😂😂😂 when Gareth drops the wanking claw line the look on Brents face as he looks at the camera is pure comedy gold lol.

[@Rangecrosoft]

I'd bloody love to have gone to the Coventry Conference.

[@michaellloyd9914]

I was the main thing

[@wrightvcx2249]

3:32 Gareth and Tim dodging his Hitler march.

[@Mark-lj1dj]

How have I seen this so many times and still never seen that until now 😂 brilliant detail

[@cvjss2]

0:33 the way he says "that's great" Hahaha

[@stevetayler8833]

It’s the stuff that isn’t said that is the funniest thing about this show.

[@sharky8577]

For me the best thing about this scene is initially Neil’s comedy routine is quite cringeworthy in itself - but then Brent gets up and it’s a complete car crash of a speech - so horrendous that you instantly forget just how bad Neil had sounded previously

[@Onmysheet]

But Neil gets away with it with his self confidence and being likable. Neil may come across as a bit of a slimeball but he does his job and treats the staff fairly.

[@Gary0557]

Still excruciating nearly 20 years on..😂

[@simonwallis9520]

This is just so stunningly brilliant... every second is enjoyable to watch... incredible attention to detail eg "focus" 😂

[@pr0kris]

It’s funny that it probably says more about David that most of his interactions with Hitchmo have included the phrase “I don’t agree with that in the workplace”

[@jamesmckean3221]

Never thought about it like that, but very good point. What did David do that Eric didn't agree with? 🤣

[@michaellloyd9914]

@@jamesmckean3221 he gave up being a Los Angeles detective and opened a hotel in Torquay

[@turkishdelight0805]

david's speech is just excrusciating

[@colallison6152]

"I prefer a flan".

[@bensmithkent22]

You should taste his lemon drizzle cake its even better.

[@nagibfarjani4861]

Neil with that smirk on his face and is thinking “WTF”. 😂

[@Jussi453]

this is way better than us office

[@MrRwk314]

I think they are both funny. The US version is just sillier.

[@londontrada]

He's completely oblivious to the fact that there's no context to the jokes he's making 😂

[@TroubleToby3040]

Worse yet is when there IS a context... Because he's just created it with his own ham-fisted set-up. 🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️

[@jarrethcutestory]

The guy who plays Neil has done a good job. He really encapsulates the twat who makes lame jokes but gets cheap laughs because people are polite and sucking up to their boss.

[@SimonFoston]

I think you're seeing what you want to see there. It's established in the rest of the series that people do actually think he's funny - Chris Finch "borrows" his best jokes - and everyone does actually seem to like him.

[@LukasOfTheLight]

Not at all. He's just relaxed and actually "chilled-out", because he understands he's just a boss making a few light jokes to break the ice, whereas Brent thinks he's auditioning for Live at the Apollo. Neil does enjoy kicking Brent when he's down eventually, though.

[@bodsnvimto]

Given his initial PC set-up, the look to camera that Brent gives when Gareth mentions the wanking claw is PURE COMEDIC GOLD even by the superlative standards of this series.

[@roccoxxxx1]

Ricky Gervais is absolutely brilliant in this scene!

[@davidbent347]

@ 0:23"Ask them"... Hahaha! 🤣 The ultimate phrase that demonstrates a persons exaggerated view of themselves... I've known many of these characters... Brilliant! 🤣👍

[@matoranman]

I love how offended Keith gets at Neiul's slough joke

[@unearnedreservations]

Immune to charisma.

[@garryharriman7349]

How on earth did the cast and crew get through this? Viewing these small snippets again on KZbin is actually very refreshing as it allows you to really annalyize the humour in a way not possible when watching an episode in its entiery. This would have been such an amazing place to work...tallented actors , incredibly hillarious writting and acting....a laugh a minute! If Laughter really is the best medicine, then Ricky Gervais and Steven Merchant are indeed very skilled and adapt physicians!

[@montag4516]

The outtakes and documentary reveals keeping a straight face was even more difficult due to Ricky intentionally trying to get them to laugh during the takes. Then he'd blame them for not getting through it without laughing. Yes, even for the best actors it would be so challenging to get through these scenes without cracking up, such as shown above when he goes full on and does the nazi goosestepping.

[@Justentime77]

This series was incredible and Ricky's brilliant!

[@tedcrilly46]

This was basically my adolescence and early twenties.

[@Kris.G]

I don't get it. I'd be laughing my arse off at Brent's jokes

[@RaptorRoll]

Yeah I always felt it was a bit unrealistic to have the audience laughing one minute then silent when David is talking.

[@draculanova6548]

Lol

[@RealityCheck6T9]

Imagine this is your boss...

[@rmlfilms123]

None of these people like him, so they don't find him funny.

[@adamjones8356]

I know right, it's great how there's no laughter track but also unrealistic how no one actually laughs in the show at the shit that goes on

[@manchesterisblue1023]

how is this show so brilliant

[@denman150]

"Didnt mention it, no need" then that face and tie shuffle 😂

[@ryancalhoun2910]

The first time I watched this and I heard Gareth say "The wanking claw" I nearly cried laughing.

[@frankmachin5438]

“Turn the phone off - that’s part of it….” Classic!

[@deletebilderberg]

The narcissism. The cringe.. The pauses. The pacing. Exceptional.

[@tpbfangirl]

Reminds me of my family a bit 😬

[@TheSchemer1]

I legit read that in Ricky Gervais' voice

[@suad01]

I don't believe in that in the workplace

[@dimagabriel4699]

The wanking claw.

[@user-ng9gd4vl9s]

Where he stands up then sits down again.

[@Anygodwilldo]

Just noticed, he nearly boots Gareth in the head with the John Cleese walk :-D :-D

[@NEMES1-S]

How can I possibly be so embarrassed watching this on my own? Total genius.

[@yonderorphan7499]

I would have been in stitches at all the jokes if I was in the room

[@fadeintoyou77]

One of my favourite scenes ever. Love Tim's pained "ooh" at 2:35.

[@Tom-iv3nd]

I barely noticed it.

[@honeypower]

I love how all the cast are trying their best to hide their laughing

[@janitor5850]

nice mbv pfp

[@honeypower]

@@janitor5850 Cheers!

[@Bob-ts2tu]

I wish i could just watch the office and laugh without sometimes feeling uncomfortable and OMG, i was there for that. - a classic show

[@funkyjunkyjai]

Love this cringey comedy. So amazingly done ❤

[@tocaloverroblox6186]

All I can say is “ I don’t agree with that in the workplace” absolute class 😂

[@Isleofskye]

Love the way Ricky looks at his watch while Neil goes on and on withthe intro:) Its the little gestures(many of which I miss on first viewing) that really make this a brilliant programme,. Great gag doing an impression of someone who is not even famous in theireyes=Eric Hitchmo:)

[@markchawner1586]

Binge watched every episode during Lockdown. ... Brilliant !

[@slainemccool2875]

Always bothered me how they never laughed at his "little queer" joke it's actually really funny

[@davemccullagh4297]

Sláine McCool I know it's so funny

[@soup8786]

Sláine McCool you don't say the word queer in an office with people you are meeting for the first time. It's extremely poor taste. It's also lame and not funny

[@Nickthegreek123]

marx117 x here we go, lefty alert lefty alert.

[@soup8786]

Nicholas Haslam what is funny about the word queer?

[@Nickthegreek123]

marx117 x it depends in what context, Ricky says it here and it’s funny.

[@kayjaysok]

There was a time in comedy before The Office and then there was after

[@tl7163]

Pure class, American office just can’t compete

[@GonzoShitcock]

No it can't...but it did evolve to become its own thing once it stopped trying to copy the UK version

[@GoHomeAndGetYourShinebox]

that nokia kick ringtone!

[@Goochbot]

Turn the phone off, that's part of it

[@shanekelley7682]

Unfortunately I am David Brent at work, I have realised. People have made so many complaints about me.

[@IllStayNMyBubbleTY]

😆 I don't agree with that in the workplace - Eric Hitchmo

[@cryptomonkey6142]

This original British version of the 'The Office' is a classic that will be considered a comedy masterpiece for all time. Ricky Gervais was incomparable as David Brent. Sheer brilliance.

[@leahnaomijewell12]

I wish they aired the U.K version, I don't feel like killing anyone watching this. (Canadian).

[@trueblue2124]

I remember the very first one I saw on tv. I missed the first few minutes so I didn;t know it was a comedy show -I honestly thought it was a fly on the wall documentary about a local business - he was that good - he totally cracked me up - brilliant -

[@ridetheblinds8425]

“Well...Yeah, but i didn’t know he talked like that 😒”

[@TB-dz8lm]

Swindon lot are little slugs

[@02morrij]

He talks exactly like that!