Christmas Night With the Stars 1964 Pt8 (Benny Hill)

This was the BBC's annual celebration of all of the best of its' output, screened at peak viewing time on Christmas Night. This edition, screen in 1964, is hosted by Jack Warner, otherwise known as Dixon of Dock Green. Each edition had a 5-10 minute segment from each star or series, and these specials were on most years from 1958-72. It was based on the specials called 'Television's Christmas Party', which ran from 1951-54.
Benny Hill
Better remembered for the international success of the shows made by Thames for ITV, Benny Hill started life on the BBC, making eight series of 3-6 episodes from 15/01/55 to 26/12/68. Benny also made irregular hour long specials for ATV from 1957 to 1967, as well as a BBC sitcom named after himself 1962-63. The BBC felt they had carte blanche over Benny's services, until the comedian signed an exlusive contract with Thames in 1968 and made the programmes that grabbed him international attention and great wealth. To say that the BBC were angry about his switch to the rival channel is an understatement. However, with the help of Thames, Benny cracked America and became an international star, arousing much jealousy and outrage back in the UK due to the nature of his material. Political correctness finished Benny's time with Thames in 1989, but he survived the stitch-up by having been given the idea to make shows that went straight into US syndication. The americans threw money at him. Unfortunately, the comedian died in his flat before the completion of his first truly international television series, and was much mourned by his fans.

[@bennyjazzful]

WOW WOW WOW !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!11
From a mad keen 75yo Aussie fan.
What a brilliant performer.....

[@ireibrabdivad]

When I'm sad I watch Benny. He makes me smile again and laugh out loud. I Miss You so much Benny.

[@philhall1701]

Benny Hill Legend always was, always will

[@19Chuck80]

i love this rare early benny hill, never seen it before thanks!

[@et1249]

Always great for a laugh when you need it, thanks Benny.

[@peterpike8887]

A classic.Benny at his best.

[@40boobies]

im so old I remember watching Dixon of Dock Green in black and white.

[@flimpkin5]

Thanks for posting this. A lot of good stuff.

[@alanfox4172]

Benny hill a genius this was before a force of nature to be reckoned with comedy wise.

[@greetingseartlhings]

I feel a great nostalgia for this show, and also for the Christmas tv visit to the children's ward.

[@TS50ER]

Very talented man.

[@goodiesguy]

Yep, Ronnie Barker was a huge admirer of Hill's work, It is even said so in his biography.

[@raymondlang]

Wish all the 60s Christmas Night With The Stars shows survived like this one.

[@ReadTheShrill]

Holy crap. Monty Python stole this entire "deadpan documentary" genre from Benny Hill.

[@ACcountryFan]

Benny Hill had incredible talent as both a visual and verbal comic and his patter songs are irresistible. Ignorance plays a huge factor in the dismissive nature of those that only see Benny as a "lecherous womanizer" on-screen.

[@wmbrown6]

That last part you bring up didn't really come to the fore until Dennis Kirkland became his producer/director. I saw reviews of some of his '50's and '60's shows from weekly Variety, they made no mention whatsoever of scantily-clad women or chasing girls. That's cause all that wasn't in evidence back then - only his penchant for impersonations and satire and parody.

[@johngranato2673]

GOAT

[@spmoran4703]

Such a funny sketch. The stars of Monty Python admitted they got their ideas for playing comedy old women from the way Benny Hill did.

[@waldenhouse]

Brilliant Comedy - now you know where Ronnie Barker grew from!!

[@julielampreda7170]

still makes me laugh

[@youarewhatyouare]

Sending somebody up isn't allowed now the sausage machine must be fed

[@MrKenichi22]

This was funny

[@peterpike8887]

"Smoked haddock"

[@Wench64]

Miss these people, when families gathered round the telly, I can't find anything to watch and I'm 59, prefer old programs, mom also watches reruns of fools and horses, or heartbeat, to much sex and murder or people who what to be famous now

[@HugO-zd5cs]

Que dice de Chile ?

[@Bestmanme08]

Google "Benny Hill considered funnier than Monty Python"!

[@bobbrawley9439]

Not loud enough. THUMBS down

[@SKYLANDBAK]

Sounds like Benny was on the Mary Anna,I know he liked his amphetamines at one point...

[@wmbrown6]

Diet pills? Dennis Kirkland said those were what may've led to one of his kidneys being removed in 1976.

[@heatherjenkins5745]

Creepy Benny

[@vingotaq777]

It’s funny but surprisingly predictive of anti social behaviour today 😅