November 01, 2004

CARRY ON THINKING

The late British actor Kenneth Williams wasn't merely an entertaining presence in Carry On movies; he was also something of a Pinewood Studios Nostradamus. Via Birdman, here's a July 27, 1981, extract from Williams's diary:

"Watched the Panorama [BBC current affairs] programme about Iraq and it was the usual pious rubbish about Saddam Hussein being a tyrant and a torturer. When such a leader is removed, the ensuing chaos is deplored by the same censurers."

(Hat-tip to reader Alex Lasky)

Posted by Tim Blair at November 1, 2004 01:20 AM
Comments

Always did like Kenneth Williams, now I like him a whole lot more. He sure beats patrick swayze!

Posted by: Steve at the pub at November 1, 2004 at 03:35 AM

ooooooh

Posted by: vinnyboombutts at November 1, 2004 at 07:21 AM

Kenneth Williams was great in Carry On, but my favourite performances were always in the Round the Horne radio show (worth getting recordings if you can find it). "Hello I'm Julian and this is my friend Sandy..."

Posted by: John at November 1, 2004 at 11:51 AM

Kenneth and Hattie - what a wonderful pair they were and how nice to know that my favourite comedian after Tommy Cooper at such great insights into the workings of the BBC !

Posted by: davo at November 1, 2004 at 03:21 PM

as i recollect it was 'ooooooh-er' not 'ooooooh'.

Posted by: roscoe.p at November 1, 2004 at 03:59 PM

I think "ooooooh-er" was Frankie Howard.

Posted by: Oreb at November 1, 2004 at 06:35 PM

I've grabbed my copy of Kenneth William's Diaries off the shelf (I'm still back in 1959) and I can confirm the entry in question is absolutely accurate.

Posted by: Mark Holland at November 2, 2004 at 10:00 AM