I met Paul when he came to Perth, Australia, as I was his chauffeur. I can testify how the pollies fell over him as mentioned and was treated as if he was a visiting head of government.
Thank you for sharing that. I wish he'd have visited Canada, I think he would have received the same treatment. What a wonderful legacy all three have left for us. Timeless.
Yes minister and yes prime minister is the platinum of political comedy satire. To this date I watch it and my son too, it is so well written and delivered. RIP Paul Eddington, nigel Hawthorne and derek foulds. The trio and all involved created a masterpiece of comedy. Loved it when growing up on 80s and still love it.
Grew up in Melbourne Australia and spotted ‘Jim’ walking about Carlton one day and recognised him immediately due to watching this program with my parents growing up. Genius writing and simply beautiful performances by all involved.
In sharp competition with Cleese & Booths Fawlty Towers this must be the most brilliant British sitcom ever. Subdued caustic humor as only the brits can make it. No need for slapstick here - a spot on the mechanisms in the real motives behind human relations is enough to make me roll on the floor laughing... It’s as relevant now as back then. That’s what make a timeless classic.
I must have seen this entire series at least a dozen times, and I still laugh just as loudly as I did the first time. Brilliant, absolutely brilliant writing and acting by all three principal characters. The books are equally outstanding, and any fan of the television series ought to have them on the bookshelf.
Bernard is selling himself a bit short there. He was bloody brilliant as well. He didn't have as big a part to play but he had quite a few one-liners which he delivered with impeccable timing.
One of my favourite lines is the 'newspaper reader's' scene where Bernard says 'Sun readers don't care who runs the Country as long as she has big tits!". Derek Fowlds did a fantastic job as Bernard Woolley.
He was an integral part of the team. Besides which, the fictional basis for the entire series was the "memoirs" of Sir Bernard Woolley, retired Cabinet Secretary.
A peerless comedy/documentary- my all-time favourite. Of all the actors, I think Derek Fowlds had the most difficult but important role. He had to sit quietly in the background, listening to the verbal jousting between the two main protagonists (sometimes for minutes at a time) before delivering the punchline to the scene whilst keeping a straight face. *Very* difficult but wonderfully executed. Sadly, all these actors have taken their final curtain call. As far as YM/YPM (and others of that era- Black Adder, Only Fools and Horses etc) "we shall never see their likes again".
About 10 years ago, Cathay Pacific streamed this show again... What a delight on a boring flight....a few times, I laughed so loud to almost wake my fellow passengers... What a delight this show is... I have never seen a better comedy anywhere in the world... Absolute genius from all involved...
I used to watch in the 80s and my sister presented me on my birthday the books in 2 volumes in Portuguese language. I still have them and every so often I re-read it again.
I don’t know if Derek Fawlds is a lot younger than Paul Eddingtond and Nigel Hawthorne but it sort of shows how young Paul and Nigel were when they left us. It makes you sorry for Derek to have lost two of his closest friends and alumni.
Pirabee. You’ve said it all. God bless them. We will never see their like again. I too watched them for years and still laugh out loud today, always fresh. God bless the Writers too. Talented people in the right place at the right time. Let’s face it, they had wonderful material to work with. Thanks for the many hours of laughter ... and still going.
Okay hands up, I AM British, but in an unambiguous unperturbed commodious frame of paradigm, I beg, with full elucidation of the reference frame of your conclusions and appraisal of this show, to inform you that I agree with you.
I just can't think of any other country which has lead the world in so many fields and for such a long time and still leading. I just keep wondering Is it in the genes!
My grandfather had a friend in Canberra (Aus capital) at the time the show aired and apparently no one in Parliament House could be found to get anything done when the show was on because they had all dashed home or to the nearest screen to watch, it was that accurate to their jobs and that entertaining.
I was also told, at the time, that if anyone in Canberra was asked a question by a Minister, they were forbidden to use the actual words "yes Minister", but had to say that's correct or that's affirmative, etc.
Mum told me that too - when it was first aired on channel 2 and not the repeats. Not even a skerrick of a ring after 8 pm by any party type or anyone. Open slather of course after 9ish... gosh, that memory is from years ago!
I watched the series about 10 years ago when I was young and naive, still find it funny and realistic. It helped a lot on my understanding about western politic and my English skill during my time working on IELTS
In a way, he's getting his awards now, belatedly it's true. But just look at the comments on here, the number of Thumbs Up .. I've added a few myself. To be applauded like this by several generations of folks is better than any CBE. He won in the end, by the establisment not recognising it at the time. Justice is done.
I also have immeasurable appreciation for the sophisticated way english is spoken and written in England in comparison to the way it is spoken in other countries
What a poignant ending. If there really is something in the great beyond, I hope these three lads are having a great laugh together. Brilliant writing, brilliant acting, wonderful legacy.
Just take a look at how Paul Eddington looked here at 1:19 compared to here at 1:34 - these two scenes were made a year apart from each other, with 1:34 being from the first Yes PM series and 1:19 from Series 2 of Yes PM. You can notice the effects of Paul's skin cancer during these two appearances. Great man who be able to work through such an illness and still be 100% funny.
This TV series is the purest of diamonds. The writing and acting is just beyond anything else. Such complex humor delivered by mature and seasoned actors. It is nothing like that crap produced today. Absolute gem.
Thankyou. Wow that shows what a great show it is, everyone regardless of age appreciates and understands it and what it did and how relevant it is now still and will be.
In reality, if Jim Hacker was our Prime Minister we all know who was really in charge. Prime Minister Sir Humphrey Appleby and what a safe Britain that would be with Humpy as Prime Minister.
Given the amount of education into how policy is going in circles, and the amount episodes that more than 35 years later is still just as relevant.... Added to some of the funniest and best acted characters ever put to screen, "Yes minister" and "Yes prime minister" is (at least to my mind) the single greatest sitcom ever put on television... I would even go as far as to say that it is perhaps even the greatest political documentary, given how much it continues to be relevant.
now there's a wonderful thought..PM Jim Hacker and Sir Humphrey both secretly fly to America for therapy to deal with each other. Jim Hackers therapist Dr Crane and Sir Humphreys? The other Dr Crane... if only
My all time favourite show. I was looking for the DVD series 20 years ago. Couldn't find. A loved one gifted me the book which is equally brilliant and humorous. Fantastic series. Excellent casting. Awesome comedy
No mention of Nigel Hawthorne's splendid 'Georgie' in MAPP & LUCIA; one of the finest TV series ever. He also played the Archdeacon of Barchester in Trollope's BARCHESTER CHRONICLES.
Bernard...I think he wants to run the country. Sir Humphrey...well stop him Bernard ! Absolute classic,best TV series ever.RIP Paul,Nigel and Derek.Still watching the DVD's of this
We're a parliamentary democracy modeled on the British system, so it's not too surprising. I think everyone in the British Commonwealth has the same appreciation for its political truths.
Paul Eddington was received excellently in Australia, most of the press focussing on how Australian Prime Minister Bob Hawke jovially reacted and interacted with him. Bob Hawke was extremely, and popularly, down to earth and as such deliberately played up the irony of welcoming an actor popular for playing the role of a politician....in a comedy show that Bob Hawke was on the record as loving. In some British programs the Australian reception of Paul Eddington is depicted as if Australian politicians and the press thought that he was an actual politician, when this absolutely wasn’t the case.
Was too young to appreciate this when it was first on. started rewatching it ten years ago and was instantly hooked. So funny and so insightful. Couldn'thave asked for a better casting or storyline. Love each character even the minor ones. no offence to The Thick Of It, but sorry guys you don't even compare and i like your show as well.
Nigel Hawthorne was also in "Firefox" as a Russian Scientist who defects to help Clint Eastwood's character to steal the top secret MIG aka The Firefox out of the Soviet Union!
I kind of stumbled upon this series recently having no idea of what it was (I am not British obviously). Loved it so much, I was so disappointed to see only 5 series altogether. I thought people back then probably didn't appreciate the brilliance of the show enough for it to continue. Now, I realize how wrong I was and why the show ended. Would love to have seen more but it is perfect in its way
You have a small number of "extra" appearances here. But yes there is a beauty in having a proper ending, and not going on forever, changing until nothing resembles the original anymore.
A truly timeless show. Sadly 3 of its biggest acts now gone. Heart-breaking
😪😪😪
Only AI can bring them back to life. Same faces, same voices..animated and following new scripts.
I met Paul when he came to Perth, Australia, as I was his chauffeur. I can testify how the pollies fell over him as mentioned and was treated as if he was a visiting head of government.
Oh that's nice!
Lucky you. What sort of chap was he?
So he was treated the same way here that Sir Les was treated when he went over there?
Thank you for sharing that. I wish he'd have visited Canada, I think he would have received the same treatment. What a wonderful legacy all three have left for us. Timeless.
@MichaelKingsfordGray No need to introduce yourself.
Best tv series ever. How many times in the last 30 years have the words of Sir Humphrey come to mind as I look at current affairs ...?
As a Canadian who's country share the Parliamentary system, I always found this show both brilliant and terrifying.
Agreed, much the same for JAMAICA.
Documentary.
And accurate but in Canada we have the federal and 10 provincial (and 3 territorial) governments which are the same
Same in India.
Same here in kenya
Hacker: First rule in politics: never believe anything until it's officially denied.
"you mean you lost your key" lol brilliant comedy!!!
It is an immortal TV show. Even after 4 decades, the entertainment part of it and the element of the comedy epitome, refuses to fade away.
I first found Yes, Minister, in the mid 80's on PBS. Then, became even a bigger fan of Yes, Prime Minister. My favorite British comedy.
My goodness the comedy world...the WORLD...misses this brilliant series!
RIP Paul & Nigel, you'll never be forgotten, gratitude for the laughs.
Derek Fowlds RIP January 17th, 2020
RIP Sir Bernard
@Jim Alley Integral part of the mix. . . much missed
He was completely adorably brilliantly understated 😍
It was a real shame that Paul Eddington never got the awards he in every way so much deserved.
Yes minister and yes prime minister is the platinum of political comedy satire. To this date I watch it and my son too, it is so well written and delivered. RIP Paul Eddington, nigel Hawthorne and derek foulds. The trio and all involved created a masterpiece of comedy. Loved it when growing up on 80s and still love it.
There will be none like Nigel, though. EVER!
Grew up in Melbourne Australia and spotted ‘Jim’ walking about Carlton one day and recognised him immediately due to watching this program with my parents growing up. Genius writing and simply beautiful performances by all involved.
In sharp competition with Cleese & Booths Fawlty Towers this must be the most brilliant British sitcom ever. Subdued caustic humor as only the brits can make it. No need for slapstick here - a spot on the mechanisms in the real motives behind human relations is enough to make me roll on the floor laughing...
It’s as relevant now as back then. That’s what make a timeless classic.
I must have seen this entire series at least a dozen times, and I still laugh just as loudly as I did the first time. Brilliant, absolutely brilliant writing and acting by all three principal characters. The books are equally outstanding, and any fan of the television series ought to have them on the bookshelf.
Sachin Kalbag I almost fell off the bed many a times while reading the books, they are damn funnier than the series themselves
Indeed so, and they are right there, paper back for the Yes Minister series, and hardback for Yes PM.
What's the name of the books? Can I find them online?
@@suvonil_ They have the same names as the series.
@@SachinKalbag0611 Thank you!
Bernard is selling himself a bit short there. He was bloody brilliant as well. He didn't have as big a part to play but he had quite a few one-liners which he delivered with impeccable timing.
I agree Bernard (Derek Fowlds) was a comic genius, great delivery, and great foil highly underappreciated. Great Actor
One of my favourite lines is the 'newspaper reader's' scene where Bernard says 'Sun readers don't care who runs the Country as long as she has big tits!". Derek Fowlds did a fantastic job as Bernard Woolley.
He was an integral part of the team. Besides which, the fictional basis for the entire series was the "memoirs" of Sir Bernard Woolley, retired Cabinet Secretary.
Fowlds role was the classic straight man bit, and he played it perfectly.
Sadly he's gone too now.
@@jameskaruga6730 He was a great actor also in more serious roles. He was brilliant as Oscar Blaketon in Heartbeat.
hacker's churchill delusion was just amazing =) brilliant. a great show. love it.
no profanity, no vulgarity, no sex or explosions....wins most awards ever....
A peerless comedy/documentary- my all-time favourite.
Of all the actors, I think Derek Fowlds had the most difficult but important role. He had to sit quietly in the background, listening to the verbal jousting between the two main protagonists (sometimes for minutes at a time) before delivering the punchline to the scene whilst keeping a straight face. *Very* difficult but wonderfully executed.
Sadly, all these actors have taken their final curtain call. As far as YM/YPM (and others of that era- Black Adder, Only Fools and Horses etc) "we shall never see their likes again".
These series, and “Frazier”, are the two greats of TV.
About 10 years ago, Cathay Pacific streamed this show again... What a delight on a boring flight....a few times, I laughed so loud to almost wake my fellow passengers... What a delight this show is... I have never seen a better comedy anywhere in the world... Absolute genius from all involved...
Yes Minister, Yes Prime Minister and Fawlty Towers are priceless British comedy gems which will never lose their incredible “funniness” with time.
Such a brilliant artist, and he is also responsible for "My Cousin Vinny," a true masterpiece from a sublime genius.
I remember watching that last interview with Paul Eddington on Face To Face. It was so tragic. He was such a talented and dignified man.
A truly lovely series. So sad all of these gentlemen have done to the great stage in the sky....RIP Paul, Nigel and Derek....
I used to watch in the 80s and my sister presented me on my birthday the books in 2 volumes in Portuguese language. I still have them and every so often I re-read it again.
I don’t know if Derek Fawlds is a lot younger than Paul Eddingtond and Nigel Hawthorne but it sort of shows how young Paul and Nigel were when they left us. It makes you sorry for Derek to have lost two of his closest friends and alumni.
Jay and Lynn...an inspired pairing. It's obvious that they gelled perfectly where writing style is concerned.
The YM TV series has and is still enriching people's lives all over the world. The best British humour by far.
Pirabee. You’ve said it all. God bless them. We will never see their like again. I too watched them for years and still laugh out loud today, always fresh. God bless the Writers too. Talented people in the right place at the right time. Let’s face it, they had wonderful material to work with. Thanks for the many hours of laughter ... and still going.
The Brits have made some of the greatest genuine comedy series.
Rule Britannia 🇬🇧
Okay hands up, I AM British, but in an unambiguous unperturbed commodious frame of paradigm, I beg, with full elucidation of the reference frame of your conclusions and appraisal of this show, to inform you that I agree with you.
Bless you, Akane! I suspect the secret lies in "Little Islanders" having a laugh at our pomposities! It's there is all the best British comedies.
I just can't think of any other country which has lead the world in so many fields and for such a long time and still leading. I just keep wondering Is it in the genes!
Right you are, and America has copied some to make great tv comedy.
My grandfather had a friend in Canberra (Aus capital) at the time the show aired and apparently no one in Parliament House could be found to get anything done when the show was on because they had all dashed home or to the nearest screen to watch, it was that accurate to their jobs and that entertaining.
I was also told, at the time, that if anyone in Canberra was asked a question by a Minister, they were forbidden to use the actual words "yes Minister", but had to say that's correct or that's affirmative, etc.
Mum told me that too - when it was first aired on channel 2 and not the repeats. Not even a skerrick of a ring after 8 pm by any party type or anyone. Open slather of course after 9ish... gosh, that memory is from years ago!
Allen Jenkins ha, that’s really quite amusing
"You mean you've lost your key?"
😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
I loved the part of Bernard , the guy who knew really what was going, but only spoke when spoken to.
My last job before retirement was with a Government department, and the whole department was just like this.
Eddington's performances are the most impressive amongst the three, IMHO. The script did most of Hawthorne's job for him.
"You take his key away from him!" Ba-ha-ha!
I love the theme tune for Yes Minister, for some reason when I hear it play it transfers my mind back to the late 80s.
I watched the series about 10 years ago when I was young and naive, still find it funny and realistic. It helped a lot on my understanding about western politic and my English skill during my time working on IELTS
One of the very best series ever on television. Brilliant in so many respects.
Derrick Fowlds 😊what a gentleman 👏🇬🇧
Simply superb! And as long as there's politicians, civil servants and government - a timeless, and very relevant, comedy as well!! 😊👍
Classic stuff indeed. I'm 48yo,and this was on during my teens. I could never tire of watching this.
It is such a fantastic show -- and it continues to amaze me how much some of the themes/plotlines still apply today!
So sad Paul never won an award for his character.
In a way, he's getting his awards now, belatedly it's true. But just look at the comments on here, the number of Thumbs Up .. I've added a few myself. To be applauded like this by several generations of folks is better than any CBE. He won in the end, by the establisment not recognising it at the time. Justice is done.
Regarding that Paul was seen as part of the government abroad... He might just have been a better PM than the latest few!
Could certainly use him now.
Certainly better than the bleeding nightmare you have now!
An incredible bunch of actors
I also have immeasurable appreciation for the sophisticated way english is spoken and written in England in comparison to the way it is spoken in other countries
What a poignant ending. If there really is something in the great beyond, I hope these three lads are having a great laugh together. Brilliant writing, brilliant acting, wonderful legacy.
Just take a look at how Paul Eddington looked here at 1:19 compared to here at 1:34 - these two scenes were made a year apart from each other, with 1:34 being from the first Yes PM series and 1:19 from Series 2 of Yes PM. You can notice the effects of Paul's skin cancer during these two appearances. Great man who be able to work through such an illness and still be 100% funny.
I love Derek Fowld’s Bernard.
Who wouldn't like to have Paul Eddington as Prime Minister. RIP.
I cant understand why this series is never repeated unlike Dads Army, which is never off our screens.
The episode where they justify spending millions of pounds on a hospital with no patients is particularly poignant today.
Thanks for that. I'll put a request in !
The radio episodes turn up on Radio 4 Extra quite frequently.
@@RJSRdg Radio 4 Extra is the last bastion of what the BBC once was.
Nothing fulfils John Reith's mandate for the BBC to 'inform, educate, entertain' more than this programme.
And the context hasn’t changed , Europe, unions, the NHS and overseas, all the same issues today. Unbelievable series fantastic
This TV series is the purest of diamonds. The writing and acting is just beyond anything else. Such complex humor delivered by mature and seasoned actors. It is nothing like that crap produced today. Absolute gem.
It is impossible to do this show today without crudity. God bless Derek, Nigel, and Paul.
Never has TV produced such disturbingly dark comedy. Truly and proudly British.
Monty python puts its hand up
The newspaper reader analysis was spot on.
Brilliant Comedy. So sad they have all passed now.
At least we have all the brilliant comedy from down the years on film/tape.
@@paulsengupta971 great point. Thanks for this?
Thankyou. Wow that shows what a great show it is, everyone regardless of age appreciates and understands it and what it did and how relevant it is now still and will be.
In reality, if Jim Hacker was our Prime Minister we all know who was really in charge. Prime Minister Sir Humphrey Appleby and what a safe Britain that would be with Humpy as Prime Minister.
Brilliant, a timeless masterpiece of political satire
Loved this show and still do... Absolutely brilliant! 😍
I love this series to pieces and beyond all reason! I love it! I love it! I love it! I love it!!!!
great show, great performances by all, brilliantly written
Yes, Bernard. We miss them, too.
Just as funny 30 years later.
I don't know what the greatest English language sitcom is, but I do know it's either Yes, Minister or Frasier.
The writing was impeccable!
Given the amount of education into how policy is going in circles, and the amount episodes that more than 35 years later is still just as relevant.... Added to some of the funniest and best acted characters ever put to screen, "Yes minister" and "Yes prime minister" is (at least to my mind) the single greatest sitcom ever put on television...
I would even go as far as to say that it is perhaps even the greatest political documentary, given how much it continues to be relevant.
now there's a wonderful thought..PM Jim Hacker and Sir Humphrey both secretly fly to America for therapy to deal with each other. Jim Hackers therapist Dr Crane and Sir Humphreys? The other Dr Crane... if only
Fraiser is American
bandholm Adding to that the consistency of high quality between episodes ... I mean this is the one series where every episode is gold.
Good combatants. Both superbly written. I'd go with YM with another competitor in the mix, Blackadder Goes Fourth.
My all time favourite show. I was looking for the DVD series 20 years ago. Couldn't find. A loved one gifted me the book which is equally brilliant and humorous.
Fantastic series. Excellent casting. Awesome comedy
No mention of Nigel Hawthorne's splendid 'Georgie' in MAPP & LUCIA; one of the finest TV series ever. He also played the Archdeacon of Barchester in Trollope's BARCHESTER CHRONICLES.
And demolition man?
Bernard...I think he wants to run the country.
Sir Humphrey...well stop him Bernard ! Absolute classic,best TV series ever.RIP Paul,Nigel and Derek.Still watching the DVD's of this
We loved these shows Down Under, on our ABC!
Anyone with a basic interest in politics of any country must watch yes prime/minister.
Brilliant,the three of them
"Vinnie" and "Nine Yards" are awesome movies. Well done Lynn.
I’m not a fan of comedies but this programme is so funny, even after all these years. Timeless, charming and witty. The best of British TV!
I'm Canadian but even I get somewhere between 95 %to 99% of the jokes on Yes Minister.
We're a parliamentary democracy modeled on the British system, so it's not too surprising. I think everyone in the British Commonwealth has the same appreciation for its political truths.
The best series in my opinion it was hilarious and also frighteningly close to reality
Paul Eddington was received excellently in Australia, most of the press focussing on how Australian Prime Minister Bob Hawke jovially reacted and interacted with him. Bob Hawke was extremely, and popularly, down to earth and as such deliberately played up the irony of welcoming an actor popular for playing the role of a politician....in a comedy show that Bob Hawke was on the record as loving. In some British programs the Australian reception of Paul Eddington is depicted as if Australian politicians and the press thought that he was an actual politician, when this absolutely wasn’t the case.
I thank them , and I miss them.
I always loved this. Hilarious. Thank goodness for You Tube.
Yes Minister still relevant.
My favourite show and three men I consider my friends. I wish I had met them.
The greatest ever. Love every minute of it
Was too young to appreciate this when it was first on. started rewatching it ten years ago and was instantly hooked. So funny and so insightful. Couldn'thave asked for a better casting or storyline. Love each character even the minor ones. no offence to The Thick Of It, but sorry guys you don't even compare and i like your show as well.
It's called the getting of wisdom
simply the best thing there's ever been on the telly
Nigel Hawthorne was also in "Firefox" as a Russian Scientist who defects to help Clint Eastwood's character to steal the top secret MIG aka The Firefox out of the Soviet Union!
Humprey and Hacker were awesome, but I still prefer Bernard: he's hilarious!
Fantastic scripts , superb actors . Nothing like it has ever been produced since - I don't think such talent is around any more.
The best comedy show in any language ever. Period!
Notice Hawthorne's temples darkening as Sir Humphrey complains of being locked out.
I always like when Hacker channeled his inner Churchill.
Derek Fowlds, (Bernard Woolley) was the best in the series .........
Let's not forget that the real stars of these shows are the script writers. Actors need good material to bring out their best.
I kind of stumbled upon this series recently having no idea of what it was (I am not British obviously). Loved it so much, I was so disappointed to see only 5 series altogether. I thought people back then probably didn't appreciate the brilliance of the show enough for it to continue. Now, I realize how wrong I was and why the show ended. Would love to have seen more but it is perfect in its way
You have a small number of "extra" appearances here. But yes there is a beauty in having a proper ending, and not going on forever, changing until nothing resembles the original anymore.
I think the writers said that they wanted to finish the show at the top. They had said everything they wanted to say.
Yes, Stephen, I wondered why they didn't mention Frank when they talked about the whole cast being assembled.
Quite a funny show! 😎👍
Utterly brilliant television
Best 3 comic actors ever imo
Brilliant series I watched both so so funny