Ronnie Barker Dies

October 4, 2005 2:18 AM

Ronnie Barker, stalwart of UK comedy acting, dies aged 76. Best remembered for quite a few hit comedy shows, for me his best work was the evergreen Porridge. Who could forget the Phantom Raspberry Blower of Old London Town?
posted by biffa (40 comments total)

Comic genious. So long, Ronnie.
posted by salmacis at 2:31 AM on October 4, 2005

Always found something melancholic about Ronnie Barker. I wonder how he would have played in America. Maybe he was too British to carry over. Can't say I dig Porridge but Open All Hours is perennially entertaining.
posted by snoktruix at 2:46 AM on October 4, 2005

Closed all hours
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posted by NinjaPirate at 2:52 AM on October 4, 2005

"Its goodnight from me, and its goodnight from him"

So many amusing memories, vale Ronnie.
posted by fullysic at 2:59 AM on October 4, 2005

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posted by seanyboy at 3:10 AM on October 4, 2005

Fork 'andles. RIP Ronnie.
posted by PurpleJack at 3:16 AM on October 4, 2005

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posted by adamvasco at 3:16 AM on October 4, 2005

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posted by Grangousier at 3:31 AM on October 4, 2005

aw fuck. He was brilliant.

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posted by peacay at 3:43 AM on October 4, 2005

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posted by tomcosgrave at 3:49 AM on October 4, 2005

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posted by scruss at 3:52 AM on October 4, 2005

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posted by bouncebounce at 4:00 AM on October 4, 2005

When I was really young I decided that if I was ever banged up I'd specifically request to be sent to Slade Prison, because I was familiar with the layout.

So long, Ronnie, and thanks for everything.
posted by nylon at 4:05 AM on October 4, 2005

The Mastermind sketch is brilliant. It's more Corbett than Barker, but that and "Fork Handles" together make the duo one of the funniest in British comedy for me. RIP.
posted by handee at 4:07 AM on October 4, 2005

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I used to associate him with the music hall style humour that formed the backdrop for their shows, but on reviewing the programs more recently I can see how much he managed to do within the genre. His wordplay and fascination with language has a longevity that should preserve his name for future generations.
posted by asok at 4:10 AM on October 4, 2005

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posted by Acey at 5:09 AM on October 4, 2005

Four candles?
posted by blag at 5:24 AM on October 4, 2005

Ah the four candles. Comic genius.

For me, his best role was as manservant Inches to Albert Finney's Churchill in the wonderful film The Gathering Storm. On reading this BBC article I'm surprised that it was classed as a cameo role, such was his presence on screen. Must dig out the video tonight and raise a glass to Mr Barker.
posted by ceri richard at 5:59 AM on October 4, 2005

Light four candles as a tribute......although lighting "fork 'andles" might be more appropriate.
posted by bap98189 at 5:59 AM on October 4, 2005

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posted by AJaffe at 5:59 AM on October 4, 2005

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posted by ob at 6:08 AM on October 4, 2005

he was quality.
posted by Frasermoo at 6:10 AM on October 4, 2005

My only memory of Ronnie Barker was the silent comedy that the Two Ronnies did, The Picnic. That short film is probably one of the funnies silent films I've ever seen. An amazing talent, I wish I would have seen more of his work.

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posted by DragonBoy at 6:29 AM on October 4, 2005

It helps if you imagine it read with his inimitable deadpan, but it's damned funny even without that...
posted by Decani at 7:20 AM on October 4, 2005

My favorite memory from "The Two Ronnies", and forgive me if I mis-quote it, happened during one of their fake newscasts, where Barker said "now, in the weather, there's good news for Scottish spinsters - there'll be a monsoon."

RIP Ronnie!
posted by newfers at 9:25 AM on October 4, 2005

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I loved The Two Ronnies when I was kid - when we were stationed in England it was one of the few shows I was allowed to stay up late.
posted by tkchrist at 9:40 AM on October 4, 2005

Ger, ger, ger, g, g, g, ger, good, ger, good, goodb, ger, ger, g, goodbye you king of comedy.
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posted by TheDonF at 10:43 AM on October 4, 2005

Actually, the Two Ronnies did run in America on PBS during the 80s.

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posted by turbodog at 10:54 AM on October 4, 2005

Who will look after Granville now?
posted by mds35 at 11:06 AM on October 4, 2005

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posted by malpractice at 11:31 AM on October 4, 2005

Today, I have been mostly badgering staff at my local hardware store for four candles. It's what he would have wanted.

mds35: Never mind G-G-Granville - what about Nurse Gladys Emmanuel?

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posted by scaryduck at 12:44 PM on October 4, 2005

Cheers for all the laughs Ronnie.
posted by squealy at 1:00 PM on October 4, 2005

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Yes, in the Dallas area we got Two Ronnies, Porridge, and I see they've started running Open All Hours too. (The local PBS station was also where Monty Python originally debuted in the US)

Porridge was the one I enjoyed most though. Fletcher was such a great character, funny and gruff and sentimental. Amazing work from Ronnie Barker that holds up well even now, decades after the show's run.
posted by First Post at 1:17 PM on October 4, 2005

Wordplay indeed. I doubt that there's many peeps in the UK (over the age of 20) who don't regard Ronnie with immense affection.

A comedy great, and all round gentleman.

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posted by Blip at 1:24 PM on October 4, 2005

The Phantom Raspberry Blower of Old London Town would have me rolling on the floor laughing hysterically. Sure, I was 8, but it was good practice for all the other falling on the floor, laughing hysterically I was to do later in life. Mr Barker, I salute you with a heartfelt Ptthbbbtththtt!
posted by Sparx at 1:35 PM on October 4, 2005

"In other top news, a ship carrying red paint collided with a ship carrying blue paint. Both crews were maroooned."

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posted by lupus_yonderboy at 2:19 PM on October 4, 2005

The Two Ronnies (along with Benny Hill) was my introduction to British Humor.

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posted by black8 at 3:19 PM on October 4, 2005

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posted by kosher_jenny at 9:03 PM on October 4, 2005

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posted by Kiell at 1:05 AM on October 5, 2005

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posted by iain at 1:05 PM on October 5, 2005