Beyond Our Ken - So Long, It's Been Good to Know You

Summary

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Podcast Summary: Beyond Our Ken - So Long, It's Been Good to Know You

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Date: March 12, 2026
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio

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Overview

This episode features a rebroadcast of “Beyond Our Ken,” a classic BBC comedy radio show renowned for its clever wordplay, satirical sketches, and affectionate send-ups of British society. With Kenneth Horne at the helm and a comedic ensemble cast, this episode parodies current events, popular radio formats, and British life circa mid-20th century. The theme is a playful look back at earlier times, blending topical satire, character-driven humor, and musical interludes.

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Key Discussion Points and Sketches

1. Opening Banter & Satire on Broadcasting

• The show begins with lighthearted jabs about BBC announcing, highlighting the subtle comedic value in standard phrases.
  • Memorable moment: Teaching how to get a laugh by saying, “This is the BBC.”

    “This is the BBC.”
    — Kenneth Horne, (01:17)

• A tongue-in-cheek introduction sets the tone:

  "Whatever happens during the next 30 minutes will certainly be beyond our ken."
  — Kenneth Horne, (01:30)

2. Absurd Dinner Description

• Kenneth Horne describes a bizarre dinner hosted by “the league of physicians, doctors and surgeons,” featuring over-the-top medical-themed food and witticisms about after-dinner ailments.

  • “We started off with a plate of ferry dioxy carbotetrachlorate ... jocularly referred to as brown Windsor Soup.”
    — Kenneth Horne, (01:57)

• The segment ends with a mock-formal, self-deprecating punchline about his subsequent doctor’s visit after the extravagant meal.

3. Domestic Comedy and Radio Parody

• The interaction between Horne and his housekeeper Prudence pokes fun at British domesticity and class differences:

  • “Oh, sir, I wish I was educated like you.”
    — Prudence (Patricia Lancaster), (03:57)

• Horne attempts to enjoy “Housewives’ Choice” on the radio, but interruptions and absurd phone calls lampoon the banality and popularity of request shows.
  • Recurring gag: Horne repeatedly misses his requested song as callers keep interrupting.

4. Musical Interlude: “I’m Going to Ring the Bell Tonight”

• Patricia Lancaster performs a cheerful, swinging musical number over the phone.
  • Notable verse:

    “I’m gonna ring the bell tonight, that’s what I’m gonna do… When you’re in love feeling fancy, your heart is happy, your feet are dancing…”
    — Patricia Lancaster, (06:40–08:37)

5. Panel Game Parody: “A symposium of questions...”

• A satire on BBC panel shows, featuring a comically verbose and literal show title:

  • “We’re calling it A symposium of questions from an invited audience answered by a team of experts.”
    — Duncan Warrington Barker (Hugh Paddick), (09:29)

• Various spoof panelists—philosopher Bertrand Bustle, actress Eunice Gaysmile, local official George Simcox, and countryman Arthur Fallowfield—deliver intentionally obtuse or off-topic answers.
  • Super tax segment:

    “Money does talk. Of course. All it ever says to me is goodbye.”
    — George Simcox, (12:19)

  • “Well, I think the answer lies in the soil.”
    — Arthur Fallowfield, catchphrase, (12:54)

  • "Are teenage girls given too much freedom?" is answered with play-acting, flirtatious exchanges, and classic British understatement.

6. Musical Satire: “So Long, It’s Been Good To Know You”

• The Malcolm Mitchell Trio perform a bittersweet version of the classic tune, with gently humorous lyrics adapted for the show.

  • “So long, it’s been good to know ya… For a long time since I’ve been home and I gotta be drifting along…”
    — Malcolm Mitchell Trio & Kenneth Horne, (16:33–18:35)

7. Hornarama: “Sketchbook for 1908”

• This faux-documentary segment humorously revisits the year 1908, parodying social history, period romance, early motoring, aviation, and British music hall culture.
  • Memorable lines:

    “1908. A year that had gaiety, charm, elegance, and 12 gallons a month.”
    — Kenneth Horne, (18:47)
    “1908. A bad year for shoe polish.”
    — Arthur Fallowfield, (18:54)

• Features elaborate spoofs of:
  • Edwardian romance and rigid class barriers,
  • Early flight (“International Balloon Race” with sandbag gags),
  • The unveiling of Henry Ford’s first family car (with a prodigious number of children for demonstration),
  • Over-the-top theater and music hall routines from “The Unbuttoned Glove” to a loving send-up of comedian Harry Biggs,
  • Classic British musical comedy with a showstopper about “the dustmen of Bersen.”
• The segment blends affectionate nostalgia with biting satire, highlighting both the charm and absurdities of the era.

8. Closing Lines & Credits

• The episode closes with meta-comical credits and a final joke:

  • “If you put a police constable to bed, would you be laying down the law?”
    — Kenneth Horne, (28:39)

• Roll call of cast members, writers, and the BBC Orchestra.

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Notable Quotes (with timestamps)

• “This is the BBC.”
  — Kenneth Horne, illustrating how intonation changes laughs, (01:17)

• “Money does talk... Of course. All it ever says to me is goodbye.”
  — George Simcox, on finances, (12:19)

• “Well, I think the answer lies in the soil.”
  — Arthur Fallowfield, recurring catchphrase, (12:54)

• “Oh, sir, I wish I was educated like you.”
  — Prudence, poking fun at class and intellect, (03:57)

• “We’re calling it A symposium of questions from an invited audience answered by a team of experts.”
  — Hugh Paddick as Duncan Warrington Barker, twisting the panel game trope, (09:29)

• “I do hope you’re not thinking of holding Lady Caroline against me.”
  — Hugh Paddick as Lt. Marshbanks, farcical Edwardian suitor, (20:46)

• “If you put a police constable to bed, would you be laying down the law?”
  — Kenneth Horne, closing pun, (28:39)

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Timestamps for Key Segments

| Time | Segment Description | |----------|-------------------------------------------------------| | 01:01 | BBC announcement parody & cast introductions | | 01:58 | Satirical dinner party description | | 03:50 | Domestic comedy with Prudence | | 04:07 | Housewives’ Choice spoof & phone interruptions | | 06:40 | Patricia sings “I’m Gonna Ring the Bell Tonight” | | 08:49 | BBC panel show satire begins | | 10:13 | Panel game Q&A (super tax, teenage freedoms, etc.) | | 16:33 | “So Long, It’s Been Good To Know You” musical number | | 18:38 | Hornarama: “Sketchbook for 1908” retrospective | | 28:03 | Musical parody: “The Dustmen of Bersen” | | 28:39 | Final jokes and credits |

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Tone and Language

The show’s tone is wry, whimsical, and rich in British wit, with rapid-fire one-liners, running gags, and affectionate lampoons of popular culture and national quirks. The ensemble cast expertly delivers playful banter and comedic timing, maintaining a breezy, clever, and quintessentially British style throughout.

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Takeaway

This episode of “Beyond Our Ken” encapsulates the golden age of British radio comedy: clever, quick, and spirited, relishing the art of gentle parody. Jam-packed with period satire, silly songs, and comic sketches, it’s a nostalgia-steeped journey through British humor, delighting fans of classic radio and comedy alike.

Transcript

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[Kenneth Horne]

n. This is the BBC.

[Patricia Lancaster]

You say you didn't get enough, did you?

[Kenneth Horne]

They tend to get a laugh.

[Arthur Fallowfield]

Well, it's a fine attitude take on a comedy show. It's either in what you say, it's the way you say it. I'll show you. Ron, here, show this gentleman how to

[Patricia Lancaster]

get laugh by saying this is the BBC.

[Kenneth Horne]

This is the BBC.

[Patricia Lancaster]

There you are, you see, you got a laugh.

[Kenneth Horne]

Yes, I know, but I am an announcer.

[Arthur Fallowfield]

No comment. Well, all right.

[Patricia Lancaster]

Don't you, Stanley, announce the program on.

[Kenneth Horne]

You know, ladies and gentlemen, whatever happens during the next 30 minutes will certainly be beyond our care. Among those taking part are senor Alfredo Rodriguez Hemingway, Bert Fitch, Noel Harington, Wayne Scott, Hillary Boot, the honorable Priscilla gorms Dyke, Rear admiral Pike, and of course, Mr. Kenneth Horn, who prefers to remain anonymous. Ladies and gentlemen, Kenneth Horn. Hello, good evening and welcome to beyond our care. Now, first of all, I have a special message for shipping. Will all ships expected in the Thames estuary next Thursday afternoon please proceed with the utmost care. I'm going paddling. Well, now, tonight I was going to talk to you about the domestic habits of the lesser spotted nighthawk. But having had a closer look at the domestic habits of of the lesser spotted nighthawk, I thought we'd better leave that sort of thing to the Sunday papers. So instead, let me tell you about a rather unusual dinner I attended last Wednesday given by the league of physicians, doctors and surgeons. We started off with a plate of ferry dioxy carbotetrachlorate jocularly referred to as brown Windsor Soup. However, the next cost was supreme. De l' Universite College Outpatient Department Francaise. Or in English, Cottage Hospital Pie for sweet. We all enjoyed steamed golden pudding smothered in a delightful syrup, which turned out to be Dr. Fosdike's lightning cough cure. And then the eminent surgeon. The eminent surgeon. Dr. Scalpel. Fifthingham. Forceps. Told us some of the very amusing things that happened to him on the way to the theater. All in all, I had a splendid evening on Wednesday, and I haven't eaten so well for a long time. Thursday I went to the doctor. Friday I felt much better, and it turned out to be quite an eventful day. As usual, I had breakfast in the diner.

[Patricia Lancaster]

Can I clear away now, sir?

[Kenneth Horne]

Oh, I say, Prudence.

[Patricia Lancaster]

Yes, sir?

[Kenneth Horne]

Just look at this desk. I can write my name in the dust.

[Patricia Lancaster]

Oh, sir, I wish I was educated like you.

[Kenneth Horne]

Well, whip a duster over it when you got the moment, will you? By the way, Prudence, what's the time?

[Patricia Lancaster]

It's just nine o', clock, sir.

[Kenneth Horne]

Oh, is it? I'll just switch on. I mustn't miss Housewives Choice. Hello, housewives, and what a lovely sunny morning it is. Just put those old pots and pans away for a while as you listen to your very own program. And good morning first to Kenya Thorne of Kensington.

[Hugh Paddick]

I hope you're listening, because here is

[Kenneth Horne]

the record you asked. Oh, at last. I've been waiting for weeks. Oh, bother.

[Arthur Fallowfield]

Hello?

[Kenneth Horne]

Hello, Ken.

[Hugh Paddick]

This is Hugh Paddock here. I said, you know they're playing your record on Housewife.

[Kenneth Horne]

Yes, I know.

[Hugh Paddick]

They happen to be listening just now. Unusual for me because I never listen to the program.

[Kenneth Horne]

Well, thank you, Hugh. Reason.

[Hugh Paddick]

I switched on the morning when I heard your name.

[Kenneth Horne]

Very nice.

[Hugh Paddick]

Let you know just in case you hadn't had the wireless on and you might have missed it.

[Kenneth Horne]

Yes, yes, thank you.

[Hugh Paddick]

But I hope you don't mind my ringing.

[Kenneth Horne]

No, certainly not. I. I must ring off now. I'm trying to listen to the wireless. Goodbye. Oh, not again. Oh, dear. Hello?

[Arthur Fallowfield]

Hello, Ken? This is Ken. Confusing, isn't it? I live near. Boy, am I right? I suppose it's actually you who ask the teddy bear picnic on I. Ch.

[Kenneth Horne]

Yes, that's right.

[Arthur Fallowfield]

Oh, frankly, I'm surprised. I mean, after all.

[Kenneth Horne]

Well, what's the matter with it?

[Arthur Fallowfield]

Oh, nothing, really. I like that sort of thing. I mean, if it be me, I should be asked for something much more artistically satisfying, like I'm a pink toothbrush.

[Kenneth Horne]

Yes, yes. Well, thanks for phoning. I. I really must go now.

[Arthur Fallowfield]

Oh, Sorry, mustn't keep you sure to go.

[Kenneth Horne]

Oh, bother. My record seems to have finished. Now I shall have to request it again. Now, where's my pen? Ah, now then, Here we are. Perhaps you may remember. Oh, here's another one. Yes, it was me. I did request it. I liked the Teddy Bear's Picnic. I'm asking for it again. And who is this?

[Patricia Lancaster]

It's Patricia.

[Kenneth Horne]

Oh, Patricia Lancaster. Sorry to be so rude, Pat. Now, what can I do for you?

[Patricia Lancaster]

Well, Ken, I just boned about my song for the show.

[Kenneth Horne]

Oh, I say, I got an idea. Why don't you do the Teddy Bears Picnic?

[Patricia Lancaster]

Well, I'd love to, Ken, but I've already chosen my song. It's called I'm Gonna Ring the Bell Tonight.

[Kenneth Horne]

Well, that's an even better idea. How does it go again?

[Arthur Fallowfield]

Like this.

[Patricia Lancaster]

I don't care what I did last night or the night before that and the night before that too. I'm gonna ring the bell tonight. I'm gonna ring the bell tonight. That's what I'm gonna do. I'm a blow and I'm feeling so happy New Year's. Evie lost my heart if that's the clue. I'm gonna ring the bell tonight. I'm gonna ring the bell tonight. That's what I'm gonna do. And when the moon takes five minutes. Intermission. I'll be wishing the intermission through. Here's to you, here's to me. And here's to Elias. Mary, I've just got to. I'm gonna ring the bell tonight. I'm gonna ring the bell tonight. That's what I'm gonna do. When you're in love feeling fancy, your heart is happy, your feet are dancing. You're in a state that's done the atrancy. It's almost too good to be true. I don't care what I did last night or the night before that and the night before that too. I'm gonna ring the bell tonight. I'm gonna r. Well, tonight that's what I'm gonna do. And when the moon takes five minutes in permission. I'll be wishing the intermissions through. Here's to you, here's to me and here's to Eliza's Mary. I've just got to whoop dee doo. I'm gonna ring the bell tonight. I'm gonna ring the bell tonight. Gonna ring a star bel.

[Kenneth Horne]

Thank you, Pat. That was lovely. And came over the phone well too. Goodbye.

[Patricia Lancaster]

Oh, excuse me, sir. There's a gentleman to see you. Shall I Show him in.

[Kenneth Horne]

Yes, of course.

[Patricia Lancaster]

In here sir, please.

[Kenneth Horne]

Yeah.

[Hugh Paddick]

Oh, good morning Mr. Horne. My name is Duncan Warrington Barker. D, I, G, B, B, C, O.

[Kenneth Horne]

All right. You don't know how to spell it. Yeah,

[Hugh Paddick]

in a few weeks time we're starting something entirely new in radio. Oh, this is something quite revolutionary for the BBC.

[Kenneth Horne]

It's a panel game. Oh no, not another one.

[Hugh Paddick]

Ah, but this one's completely different. Gilbert Harding won't be in it.

[Kenneth Horne]

I see.

[Hugh Paddick]

And now Mr. Horne, we would like you to be the chairman.

[Kenneth Horne]

Oh, thank you.

[Hugh Paddick]

Now the idea is this. It's a symposium of questions from an invited audience answered by a team of experts. And I may add, we have devised a rather witty little title.

[Kenneth Horne]

Oh really, what's that?

[Hugh Paddick]

We're calling it A symposium of questions from an invited audience answered by a team of experts.

[Kenneth Horne]

Very catchy, very apropos, isn't it? Yes, all right, I'll do it. Oh good.

[Hugh Paddick]

Now the first broadcast is coming from the old barn. Little Twittering Fox.

[Kenneth Horne]

Right, well I'll be there sir. By the way, excuse me, a bit embarrassing. Preston, do you happen to have any influence with the housewives Choice?

[Patricia Lancaster]

Hello, Mr. Coret here. There's something going on in the old barn.

[Kenneth Horne]

Ah, there generally is this time of evening.

[Patricia Lancaster]

No, no, vive BBC fellers with some new fangled panel game. Why don't you come along? Tis free.

[Kenneth Horne]

All right, I will. I say, would you mind keeping that cow quiet? Now, now, quiet everybody please. Thank you. This is the BBC and welcome to Little Twittering Tonight. Tonight our panel consists of first at the top of the table, philosopher, poet and writer Bertrand Bustle

[Hugh Paddick]

Greening.

[Kenneth Horne]

And next to him charming and talented actress Eunice Gaysmile. Hello. Next our expert on local government, chairman of several committees and prospective parliamentary candidate for The Goodwin Sands, Mr. George Simcott. Hello. Finally, the well known countryman and author Arthur Fallowfield. Right. Right, well now that's our panel. And now we're ready for the first question which comes from Timothy Hat.

[Hugh Paddick]

I should like to ask the team, do they agree that the current high rate of super tax discourages incentive and

[Kenneth Horne]

does it reverse the profit output ratio

[Hugh Paddick]

thus creating a retrograde progressive movement in regard to the production of non essentials?

[Kenneth Horne]

And a very good question too. Does the team think what the gentleman said? Bustle hustle.

[Hugh Paddick]

Well he's no good asking me, I

[Kenneth Horne]

mean, I don't know.

[Hugh Paddick]

I mean I haven't fainted. I. I mean when I was at Cambridge I did a thesis once on the subject and we really came to the Conclusion that, economically speaking, that what is? No asking me. I just don't know.

[Kenneth Horne]

Yeah. Now, Ms. GaySmile, would you care to elaborate on that?

[Patricia Lancaster]

Well, darling, I think the question had something to do with money. And of course I'm all for it. But when it comes to the question of tax, I'm afraid I can't give any advice because, frankly, darling, I just don't pay any. Oh, what have I said?

[Kenneth Horne]

George Simcox, perhaps you can contribute something. Well, I've had a lot of experience on finance committees, and we used to have a saying in the old council chambers, money talks. And that's true, you know, money does talk. Of course. All it ever says to me is goodbye. Well done, Simcox. And so you should be. Now, Fallowfield, Fallowfield, what's the countryman's view of all this?

[Arthur Fallowfield]

Well, I think the answer lies in the soil. What do we simple country folk know about super Tax anyway? We like to live a plain, honest, to goodness, down to earth life. As I said to my chauffeur this morning, Philpotts, I said, to the glorious day, drive me down to the country. I don't think you can do it.

[Kenneth Horne]

Thank you all so very much. Thank you. Well, the team seems to be agreed on that point. Next question.

[Hugh Paddick]

I'd like to ask a question.

[Kenneth Horne]

Just a minute, sir. Just a minute. I think this lady was first.

[Patricia Lancaster]

My name is Mrs. Florence Fox.

[Kenneth Horne]

Well, never mind.

[Patricia Lancaster]

Yeah, I'm very worried about my teenage daughter. Does the team think that young girls nowadays are given too much freedom?

[Kenneth Horne]

Simcox, we'll give this question to you. I'd rather have the teenage daughter. Yes, but. Now, Eunice. Eunice.

[Patricia Lancaster]

Well, darling, I do understand this problem because I played the part of a mother with the same problem in a recent play and it was one torment after another. My billing wasn't right. The dressing room was appalled. And, my dear, as for the leading man, well, he didn't seem to get the hang of his part at all. Absolutely no sense of character.

[Kenneth Horne]

But, you know, surely that was the play you did with Alec Guinness.

[Patricia Lancaster]

Yes, that's right. Whatever became of him?

[Kenneth Horne]

Arthur, Arthur, what have you got to say about teenagers?

[Arthur Fallowfield]

Oh, good luck to him, that's what I say. It's no good, you know. You can't fight nature. It's all harmless fun. Anyway, I'm sure Ms. Gatesmeier would agree with me. There's no harm in a bit of kissing and cuddling now and then, now, is there? You need.

[Patricia Lancaster]

No, darling, none at all.

[Kenneth Horne]

Good.

[Arthur Fallowfield]

Then I'll see you afterwards.

[Kenneth Horne]

Well, now, I think we should hear from Bustle on this. Now, Bertrand,

[Hugh Paddick]

get this chicken off by.

[Kenneth Horne]

Need an egg Buckle. Buckle, please. Pay attention, please. Now, do you think that teenage girls are given too much freedom?

[Hugh Paddick]

Well, I think I cannot this one. You see, as a man of the world, I feel that it is. There have been certain situations in which. How should I put it? I. I do feel qualified in saying that I. I make this statement in all sincerity. Well, I. I remember once. What was the question again?

[Kenneth Horne]

Are teenage girls given too much freedom? Yes. Thank you. And on that note, we'll say goodbye. From the panel, George Simcox. Hello. Eunice Gay Smile.

[Patricia Lancaster]

Night, my darling.

[Kenneth Horne]

Arthur Fallowfield, Happy plowing. And Bertrand Bustle.

[Hugh Paddick]

It is new asking me. I mean, you know, I haven't the fittest idea.

[Kenneth Horne]

And with that, ladies and gentlemen, we return you to the studio. And we're just in time to hear Music for Milking provided by the Malcolm Mitchell Trio. Well, I've sung this song but I'll sing it again. Of the people I've met and the places I've been Of some of the troubles that bothered my mind On a lot of good people that I've left behind so long it's been good to know ya so long it's been good to know ya so long so long it's been good to know you For a long time Since I've been home and I gotta be driftin along. I walked down the street to the grocery store it was crowded with people both rich and both poor I asked the man how his butter was sold he said 1 pound a pie or 2 pounds a goat I said so long it's been good to know you so long it's been good to know you so long it's been good to know you For a long time Since I've been home and I gotta be drifting along. So long it's been good to know you so long it's been good to know you so long it's been good to know you For a long time Since I've been home and I gotta be drifting along Gotta be drifting along I've gotta be drifting along. And now we come to the special Kenneth Horne documentary feature, Hornarama. Yes. Each week at this time, Kenneth Horne and his team of investigators bring you a factual report on topics of interest. And tonight we present sketchbook for 1908. The pages of our sketchbook are turned

[Hugh Paddick]

by Mr. Kenneth Horne, suave, debonair, a man about 5 foot 10 in his stocking feet.

[Kenneth Horne]

1908. A great year for stocking. Feet.

[Arthur Fallowfield]

1908. A bad year for shoe polish.

[Kenneth Horne]

How well I remember that year. Nobody asked you. 1908. A year that had gaiety, charm, elegance and 12 gallons a month.

[Arthur Fallowfield]

Yet they don't make years like that any longer.

[Kenneth Horne]

A year of achievements. Come on, be a sport.

[Patricia Lancaster]

All right, little old man. I will go away with you.

[Kenneth Horne]

How well I remember that year. 1908. First, let's take a look at the ordinary man. Revolting, wasn't it? Now let's turn to something.

[Arthur Fallowfield]

That's right. Go on.

[Kenneth Horne]

Turn your back on the ordinary man. The time is coming.

[Patricia Lancaster]

The hour is at hand. The workers are rising.

[Kenneth Horne]

About time, too, lazy devil. 1908. Oh, well, I remember that. Oh, a glittering decade. And at the fashionable hunting balls, the cream of society gathered. Glittering and decaying.

[Hugh Paddick]

I say, Lady Caroline, that shottish with the title Hotties.

[Patricia Lancaster]

Yes, indeed it was, Lieutenant. I wonder if it's any cool out on the Vanda

[Arthur Fallowfield]

much,

[Hugh Paddick]

Lady Carolina.

[Patricia Lancaster]

Oh, dear, it's no use. Wedgie. You know our love can never be. After all, you are only a third lieutenant. And Daddy is colonel of the wedding.

[Kenneth Horne]

Oh, don't let that worry you.

[Hugh Paddick]

I'm not a snob. Oh, Caroline.

[Patricia Lancaster]

Wedgie.

[Arthur Fallowfield]

Unhand my daughter.

[Hugh Paddick]

Colonel Smilingham Phipps, sir. I do hope you're not thinking of holding Lady Caroline against me.

[Arthur Fallowfield]

You were doing all right on your own. Caroline returned to the ball. Lion, sir? Who are you?

[Hugh Paddick]

Lieutenant Marshbanks, sir.

[Arthur Fallowfield]

Marshbanks? Marshbanks. Her name is me. I seem to remember a Tiger Marshbanks Once Drink 4 Mayfair clubs dry and threw a policeman into the Serpentine. In relation.

[Hugh Paddick]

My mother, sir.

[Arthur Fallowfield]

Yes, Dash. Fine woman. Well, we forget this incident, Marsh Banks. Let's return to the ball.

[Hugh Paddick]

Good heaven, sir.

[Arthur Fallowfield]

It's gone down dead. You're right, I say. And we have our ball back.

[Kenneth Horne]

1908. Oh, well, I remember that year. A year of conquest in the air. Yes, on a day in May, several English aviators were drifting silently into the sky in balloons. It was, in fact, the International Balloon Race.

[Arthur Fallowfield]

I think I'm gaining on them.

[Hugh Paddick]

Throw out a sandbag and up we go. Now another sandbag.

[Kenneth Horne]

And up and up.

[Patricia Lancaster]

Another one. Higher. Another one. Oh, higher, higher, higher.

[Kenneth Horne]

Oh, what a wonderful sensation it is

[Hugh Paddick]

floating along with a breeze.

[Patricia Lancaster]

Rising, dipping, rising, dipping.

[Kenneth Horne]

Oh, it gives a man something. What say you, Caldecott? Caldecott. Caldecott. Caldicott.

[Arthur Fallowfield]

Funny.

[Kenneth Horne]

I could have sworn it was a sandbag. But it wasn't. Only in aviation that progress was being made in America. Mr. Henry Ford had already developed the prototype of his new family motor car.

[Arthur Fallowfield]

Oh, Martha, come on out here.

[Patricia Lancaster]

Land sakes, Elmer. What in the world is that?

[Arthur Fallowfield]

That's a motor car, Martha. And this Here gentleman is Mr. Henry Ford. He designed it and built it.

[Kenneth Horne]

Glad to know you, ma'.

[Arthur Fallowfield]

Am. This here's my new design for a family car.

[Hugh Paddick]

And I'd be mighty obliged if you

[Kenneth Horne]

and your family will take the first

[Hugh Paddick]

ride in it and kind of try it out.

[Patricia Lancaster]

Oh, well, gosh, Mr. Ford, we just love to. I'll call the family. Matt, Joel, Bill, Gwendoline, Sylvia, Geraldine, Greg, Andrew, Penelope, Voldemort, Hank, Shirley, Albert Jr. Come on, kids. We're going for a ride with Mr. Henry Ford.

[Kenneth Horne]

It's everywhere.

[Arthur Fallowfield]

Mr. Ford. I guess we're all on board.

[Patricia Lancaster]

Oh, gee. Gosh, Isn't it exciting?

[Kenneth Horne]

Oh, well.

[Hugh Paddick]

Back to the drawing board.

[Kenneth Horne]

1908, and the theaters are booming. At the Shaftesbury, a fashionable throng flocked to see Lim Chittagong and Madge Wellington boot. And they gasped at the audacity of their new play, the Unbuttoned Glove. It achieved worldwide fame. The newspapers in New York had this to say. The Unbuttoned Glove is sensational. Never before has the theatrical experience such a thrill. With this play that begins where the others leave off.

[Hugh Paddick]

It will hold you, grip you, move you, enthrall you.

[Kenneth Horne]

Yes, it's a story of lust, hate, greed, envy, sex, violence and corruption. And in London, the Times said, diverting theatre. But of course, to the ordinary man in the streets, the music hall reigned supreme.

[Hugh Paddick]

We us make money went a lot further in them days. For a shilling, you could have a real good night out, mate. Three course dinner seat at the old home.

[Kenneth Horne]

Music all.

[Hugh Paddick]

Plate of Welkes, Pair of boots with two whiskers and a couple of Handy's Guide to the turf, mate.

[Kenneth Horne]

All for a shilling. Good.

[Hugh Paddick]

I've still got some souvenirs in them. Happy times have a welcome.

[Kenneth Horne]

Thank you.

[Hugh Paddick]

Who will ever forget the old home

[Kenneth Horne]

greatest music all of them all now, alas, still open. Here is a typical program of 1908. Rope dancer.

[Arthur Fallowfield]

Conrad Heppington impersonator.

[Kenneth Horne]

And many others contortionists. But perhaps best office. But perhaps best loved of all was the lovable Harry Biggs. As he used to sing this lovable song. We must apologize for the quality of the recording, which, of course, is very old. But in case you missed one or two of the words, we have with us in the studio, the lovable Harry Biggs himself. Now Mr. Biggs, would you sing that song for us now? Yes. 1908 was indeed a year of melody. And of course, in these modern days of American musicals, one soon forgets the days when British musical comedy was on top. And the hit show of 1908 was undoubtedly the Boys Are Back, which star a young, vivacious personality, Miss Cicely Drawbridge. No one who ever saw the show will forget her singing this song.

[Patricia Lancaster]

Come, rich, your darkest wonderful too memorable to brave and true they are the smartest in the land but they're British Shots through and through the dust Monday, dust Monday Keep holding them clean in baggage coats From John O Groats Right down the golden screen the empty or dustbins to brighten up the strand the dustmen, the dustmen, the dustmen of Bersen

[Kenneth Horne]

the dustman, the Derby Hooray. Well, There you are, 1908. A year that's gone down in history. Right down. Oh, well, I remember that. Oh, go away. Mrs. Denneth Horne saying goodbye for now, I'm leaving you with this thought. If you put a police constable to bed, would you be laying down the law? You've either been listening to or of just me. Beyond Our Ken, a sort of recorded radio show which gave employment to Kenneth Horn and also to Kenneth Williams, Hugh Paddick, Betty Marsden, Ron Moody, Patricia Lancaster, the Malcolm Mitchell Trio and the BBC Review Orchestra, conducted by Harry Rabinowitz. The script, believe it or not, was written and letters of complaint should be sent to Eric Merriman and Barry Short. However, the onus must inevitably fall on our producer, Jake.

[Arthur Fallowfield]

Sa.