Benny Hill has garnered a reputation in modern times as a 'sexist comedian'. Yes, much of his humour could be sexist, rude and crass but he is nowhere near as offensive as many of today's comedians, most especially Keith Lemon. Each show opened with Benny being chased by a group of scantily dressed girls, backed up by the famous 'Yakety Sax' theme tune.
Many of the sketches relied on slapstick, usually filmed in sped-up motion. Some of my favourite sketches included 'The Messenger', a medieval themed sketch in which Benny attempts to travel to Edinburgh with a message for the King, another saw Benny as a scout master taking a group of kids out on a field trip, only to end up being butted into the air by a bull. My favourite though featured a sketch, done in the form of a silent movie, in a boutique where Benny through the use of masks tries to attract the interest of the attractive assistant.
Benny also did brilliant take-offs of Roger Cook, Nana Mouskouri, Moria Anderson, The Beverly Sisters, Fanny Cradock and Dorothy Squires. Appearing as regular supporters for Benny were Bob Todd, Henry McGee, Rita Webb, Sue Bond and Michael Sharvell Martin. The Ladybirds also appeared regularly as Benny's musical support.
'The Benny Hill Show' made for good saucy fun and helped for many to lighten up many a dreary night. In 1974, a selection of Benny's best sketches were compiled for a cinematic release entitled 'The Best Of Benny Hill'.
Many of the sketches relied on slapstick, usually filmed in sped-up motion. Some of my favourite sketches included 'The Messenger', a medieval themed sketch in which Benny attempts to travel to Edinburgh with a message for the King, another saw Benny as a scout master taking a group of kids out on a field trip, only to end up being butted into the air by a bull. My favourite though featured a sketch, done in the form of a silent movie, in a boutique where Benny through the use of masks tries to attract the interest of the attractive assistant.
Benny also did brilliant take-offs of Roger Cook, Nana Mouskouri, Moria Anderson, The Beverly Sisters, Fanny Cradock and Dorothy Squires. Appearing as regular supporters for Benny were Bob Todd, Henry McGee, Rita Webb, Sue Bond and Michael Sharvell Martin. The Ladybirds also appeared regularly as Benny's musical support.
'The Benny Hill Show' made for good saucy fun and helped for many to lighten up many a dreary night. In 1974, a selection of Benny's best sketches were compiled for a cinematic release entitled 'The Best Of Benny Hill'.