Ronnie Barker

The story of this comedy playhouse was the emnity of Franklyn played by Geoffrey Bayldon (or Catweazle to your children) and Johnnie played by Ronnie Barker who, under the will of their only friend, inherit a house. It was very well done and with a definite taste of salt rather than sugar.

If I were the Head of Comedy, I would know a joke when I saw it and sign up the lucky stars for a series. It must be plain enough what can struggle on for a series. "Idle at Work" last night barely made it to the end.

Spike Milligan's Phantom Raspberry Blower of Old London Town (that fills up a line or two) for Ronnie Barker (LWT) was unmistakable, maniacal Milligan. One line was "We must act fast," "I'm acting as fast as I can," which brings me to my moral. I think actors, even when speeded up with silent film technique, are too pedestrian for the pace of Goon comedy. Sight is too slow.

"Hark At Barker" (London Weekend) was based, it said, on an idea by Alun Owen. I have considerable respect for both Barker and Owen and I think it might have been kinder to look the other way.