RE: British Humour ? (Full Version)

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popeye1250 -> RE: British Humour ? (3/20/2008 8:39:20 AM)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BWIqQqliksc



kittinSol -> RE: British Humour ? (3/20/2008 8:50:51 AM)

Father Ted: real Irish humour lol.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-T5snc_LYSY



LadyEllen -> RE: British Humour ? (3/20/2008 8:53:39 AM)

FWIW - US comedies just arent funny - amusing certainly, but no real laughs from anyone I know here. And the reason I suspect, is that they are just far too "safe"; they seem to lack the risque subject matter, the risque terminologies and risque depictions and situations which make British comedy so funny. US comedies are like ours, but with all the naughty or dodgy bits castrated.

South Park though is an exception, as is from time to time Family Guy and the Simpsons. Maybe the format allows greater freedom? ie Eric Cartman ripping on Kyle for being Jewish or Token for being black is OK in cartoon, but would be found too risque in live action? Whilst Cartman's ripping on these two characters isnt funny in itself (though can be sometimes), it sets up the situation for laughs centred around it? And the carryings on of first Mr and then Mrs Garrison - brilliant and really funny, but I cant imagine the US allowing any of that in live action?

Now before trumpeting our comedic triumphh too much, I will take this opportunity to apologise on behalf of the British population for the so called sitcom "My Family" - which is about as funny as the average US sitcom. This proves that we dont always get it right - although of course that particular abomination is scheduled for family viewing and may be an adaptation from somewhere else.

E



meatcleaver -> RE: British Humour ? (3/20/2008 8:59:46 AM)

I'm surprised at how popular British humour is in most places of Europe I've been, particularly north European countries, you always find British comedy programmes on the box.



badprofessor -> RE: British Humour ? (3/20/2008 9:12:33 AM)

Growing up in Canada in the sixties and seventies, we were innundated with British culture--the colony thing. I fondly remember staying up late at night after my parents had gone to bed watching Carry On movies. The humour and titillation was right for an adolescent boy. Most Sid James stuff was. Ditto for Terry Thomas.

In general, I find English humour to be really good (Yes, Minister, Fawlty Towers, The Office, Skins) or else really really stupid (Benny Hill, Young Ones). Although I think the American sit-com has reached its nadir, there have been credible attempts in recent years like Arrested Development and Freaks and Geeks. Notably, both these shows were cancelled after very short runs. Single camera shows like My Name is Earl and Weeds at least try for something more even if they don't always hit it.

In terms of kittenSol's remarks about the self-deprecation of British humour, let me just say that I live in one of the largest exporters of self-deprecation and we get it. Trust me. Check our inexplicable love of Trailer Park Boys. The TV series, uncut--not the movie.

I've restricted my comments to TV, but of course it doesn't end there.



GreedyTop -> RE: British Humour ? (3/20/2008 9:16:34 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: kittinSol

quote:

ORIGINAL: GreedyTop

(damn, hanging out with you Brits is affecting my spelling.... LOL)



Only in the right and corrrrrect way, darlin'. 


LOL
yeah, I know.. I have even mentioned that I need to relearn my spelling habits.. AND learn how to TALK.. seems an American accent is 'ghastly'  *laughs*



Leatherist -> RE: British Humour ? (3/20/2008 9:16:56 AM)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7MstyFwhLy4&feature=related



LadyEllen -> RE: British Humour ? (3/20/2008 9:26:26 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: badprofessor
Check our inexplicable love of Trailer Park Boys. The TV series, uncut--not the movie.


OMG yes! One of the best series of recent years, and very much akin to British stuff I thought, with a north American twist.

Here's a question Mr Professor - do the people in Quebec get it, if its translated into French I wonder?

And did it work in the US too?

E



Owner59 -> RE: British Humour ? (3/20/2008 9:30:40 AM)

Fish License

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pnq96W9jtuw&feature=related

Eric the fish.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


I Wish to Report a Burglary


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L57-vQvo34E&feature=related



kittinSol -> RE: British Humour ? (3/20/2008 9:35:07 AM)

Speaking of Canadian offerings... I have fond memories of "The Kids in the Hall" :-) . Especially the "Big Bird" character lady... creepy.



Owner59 -> RE: British Humour ? (3/20/2008 9:38:15 AM)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1k7U-_tJVmw

Basil`s Freudian slips.




GreedyTop -> RE: British Humour ? (3/20/2008 9:39:08 AM)

loved kids in the hall!!  "I crush your head!!!"



badprofessor -> RE: British Humour ? (3/20/2008 10:04:56 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: LadyEllen

quote:

ORIGINAL: badprofessor
Check our inexplicable love of Trailer Park Boys. The TV series, uncut--not the movie.


OMG yes! One of the best series of recent years, and very much akin to British stuff I thought, with a north American twist.

Here's a question Mr Professor - do the people in Quebec get it, if its translated into French I wonder?

And did it work in the US too?

E


I'm not sure if they get it or not in Quebec. Due to the language laws, it would be dubbed, and I don't really think you could translate it. Most people in Quebec probably watch in English. There is a similar show in French Canada from a Quebecois perspective called Les Bougon. It's centred around a family of ne'er-do-wells and welfare fraudsters.

I had heard a few years ago that was being shown in the US, but they were bleeping out the profanity. That leaves very little dialogue left. I know the most recent movie was cancelled for distribution in the US after some brief test screenings. It's not really very good, so it's probably just as well. If you want to see it rent the DVD's, or check it out here: http://www.tv-links.cc/tv/trailer-park-boys.htm



badprofessor -> RE: British Humour ? (3/20/2008 10:08:51 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: kittinSol

Speaking of Canadian offerings... I have fond memories of "The Kids in the Hall" :-) . Especially the "Big Bird" character lady... creepy.


Yeah, there's a strong tradition of sketch comedy here, and Kids was one of the best. They definitely like to dress in a lot of drag.. I too liked the "crush your head" Greedy. I also really liked their cops. If you've ever been stopped by one in Ontario, you know exactly what they are on about. Codco and Second City TV were also excellent sketch shows.



badprofessor -> RE: British Humour ? (3/20/2008 10:14:35 AM)

Redeeming myself from my near hijack, I totally forgot about Absolutely Fabulous. That's another one of my favourites...



RCdc -> RE: British Humour ? (3/20/2008 10:18:35 AM)

On a slight hijack, but in total relation to the thread - I just discovered Brian Wilde died aged 80.  He is best known for playing 'Foggy' in Last of the Summer Wine, but also appeared in Porridge and others.
How sad.
 
the.dark.



LadyHibiscus -> RE: British Humour ? (3/20/2008 10:22:37 AM)

Rise and Fall of Reginald Perrin.  Leonard Rossiter is as a GOD.  I liked him in Rising Damp, too.

I heard that Robert Carlyle is the new Doctor.  I don't know what the deal is with all these terminally HAWT Doctors but I am all for it!



LadyEllen -> RE: British Humour ? (3/20/2008 10:34:22 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: LadyHibiscus
I heard that Robert Carlyle is the new Doctor.  I don't know what the deal is with all these terminally HAWT Doctors but I am all for it!


Its all part of the BBC's policy of providing inclusive programming.

You see, prior to these latest series, Dr Who was for small boys and older nerds and geeks only. But when they brought the programme back, they had to take into account the entire possible audience - including girls and women for the first time. And so it was necessary to cast very attractive guys as the Dr, to get us to watch too.

Now, if only they could get us to pay attention to the story lines too.

E



GreedyTop -> RE: British Humour ? (3/20/2008 10:42:50 AM)

you mean.. I'm not supposed to pay attention to the story lines?



RealityLicks -> RE: British Humour ? (3/20/2008 10:48:58 AM)

I think Peep Show is far and away the best British comedy, much better than The Office.  The only thing better than Mitchell and Webb that I can think of is Curb Your Enthusiasm.



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