A Pirate Website for UK Goodies Fans
"We're the Goodies, Yes the Goodies, oh the Goodies are coming for you - ha ha ha ha!"
"We're the Goodies, Yes the Goodies, oh the Goodies are coming for you - ha ha ha ha!"
Questions and Answers with Robert Ross
Robert Ross is the author of 'The Goodies Rule OK' book which was published in 2006 and is the definitive Goodies book available to date. He very kindly took some time out to do a question and answer session with Saucy Gibbon forum members and you happen to be fortunate enough to read it below.
To buy your copy of 'The Goodies Rule OK' by Robert Ross (or any of his other comedy books) try:
QUESTION: You seem to be a massive comedy fan; what in particular do you like about the Goodies?
-- Peej
ANSWER: I AM a massive comedy fan and the appeal of The Goodies is multi-layered really. I grew up in the 1970s so it was very much my era when the show was being broadcast. It remains one of my favourite childhood memories actually. I was always Bill in the playground games. Make of that what you will! But, the show, for sheer inventiveness, joy and just plain fun, is still the best thing ever to come out of the BBC. I honestly believe that. It’s a timeless gem.
-- Peej
ANSWER: I AM a massive comedy fan and the appeal of The Goodies is multi-layered really. I grew up in the 1970s so it was very much my era when the show was being broadcast. It remains one of my favourite childhood memories actually. I was always Bill in the playground games. Make of that what you will! But, the show, for sheer inventiveness, joy and just plain fun, is still the best thing ever to come out of the BBC. I honestly believe that. It’s a timeless gem.
QUESTION: Are you planning to write any more Goodies related books?
-- Ed Moss
ANSWER: I haven’t got anything else in the pipeline but never say never. Although, with the complete careers covered in ‘The Complete Goodies’ and the Goodies story told with lavish BBC pictures in ‘Rule OK’, I think I may have done my bit…for the time being!
-- Ed Moss
ANSWER: I haven’t got anything else in the pipeline but never say never. Although, with the complete careers covered in ‘The Complete Goodies’ and the Goodies story told with lavish BBC pictures in ‘Rule OK’, I think I may have done my bit…for the time being!
QUESTION: When researching for your books, did you discover anything that surprised you?
-- Karen
ANSWER: I was lucky enough to be allowed to plough through the BBC vaults and, I suppose, its common knowledge that Tim, Graeme and Bill had a lot of control over the show. What surprised me most was just how much control. They had a say on every aspect. Production meetings would be postponed at the last minute if one of them wasn’t available. Certainly, at the time, that was unique.
-- Karen
ANSWER: I was lucky enough to be allowed to plough through the BBC vaults and, I suppose, its common knowledge that Tim, Graeme and Bill had a lot of control over the show. What surprised me most was just how much control. They had a say on every aspect. Production meetings would be postponed at the last minute if one of them wasn’t available. Certainly, at the time, that was unique.
QUESTION: What did you enjoy most about writing a book on the Goodies?
-- Kirstyn
ANSWER: Without sounding like a Goodies stalker I went through the 70s and beyond just hoping to meet Tim, Graeme and Bill one day and thank them. So, getting to know them better through work on the books was the best thing. That and, finally, spearheading a mini Goodies revival with the first book and the National Film Theatre sell-out interview. Tim, for one, was amazed that the book got commissioned at all. 1999 was a far less Goodies-friendly time than 2007 is!
-- Kirstyn
ANSWER: Without sounding like a Goodies stalker I went through the 70s and beyond just hoping to meet Tim, Graeme and Bill one day and thank them. So, getting to know them better through work on the books was the best thing. That and, finally, spearheading a mini Goodies revival with the first book and the National Film Theatre sell-out interview. Tim, for one, was amazed that the book got commissioned at all. 1999 was a far less Goodies-friendly time than 2007 is!
QUESTION: Many of the books you've done are on people that are repeated regularly, yet the Goodies aren't. Why do you think this is so and why are the BBC so 'down' on them?
--- Kitten Kong
ANSWER: I think there are several reasons. I know Bill is convinced there is a conspiracy against The Goodies at the BBC which, in the 1990s, I think was certainly there. Then there’s the argument that their went to ITV. But that doesn’t really hold water. So did Morecambe and Wise and scarcely a Christmas goes by without an Eric and Ernie repeat on BBC1. The other thought is that the show is dated. That’s clearly nonsense. It’s just down to the right person at the BBC being in the right frame of mind to sign the piece of paper that launches a Goodies repeat season. I thought we were there in 2006 but, alas, it was not to be. I still think it’s a matter of time.
--- Kitten Kong
ANSWER: I think there are several reasons. I know Bill is convinced there is a conspiracy against The Goodies at the BBC which, in the 1990s, I think was certainly there. Then there’s the argument that their went to ITV. But that doesn’t really hold water. So did Morecambe and Wise and scarcely a Christmas goes by without an Eric and Ernie repeat on BBC1. The other thought is that the show is dated. That’s clearly nonsense. It’s just down to the right person at the BBC being in the right frame of mind to sign the piece of paper that launches a Goodies repeat season. I thought we were there in 2006 but, alas, it was not to be. I still think it’s a matter of time.
QUESTION: Did you go and see the Goodies on tour? If so, what did you enjoy most from the show?
-- JellyLegs
ANSWER: Unlike you obsessive Giddies (Gawd love you!), I only saw the show once. During the month-long reign at the Edinburgh Festival. It was pure genius, of course, although (like you) I am slightly bias towards Tim and Graeme. I’ve been a lifelong admirer of those chaps and they still have that indefinable ‘something’ when they appear on stage together. That said, I think my favourite bit was the puppet Bill. Graeme is SUCH a superb performer; he brought that rag doll to life. I even asked him to bring it along to a signing session in Manchester (which Bill wasn’t attending but Tim and Graeme were…I think some of you lovely ladies were there!!) but he told me it was in cold storage. Suffice to say, I want one!!
-- JellyLegs
ANSWER: Unlike you obsessive Giddies (Gawd love you!), I only saw the show once. During the month-long reign at the Edinburgh Festival. It was pure genius, of course, although (like you) I am slightly bias towards Tim and Graeme. I’ve been a lifelong admirer of those chaps and they still have that indefinable ‘something’ when they appear on stage together. That said, I think my favourite bit was the puppet Bill. Graeme is SUCH a superb performer; he brought that rag doll to life. I even asked him to bring it along to a signing session in Manchester (which Bill wasn’t attending but Tim and Graeme were…I think some of you lovely ladies were there!!) but he told me it was in cold storage. Suffice to say, I want one!!
QUESTION: If you could be a Goody, which one would you be?
-- Anon
ANSWER: Bill. The real one. Not the puppet one. I suppose I have elements of each ‘character’: I’m quite studious and I’m patriotic but, at heart, I’m a raving, hairy rocker who yearns to hit the high notes in ‘Wild Thing’ and kick a womble in the nuts!
-- Anon
ANSWER: Bill. The real one. Not the puppet one. I suppose I have elements of each ‘character’: I’m quite studious and I’m patriotic but, at heart, I’m a raving, hairy rocker who yearns to hit the high notes in ‘Wild Thing’ and kick a womble in the nuts!
QUESTION: Presumably you’ve heard all/ the majority of the Goodies albums – do you have a favourite album/ song?
-- Jess
ANSWER: I’ve heard them all. Many times. In fact, I have quite a lot of W. Oddie music on my iPod. I agree with Bill that the best album, in terms of production, is ‘Nothing to Do With Us’. It’s a masterpiece. But my favourite album is ‘Beastly Record’. It is almost exclusively just reheated I’m Sorry I’ll Read That Again numbers but my all-time favourite Goodies number is ‘Terrapins’. It’s a work of genius. Actually, while doing the long radio-athon of interviews for the ‘Rules OK’ book one station played it rather than ‘The Funky Gibbon’. Believe me, you can get your fill of: “Do. Do. Do…” after seven hours at Broadcasting House! So, ‘Terrapins’. But, from the pop era, it would be ‘The Inbetweenies’ or ‘Sick Man Blues’. I might even have the latter played at my funeral!
-- Jess
ANSWER: I’ve heard them all. Many times. In fact, I have quite a lot of W. Oddie music on my iPod. I agree with Bill that the best album, in terms of production, is ‘Nothing to Do With Us’. It’s a masterpiece. But my favourite album is ‘Beastly Record’. It is almost exclusively just reheated I’m Sorry I’ll Read That Again numbers but my all-time favourite Goodies number is ‘Terrapins’. It’s a work of genius. Actually, while doing the long radio-athon of interviews for the ‘Rules OK’ book one station played it rather than ‘The Funky Gibbon’. Believe me, you can get your fill of: “Do. Do. Do…” after seven hours at Broadcasting House! So, ‘Terrapins’. But, from the pop era, it would be ‘The Inbetweenies’ or ‘Sick Man Blues’. I might even have the latter played at my funeral!
QUESTION: How/ when did you first discover the Goodies?
-- Anon
ANSWER: Well, like I said, I was a child of the 70s so, luckily, it was part of my television experience. I just remember bits really. As you know the show, during its lifetime, was repeated a lot. I certainly remember Kitten Kong and the damnbusting geese and the giant dougal. I suppose you first become aware of actually making a point of watching a show when you get to five or six or seven…so, certainly, Dodonuts and Tom Baker battling the cybermen would have been up there as my first television memories. I’m proud to say that both the Goodies and Dr Who have became part of my professional life.
-- Anon
ANSWER: Well, like I said, I was a child of the 70s so, luckily, it was part of my television experience. I just remember bits really. As you know the show, during its lifetime, was repeated a lot. I certainly remember Kitten Kong and the damnbusting geese and the giant dougal. I suppose you first become aware of actually making a point of watching a show when you get to five or six or seven…so, certainly, Dodonuts and Tom Baker battling the cybermen would have been up there as my first television memories. I’m proud to say that both the Goodies and Dr Who have became part of my professional life.
QUESTION: What was it like to interview the Goodies regarding their pasts? It must have been fascinating to chat about.
-- Anon
ANSWER: Ummm…what do you think? ;-p Of course, it was amazing. I love spending time with them. Tim and Graeme are more openly enthused about the re-valuation of the show but Bill has a real sense of comic history and pride about what they achieved…despite his grumpy persona. It was a delight. Working with the Goodies has been one of my favourite experiences. They certainly didn’t let me down.
-- Anon
ANSWER: Ummm…what do you think? ;-p Of course, it was amazing. I love spending time with them. Tim and Graeme are more openly enthused about the re-valuation of the show but Bill has a real sense of comic history and pride about what they achieved…despite his grumpy persona. It was a delight. Working with the Goodies has been one of my favourite experiences. They certainly didn’t let me down.
QUESTION: The scenario: Network have asked you to choose the episodes for a new Goodies DVD. Which 8 episodes would you choose and why?
-- Peej
ANSWER: Blimey: I hope this is going to happen. Right; assuming you have volume one and two and the LWT release, a third helping of the BBC Goodies from me would be:
-- Peej
ANSWER: Blimey: I hope this is going to happen. Right; assuming you have volume one and two and the LWT release, a third helping of the BBC Goodies from me would be:
Snooze: because Bill’s sleepwalking always makes me laugh.
That Old Black Magic: because it’s a lovely horror parody and I really like the version of ‘Stuff That Gibbon’ used.
Camelot: because of Tim’s brilliant Court Jester routine.
Wacky Wales: because, as a Doctor Who fan, I can watch Jon Pertwee’s hysterical Welshman time and time again.
Rome Antics: because it is on the comic timeline between Carry On Cleo and Monty Python’s Life of Brian; and Roy Kinnear’s flamboyant turn as Nero is method acting with laughs!
Goodies Rule –O.K: because, for me, it’s the Goodies masterpiece and packed with all my favourite things, the Beatles (and thus why it will probably never be cleared in its entirety), classic children’s television and Graeme’s peerless impressions.
Hype Pressure: because it’s something of a lost gem and I love the ramshackle intertextuality with the Kitten Kong and dougal cameos at the end.
Dodonuts: because the uncut version was one of the funniest things I have ever seen. I vividly remember laughing uncontrollably when I first saw it at the age of seven! And it would prove a lovely contrast with Bill’s next series of ‘Spring Watch’!!
But…having picked those…I know long for the sheer, teeth-achingly awfulness of The Lost Tribe, It Might as Well Be String (with the best ending of a Goodies episode ever. They should sue Life on Mars). The Baddies (with a scenery-chewing performance from Patrick Troughton), 2001 and a Bit…etc etc etc!
QUESTION: Is there a particular area of the Goodies or the three guys' careers that you would like to revisit and delve into further?
-- Carrie
ANSWER: I would love to do a book on the ‘Doctor’ comedies: film, television, stage and books. Bill and Graeme were crucial to the development of the television series and I would love to tackle that whole franchise. It’s as important and as funny as Carry On, to me, but very much under-valued. I’m currently working on a DVD box set of the seven films starring Dirk Bogarde and Leslie Phillips.
-- Carrie
ANSWER: I would love to do a book on the ‘Doctor’ comedies: film, television, stage and books. Bill and Graeme were crucial to the development of the television series and I would love to tackle that whole franchise. It’s as important and as funny as Carry On, to me, but very much under-valued. I’m currently working on a DVD box set of the seven films starring Dirk Bogarde and Leslie Phillips.
QUESTION: If you could make one trip back in time only and you could only stay for a few hours – which Goodies related show would you go and see either live/ being recorded etc.?
-- George H.
ANSWER: That would have to be the ‘Poke in the Eye (with a sharp stick)’ concert. The Goodies only performed a few pop songs but the rest of the cast of heroes: all of Monty Python (bar Eric), Peter Cook, Barry Humphries etc would have to make that an evening to remember. I was only 5 at the time so couldn’t afford a ticket!
-- George H.
ANSWER: That would have to be the ‘Poke in the Eye (with a sharp stick)’ concert. The Goodies only performed a few pop songs but the rest of the cast of heroes: all of Monty Python (bar Eric), Peter Cook, Barry Humphries etc would have to make that an evening to remember. I was only 5 at the time so couldn’t afford a ticket!
QUESTION: You’re an author of several comedy books, what made you decide that you wanted to write about comedy and how do you pick your subjects?
-- Miranda Littlewood
ANSWER: I certainly am!! Well, I always had an ambition to be a writer. My careers officer told me: “you’ll never be Charles Dickens will you?” and I said: “No! I want to be Robert Ross!” I was very passionate about the Carry On films and when Kenneth Williams died in 1988 I decided that that, and the series’ 30th anniversary, should be marked. Now that’s 20 years ago…God help us!!! In those days, Carry On was VERY below stairs. Now every critic loves them, you can buy them all on DVD, you can pick up Sid James boxer shorts and even Carry On Dick condoms…I kid you not!!! But, back in 1988, I just felt they needed a champion. It was a long road (seven years) from then to the publication of The Carry On Companion, but off the success of the first book I was asked to do one on Monty Python. It depends really. Certainly The Goodies book was my idea. I REALLY pushed for that one. The Benny Hill one was the idea of the publishers. I’m tempted to say I’m a hack comedy historian who will do anything but I have turned things down which wanted to delve too deeply in to personal information about the star. I have quite a few pet projects that I still want to do and I’m also a jobbing writer currently working freelance for, amongst others, ITV DVD and the BBC’s 2entertain. I have no loyalty! But I simply love my ‘job’. I mean, I get paid to hang out with Terry Jones and Ronnie Corbett. My ten year old comedy fan self would never believe it!
-- Miranda Littlewood
ANSWER: I certainly am!! Well, I always had an ambition to be a writer. My careers officer told me: “you’ll never be Charles Dickens will you?” and I said: “No! I want to be Robert Ross!” I was very passionate about the Carry On films and when Kenneth Williams died in 1988 I decided that that, and the series’ 30th anniversary, should be marked. Now that’s 20 years ago…God help us!!! In those days, Carry On was VERY below stairs. Now every critic loves them, you can buy them all on DVD, you can pick up Sid James boxer shorts and even Carry On Dick condoms…I kid you not!!! But, back in 1988, I just felt they needed a champion. It was a long road (seven years) from then to the publication of The Carry On Companion, but off the success of the first book I was asked to do one on Monty Python. It depends really. Certainly The Goodies book was my idea. I REALLY pushed for that one. The Benny Hill one was the idea of the publishers. I’m tempted to say I’m a hack comedy historian who will do anything but I have turned things down which wanted to delve too deeply in to personal information about the star. I have quite a few pet projects that I still want to do and I’m also a jobbing writer currently working freelance for, amongst others, ITV DVD and the BBC’s 2entertain. I have no loyalty! But I simply love my ‘job’. I mean, I get paid to hang out with Terry Jones and Ronnie Corbett. My ten year old comedy fan self would never believe it!
QUESTION: If you were to devise your own comedy show, what do you think it would be like?
-- Anon
ANSWER: VERY funny, of course!!! ;-) No, I don’t know. The only fictional stuff I’ve had commissioned so far are the Doctor Who radio plays for Big Finish. There’s a bit of humour in those. The second one, ‘Pier Pressure’, had Colin Baker’s Doctor meeting music hall comedian Max Miller (played by Roy Hudd). I would love to write for television though. Watch this space!
-- Anon
ANSWER: VERY funny, of course!!! ;-) No, I don’t know. The only fictional stuff I’ve had commissioned so far are the Doctor Who radio plays for Big Finish. There’s a bit of humour in those. The second one, ‘Pier Pressure’, had Colin Baker’s Doctor meeting music hall comedian Max Miller (played by Roy Hudd). I would love to write for television though. Watch this space!
QUESTION: How, as a comedy-research-in-the-know type person, do you think The Goodies would stand up to a full repeat showing today? Would they still be funny? Would people be offended?
-- Jodie VDW
ANSWER: Thanks for the description! I’m convinced that the Goodies would stand up to public expectations now. It’s clear, from the recent live shows, that the comedy is still funny and has an audience. And that’s not just misguided nostalgia. The humour has always been very child-like and multi-layered. Children love seeing people fall over or Tim get spattered with baked beans. It’s still very funny. So, absolutely, a repeat series is very much over-due. As for people being offended. Well, like any comedy of the 70s, be it Monty Python or Spike Milligan or Benny Hill, there are elements that might offend. Quite frankly, there are far worse things out there then Bill blacked-up during his jazz-hands routine or Pauline Devaney stripping down to make love not war.
-- Jodie VDW
ANSWER: Thanks for the description! I’m convinced that the Goodies would stand up to public expectations now. It’s clear, from the recent live shows, that the comedy is still funny and has an audience. And that’s not just misguided nostalgia. The humour has always been very child-like and multi-layered. Children love seeing people fall over or Tim get spattered with baked beans. It’s still very funny. So, absolutely, a repeat series is very much over-due. As for people being offended. Well, like any comedy of the 70s, be it Monty Python or Spike Milligan or Benny Hill, there are elements that might offend. Quite frankly, there are far worse things out there then Bill blacked-up during his jazz-hands routine or Pauline Devaney stripping down to make love not war.
QUESTION: If The Goodies were being made today, what sort of things do you think they'd be targeting?
-- Jodie VDW
ANSWER: Pretty much everything that is current. They sort of invented Big Brother with ‘The End’ but I’m sure the Jade Goody issue would have been covered. Even the name is perfect! I can see Bill playing her…complete with beard. All those awful talent show things: Pop Idol. Any Dream Will Do. And the like, would probably be merged with a hard-hitting commentary on the war. The soon to be gone Tony Blair would have been a perfect target. Having just watched the Eurovision Song Contest, that would have made a great show. Particularly with all the political voting.
-- Jodie VDW
ANSWER: Pretty much everything that is current. They sort of invented Big Brother with ‘The End’ but I’m sure the Jade Goody issue would have been covered. Even the name is perfect! I can see Bill playing her…complete with beard. All those awful talent show things: Pop Idol. Any Dream Will Do. And the like, would probably be merged with a hard-hitting commentary on the war. The soon to be gone Tony Blair would have been a perfect target. Having just watched the Eurovision Song Contest, that would have made a great show. Particularly with all the political voting.
QUESTION: Which are your favourite and least favourite episodes of the Goodies?
-- TC Raymond
ANSWER: That’s a very difficult question. I’m always quoted as hating ‘Charity Bounce’. That’s not true. I actually quite like it. It’s just; it’s easy to mock. Three comic geniuses stuck inside giant tubes of toothpaste. But I adore Freddie Jones in it…and it’s never boring. In fact, I want to see it now!!! I suppose, if I was pushed, it IS my least favourite. Although I still laugh at it. As for the best, that’s equally difficult. Goodies Rule – O.K takes some beating but for the purity of writing and performance and the brilliantly emotive ending I think ‘Earthanasia’ is the one I would take to the desert island.
-- TC Raymond
ANSWER: That’s a very difficult question. I’m always quoted as hating ‘Charity Bounce’. That’s not true. I actually quite like it. It’s just; it’s easy to mock. Three comic geniuses stuck inside giant tubes of toothpaste. But I adore Freddie Jones in it…and it’s never boring. In fact, I want to see it now!!! I suppose, if I was pushed, it IS my least favourite. Although I still laugh at it. As for the best, that’s equally difficult. Goodies Rule – O.K takes some beating but for the purity of writing and performance and the brilliantly emotive ending I think ‘Earthanasia’ is the one I would take to the desert island.
QUESTION: Who was the most fun to research and write about?
-- Lady Jacqueline
ANSWER: You mean which Goody or which comedian/show? As for which Goody. They were all brilliant and lovely with fascinating careers. It was Bill that was amazed at what he had done. “No wonder I feel so knackered!” was his response. As for the show. I think ‘Steptoe and Son’ was the most fun. It’s my favourite sitcom by my favourite writers. So, spending time at Ray Galton’s house, drinking fine wines and chatting about classic comedy is as close to heaven as I think I could get! ;-)
-- Lady Jacqueline
ANSWER: You mean which Goody or which comedian/show? As for which Goody. They were all brilliant and lovely with fascinating careers. It was Bill that was amazed at what he had done. “No wonder I feel so knackered!” was his response. As for the show. I think ‘Steptoe and Son’ was the most fun. It’s my favourite sitcom by my favourite writers. So, spending time at Ray Galton’s house, drinking fine wines and chatting about classic comedy is as close to heaven as I think I could get! ;-)
Many thanks to Robert for taking the time to answer the questions put to him by Saucy Gibbon Forum Members and Myspace friends. Check out more about Robert at his website.