That's Life as we know it: Ronnie Barker

And it's Good Night from me..............

followed by the almost immortal, "and it's a good night from him

Ronnie Barker

Last night was the BBC's showing of the BAFTA tribute to Ronnie Barker.

He has been one of those those actors that has been part of my life from ever since I can remember. As a child , I can remember his partnership with Ronnie Corbett

as the "taller" half of the Two Ronnie's. It was only later that I found out that, not only did he star in the show, but he also wrote most of it, sometimes under the pen name of Gerald Wylie. The humour was somewhat "Family Safe" even in these PC times. There was nothing dangerous as such, just funny, family entertainment. I shall always remember Charlie Farley and Ronnie's Piggy Malone, and then there was the mini series of the the fellas in dresses, and a rather dominating Diana Dorrs, in the mutli part sketch "The worm that turns".

Then he went on to meet up with a "little known" actor from his past. A young lad called David Jason (who we now well know as both Del Trotter and Inspector Jack Frost amongst others). Again , as a wonderful partnership, they created havoc in the side streets of a Yorkshire town as Arkwright and Granville in "Open All Hours". Arkwrights lustful chasing of the Nurse Gladys Emanuel, and his fending off of the "Black Widow", the stingy admiration of Mrs Featherstone. Again gentle , beautifully written humour, this time penned by Roy Clarke.

And then another memorable partnership, with the young (and sadly departed) Richard Beckinsale in the sit-com "Porridge".

Set in Slade prison, this was almost a "buddy movie". Two mis-matched prisoners, Ronnie the "habitual" criminal , for which a spell in prison was like a few months in a hotel, just a part of the job, whilst Richards' Godber character was a new boy, frightened and alone. And with a supporting set of characters and fine actors (again with David Jason - playing the old con Blanko), this made what could have been a "dodgy" subject funny, and yet valid.

And then in 1986 he had had enough of the high pressure world of family entertainment - he retired to his antique shop on the coast.

Well last night was the tribute show. BAFTA had created a special award for Ronnie.

To be fair I don't usually watch, or even like this type of program. A lot of "loveies" saying what a wonderful person so-and-so was / is. They show a few clips and then the man / women themselves come out and make a thank-you speech.

But last night was the same, but different. There was a lot of "what a lovely man" , but this time you could tell most of the comments made where heartfelt and genuine.

And then came Ronnie. Older, more fragile, more gaunt than I remember him, he walked onto the stage to lots of applause. His speech was short, beautifully made, and very heartfelt. He claimed no fame for himself, just that he had been lucky. He thanked his friends , his wife , everyone. And then at the end his thanks to his friends, and then, hugging both Ronnie Corbet and David Jason, his best friends.

He had tears, they had tears. The audience cried. I cried.

The man is a lovely, gentle, "beautiful" man.

God Bless him.

Actor - filmography

1. My House in Umbria (2003) (TV) .... The General

2. Gathering Storm, The (2002) (TV) .... David Inches

3. Two Ronnies at the Movies, The (1999) (TV)
4. "Clarence" (1988) TV Series .... Clarence Sale

5. "Two Ronnies in Australia, The" (1987) TV Series

6. Christmas Night with the Two Ronnies (1987) (TV)

7. "Magnificent Evans, The" (1984) TV Series .... Plantagenet Evans

8. By the Sea (1982) .... The General
9. Porridge (1979) .... TV Series - Norman Stanley Fletcher

10. "Going Straight" (1978) TV Series .... Norman Stanley Fletcher