Cardew Robinson, observes BigJimBob on the “Last Of The Cads” thread, carved out a career from one gimmick. Although it does still happen, in the old two channel days the entertainment world seemed to be chokka with single gimmick acts. That’s not to say they weren’t special. Here, The Guvnor of ACTOG demonstrates brilliant skill in bringing his creation to life. And the great idea that sustained a two decade career: because the bird never speaks it can embody pure malevolence.
“A Career Through One Gimmick”
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What was Robinson’s gimmick?
I always smile when I recall a friend telling me, back in the 90s, that Jim Kerr had somehow carved out a career through going ‘Whoa-oah, Whoa-oah!’ (accompanied by my friend punching the air and and striding portentously in slow motion).
I recall it because it seemed entirely true at the time and still does.
Empires and Dance will come as a bit of a disappointment to you then Colin (early Simple Minds had a distinct lack of Whoa-oah, Whoa-oahs). Post 1985 there are probably more than you can shake a stick at. The real SM aficionado will point out that the live ‘Lemme see your hands!’ exhortation is Kerr’s killer gimmick.
The stereotypical public school cad – not as well developed as Terry-Thomas
It always struck me that Charlie Chuck – Reeves & Mortimer’s ‘Uncle Peter’ – was rather pinching a living.
Tommy Cooper
Still makes me laugh though
Are you forgetting his recording career?
Don’t forget the classic ‘Don’t Jump off the Roof, Dad’.
I think Wilson, Keppell & Betty take the prize. Decades out of shuffling around in a sandbox. Actually, one could add the Beach Boys to that.
But what an act!
“They played in every kind of variety theatre throughout Britain, including cabaret and circus, and abroad played in such notable venues as the Berlin Wintergarden, where it is reported that in 1936 Goebbels was disgusted at the display of their bare legs, calling them ‘bad for the morals of Nazi Youth’. Mussolini, however, is said to have loved the act.”
“They featured in the recent television history of British variety, Heroes of Comedy, and somewhat unexpectedly a clip of them was used in the documentary The Filth and the Fury, about the Sex Pistols (apparently they were a great influence on Johnny Rotten).”
http://lukemckernan.com/wp-content/uploads/wilsonkeppelbetty.pdf
Mr Methane. He farts! No video clips please.
https://flic.kr/p/HiYQ4P
My avatar star is accused by some of being a one-gimmick entertainer with his Spit the Dog act. Well the joke’s on them because they are forgetting the Houdi Elbow character. Here he is with The Pretenders:
and who could forget Cough The Cat?
Loads of people according to it’s meager presence in Google Images.
That is 3 strings to his bow
They said he couldn’t hold a candle to proper ventriloquists….he can now.
http://www.carolgeescandles.com/shop/personal/index.php
The “tips” page could come straight from Viz.
Great clips, and I’ve suddenly been struck by how much Tarrant’s hysterical persona reminds me of John Cleese.
Booking Agent: Name, please.
Act: Bob Blackman.
Booking Agent: What do you do, Bob?
Act: I sing “Mule Train” while hitting myself repeatedly over the head with a tin tea tray.
Booking Agent: Aha! Strong opening! And … then?
Act: That’s it. That’s the act. It’s a bit niche, I know, but it’s mine.
Booking Agent: Well, I can see potential for at least a decade of regular TV appearances and club bookings in that. Sign here.
Lorraine Chase – model & actress.
Ostensibly known for being Lorraine Chase and saying “Luton Airport”
Even got her own tribute single
I have a friend in Luton who sounds just like these girls… 😉
I saw her in panto in the mid 2000s. She was brilliant as the wicked witch. No, really – she was very good. She had that whole eeevelll crackly voice going on and broke off for comic effect with asides in cockney to the audience. I know it sounds dreadful but it was very funny – especially when she said Luton Airport.
You saw Carol From Luton in panto…?!?
THAT’S MY LORRAINE YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT. BE VERY CAREFUL WHAT YOU SAY.
https://flic.kr/p/eKY1F
Beany: June bender, Lorraine chaser…
Perhaps the admins can fix? You’ve accidentally put up a pic of the new James Bond (Dr NoLutonAirport), Mr B.
Probably as well you didn’t post the one of you emerging from the sea in your shreddies – that might have melted the site!
Uri Geller: spoon bender.
Extended by being a FOM.
Also recording artist and poet.
It’s all you need.
Adult film actress and exotic dancer, Chesty Morgan, managed to build a whole cinematic career on her one gimmick. Ok then; two gimmicks.
Believe it or not there is a rather good Stockholm band after her.
I hope they catch her. She cannot run very fast.
I lurve typo jokes. Cheers Beany
Jack Douglas. Alf Hippytittymus. Wa-hey!
No matter how many times he tried Mr Pastry never did get very good at putting up wallpaper, did he?
Unfair! He was multitalented. Don’t you remember the Lancers? I, despite the best efforts of a string of professionals, have been unable to forget it.
Apparently he ‘inherited’ this act from his dad. And then flogged it to death. Very popular in Germany.