1969

S5.E1 ∙ Show 18

Tue, Dec 04, 1973

Highlights of this show include the classic "Spot Black" sketch; Benny as a German clothier on the phone with a British customer, and a man miming to scenes from a movie in a theatre; a series of assorted quickies including the famous "Sunbright" ad parody; Ludovic Kennedy (Henry McGee) has Minister of Food Humphrey Bumphrey (Benny) on his "Phone-In" show; musical numbers from Berry Cornish ("Questions") and Los Zafiros ("Y Viva España"); and an outdoor band concert in a park with choreographed goings-on.

6.9 /10

S5.E2 ∙ Show 19

Wed, Dec 26, 1973

Benny leads things off with "Older Woman"; Fred Scuttle supervises construction work on the Channel Tunnel; "The Great Britsh Dancing Finals" with Hill as host 'Terry Wobegone' and one of the main contestants; Mervyn Cruddy is interviewed once again by Andree Melly on "Departure Lounge"; and examples of different TV programs utilizing the story of Little Bo-Peep and her lost sheep. Also: Anne Shelton performs "Put Your Hand in the Hand."

6.6 /10

S5.E3 ∙ Show 20

Wed, Feb 06, 1974

Benny starts the show off by reading a poem, "Faith" by E.M. Barrister, then introduces Diana Darvey and accompanies her in the guise of percussionist 'El Sidney'; spy catcher Mervyn Cruddy is on the trail for a snuff box; musical guests Design perform "Second Love"; film director Sam Speiler reminisces about his career with Lesley Goldie, with parodies of W.C. Fields and Mae West, and a revival of his "Baby Boy" sketch; a minstrel boy in the Middle Ages is groomed for the big time by a hotshot manager; and a look at the 'Mr. TV Times' contest.

6.9 /10

S5.E4 ∙ Show 21

Tue, Mar 12, 1974

Benny starts off by reading from "The Good Book"; Fred Scuttle runs an escort service; "Match of the Week" presents its Goalkeeper of the Year award (with Benny as sportscaster Jimmy Hill and all the goalie nominees); a parody of the action-adventure series "Colditz" with Benny as a German POW; a look into "The Short Unhappy Romance of Ted Tingle"; Judith Durham performs "Strut Your Stuff" backed by The Hottest Band in Town; The Ladybirds (in their final on-camera appearance on the show) perform "Yesterday Once More"; and Benny and Diana Darvey perform a Mexican medley, with backing from flamenco guitarist Guillermo Basilisco.

7 /10