"He and I were at Oxford together." The very basics of British politics right here.

@Electrononsenseable

4 жыл бұрын

"He and I were at Eton together"

@monizdm

4 жыл бұрын

Why limit this to Britain, Or politics? It is life...

@Megalomaniakaal

3 жыл бұрын

@@monizdm This is true.

@ronanstephens1597

3 жыл бұрын

@@monizdm British politics is much more strongly influenced by historic class structures like this than, say, in America where a very different class structure and other factors predominate.

@helipeek2736

3 жыл бұрын

If he’d of said Cambridge, that’s an entirely different matter.

"Thank you Bernard, I couldn't put it less clearly myself." The highest compliment in politics...

@danieloehler2494

8 ай бұрын

Diplomacy is the art of using a countless amount of words to express nothing at all.

@petergreen5337

8 ай бұрын

Precisely.

I love it when the minister and Bernard are "accomplices" against Sir Humpries. It's cute and hilarious

@manstonhisk667

5 жыл бұрын

Blackmail is hilarious.

@crazyfroggie6546

5 жыл бұрын

one of the few times they ever manage to get Humphrey up against the ropes.

@BedsitBob

4 жыл бұрын

@@crazyfroggie6546 That one and The key.

@JimWhitaker

3 жыл бұрын

The occasional Hacker victory is one of the nice things about the series.

@ronanstephens1597

3 жыл бұрын

@@BedsitBob Also when it turns out Humphry messed up that War contract decades ago and lead to millions of pounds in government loss. Hacker says the same "now this is serious Bernard" while straining not to burst out laughing.

I love this scene in particular because it points out that despite Humphrey's contempt for Hacker, they merely have different specialities. Humphrey can use the most basic bureaucratic tricks to beat Hacker, but will then make the most elementary slip-up when making a public appearance

@peterknutsen3070

7 жыл бұрын

He gets overconfident at times.

@Desmaad

4 жыл бұрын

@@peterknutsen3070 He's always arrogant AF, quite frankly.

@joevenespineli6389

4 жыл бұрын

@@Desmaad He has reasons to be, its not misplaced

@kb4903

4 жыл бұрын

He’s not used to be held responsible.

@Rapscallion2009

3 жыл бұрын

@@joevenespineli6389 yeah, the guy got a first at Oxford, heads a department of government and is clearly educated, erudite and extremely clever. I wanted an episode in which he'd be agarst at something and make a moral judgement about it to show that he's not especially evil - just a technocrat with slightly macheivellian values.

Do politicians watch Yes Prime minister? "Yes but nobody laughs". Gareth Evans Australia AG 1986

@arturs2436

3 жыл бұрын

It has been told Dame Margaret Thatcher was a regular viewer of the series and i heard she did say it was a rather truthful image of how things are done.

@rivermacilraith5754

3 жыл бұрын

@@arturs2436 She co-starred in a sketch so fair to say she was a pretty big fan

@QuannanHade

3 жыл бұрын

@@rivermacilraith5754 Surely by co-starred in a sketch you mean "Wrote a sketch and sprung it on the cast and crew at a rewards night knowing that they couldn't refuse to play with her."?

@jediknight1294

3 жыл бұрын

@@QuannanHade its more complicated than that, they offered the option to her prior.to the event in question. There are rumors that it was partially a payoff regarding not investigating the rumors of a leak within the Civil Service to the show particularly hard.

@michaele4830

20 күн бұрын

I watch over and over again. Amazingly 😂

"the BBC just sent me a tape." and Humphry reacts as he just sat on a huge sharp spine.

So many shows simply fail to stand the test of time. Yes Prime Minister is not one of them.

@yegfreethinker

6 жыл бұрын

Bill Blinky so true! I was born yet when the series concluded and I could never live without its sublime, droll dialogue

@JonatasMonte

5 жыл бұрын

It don't need to pass the test of time, it is still relevant!

@blabla-rg7ky

4 жыл бұрын

Seinfeld and Mind Your Language are the other 2

@jackcreek

4 жыл бұрын

Is it really still true that the government is run by old money "country club" civil servants? I was under the impression the leadership of the big political parties decide who gets the jobs now.

@locarno24

4 жыл бұрын

I always think the true measure of this show is how many serving politicians will openly agree to being massive fans, usually accompanied by comments like "depressingly accurate"...

This is one of the best documentary shows ever

@JaneDoe-ci3gj

4 жыл бұрын

😂👍

@jwrobin21

4 жыл бұрын

Documentary in ALL BUT NAME.

@Kenmcfarland001

4 жыл бұрын

jwrobin21 it was Thatcher’s favourite show

@jwrobin21

4 жыл бұрын

@@Kenmcfarland001 I think she learned a lot from it.

@gsenski

4 жыл бұрын

BBC documentaries are the best. I had never realized that cannibalism had started in the Royal Navy.

"Always treat every microphone, as though it were a live microphone." Pity nobody told that to Gordon Brown 😀

@andyjackson3663

5 жыл бұрын

or any other politician from every other country...

@the3lusive

5 жыл бұрын

Or tony Blair

@nickthomas4092

5 жыл бұрын

Thank god they didnt...revealed themselves for the shits they are.

@mosspally6995

5 жыл бұрын

Woman was a bigot.

@JonatasMonte

5 жыл бұрын

That's why I hate cameras.

there is nothing funnier than when Hacker realizes that he has a one-up on Humphrey!

@jackal59

2 жыл бұрын

"Do you mean you've lost your key?"

@danieldickson8591

Жыл бұрын

There are a hundred subtle ways by which Humphrey condescendingly implies that it's he who is the actual head of their ministry/Her Majesty's government, and that he's merely humoring Hacker. It must get very grating.

Now sadly all three of this majestic cast are no longer with us. A brilliant show.

@borutsolina3569

4 жыл бұрын

i discovered this series in December 2019 and i just finished it last week and i thought to myself mhm lets see what are those 3 guys doing today and i discovered they have all passed away with Bernard literally this month...i couldnt believe it

@YD-uq5fi

4 жыл бұрын

@武状元 Oh! I didn't know that Derek Fowlds died.

@harrybjr

4 жыл бұрын

Did not know Derek passed! So sorry to hear that!

@alexlazebat839

2 жыл бұрын

well through out series 2 Paul Eddingtion was not well he is nearly always sat down because of the skin cancer he had for so many years. He did Minder after this S7 E6.

@fsdds1488

2 жыл бұрын

@@alexlazebat839 Its also very sad to see him looking much older in S2, despite that S2 is made just 2 years after S1, and his skin condition just get even more horrible after S2 as you can see his face covered in large black spots.

Sir Humphrey's reaction to the news of the BBC's sending of the tape is priceless. Timing is everything & the cast of YM/YPM had it in *spades.*

Thank you Bernard, I couldn't have put it less clearly myself! LOL

@iandhr1

5 жыл бұрын

Love it when Bernard sounds like Sir Humphrey

@synthonaplinth5980

5 жыл бұрын

@@iandhr1 He had some of the best one-liners in the series, as well.

This show could have gone on longer with a proper ending. Perhaps Hacker’s first election? A defeat or victory? His elevation to the Lords? However, you can tell Paul’s health is slowly failing him. That’s why the writers had him sit down in most scenes. Remarkable man, acting his best despite his pains.

@BicyclesMayUseFullLane

2 жыл бұрын

Honestly, what's there to write? The whole point of the show is that while Hacker may score a minor victory or two, especially when the victory benefits Sir Humphrey personally, the Civil Service can and will always outmaneuver politicians in the end. And if it doesn't, Bad Stuffs (tm) happen. Incidentally, this show caused various prime ministers in the '90s and 2000s to distrust the Civil Service, and put more stock in the advice of their political advisor. I think this explains why Brexit is a thing. In other words, this show probably caused Brexit...

@Trebor74

2 жыл бұрын

@@BicyclesMayUseFullLane I think you spend a great deal of time shovelling crap and putting it in the comment section of KZread.

@BicyclesMayUseFullLane

2 жыл бұрын

@@Trebor74 K

@afinecity1830

Жыл бұрын

@@BicyclesMayUseFullLane Only just read this trolling! Sorry to report that the rest of youtube can recognise comedy genius! But well done for playing.

@hkchan1339

Жыл бұрын

The actor of James Hacker already had skin cancer when he is filming YOM, that’s why you see him sitting most of the time in the last 2 seasons. Back in the days there isnt so much treatment options. He sadly passed away soon after, I wish he could have won an award for his superb performance, it’s Humphrey who won most of the awards and he is embarrassed about it.

0:52 The way Hacker's eyes light up is perfection.

@whzpoor

5 жыл бұрын

shall i tell him? ... WHY?!

@Dafmeister1978

5 жыл бұрын

The whole of Yes, Prime Minister is a masterclass from Paul Eddington in non-verbal acting.

@s1lm4r1l6

5 жыл бұрын

Bernard's shake of the head when asked if Humphrey knows he's got the tape. Beautiful.

@synthonaplinth5980

5 жыл бұрын

@@s1lm4r1l6 Also the way that Humphrey bounces back up from the chair.

@richardlloyd2589

4 жыл бұрын

And “recovered by ‘intelligence’ “. 👌

I think that the brilliance of Yes Minister/Prime Minister lies in the fact that not only does it have a fantastic script based largely on truth, but that it is also so immaculately acted. Genuinely performers at the top of their game.

@markfryer9880

6 ай бұрын

Well said!

@bazza945

4 ай бұрын

Ironically it is more truthful than the politics it portrays. 😊

"Thank you bernard I couldn't have put it less clearly myself" lmao

Of course Hacker was more savvy when it came to the workings of the media than Humphrey. Hacker was an editor before becoming a minister.

I've lost count of the number of times I've watched this and every single time I find it just as funny as the last time - pure utter comedy genius

@andyjackson3663

4 жыл бұрын

the look on the PM's face when it's confirmed Humphrey doesn't know they have the tape - you can almost hear the choir singing in the background behind him as he smiles.

@finawatsonart

4 жыл бұрын

Sir Humphrey on Brexit is pure comedy genius too

@passiveagressive4983

4 жыл бұрын

Just Some Dude the finest British sitcom of all time. Brilliantly written. The management and bureaucrat speak is spectacular.

@malcolmabram2957

4 жыл бұрын

It is like a Beethoven symphony. Okay I don't listen to one everyday, but it nevers gets boring. Also every time you listen to it/watch it, there is always something extra to find.

This episode and "The Key" is one of the best episodes because it clips Sir Humphrey's wings a bit. :)

@TheClearSummer

9 жыл бұрын

I know, right? I love him as a mastermind, and even more so when he's foiled. XD

@DanielMumby

9 жыл бұрын

The Skeleton in the Cupboard is also good :)

@SMAXZO

5 жыл бұрын

@@DanielMumby Yeah, but Humpy got away in Skeleton in the Cupboard. Sure, Hacker got what he wanted....but he can't exactly use it to clip Humpy's wing a bit.

@rafay8516

3 жыл бұрын

Which episode is this?

@sinclairjg

3 жыл бұрын

And Skeleton in the Cupboard

"Shall I tell him?" "Why?" Perfection.

RIP Derek Fowlds.

@DoubleGauss

4 жыл бұрын

OMG.. I didn't know.

@00bikeboy

3 жыл бұрын

So sad they've all passed.

@SamvedIyer

3 жыл бұрын

@@00bikeboy John Nettleton is still around; the one who essayed the role of the frankly unbeatable genius Sir Arnold Robinson. But I see what you mean; these three were nothing short of a team.

@MagnificentFiend

2 жыл бұрын

@@SamvedIyer Diana Hoddinott (Annie Hacker) is still around as well.

lmao, this just happened in Canada. Two top bureaucrats didn't know the microphones were on and were talking about how they don't read the data regarding COVID and just read off the script provided for them

@stephenphillip5656

2 жыл бұрын

In 2010, our then-PM Gordon Brown (Labour) was caught on live mic severely dissing a woman (a Labour supporter) who had just been berating him over the economy during an election "meet-the-people" walkabout, calling her "bigoted". "Oh, what a tangled web......" He's *NEVER* lived it down

A marvellous show, shot in very few locations and scenes, excellent intelligent writing and performed by talented experts of their craft. Modern TV looks back on this masterpiece, aspires towards its greatness... and falls so, so short.

@markfryer9880

6 ай бұрын

Well short in so many many ways! 😢

I remember telling someone about an American comedy show and he told me to go look up some good British comedies.....can't thank him enough for his advice.....

@peterfireflylund

Жыл бұрын

Check out the original House of Cards (+ To Play the Kind and The Final Cut). I don't think you'll regret it.

That evil grin on his face, in his head was playing "its beginning to look at lot like christmas"

This is one of the programmes that still stands up today.. exceptional writing and acting …

Every time I watch one of these Yes, Minister clips, it is still funny, sometimes even more funny than that last time I watched, as I notice more fine details of their perfect comedic delivery!

"I couldn't have put it less clearly myself". Genius 😁

This bit is awesome. One of two times in the show when Humphrey really screws up, and the (Prime) Minister gets to gloat.

@Alaschafad

5 жыл бұрын

Which is the other occasion?

@redrackham6812

4 жыл бұрын

@@Alaschafad The Skeleton in the Cupboard.

@apenisavatuniveivuke7650

4 жыл бұрын

@@redrackham6812 and the key

@redrackham6812

4 жыл бұрын

@@apenisavatuniveivuke7650 True.

@nottmjas

4 жыл бұрын

@@Alaschafad as well as One of Us, where Hacker gleefully reads out a damning assessment of Humphrey to him, which ironically clears him of spying.

Those days when Hacker is like "Oh Humphrey, time to even the scales".

"well, there you are then." - Great closing line of any argument

Goodbye Derek Fowlds, you gave us all the fond memories 🙂 Farewell, may the guardians lead you safely to Valhalla

@keldaogg2157

4 жыл бұрын

Now they are all together, double talking and confusing the gods.

@Leonf123

2 жыл бұрын

The 3 of them are together now but yes minister will live forever 👌🏽

There are very few pleasures like watching Sir Humphrey squirm.

How this didn't make the Writers Guild of America's top 100 best written shows is beyond reason.

@TheSpydera

2 жыл бұрын

British comedy is too sophisticated to be appreciative by Amrericans.

@RhiannonFan

2 ай бұрын

Perhaps because the series was not written by American writers?

@00bikeboy

2 ай бұрын

@@RhiannonFan That can't be the reason. The have several British shows on the list.

Bernard once said to the PM "it is my job to make sure the chips stay up".. this scene is a striking example of that

@tonycapella2063

2 жыл бұрын

What do you think he meant when he said that?

"Humpey!" LOL

It's 2020 now - if the BBC were to recast this show, and give them all of the same scripts, word for word (maybe adjusted slightly, for changes in technology), then this show would still be absolutely absolutely topical and true to current life!

@D2attemp

4 жыл бұрын

Ken Savage I swore there was a remake

@locohombreau

3 жыл бұрын

@@D2attemp There was a remake but it wasn't anywhere near as great as the original.

@marka2520

3 жыл бұрын

@@locohombreau Spitting Image isn't as funny now, either, and I think it's because it looks more like a documentary these days.

@squizza28

2 жыл бұрын

Yes, including current topic the euro sausage!

@stephenphillip5656

2 жыл бұрын

The remake was in 2013 and was based on the stage play (which itself told the story of one weekend's crisis meeting at the Prime Minister's residence at Chequers). 6 episodes, written by the original team of writers & with new actors as Paul Eddington & Nigel Hawthorne had sadly passed away. It had a *huge* hill to climb, following as it did these originals.....and it failed spectacularly. IMHO, it was too "forced", too shouty and was a big disappointment. Get a copy of these if you can (or want to) but personally I won't be seeking them out.

Comparing this to the early days of the show, it’s quite clear the student has become the master...

They couldn't have had a more splendid cast of actors!

Brilliant, Jim Hacker did manage to "get one over" sir Humphrey on occasions. Thanks to the politically savvy and well connected Bernard Woolley.

@BillinHungary

2 жыл бұрын

Bernard met with the interviewer primarily to save face for Humphrey who was his superior in the civil service, and save face for the PM. But when he comes into the PM's office, he also knows that Hacker is going to totally enjoy having something on Humphrey!!

"Something about being able to halve unemployment tomorrow but the government hasn't got the guts" XD lol

This show is so cleverly written, and the skill in the delivery is brilliant

@agnecedergren8982

Жыл бұрын

the stories are true

Quite often, comedy is at its best when done visually. It becomes obvious from the dialog that Hacker has something he can use against Humphrey, but when he kisses the tape reel and looks up as if he giving thanks to the Almighty...comic gold :)

Amazing how the neighbor of the Goods rose so quickly in politics

0:50 Oooh that smile... That devious smile!

2.55 Were you discrete Yes I was. Well there are then. Why do you ask as Humphery begins to to sit down. Oh its just that the BBC send me a tape. The look on Humphreys face and the way he bounces up again is classic

- were you discreet - why do you ask? Classic

"Does Humphrey know your've got it?" followed by that meeting of minds. Just gold.

His face when they tell him "Well the BBC sent me a tape!" hahahahahaha. Thats my reaction when I lie and they discover me!

This always has been and ways will be the best TV Show I've ever had the privilege of watching. It will never stop amusing me. Never gets old.

@zxc1972

4 жыл бұрын

That's the funniest thing about it - it never gets old. Its also the saddest thing about it!

These guys are just geniuses. Loved the Series when it was first broadcast and it's at least as relevant today.

@Spar1hawk

4 жыл бұрын

It's probably the "online training course" to be a politician...

@craig2347

4 жыл бұрын

@@Spar1hawk Or a civil servant.

1:10 Sir Bernard. The resident expert of needing to know the need to know on a need to know basis for the need to know in the proper discourse of the need to know in a need to know basis.

2021 and still as relevant as ever.

Poor Hacker, his triumphs over Sir Humphrey were so few and far between that they were all the more sweet to savour for that reason!! And for us watching from the side it made those moments all the more enjoyable to share in.

This is one of the few episodes where poor Jim Hacker gets a upper hand and was fantastic

I love how the Prime Minister put the entire reel in his suit.

1:55 Bernards smile is awesome

If a shark were seated in that chair, Sir Humpy wouldn’t have leapt back into the air any higher.

I laugh for 5 minutes non stop after Humphrey was told that the BBC had sent the tape! 🤣🤣🤣🤣

Love that final second!

Humpyyyy 🥺😏 😂😂

The final scene from - IMO - one of the finest series (comedy or otherwise) that I have ever seen.

Great talent. Great actors. All sadly gone!

The very best comedy that the BBC ever produced.

Absolutely peerless.

One of the best, wish you could have shown more, one of the few times the PM got the better of Sir Humphrey. The expressions are priceless.

Absolutely brilliant !!!

Beautifully written, perfectly acted!

One of the funniest clips from YPM, it's awful to see Sir Humphrey squirm in his seat praying for the tape to be 'mislaid'.

My dad, after meeting government officials years ago, told me this show was very close to the truth..and that's in Australia

when Hacker kisses the reel! Classic!!

were you discrete or were you not? yes

@stephenphillip5656

2 жыл бұрын

"Yes, you were, or yes, you weren't?" *"Yes"*

This show literally doesn't age.

Brilliant stuff .

Bernard is an expert at who needs to know what and why.

I would love to see the whole episode, not just this clip but I can`t find it anywhere. One of the best ever . Please release the whole thing.

@charleschuckfinley3304

5 жыл бұрын

Goonster it’s on Netflix

@1986computer

3 жыл бұрын

I can mail the CDs to you, free of charge.

It is always a treat when the minister manages to turn the tables on Humphrey

One of the funniest 3 minutes of comedy ever written and acted.

Pure CLASS

"I certainly have no intention of taking part in some shabby cover-up" !

Love this comedy.

Legendary

Revenge, pure and simple, and so so sweet.

This needs to be re uploaded to reach more people 🤣

Nice that Hacker said he was sent the tape rather than dropping Bernard in it

Brilliant as always ۔۔۔۔۔۔۔۔۔۔۔۔

'humpyyyyyy' lol

“What a happy coincidence” 😹

When Bernard and Harker must save Humphery's ass, and you can see they really enjoyed it.

In my recommended after 9 years ... Thnx

Yup break it off just before the funny bit starts. 😎

I have to watch the DVD-Boxset someday...

Still a great scene

What a relief!

Run ALL this series again BBC. Preferably on BBC ONE!!!!

"Thank you, Bernard. I couldn't have put it less clearly myself" 🤣🤣🤣.

RIP Bernard

Humphrey's worst enemy is himself.

Bernard: Aah, you mean somebody needs to know but now that you know Sir Humphrey doesn’t need to know; but you need to know that Sir Humphrey doesn’t know, but he doesn’t need to know you know or you know he doesn’t need to know.