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Post by Alan on Sept 8, 2023 21:38:34 GMT
It’s just been announced that Mike Yarwood, famous impressionist in the 1970s, has died aged 82.
The ABBA connection is, of course, his Christmas Day show in 1978 that saw the UK premiere of If It Wasn’t For The Nights, as well as a performance of Thank You For The Music (both mimed of course).
There was also this take-off of Larry Grayson’s Generation Game featuring ABBA. Janet Brown, who played Isla St Clair, died in 2011. Amusing also for ABBA’s (scripted) impressions of Larry.
I remember when it was shown. We went to my grandparents’ house that day. We saw If It Wasn’t For The Nights there but got home in time for the rest of it. My brother recorded Thank You For The Music on his cassette recorder, but that was a complete let-down as it wasn’t a new song anyway, and I think we were hoping it would be. For some reason he didn’t record the Generation Game sketch, even though just the audio of that would have been worth hearing again. I had no recollection of how IIWFTN went (even when I heard it again many months later, it didn’t seem familar). I was a bit annoyed at the time that we weren’t home for that, so that he could have recorded that too.
Little did anyone know that on the day it was shown, Björn and Agnetha separated (so the story goes? They spent Christmas Day together for the sake of their children, and then one of them left that night). The Mike Yarwood show was filmed around two weeks before. Björn and Agnetha come onto the Generation Game spoof set holding hands, even though, in all likelihood, the decision to separate had already been made.
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Post by HOMETIME on Sept 9, 2023 10:54:21 GMT
That really was a grim era. Sadly, even ABBA got in on the "joke" with their takes on Grayson's catch-phrases (and let's not forget their "limp-wristed" photo from earlier in the year). Nobody on screen comes out of that "sketch" smelling of roses. Thankfully ABBA (the women especially) have come a massive distance in their understanding and allyship since then.
RIP Mike Yarwood, a comedian and mimic of his time.
This is the clip to enjoy:
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Post by evilincarnate on Sept 9, 2023 11:19:07 GMT
I think it's worth considering how attitudes and perceptions were/are often determined by the era in question, right or wrong.
I can view this particular skit as indicative of the time and, in my opinion, completely harmless - kinda dumb and essentially pantomime, but not dissimilar from say Mr Humphries from Are You Being Served? - or even Mrs Slocombe for that matter - just lowbrow/camp/mainstream 'entertainment' of the day.
Gay stereotypes abound - just take a peek at the prevalence of godawful 'reality' dross dowsed upon us at every opportunity featuring the most hideous cliches imaginable. Vacuous, superficial, braindead f#%*wits masquerading as enlightened, empowered and influential. Does this mark progress beyond gays being portrayed as limp-wristed/fey/murderous/sociopathic villains in popular culture from decades gone by?
However, I digress...
I, for one, am grateful for this Mike Yarwood episode because it captures ABBA at their most glamorous, demonstrating what good sports they were. Rather than being uptight or offended, they displayed kindness and a certain generosity of spirit. We were also treated to the fabulous debut of the ever wondrous "If It Wasn't For The Nights", for which I express never-ending gratitude.
Oh and the appropriate time for glimpsing ABBA might be past your bedtime...
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Post by joseph on Sept 9, 2023 17:47:58 GMT
I vaguely remember Mike Yarwood but can't recall this being aired at the time. I was still at school but I wouldn't have gone to bed that early. I'm not sure when I actually got to see it; it can't have been with the invention of YouTube, surely? Anyway, I always found the clip cute but that's probably because I concentrated on Agnetha and Frida and it was so great to see them all being light-hearted. As for the whole gay stereotype thing, yes, pretty grim but Larry Grayson was by all accounts a lovely bloke. How times have changed. Or have they? I guess the problem back then was indeed the one-dimensional aspect of gay people being portrayed on TV. Nowadays, we have Alan Carr and the likes of Graham Norton to butch up our screens. I jest. And of course many presumably heterosexual men who are as camp as a row of proverbials. Anyway I'm veering all over the place so RIP Mike.
Btw, I don't recall a limp-wristed picture of ABBA? Must've slipped my notice.
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Post by evilincarnate on Sept 10, 2023 5:36:32 GMT
I think you may have misunderstood my comments, or at least the intent, but when I referenced the character of 'Mr Humphries' (i.e. not John Inman), it was not a justification, but rather a contemporaneous comparison of the skit in question. High-camp 'comedy' or commentary had been in rotation since at least the 1960's and I guess was an introduction, in part, of 'gay' characters to the mainstream. One dimensional? Cliched? Insulting? Inappropriate? Yeah, for sure - but that's perhaps a reflection of societal beliefs and the degree of acceptance on offer at that stage. Sometimes it's worthwhile contextualising to properly understand a situation or scenario, hopefully with a degree of insight and/or compassion. I should offer up that Mr Humphries was to some extent a positive role model for people in general as he was well liked by his colleagues, valued by management due to his professionalism and most importantly, a nice guy - irrespective of his sexuality or the lame innuendos, that as I mentioned previously, extended to the highly heterosexual character of 'Mrs Slocombe'. Manufactured outrage often dictates that everything from the past be retrofitted to align with current attitudes when in fact, critical analysis of 'outmoded' beliefs/characterisations/wrongdoings provides an opportunity to reassess and learn, informing the way forward. Ignoring or erasing what is no longer in vogue doesn't advantage any cause and I would argue, sets the clock firmly back, disallowing the opportunity for upcoming generations to gain a perspective on prevailing attitudes at any given time. In terms of progress, I believe that 'acceptance' or assimilation has increased, even to the point of over-representing gay characters in popular culture, perhaps to compensate for all the wrongs of the past, but stereotypical portrayals continue to litter the mainstream whether we like it or not. Are all gay males hot, young, sartorially superior, highly educated, successful, evolved and now into sport? Of course, consideration should be given to gay diversity, which would include overtly camp, seemingly superficial and/or grubby traits that are indicative of many people (gay or otherwise). People often speak of embracing diversity, but that sometimes only extends to 'acceptable' traits that chime with current attitudes, whereas the reality is we all may exhibit idiosyncrasies or attributes that aren't commensurate with other people's beliefs or personal moral codes. Life is complex, inconvenient and sometimes a little messy - to suggest otherwise is unrealistic and narrowing the scope. "Ground floor: perfumery, stationery and leather goods; wigs and haberdashery; Kitchenware and food - Going up..."  |
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Post by Alan on Sept 10, 2023 8:47:02 GMT
Not sure what there was to misinterpret in either mine or evilincarnate’a posts. Mike Yarwood was an impressionist doing a faithful impression of Larry Grayson. Everything he says, I can imagine the real Larry Grayson saying in his act. They both had shows on BBC1 that day, so it’s likely Grayson would have approved it before it was shown. I can watch footage of Grayson and also Mr Humphries and be amused by it. The Mr Humphries character was the cleverest one on that show, he was practically laughing at his colleagues without them realising. They were pushing boundaries in their own ways. As has been pointed out, who do we have now? Graham Norton, Alan Carr, Joe Lycett. Have we really come all that far? And Rylan (though he’s not a comedian or acted in a sitcom). They don’t represent me any more than Grayson or Inman did. Without those two in the 1970s, who would you have? Graham Chapman, though he wasn’t really out at the time of Monty Python. Some of the Carry On cast. David Bowie dropping hints but then saying something quite different much later on. I’m sure there are lots of others but there are far worse things to get angry about or be offended by. It was posted as a tribute to Mike Yarwood who was the best impressionist of his day, and showed a fun side to ABBA. There’s plenty of things I’d love to be re-written out of history but not that. We do still have a sense of humour don’t we? I know there’s not much to laugh at anymore (and very little on TV) but we haven’t lost that ability have we? And I’m sure I will be told that I should be offended by the likes of Grayson and Inman but no, I’m not. I found them funny, much of it went over my head as a kid (as it may have done for some adults) but I can watch it today and still laugh out loud. |
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Post by HOMETIME on Sept 10, 2023 11:20:45 GMT
The only good thing about the Larry Grayson and John Inman characters is that they were both in on the "joke.". They had the upper hand, came out on top when they were the focus of the joke. It was a subtle "I know you are; what am I?" situation. The other characters offered no commentary, positive or negative, on the orientation of Mr Humphries. Isla wasn't winking knowingly at Larry's expense. So there were some allies in the writers' rooms. That only works in hindsight, of course. The schoolyard/workplace bullies were given catchphrases with which to torment their victims. I still remember the horrifically racist "Love Thy Neighbour" from the same era. The people of colour were addressed and referred to in the most appalling language (even if, like our camp heroes, they were written as the underdogs and the antagonist was seen as a joke monster). I heard people on the street, in school, the workplace use those epithets as if they were comically acceptable.
The difference is that the likes of LTN and The Black & White Minstrel Show would NEVER be broadcast again, except in a watched-through-fingers documentary on the racist 70s. Somehow homophobia, transphobia, sexism are still somehow defended as "opinion," whereas racists rightly have a MUCH harder time defending their poison in those terms. That's not to suggest - even for a millisecond - that racism is not still a massive problem. Bigotry has been made permissible again in certain quarters and we cannot afford not to be vigilant. Comedians can sweat over every joke they write and deliver, but absolutely nobody has a responsibility to find them funny.
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Post by johnny on Sept 10, 2023 15:19:51 GMT
Somehow homophobia, transphobia, sexism are still somehow defended as "opinion," whereas racists rightly have a MUCH harder time defending their poison in those terms. That's not to suggest - even for a millisecond - that racism is not still a massive problem. It is righly impossible for racists to defend their positions. We have moved along way but clearly there are still problems. On TV programmes, yes, Black and White Minstrel Show and Love They Neighbour were terribly racist. But in more recent times we has Matt Lucas and David Walliams blacking uo in Little Britain and their one series only set in an Airport. But they are still around. On sexism (against women) it clearly still exists but we have made progress.But arguably going back now. On homophobia, it is somehow acceptable to if if is part of a person's "faith". Well, no. The recent debate on football and Middle Eastern Islamic countries is in contrast to Apartheid in South Africa. Why no pariah status for Qatar or Saudi Arabia? Money and "not causing offence" springs to mind. Religions in general - Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism are in the main, homophobic. That is of course not the same as saying all indivuduals "of faith" are. As for what is deemed "transphobia" this depends on what you are comparing it with. If you see it as the new homophobia you will think "opinions" are transphobic. If you value women only spaces, women's sport for biological women and have concerns about puberty blockers, you won't think these are transphobic. Yes gay stereotypes ie campness is very much alive and well. Personally, I am "so what" when it comes to sexuality. It to me doesn't and shouldn't define who you are. I also think there's lots of people who can't bear to "come out" - not just because of the bigotry but because of the stereotypes. Being a man, you can be masculine or less so, and yes, regardless of your sexuality. You can have "feminine" traits without becoming female - and vice versa. But I guess my post, in response to others, will cause offence - and cancellation. Finally, I will defend 100% Mrs Scocombe's smutty "pussy" references. Yes, my humour is juvenile. |
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Post by evilincarnate on Sept 10, 2023 16:15:46 GMT
Finally, I will defend 100% Mrs Scocombe's smutty "pussy" references. Yes, my humour is juvenile. Johnny, we don't normally see eye to eye on most topics but I must concede we're in complete agreement when it comes to Dame Slocombe!  |
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Post by Alan on Sept 10, 2023 17:04:45 GMT
And me too for Mrs Slocombe, juvenile humour or not.
I’ve just been reading up on Love Thy Neighbour. As even Rudolph Walker defends it (he’s been in EastEnders for over 20 years) I have to wonder if it’s been a case of others being offended on his behalf. He regrets the programme's reputation in a "very politically correct climate" and asked in 2003 why "We can't take the piss out of each other and laugh". He also said, “In nearly every show, the white neighbour was shown to be wrong".
The Black and White Minstrel Show is pretty much impossible to defend. Not sure how that was ever considered entertainment.
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Post by jj on Sept 10, 2023 18:40:42 GMT
The most hilarious thing about Mrs Slocombe for me was when she'd suddenly switch from her very affected posh accent to her strong northern working class accent when she was surprised by, or peeved about, something.
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Post by voyage2 on Sept 11, 2023 8:54:56 GMT
I believe Alan Carr is one of the hosts on the new 'Mamma Mia I have A Dream' talent show.
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Post by iiwftn on Sept 11, 2023 9:56:14 GMT
Camp impressions aside, he introduced a huge UK audience to ABBA’s greatest ever song.
For three minutes, 41 seconds you got to hear ‘If It Wasn’t For The Nights’ in all its glory.*
* I have no memory of watching the clip myself, but then again, I was only five years old.
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Post by Alan on Sept 11, 2023 15:25:36 GMT
I was six but I do remember it, though If It Wasn’t For The Nights didn’t stick in my head and when I heard it as part of the Voulez-Vous album many months later, it didn’t seem familiar.
The whole show actually had three showings - Christmas Day 1978, 8pm, Election day 1979 - 3 May 1979 at 22:10 (postponed from 10 April due to election coverage) then finally on 3 November 1986 at 19:20 (on BBC2). This latter showing was part of BBC Television’s 50th anniversary celebrations.
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Post by evilincarnate on Sept 11, 2023 16:33:31 GMT
Alan, how on earth do you recall these events with such clarity? Most impressive!!
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Post by evilincarnate on Sept 11, 2023 16:43:41 GMT
The Black and White Minstrel Show is pretty much impossible to defend. Not sure how that was ever considered entertainment. Some years ago, I moved into a house that came fully furnished with trinkets galore. In amongst the 'litter', much to my horror, was a Black and White Minstrel cassette. I almost dropped it to the floor in shock. It actually disturbed me to the extent that I told my partner I wanted to move out on the spot. Thankfully, I got over my reaction and we remain in our home to this day, which we love. I was somewhat bemused by the hideous taste of the music collection on show, which was a combination of cheap, primarily 'generic' cd's and cassettes, all uniformly awful. There was even a Cliff Richard impersonator live collection - how low can one go! |
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Post by Alan on Sept 11, 2023 17:18:12 GMT
Alan, how on earth do you recall these events with such clarity? Most impressive!! You mean about the number of showings? That’s from the BBC’s Genome website. Or if you meant my memories of its original broadcast, it’s just something I’ve never forgotten. I can remember most of ABBA’s UK TV appearances from 1978 onwards. |
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Post by evilincarnate on Sept 11, 2023 17:26:55 GMT
Alan, it's your memory of ABBA's UK television appearances, particularly when intertwined with childhood recollections, which are usually quite amusing. |
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