Tuesday 6 August 2019

A Comedy On This Day: Hugh & I - Royal Visit (7 August 1962)


 It's not the first thing that you associate with this programme, but there's a distinct Hancock influence in Hugh & I at times. This is especially apparent in the domestic scenes between Terry, his mother and the lodger, when he thinks he's the smartest person in the room but his ignorance is highly apparent to the viewer. Terry Scott's intonation even sounds like Hancock on occasions when he's being world-weary and knowing, such as reading the local paper:
Oh yes, full of world-shakin' items. Look at this. Huh! "Harvey Gumtrip, aged nine, catches seven pound bass." Ha ha ha ha - That'll worry the Russians, won't it?


 An unspecified member of the Royal Family (but clearly Princess Margaret - "Will he be bringing his camera?") is visiting Lobelia Avenue and the Scott household have been awarded the chance to receive her by ballot. Terry is naturally very keen to impress his innate refinement and suitability to mix in Royal circles, but is never given any magical moment of transformation. Terry and Hugh visit a Gentlemen's Outfitters to obtain some morning suits, but emerge from the changing rooms looking terrible in ill-fitting garments.
 Becoming Scott by appointment changes other people's behaviour too, with an enjoyable turn by Mollie Sugden as a pushy neighbour trying to present her well-developed daughter to Her Royal Highness. The most sympathetic characters are those least affected by the situation (save for having to wear Royal Ascot hats), Hugh and Mum. Indeed, Hugh's lack of worldliness creates the best moment in the episode, when Frank Thornton's haughty Council officer offers him a pinch of snuff, which he puts into a roll-up.

No comments:

Post a Comment