The Two Ronnies - Four Candles

The original and the best sketch from The Two Ronnies. Some explanation of the ending at the end of the clip.
No claim to ownership rights - these belong to the BBC and The Two Ronnies, grateful thanks for allowing the clip to be used.
No monetisation claim either, purely for others to enjoy.

[@tasmedic]

Four candles for 80p? That's a bargain....!

[@JJMClark]

And that deserves a pin.😂😆😀🙌

[@WedgePee]

80p in 1976 had the same purchasing power that £5.89 did in 2020.

[@TJ-el5tm]

You fucking legend

[@patyso5617]

Could you explain to me... One is British and the other one is?.

[@notfwep1869]

@@patyso5617 both are british, in 1976 80p = £5.89 its what happens to money over time its worth much so in around 1912 £50 is = to £1,500 in the English money now

[@richardcochrane1966]

"What size?" "13 amp!" Never fails to make me howl with laughter!

[@Donte_Mac]

classic !

[@lennymadhavan3361]

It is also the look on Ronnie C's face when Ronnie B said that ... Ron C was getting more annoyed as it went along...

[@BubbaGTi]

Kills me every time

[@spana123321]

Mon repose OSE😆😆😆

[@dbrowne193]

Do you find you laugh easily? The for four candles bit is OK, it tails off after that.

[@daysmo]

You know it’s coming ,you’ve heard it a million times and yet it’s still funny !!!

[@1950Grendel]

Right up there with "who's on first?"

[@mssss9903]

@@1950Grendelthat was brilliant 😂

[@therunawaykid6523]

Yah an absolute classic

[@chrisab66]

It's the facial looks, comic timing and chemistry that makes The Two Ronnie's and Morecambe and Wise such legends. It's not just about delivering funny lines. Terribly missed.

[@leslatham7790]

100% agree it's all about the timing

[@Kelly14UK]

The eyes on Corbett here haha

[@mauricedorreboom5388]

On paper this sketch isn't funny at all, it is the deliverance, timing and indeed the tight friendship that makes it funny ... every time. Seen this one at least 10 times, never fails to make me laugh.

[@Kelly14UK]

@@mauricedorreboom5388 Best of Brit comedians can play working/ middle/ upper class alternately, and these 2 are pretty good at it.

[@mlee6050]

Laurel and hardy too, like all 3 comedy pairs, not get any as good these days

[@kaishowing]

Beautiful character study. I just love the way RB tries to look in the 'plug' box and RC just tilts it away so he can't see. Not just comedy, but acting genius.

[@maratonlegendelenemirei3352]

I knew somebody years ago who use to do what Ronnie Corbett just did. Gawd knows why? Good catch.

[@dmuirhe1]

Meanwhile on a distant planet, Dell falls through the bar. Yawn....

[@loretta_3843]

I thought the exact same thing. They're both great but I particularly loved Ronnie Barker.

[@SamuelBlack84]

Why won't he let him see?

[@maff1975]

@@dmuirhe1perhaps the greatest moment in entertainment history

[@stewartholman6054]

This sketch is Timeless, even in a thousand years, it will still be Classic.

[@dbrowne193]

It's average at best. Not classic now, let alone in a thousand years.

[@kerry5586]

@@dbrowne193 I am curious dbrowne193, why do you waste your life watching and commenting on things that you obviously don't like?

[@dbrowne193]

@@kerry5586 Why?

[@HarryJSmith]

@@dbrowne193if it’s not ‘a classic’ as you say, why did you watch the video

[@martinwilliamrandall]

I love Ronnie Corbetts face here more and more pissed off as it goes on, genius

[@mrcrazyjonpresents4312]

He was trying to keep a straight face through it its said He nearly lost it at the Saw tips stage hence why he looks down and wipes the counter

[@michaelacoulthard3851]

I'm crying with laughter already, and they're not even up to the saw tips bit yet

[@Jake-vy2bh]

This sketch should be studied by every actor. It isn't Barker's feed lines that are funny but Corbett's timing. It's absolutely masterful, he stretches the reaction just long enough until each new punchline.

[@peterowen9183]

Agree. Brilliant though Barker is, Corbett des all the work here. Similar to the Laurel and Hardy 'Trail of the Lonesome Pine' thing - Stan gets all the laugh-lines, but Ollie does most of the work.

[@kerry5586]

@@gingerfellah5665 Where I live they sadly are still as rude! And then they wonder why the small shops are dying.

[@thesuncollective1475]

The most original and well played out sketch ever

[@brianofarrell4982]

stitl their step ladder in me lift.

[@Mediumal]

Arguably the greatest comedy sketch ever...Just absolutely brilliant.

[@jnbr7520]

that punchline is pretty weak.....I wouldn't call it brilliant

[@doctorsuave]

It’s one of the most iconic, but certainly not the best in my opinion. For example, I find Monty Python’s Argument Clinic much better. That’s not to say the this isn’t great...it definitely is. But the actual jokes just can’t hold a candle (or four) to other sketches, even by the two Ronnies. That’s just my opinion though.

[@mkshffr4936]

Reminds me of the classic who's on first...or should I say ooze on first.

[@Mediumal]

@@doctorsuave Well I suppose you are right. Just love this though. Actually my favourite MP sketch is the Ministry of Silly Walks. But my all time favourite M & Ws Grieg’s Piano Concerto with Andre ‘Preview’…

[@dbrowne193]

It ok, overrated though.

[@KentDonaldson]

I love the old style hardware store. Don't get many of those around now.

[@serrie85]

I can imagine why, if they can't even get an easy shopping list right the first time ;)

[@blindbrick]

Jaak van Wijck in Breda. : www.stappen-shoppen.nl/locaties/58569b0c2a5ab0265fbdcac4

[@kentcyclist]

my Dad had one

[@DieFlabbergast]

Do they call them "hardware stores" in Britain these days? If so, the invasion of Americanisms has proceeded further than I thought! We used to call them "ironmongers."

[@DDChorror]

Shop*

[@noneofyourbeeswax01]

Every Brit of a certain age only needs to hear the words "Fork Handles"* to bring a fond smile to their face. * "Four Candles" does the job as well...

[@Cool2BCeltic]

No one else could hold four candles to Mr C and Mr B. The world is a poorer place without them.

[@mojobag01]

The subtlety in Barker's acting is perfectly illustrated here. A great writer and one of the finest comic actors I have ever seen.

[@joeltarrartistblacksmith]

I'm here because the news report on Radio 4 said there's four candles around the Queen's coffin.

[@adamwill40]

Fork handles?

[@elizabethmcloughlin1984]

I think that's true. ❤

[@MrMcChuckles95]

Cringe 🤢

[@NetITGeeks]

Nothing better than British humor that plays on words. Love it!

[@BelloBudo007]

I hope these two understood just how much pleasure they brought to people all around the world. This sketch was right up there too.

[@rogerhickson7256]

I still remember seeing these guys for the first time. I laughed so much I tried to make them a weekly routine. I was maybe 11 or 12...then Monty Python came on and I was hooked on them as well. At one point they were back to back...that was a great hour of tele!

[@iLUVtwoSPOOGE]

My grandad was Italian and came to Coventry after the war. This was his favourite sketch as it shows how difficult the English language is

[@ashleelmb]

This sketch was just...completely flawless. Fantastic comedy! They were superb. A comedy duo with their talents will never be seen again.

[@robjones2408]

The look of growing exasperation on Ronnie Corbett's face is priceless. A brilliant sketch from a period of comedy that no longer exists anymore.

[@margaretd.2490]

This type of comedy was seen on the Carol Burnett show. Corbett here really made me think of Tim Conway. This is my first time seeing Corbett.

[@johncollins8071]

@@margaretd.2490 I came across Tim Conway by accident a few years ago. The dentist sketch hits the spot every time. Another true classic.

[@jasmineolivine]

the incredulous look the clerk gives him never gets old.

[@hugebartlett1884]

That act was nationally voted the best ever! And well deserved too!

[@ItalianoVeroAceHigh]

Well deserved indeed! This is probably the best sketch of any country in any language!

[@dbrowne193]

Sad that this won. Rest must be dross.

[@t00bed]

I miss both of them. Clever comedy with memories of generations of family watching, all laughing together. Bless them all.

[@jasonbourne4426]

Timing and the beautiful English language. Pure gold.

[@pauldashwood2897]

Love the look he gives Corbett when he’s climbing the ladder knowing very well he’s going to ask him for something else .terrific stuff

[@Isobellyjellybean]

If you are ever forced to be present at the 4th birthday celebrations of a child, this sketch makes it worthwhile. The cake is brought out with four candles. Make eye contact with each adult in the room and you'll always find one who returns your glance with smiling eyes that say "Fork handles!" Parents - if your child is having a 4th birthday party, do NOT make a fancy arrangement of 20 candles in the shape of the numeral 4. It has to be four candles. It only happens once. You can revert to the 20 candles next year.

[@destinyking7166]

@Debs yours is the better idea 😂

[@CheGuevara110100]

I tried this walking out with a cake with four candles. Grinning from ear to ear and intensely making eye contact with everybody. They thought I was on drugs.

[@KevinBower-gy5be]

@Debs Crokaert and 3 tins of peas .....

[@jeffreyyates2121]

@@KevinBower-gy5be dont forget the ‘ose

[@ItalianoVeroAceHigh]

@@jeffreyyates2121 oh, you mean oes

[@tractionmotor]

The Two Ronnies , Morecombe and Wise what a combination the likes of which we will never see again .R.I.P and thank you.

[@michaelasquith9791]

Fanous Theofanous, well said.

[@dennissmith6394]

I completely agree. both the Two Ronnies and Morcambe and Wise were 'one of a kind'. They can never be replaced. I'm 63 and when I get to see them again I will shake them by the hand and tell them all how much I enjoyed their comedy. Very sadly missed. R.I.P all of them.

[@brightgreencarrot]

This sketch is an absolute gem. I don't know how many times I've seen this, and even though I know the script off by heart, I still laugh out loud every time I watch it. The delivery is first class. True comedy genius.

[@turmuthoer]

"Oh 'ose! I fought you meant 'oes!"

[@jackcarter5101]

No, Os!

[@simontay4851]

Got any Ps

[@jamesline5103]

Why didn't you bleedin tell me that when i was up there?

[@airwolftay5280]

TurmutHoer 😂😂😂

[@ShinKamaitachi]

Kamen Rider OOO

[@dianabardini5183]

They are together again making those in Heaven Laugh R.I.P.

[@elliottmol1991]

Heaven is a man-made construct created to help people cope with the death of people they can't believe won't ever exist again.

[@profunditysbrother3314]

Elliott Mol You must be a riot at parties

[@googleisshitgoogleisshit802]

Elliott Mol that makes no logical sense

[@debowiec3]

You have the wrong concept of Heaven.............nothing to do with this Earth!!!

[@TurboNutterBastard.]

The internet everyone...you can’t talk about your beliefs religious/political or even who you believe the best James Bond is without someone criticising or insulting you.

[@angelacoulter7061]

I loved this when I first saw it. We don’t have anything like this now. I loved those day. What legends they are this was when life was good. Take me back anytime.

[@npm2457]

The greatest 35 seconds in British comedy. Unequalled.

[@dom3335]

English comedy at it's best! Can't get enough of it!

[@albond]

WeLikeSportz *its (no apostrophe) because otherwise you're saying 'English comedy at IT IS best' which makes no sense

[@colcot50]

Ronnie Corbett was Scottish

[@Mastershots71]

You might as well just say British comedy.

[@johnnieboy5381]

One of best ever sketches-laugh out loud time again and again. The timing is spot on and the facial expressions and body language are terrific. The Two Ronnies sadly missed.

[@MrHighgate123]

I remember watching this in the 70,s growing up my god how sweet life was then 3 meals a day,a black and white tele and a great day out playing in the park with our rags on id have those days back tomorrow if i could happy days.

[@JJMClark]

Ah, a fellow 70's child. Cornflakes with sugar on to start the day with full-fat milk. Big old jam sandwich and a packet of Tudor for any time between breakfast and tea (not dinner) and a meat and two veg tea (probably with chips fried in lard). Out all day during the summer until it got dark and everyone asking for a ride on each other's bikes. No one trying to nick yours, just on a bit too long for your liking. No mobiles. No internet. I remember it well with a mix of sadness at the loss of the innocence and happiness that my own children have had a very different, but equally as happy upbringing. Be well.

[@MaxJustice100]

Ahh, great days indeed

[@blueheaven4838]

But remember in those days due to lack of technology crimes went unsolved for years. No DNA technology, o cameras (cc TV) etc. you had all characters out loose with no fear of getting caught. England had a fair share of them as did the US. One had to be careful.

[@ukrobbo]

You’re allowed to go and play in the park and own a black and white television these days actually, it’s not illegal or anything.

[@TheVeetacore]

Simply the most perfect and loveable sketch. Still use 'fork handles' as a response to anything I misunderstood. So simple, but really classic. It's Ronnie Corbetts frustrated muttering that does it for me.

[@carlmarquardt994]

Me too. Love it.

[@AhamedAfker]

I have watched this clip for morethan 100 times in my life. That's much I loved it. Thanks Two Ronnies. I hope You both live in Paradise.

[@1950Grendel]

This was the first Ronnies sketch my late wife and I saw in 1976 - always will be my favorite. Laughter, remembrance, and fun.

[@iancook3996]

The sure sign of brilliant comedy... you know exactly what's coming, but it still cracks you up every time!

[@chrisburnett1638]

Easily one of the best comedy sketches of all time

[@charlesmccombe6866]

Wonderful today...just as funny..Won`t get any better..Sadly,sadly missed .God rest them both now..

[@darthkahn45]

That alternate ending was absolutely perfect.

[@peterquarmby1009]

The Two Ronnies at their absolute best. Comedy genius.

[@kevc6115]

Ronnie Barker was 1 of the greatest comedic wordsmiths & actors of all time! I have watched this 100's of times and it always has me in stitches. RIP Ronnie & thank you for all the laughs❤

[@johncollins8071]

Genius comedy that we'll never see again.

[@sargentstephens45]

Without doubt, one of their best sketches......British comedy was at its finest. Just adored them.

[@IRISHDRAGON77]

I have watched this 100 times and will never stop. Every forkhandles no four candlels hilarious. Never bored

[@user-yl3op4mo8r]

Saw this on first broadcast and as soon as the "handles for forks" line was delivered we knew we were in for a treat from these masters of comedy.

[@famskiiiifoureyez]

This is a work of comedic genius

[@NiMari.]

This never gets old.....one of the all time classics

[@elliotchinneryhinks8554]

So brilliant no swearing just genius, I love the bit when RB asks for sawtips, you can see RC for a split second nearly cracks a smile, it's so beautiful such a magic moment in comedy history

[@ayemchunt2955]

Absolutely priceless, a true gem of comedic writing.

[@sigmaabhinav]

I have seen thousand times and I still laugh so much. Perfect comedy. Genius.

[@yourlexusgirl5814]

These two really made people happy, so, I hope they're happy, wherever they are.

[@6shotshooter]

Funniest sketch ever. No swearing or blasphemy. Skills required

[@Mediumal]

Some TV comedy enters the lexicon of legendary moments in time. You can reel off a few because they are seared into our collective memory. This being one of the very best. Greig's Piano Concerto with Andre Preview (Morecambe and Wise), The Dead Parrott Sketch (Monty Python), there are a number. Four Candles (Fork Handles) is just an absolute comedy gem.

[@bernardfox9078]

Vastly underrated actors. Ronnie C superbly plays the role here. All his little gestures and mannerisms seem entirely natural, which is the art of good acting. Shame he didn't play any more serious roles.

[@xPadge112x]

I think that's the curse of a comic more so than than now. These guys were a national treasure. And was hard to cast them into serious roles because they were seen as so hilarious.

[@sophienugre4161]

I'm a particular fan of his he grumbles all the way to the box that had the letters in them and back about needing to fetch it again.

[@gdj6298]

They were great comedy actors. Unlike Morecambe and Wise/ Mike and Bernie Winters/ Hope and Keen etc, they both had good careers outside of the duo - Barker with 'Open all hours' and 'Porridge', Corbett with 'Sorry' and 'No, that's me over here' etc. I don't know if Corbett wrote much, but certainly Barker wrote a lot for other people, often under the pseudonym of Gerald Wiley.

[@Bethi4WFH]

No way were/are they underrated.......I don’t understand how you can say that!

[@SamuelBlack84]

Robin Williams was a legendary comedian, but he performed a lot of serious film roles

[@babyblue1194]

This had everything. Great comedy timing. Great wordplay. Great characterisation from them both. What made The Two Ronnies so great was that they were not comedians, but great comedy actors. Neither was the straight man, the stooge, or the idiot. They played all with such great ability. They would give to each other, for the greater good of the comedy. Getting a laugh was more important than who got the laugh.

[@roberthanlen6036]

One of the best sketches ever. Linguistically brilliant.

[@stevedoubleu99B]

I bet Messrs Corbett and Barker had no idea at the time, that this sketch would become so iconic. Here in the UK at least, you can say 'Fork 'andles' to almost anyone and they will know what you mean.

You are not allowed any electric plugs in uk bathrooms

[@KevinBower-gy5be]

There's a Wetherspoons pub in Chester called The Four Candles. Lots of Two Ronnies memorabilia in there.

[@yeet12937]

@Daniel Crutcher ikr, I'm younger and I'd rather lived when this stuff was going on :(

[@bec9255]

@ bet you're fun at parties

Rebecca Young I am educated ,you should try it .It will serve you well

[@gdj6298]

"What kind of knockers are you looking for?" This is because we are a family show and I will not allow smut into your homes....

[@daemonicstar]

For the very last time. Goodnight and R.I.P. Ronnie Corbett. xx :(

[@TeeVeesGreatest]

Timeless! thanks so much!

[@R4ttlehead666]

-Saw tips -Saw tips? -Whatcha want, ointment or sumin like that XDDDD

[@nicholasimholte7359]

He thinks he says "Sore tips"

[@johngray9331]

Oh Jesus so funny

[@wxcferdts]

Yes, a classic, but just look at the acting masterclass by both: tics, looks, pauses, delivery ... Right up there with Only Fools and Horses, the Office and absolutely ALL things Partridge, and that's saying an enormous lot. By the way, just finished watching Porridge again, and that one too improves with every viewing!

[@Ten_Pence]

Absolute genius sketch all these years later!! Those guys are iconic :D Sadly missed....

[@michaelasquith9791]

I love The Two Ronnies Christmas specials, even though, I wasn't born when some of the sketches hit our screens, the fork handles sketch is my personal favourite. Thank you, for your comedy genius, and legend, and RIP Ronnie Barker, and Ronnie Corbett. 😥❤

[@jonathan461965]

So miss this now. Life was a laugh back then. RIP guys.

[@deborahwatson5159]

You Could See that Both Ronnies found it Hard to Suppress their Laughter, Love it, Love it, Love it, Stay Safe Everyone in 2020; XXXX

[@maree-mareesongwriter6226]

Absolute classic! When he said no, 'tins of peas', I died😂😂😂

[@cndvst]

I saw a Christmas Card that said 'four candles' in a local charity shop the other day: as soon as I saw it, I heard this sketch in my head. Lol

[@mrshifter9582]

The best comedy sketch ever.

[@WildlifeObsessed]

I have watched this scene / sketch a million times and I laugh just as hard every single time. Sheer genius.

[@animelovers000]

I'm only 27 so i was not even around during the time the two ronnies were on, but thankfully my late nan and her best friend got me into this in my teens and i've been a fan since. This sort of comedy talent and writing is something we will never see again. I now have many wonderful memories of watching the two ronnies and other old comedy with my late nan who had a brilliant sense of humour and who i thank for getting to watch old stuff like this.

[@MichaelSHartman]

As a former stock clerk, I found this relatable skit absolutely hilarious.

[@glynperrisgp]

God bless you and R.I.P Ronnie C and Ronnie B. Thanks for the laughter, greatly missed, never forgotten. ❤ 😍

[@rocketpost1]

This made me laugh just as much as when I first saw it. Although I was a big Python and Spike Milligan fan, this is possibly the greatest sketch ever. That's some achievement.

[@unitedtillidie1799]

389 👎 ? Do those muppets simply not understand CLASSIC BRITISH COMEDY GOLD? How can anyone with a SENSE OF HUMOR not laugh at this? The timing, the writing is a MASTERCLASS. Never been comedy like this since and most likely never will be again.

[@NB-gu9rs]

If you loved this, wait until you hear the one about the chicken crossing the road.

[@joerourke4452]

And the dust coat, attention to detail, plus comedy brilliance, ah! Pure heaven. Jofus

[@nigeljones4464]

585 now. Why ?

[@camp14dogg]

Let's us all just appreciate how amazing an actor Ronnie Corbett was.

[@bizarro15]

Amazing to know Ronnie Barker knew he was dying by then, so they designed this to deliberately be the last sketch they would revisit in the ‘Sketchbook’ and the show didn’t air until six months after his death. Professional to the end! RIP Ronnie B & Ronnie C

[@danielpease641]

This never gets old

[@deborahwatson5159]

Absolutely Brilliant, One of My Favourite Sketches, 'God Bless' You Darlings and May You Both Rest in Peace, XX

[@zetacrucis681]

thanks for the laughs ronnies. this one is an absolute classic.

[@johnbaldock6353]

I watched this with my dad when it was first broadcast. I've Never heard him laugh so much. RIP DAD. Thanks for the Memories. xx❤️

[@JJMClark]

Mate I feel for you. Used to do the same with my old man. Be well.

[@Darkreign1]

That's the biggest variety store I've ever seen

[@vtrmcs]

Their comedic mastery of the English language, I don't think has ever been repeated. Writing this requires total command of complex English grammar, vocabulary, vernacular, regional dialects and punctuation. Thats leaving aside the actual acting ability to deliver the lines as written. Very few people have been able to achieve this level of excellence in intelleligent comedy. As a matter of fact, I honestly can't think of anything remotely as good in the same or similar style. For goodness sake, if you're watching this and you're either English or an anglophile, make sure you see their sketch "Mastermind". It has naturally dated but with a little research, you'll understand how incredibly intelligent these two were.

[@antisocialbee2852]

The fact that Ronnie Corbett came up with this skit unanimously just blows my mind. The timing of his lines, actions just chef kiss. The way Robbie Barker hesitates, ugh it’s so perfect!

[@TonyEnglandUK]

lol there's no fleas on you.

[@barneymcwhat6241]

wrong ronnie, it's barker at the end saying "when i wrote this sketch" otherwise hard agree

[@michaelpolkey5996]

Arguably their greatest ever comedy sketch, the number of views says it all.

[@ukdnbmarsh]

i know every word to this and despite how many times you watch it you still LOL - simply genius.

[@markusaurelious1150]

I dare anyone to tell me this isn't the funniest sketch ever written. Even now in 2019, this is bloody hilarious

[@sophiemckenzie2368]

All these years after this was made, and hundreads of times having watched it, it never fails to make me laugh :)

[@helencampbell2064]

I know. Great stuff. Outstanding comedy sketch. Brilliant writing. Ronnie Barker was excellent. I remember men who were just like him. No social grace and yet they were often very kind. Completely harmless with good humour. His clothes were just so appropriate. Love his old shrunken jumper with it's holes in the elbows🤣.

[@stevenwilliams4172]

national treasures, and yes hardware shops like this did exist

[@papasmurfette007]

They still sell tins of peas?...

[@mail-uc7ui]

There's one in South Molton in Devon which is very similar, I miss how hardware shops used to be

[@leehenry5764]

Ronnie Barker was amazing loved him in open all hours.

[@martinhallard2165]

Still watching this after all these years and it just gets better with time

[@thomaswood6115]

having worked in a D.I.Y store years ago I can totally relate to this because tradesmen have different names for stuff so this does make me chuckle.

[@dashound6457]

The best sketch ever by a country mile absolute class xx

[@RFED2O]

Yes the greatest 6 mins in comedy history...and second i would say is Andre Previn with Morecombe and Wise !!

[@sirtinderloin7399]

Ronny Barker has amazing ability to find homophones . Not just based on this, but based on several sketches I have seen.

[@balluumm1]

Absolute geniuses. You just don't get humour like this any more.

[@mrmethane10]

This sketch will never grow old. It doesn't matter how many times I have watched it, it makes me laugh just as much every time. They both play an equally important roll in it. Just look at Ronnie Corbett's reactions and his muttering to himself. He reminds me of Charlie Hall - Laurel & Hardy's nemesis in so many of their films, and of course Ronnie Barker was a huge L & H fan. The bit at the end when it goes to The Two Ronnie's in the studio is very sad and poignant.

[@andrewdrabble8939]

Brilliant. Simply brilliant. It's the look on Ronnie Corbett's face that really makes this sketch

[@paulr3457]

And the innocent expressionless look of Ronnie B that compliments him, don't you think?