Review for The Arthur Haynes Show: Volume 1 (2 Discs)

It's interesting that this all-but-forgotten comedian has suddenly become exalted as one of Britain's finest - following the BBC4 transmission of 'Me & Arthur Haynes' earlier this year featuring Paul Merton and original Haynes straight-man Nicholas Parsons. Based on this series of episodes, I'm left with the feeling that the claim must surely be somewhat over-stated. Whilst some of the many sketches might raise a smile, Haynes is hardly Hancock.


There were no less than fifteen series of 'The Arthur Haynes Show' which was produced for ATV between 1957 and 1966. Though many episodes have been lost, from those that remain, 'Network' look set to do the decent thing and give them their first airing since transmission via DVD.


Volume One contains twelve episodes spread across two discs. Haynes was one of the UK's first bona-fide TV stars. Though a stalwart of radio comedy, he had starred in Johnny Speight's 'Strike a New Note' and 'Get Happy' before being given his own starring role.


Though maybe unfair to judge too harshly from these first few episodes, it seems as if Haynes was something of a one-trick pony, which is not necessarily an insult to a successful comedian. His key persona seems to be a surly, reluctant workman prepared to do as little as possible. In that guise we see him as a plumber who breaks things to enable him to charge more (how little things have changed since then); a switchboard operator cutting people off at will and ignoring incoming calls as he reads a paper and a variety of other workmen keeping up the great British tradition of doing as little as possible. Mildly amusing of course, but hardly classic comedy.




You get the impression that Haynes barely breaks a sweat in these roles, effortlessly breezing through them as if they were the most natural thing in the world.


Another key role for Haynes was his famous 'tramp' who inevitably comes into contact with Parsons in one guise or another, creating humour from the clear class distinction between Parsons as top brass military, vicar, business man and so on. The humour is derived from the juxtaposition of class - and the little man coming out on top, generally puncturing the pomposity and superiority of Parson's character. Deeply satisfying for its principally working class audience though there is little else here worthy of note bar some included corpsing, suggesting that the show may have been transmitted 'live'. If that was the case, it makes me refine my view of Haynes and Parsons as they both seem incredibly polished and relaxed throughout.


It's also worth noting that approximately 50% of every episode is given over to music - generally two songs by trilling songbird Aileen Cochrane. It's hilarious when Cochrane wonders amongst the audience (some with cigarettes dangling from their mouths) which seems terribly awkward. Of course, audiences today have learned how to respond when drawn into the spotlight though here such interplay was in its infancy.


Though there are few extras, the inclusion of an old TV annual (featuring a fresh-faced Brucie on the cover) as a PDF on the disc is worth the price of the set alone. Featuring several articles and pictures of Haynes, it also includes images of those most popular at the time (like a very young Cliff Richard) giving historic context to Haynes reign. There are also several PR pieces and production notes which are of historic interest and nice to have. This was a particularly welcome feature of the BBC Hancock set which really set the standard in this regard.


Tragically, Haynes died (suddenly and unexpectedly) at the age of 51. I am unsure whether these un-filtered episodes will help his reputation nearly as much as the taster extracts included in Merton's BBC 4 tribute. Small doses probably work best for this gentle humour.

I am unsure whether I would recommend the set or not. For archive TV fans it is probably a gift as it serves as a very poignant time-machine. For British comedy fans, I can't help feeling that it could be disappointing. Again - if, like me, you discovered the magic of Hancock after the event (well, I wasn't born) then this will offer nothing like the kick you will have got from that.