A tiny victory for common sense.

[NIK]

Just heard Fawlty’s ‘Germans’ is to be re-instated.
Thought they would edit it, but apparently they are giving extra ‘guidance’ and warnings. 

I don’t think I have seen a single programme after the watershed for years without a warning of some kind suggesting some viewers may be ‘upset’.
This suggests there are an awful lot of fragile, sensitive souls out there these days, and begs the question why would you continue to watch something that ‘upsets’ you?

The other thing is that Cleese was of course satirising attitudes such as those of the Major, just as Johnny Speight did with Alf Garnet.
Naturally this is beyond the comprehension of the humourless thought police for whom satire and humour have no place in their rigid view of the world.

[King Nuts]

This suggests there are an awful lot of ‘fragile, sensitive souls out there these days, and begs the question why would you continue to watch something that ‘upsets’ you?

I'd love to know what the broadcasters' internal guidelines are for what is considered 'upsetting'.

[NIK]

I'd love to know what the broadcasters' internal guidelines are for what is considered 'upsetting'.

There are plenty of what are considered acceptable things broadcast which ‘upset’  me. 

[mr.bluesky]

I'd love to know what the broadcasters' internal guidelines are for what is considered 'upsetting'.

Anything containing even a hint of swearing , nudity and violence.  I think only programmes about gardening ,cookery and antiques  are not classed as upsetting nowdays that's why there is so many of them on the box   

[Corus Boy]

Anything containing even a hint of swearing , nudity and violence.  I think only programmes about gardening ,cookery and antiques  are not classed as upsetting nowdays that's why there is so many of them on the box   

Some of the meals served up in those cookery programmes need a health warning.

What if they are meat or fish?  I'm sure that the Vegans are upset.

And if the chef happens to be;

Hidden Image/Members Only

Nigella Lawson...

[Digby232]

I’m getting pissed off with all this politically correct bollocks. Give me Alf  Garnett, Bernard Manning, Basil Fawllty( upstart the Spanish by abusing Spanish waiter) and Frankie Boyle over these fucked up little snowflakes that are ruining the world. Fuckin Australians calling us Pom’s upsets me. What they going to do about it?

[whiskyfan]

Deja vu. This is nothing new. Funny how people forget. Check the date of this article.

External Link/Members Only

[mr.bluesky]

Some of the meals served up in those cookery programmes need a health warning.

What if they are meat or fish?  I'm sure that the Vegans are upset.

And if the chef happens to be;

Hidden Image/Members Only

Nigella Lawson...

A fine pair of dumplings she has on her 

[winkywanky]

I'd love to know what the broadcasters' internal guidelines are for what is considered 'upsetting'.

They obviously include "upsetting sensitive Nazis".

Now we wouldn't want to be doing that, would we?

[winkywanky]

I’m getting pissed off with all this politically correct bollocks. Give me Alf  Garnett, Bernard Manning, Basil Fawllty( upstart the Spanish by abusing Spanish waiter) and Frankie Boyle over these fucked up little snowflakes that are ruining the world. Fuckin Australians calling us Pom’s upsets me. What they going to do about it?

I bet if you got called a leeching cunt for doing no reviews in two whole years, that would upset you? 

[george r]

they will be banning dads army next 

[Corus Boy]

they will be banning dads army next 

I think that the fuzzy wuzzies have already struck.

The issue that Fuzzy Wuzzy was not a bad term will have escaped them!

"Fuzzy-Wuzzy" is a poem by the English author and poet Rudyard Kipling, published in 1892 as part of Barrack Room Ballads. It describes the respect of the ordinary British soldier for the bravery of the Hadendoa warriors who fought the British army in the Sudan and Eritrea.

[southcoastpunter]

What about the TV sitcom Allo Allo - that could "upset" the French, Germans, Italian and us Brits!

Now maybe there is a new thread idea - which programme can upset most nationalities in one go!!

[monsterballz47]

Good to hear. Was really glad to see John Cleese let rip at the BBC on Twitter yesterday. So much of what he said is true. The BBC is full of cowardly, gutless contemptible people these days.

Personally, I think the only thing that should be edited out is the use of the N-word by the Major character. I can see why that would be problematic, but apart from that there is literally nothing wrong with the episode, and I have never heard of any German individual taking offence at Fawlty's bizarre/hilarious behaviour in that episode. In fact, I'm sure I read once that when visiting Germany Cleese had people telling him how much they loved that particular episode.

[NIK]

Good to hear. Was really glad to see John Cleese let rip at the BBC on Twitter yesterday. So much of what he said is true. The BBC is full of cowardly, gutless contemptible people these days.

Personally, I think the only thing that should be edited out is the use of the N-word by the Major character. I can see why that would be problematic, but apart from that there is literally nothing wrong with the episode, and I have never heard of any German individual taking offence at Fawlty's bizarre/hilarious behaviour in that episode. In fact, I'm sure I read once that when visiting Germany Cleese had people telling him how much they loved that particular episode.

I don't think it was anything to do with the Germans. It was the Major's language, and Fawlty's double take when he was confronted by the black doctor.

[george r]

Good to hear. Was really glad to see John Cleese let rip at the BBC on Twitter yesterday. So much of what he said is true. The BBC is full of cowardly, gutless contemptible people these days.

Personally, I think the only thing that should be edited out is the use of the N-word by the Major character. I can see why that would be problematic, but apart from that there is literally nothing wrong with the episode, and I have never heard of any German individual taking offence at Fawlty's bizarre/hilarious behaviour in that episode. In fact, I'm sure I read once that when visiting Germany Cleese had people telling him how much they loved that particular episode.

last time i watched "the Sting" they edited the n word out of a scene and unless you had seen the original years ago would not have know. common sense 

[monsterballz47]

I don't think it was anything to do with the Germans. It was the Major's language, and Fawlty's double take when he was confronted by the black doctor.

Agree with the Major's language, yes, but I don't think Fawlty's shock towards seeing the black doctor is really problematic. If that's the case, the entire series of Rising Damp would have to be scrapped because Rigsby treats Philip far worse than that.

I still don't think the ones who get outraged about this stuff seem to understand that we're not meant to be laughing along with Rigsby and Basil Fawlty, we're meant to be laughing AT them. The same goes for Robert in Duty Free (another Eric Chappel comedy for those who haven't heard of it, because it isn't as well known as Rising Damp). He's racist and xenophobic towards almost everyone! But that's the point. He's meant to be a stereotype of a racist, upper class Englishman. He's not meant to be someone who we look up to, someone we should be emulating. I really don't see why the outraged mob can't understand this.

[monsterballz47]

last time i watched "the Sting" they edited the n word out of a scene and unless you had seen the original years ago would not have know. common sense 

Have never seen The Sting, and I'm not aware of its certificate, but I think that's the deciding factor on whether or not it should be edited or bleeped out. It's not right to remove the N word from every film and just erase its usage in the past. The reason why I can understand getting rid of it in Fawlty Towers is because it's meant to be for complete family viewing, and no, I don't think it's right to have the word being broadcast at any time of the day on a mainstream TV channel, as it could encourage kids to hear it and start saying it.

[B4bcock]

What about the TV sitcom Allo Allo - that could "upset" the French, Germans, Italian and us Brits!

Allo Allo was sold to both french and german tv channels in the 1980's.   I don't know how well it went down, but it goes to show that people everywhere had a more liberal sense of humour in those days - even the germans!

[southcoastpunter]

I think it went down fairly well in Germany but not so well in France. The French, it would seem, didn't like anyone taking the mickey out of them and definitely could not understand the concept of poking fun at yourself!

But yes those were the days before the PC police got more power than they deserve!

[winkywanky]

I'll tell you one celeb who'll have more sense than to grovellingly apologise unnecessarily to the Twatterarsists, for 'some past indiscretions': Sacha Baron Cohen. And I do believe Ali G's catchphrase just about said it all, or at least 95% of it.

[george r]

I'll tell you one celeb who'll have more sense than to grovellingly apologise unnecessarily to the Twatterarsists, for 'some past indiscretions': Sacha Baron Cohen. And I do believe Ali G's catchphrase just about said it all, or at least 95% of it.

i wonder if richard madeley will be saying sorry after he did ali g ?

[winkywanky]

Link required please 

[David1970]

Allo Allo was sold to both french and german tv channels in the 1980's.   I don't know how well it went down, but it goes to show that people everywhere had a more liberal sense of humour in those days - even the germans!

I remember reading that the German ambassador to the UK at the time, was quoted as saying he found it funny and was pleased that all Germans were not shown as nasty Nazis, a step in the right direction.

[David1970]

I think it went down fairly well in Germany but not so well in France. The French, it would seem, didn't like anyone taking the mickey out of them and definitely could not understand the concept of poking fun at yourself!

But yes those were the days before the PC police got more power than they deserve!

The French don’t like being reminded that the vast majority of them were Vichy collaborator, all swept under the carpet.

[Davey Dykes]

Link required please 

No, easily enough found. Anyway, this is far funnier.

External Link/Members Only

[scutty brown]

I’m getting pissed off with all this politically correct bollocks. Give me Alf  Garnett, Bernard Manning, Basil Fawllty( upstart the Spanish by abusing Spanish waiter) and Frankie Boyle over these fucked up little snowflakes that are ruining the world. Fuckin Australians calling us Pom’s upsets me. What they going to do about it?

Bernard Manning was an obnoxious shit-mouthed twat.
His extremist on-screen persona was actually toned down with respect to his stage performances.

[David1970]

I’m getting pissed off with all this politically correct bollocks. Give me Alf  Garnett, Bernard Manning, Basil Fawllty( upstart the Spanish by abusing Spanish waiter) and Frankie Boyle over these fucked up little snowflakes that are ruining the world. Fuckin Australians calling us Pom’s upsets me. What they going to do about it?

Frankie Boyle is in a different class from the other 3, first he is actually funny unlike the other 3. His humour is observational where theirs was picking on people because of their race, gender or sexuality. IMHO.

[scutty brown]

Frankie Boyle is in a different class from the other 3, first he is actually funny unlike the other 3. His humour is observational where theirs was picking on people because of their race, gender or sexuality. IMHO.

I would disagree with the view that Frankie Boyle was funny.
Unoriginal boring repetitive dross.

[Ali Katt]

Just heard Fawlty’s ‘Germans’ is to be re-instated.
Thought they would edit it, but apparently they are giving extra ‘guidance’ and warnings. 

I don’t think I have seen a single programme after the watershed for years without a warning of some kind suggesting some viewers may be ‘upset’.
This suggests there are an awful lot of fragile, sensitive souls out there these days, and begs the question why would you continue to watch something that ‘upsets’ you?

The other thing is that Cleese was of course satirising attitudes such as those of the Major, just as Johnny Speight did with Alf Garnet.
Naturally this is beyond the comprehension of the humourless thought police for whom satire and humour have no place in their rigid view of the world.

Little Britain, League of Gentlemen and Bo Selecta all removed this month for "blackface". Proof that some people can't grasp irony and satire.

[Ali Katt]

Bernard Manning was an obnoxious shit-mouthed twat.
His extremist on-screen persona was actually toned down with respect to his stage performances.

Not an extremist telling a few silly foreigners, "Mick" jokes and using pejorative terms for Indians and black people hardly puts him in the extremist league. I know a lot his jokes are Christmas Cracker jokes and Sad Dad jokes, but his timing is incredible and a really good singing voice as well. We see a history of 80s "alternative" comedians saying he was shit and racist, well the green eyed monster doth mock when he was making millions from the Embassy club and selling VHS tapes with no promotion and you see some comedians now who can't even sell 50 tickets. I will admit his act is dated and it was dated in the 90s, but the "alternative" seems to be women talking about periods, men talking about how their girlfriend tells them off if he leaves the toilet seat up or worse still telling us how we should think and if you disagree you are a cunt like with the aforementioned Frankie Boyle.

[The Film Director]

I would disagree with the view that Frankie Boyle was funny.
Unoriginal boring repetitive dross.

He did get 'banned' from Mock The Week .... that's quite some badge of honour. 

[David1970]

He did get 'banned' from Mock The Week .... that's quite some badge of honour. 

I thought he walked away because the majority of his input was being cut by the editors, due to its nature.

[Ali Katt]

I thought he walked away because the majority of his input was being cut by the editors, due to its nature.

I think he outgrew the show TBH. He was pretty much the star and the reason most people watch it when it first started.

[Beamer]

I would disagree with the view that Frankie Boyle was funny.
Unoriginal boring repetitive dross.

Frankie Boyle is an arse of the first order.  Probably the most obnoxious so called comedian ever.

[David1970]

I much prefer Kevin Bridges, he is better than Frankie Boyle and Billy Connolly.
Connolly was really funny when he worked the pubs of Glasgow, before he became a lovey.

On of his classics form his early days
External Link/Members Only

[Beamer]

I much prefer Kevin Bridges.

He's a decent comedian.

[scutty brown]

Not an extremist telling a few silly foreigners, "Mick" jokes and using pejorative terms for Indians and black people hardly puts him in the extremist league. I know a lot his jokes are Christmas Cracker jokes and Sad Dad jokes, but his timing is incredible and a really good singing voice as well. We see a history of 80s "alternative" comedians saying he was shit and racist, well the green eyed monster doth mock when he was making millions from the Embassy club and selling VHS tapes with no promotion and you see some comedians now who can't even sell 50 tickets. I will admit his act is dated and it was dated in the 90s, but the "alternative" seems to be women talking about periods, men talking about how their girlfriend tells them off if he leaves the toilet seat up or worse still telling us how we should think and if you disagree you are a cunt like with the aforementioned Frankie Boyle.

I saw Manning onstage on the Isle of Man years ago........kind of rhetoric you'd expect at a KKK meeting

[Ali Katt]

I saw Manning onstage on the Isle of Man years ago........kind of rhetoric you'd expect at a KKK meeting

I don't know I've never been to a KKK meeting.

[tesla]

The French don’t like being reminded that the vast majority of them were Vichy collaborator, all swept under the carpet.

I don't think you are correct, can you substantiate that claim?  Tell that to the residents of  Oradour sur Glane, the males were all machine gunned in a barn and the women and children were all rounded up and put into the church and then the Nazis threw in hand grenades.
A huge part of southern France was under Vichy control, but not all were collaborators by any means. A lot of French males were used for forced labour building the Atlantic wall and other installations and a lot ended up in Dora or worse Natzweiler..

[David1970]

I don't think you are correct, can you substantiate that claim?  Tell that to the residents of  Oradour sur Glane, the males were all machine gunned in a barn and the women and children were all rounded up and put into the church and then the Nazis threw in hand grenades.
A huge part of southern France was under Vichy control, but not all were collaborators by any means. A lot of French males were used for forced labour building the Atlantic wall and other installations and a lot ended up in Dora or worse Natzweiler..

The French capitulated in 1940, most run away of surrendered, they had a vast part of their army they did not use. The British 51st Highland division was forced surrender to the Nazis in St Valery, even thought they want to fight on,  because they were under French command and the French would rather collaborate than fight.
The vast majority of French people and armed forces supported the Vichy collaborator regime. They help the Nazis round up Jews and others.
The only real resistance happened after the Nazis invaded the Soviet Union in mid 1941, and then only by communists.
The resistance grow in 1943 when the Nazi started to force the French to work in Germany and many of those selected when into hiding, but the majority of them did not fight. When the majority of French saw who was going to win the war they changed sides as they had done in 1940.
When the British Commonwealth forces invaded Vichy control Syria to stop the Nazis, the Vichy forces fought them and killed British forces and hand British prisoners over to the Nazis. When the British won they gave the captured French forces the choice between fighting the Nazis or returning to the Vichy French, over 95% choose to join the pro Nazi Vichy  government.   
There were a small amount of French who were willing to fight the Nazis under De Gaul, but not many.
France unlike most countries did not have a public enquire after the war as they knew what its findings were.

[AnthG]

I remember reading that the German ambassador to the UK at the time, was quoted as saying he found it funny and was pleased that all Germans were not shown as nasty Nazis, a step in the right direction.

Everyone came across as nice on that show. Even the SS Her Flick came across as kind-hearted. If you watched that, and believed it. You'd not think the Germans were in any way a problem during WW2.

[AnthG]

I saw Manning onstage on the Isle of Man years ago........kind of rhetoric you'd expect at a KKK meeting

Or any other comedian of the time. Watch Eddie Murphys Delirious or Raw. The level of racism and homophobia in that is unreal. And on a par with Manning.

Comedians were funny back then as they just said what was on their minds and nobody crucified them for it.

[Strawberry]

Everyone came across as nice on that show. Even the SS Her Flick came across as kind-hearted. If you watched that, and believed it. You'd not think the Germans were in any way a problem during WW2.

German exchange student looked a little shocked, possibly unprepared.

[winkywanky]

I much prefer Kevin Bridges, he is better than Frankie Boyle and Billy Connolly.
Connolly was really funny when he worked the pubs of Glasgow, before he became a lovey.

On of his classics form his early days
External Link/Members Only

I like Bridges a lot.

Liked Connolly too. Very interesting series about him currently showing on BBC Scotland, it's in my telly package and I'm recording and watching. Poor guy has dementia but it seems to be slow-moving and despite seeming a little slow and clunky, the intellect and memory (as it often is) of stuff long ago, is very good. Lots of old classic clips, interspersed with him talking it through and reminiscing. Recommended.

[winkywanky]

Everyone came across as nice on that show. Even the SS Her Flick came across as kind-hearted. If you watched that, and believed it. You'd not think the Germans were in any way a problem during WW2.

Really?

I think he just wanted to fuck Helga, the little pigtailed, Aryan minx 

[scutty brown]

I don't know I've never been to a KKK meeting.

references to hangings rather gave it away

[NIK]

You know, I am positive the woke warriors will say I cannot possibly put myself in the place of ‘persons of colour’ so have no right to comment, but I am sure were I one of these such persons I would laugh at such terminology rather than go all trembly over it.  I have had plenty of experience of abuse on here.  Unfortunately for them it is like water off a duck’s back. (I know, it isn’t the same.  )

I don’t suppose many are old enough or regional enough to remember the Barnsley black comedian Charlie Williams of ‘Comedians’ tv show. His whole act was predominantly based on his colour, which of course was rare in Barnsley at the time. He would make quips such as, If you upset me I’ll move in next door to you.’

Of course now, despite his colour, his act would be deemed ‘racist’ by the thought police as it pandered to white attitudes
I can understand that no white comedian at the time would have to base his act on the cold of his skin.

Old Charlie was still quite funny tho! 

[tesla]

The French capitulated in 1940, most run away of surrendered, they had a vast part of their army they did not use. The British 51st Highland division was forced surrender to the Nazis in St Valery, even thought they want to fight on,  because they were under French command and the French would rather collaborate than fight.
The vast majority of French people and armed forces supported the Vichy collaborator regime. They help the Nazis round up Jews and others.
The only real resistance happened after the Nazis invaded the Soviet Union in mid 1941, and then only by communists.
The resistance grow in 1943 when the Nazi started to force the French to work in Germany and many of those selected when into hiding, but the majority of them did not fight. When the majority of French saw who was going to win the war they changed sides as they had done in 1940.
When the British Commonwealth forces invaded Vichy control Syria to stop the Nazis, the Vichy forces fought them and killed British forces and hand British prisoners over to the Nazis. When the British won they gave the captured French forces the choice between fighting the Nazis or returning to the Vichy French, over 95% choose to join the pro Nazi Vichy  government.   
There were a small amount of French who were willing to fight the Nazis under De Gaul, but not many.
France unlike most countries did not have a public enquire after the war as they knew what its findings were.

I still don't  see anything to substantiate your claim, the French surrendered because they were beaten by a vastly superior army with modern warfare techniques, ie radios in every tank, airborne artillery etc.  The French were still using dispatch riders to communicate with generals miles behind the front lines.
Then you say the communists we not proper resistance fighters.

[Ali Katt]

Or any other comedian of the time. Watch Eddie Murphys Delirious or Raw. The level of racism and homophobia in that is unreal. And on a par with Manning.

Comedians were funny back then as they just said what was on their minds and nobody crucified them for it.

Likewise two of the funniest American comedians of that time: Sam Kinison and Rodney Dangerfield got accused of misogyny. Once again negating the point that Sam Kinison probably had the most unique delivery of any comedian and Dangerfield had this amazing quick fire delivery and sort of a sad clown persona. What's the alternative Lena Dunham talking about feminism? Nish Kumar telling everybody who disagrees with him is literally Hitler? or The middle of the road jokes from people like Tim Vine and any comedian called Russell?

That said there are some great comedians, but I sort of think they often end up falling spectacularly from grace. People like Jim Jeffries lecturing Americans on gun control, which lost him a lot fans and the best thing he did was Contraband and I think I saw it well over 10 years ago. Stewart Lee has some great jokes, but his hipster status makes him a bit wank. Kevin Bridges is really talented, but he just doesn't tickle my funny bone. I've seen hipster comic Daniel Kitson, but his constant preaching of "only cunts go to pubs" got tiresome and he and Stewart Lee really helped Josie Long's career which is reason enough to sneer at them.