Sunday 6 February 2011

Pirate Aggro

Eric Idle and chums spoof Bob Harris and The Old Grey Whistle Test in this clip from the largely forgotten mid-seventies sketch show Rutland Weekend Television. The comedy is very much of its era (i.e. it's a bit un-PC at times) but from what little I've seen of seventies Whistle Tests it seems to hit its target pretty accurately. There's a song from the ever-excellent Neil Innes too.



Also from Rutland Weekend TV, here's George Harrison as you've never seen him before (unless you happened to watch the RWT Christmas Special on Boxing day 1975, in which case here's George Harrison as you've rarely seen him before!).



If you enjoyed those clips, why not do as I am and make your way through the entire series of Rutland Weekend Television, which is, rather thrillingly, available to stream on YouTube via the MontyPyhoNET channel. Hurrah.

11 comments:

Mick said...

As you know I'm an old git and I remember the OGWT sketch but not the George Harrison one, which is actually much better. We love George in this house.

Kippers said...

It is much better, isn't it? I love George too. He loved his comedy as well, as I'm finding out from stuff like this & the Michael Palin Diaries.

As a postscript to the Whistle Test thing, there's an appearance from the real Bob Harris later on in that episode & a very funny Bob Dylan pastiche from Neil Innes. Watch it here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aRbgbigx-bU

dickvandyke said...

Great digging Kips. I'd forgotten those sketches. Thank you.

Mick said...

Back in the 70's I had a jacket quite similar to the one Bob Harris/Eric Idle wears in these clips. Fortunately my scanners knackered so I won't be able to upload a picture even if (though) I'm pissed and it seems like a good idea.

dickvandyke said...

Thats a shame Mick. (The scanner being broke, not that you're pissed).
Was there printed shirt and kipper tie involvement? I suspect there was. Big hair and wide Oxford bags?

YMV said...

Lovely stuff, thanks Kippers! (I remember being very fond of Eric's jacket, but that's five-year-old's fashion sense for you!)

Mick said...

I've found a pic of the jacket but the real embarrassment is my hair. Very 70's and it makes me look a total prat.

Kippers said...

Dick & Viv: You're welcome!

Mick: I think we're going to have to see this pic of you in that jacket at some point. You can send it to one of us if you like & we'll scan it through!

Pip said...

Enough to make me dig out my DVD of "The Rutles", cheers

Kippers said...

No worries.

Lee said...

Thanks for posting these. I wish Eric Idle would release these officially on DVD.