The Frankie Howerd Interview

Continuing my focus on the legendary Frankie Howerd, here is another fascinating insight into the man himself. Frankie appeared on television chat shows every now and then during the 1970s and 1980s and they always gave a glimpse at the serious, thoughtful man behind the camp, outrageous, gossipy performer we all knew and loved.

Michael Parkinson was king of the television cat show for over a decade in the 1970s and early 1980s. He interviewed the great and the good at a time when the world still held on to countless legends of the big screen and they were only to happy to come on for a chat, not just to promote their latest project. In the 1990s, Parkinson looked back at some of his most memorable encounters and this video features our favourite Francis. Michael interviewed Frankie on a couple of occasions in the 1970s and here, Michael reflects on his meetings with this funny, intelligent yet sometimes troubled man.

So here is the first part of this fascinating video - there are three in total and can be searched for over on YouTube.

You can follow me on Twitter @CarryOnJoan and also Facebook

Kenny at 90: Kenneth Williams on Parkinson

I've just stumbled across this video on YouTube and thought it was worthy of a blog post all of its own. Kenneth Williams became a legendary chat show guest in the 1970s and 1980s and regularly appeared on the Parkinson show. 

As Michael Parkinson has often said, Kenneth was a gift for these kind of shows. In those days, before everyone only appeared because they had something to promote or flog, famous faces came on for a chat or an enjoyable exchange. Good talkers were always in demand so the likes of Kenneth, Billy Connolly and Peter Ustinov did very well. 

This video is basically a compilation of some of Kenneth Williams' finest anecdotes from his many appearances on the Parkinson Show. Interestingly, Michael Parkinson highlights that both men disliked each other quite strongly to begin with and they are indeed complete opposite. Parky no doubt spotted Kenneth's many gifts and Williams was asked back because he was so popular and good for the show.

One of my favourite snippets from all these shows sees Kenneth appear alongside his great friend Maggie Smith. Amidst all the naughty jokes and clever stories, the two friends read a poem by John Betjeman for the man himself who was a fellow guest. It's a lovely moment.  

Anyway, I hope you enjoy this video - it features one of my favourite ever Kenneth stories, involving his experiences working with Dame Edith Evans and a late night meal after a performance of Gentle Jack in the theatre. Always makes me hoot with laughter!

You can follow me on Twitter @CarryOnJoan

Kenneth Williams on Parkinson

I've just stumbled across this video on YouTube and thought it was worthy of a blog post all of its own. Kenneth Williams became a legendary chat show guest in the 1970s and 1980s and regularly appeared on the Parkinson show. 

As Michael Parkinson has often said, Kenneth was a gift for these kind of shows. In those days, before everyone only appeared because they had something to promote or flog, famous faces came on for a chat or an enjoyable exchange. Good talkers were always in demand so the likes of Kenneth, Billy Connolly and Peter Ustinov did very well. 

This video is basically a compilation of some of Kenneth Williams' finest anecdotes from his many appearances on the Parkinson Show. Interestingly, Michael Parkinson highlights that both men disliked each other quite strongly to begin with and they are indeed complete opposite. Parky no doubt spotted Kenneth's many gifts and Williams was asked back because he was so popular and good for the show.

One of my favourite snippets from all these shows sees Kenneth appear alongside his great friend Maggie Smith. Amidst all the naughty jokes and clever stories, the two friends read a poem by John Betjeman for the man himself who was a fellow guest. It's a lovely moment.  

Anyway, I hope you enjoy this video - it features one of my favourite ever Kenneth stories, involving his experiences working with Dame Edith Evans and a late night meal after a performance of Gentle Jack in the theatre. Always makes me hoot with laughter!

You can follow me on Twitter @CarryOnJoan and also Facebook

Clicking on the adverts helps to keep this blog going.