Spitless ...

Message Bookmarked

Bookmark Removed

I happened to be watching channel 5 in about 1995 - a basket case of a programme called 'Five's Company' (since axed) was on. Esther McVey and, I think, Nick Knowles were interviewing an elderly veteran English screen actor and his wife. I can't remember the actor's name, but I do remember recognising it at the time. The dapper gent was like Stewart Granger or Douglas Fairbanks Jr. in appearance and style(he had a thin moustache), and from that era. But I don't think it was Stewart Granger, because he died in 1993, I understand; and it certainly wasn't Fairbanks Jr. His wife was asked to sing a ditty she had apparently composed herself many years ago. It had never been released, and the only reason the interviewer knew about it was because the actor's wife had a reputation for singing it at dinner parties etc. The song was absolutely charming - one line in it went: 'You tickle me spitless, baby ... '. I wish I'd taken down some details at the time - the tune has been in my brain ever since; and now I want to record a version. By any remote chance did anybody on this board happen to see the same programme; is anyone able to tell me who's wife she is, so I can write to her?

― Ronnie, Sunday, 20 October 2002 13:56 (twenty-three years ago)

one year passes...

I'm still trying to source this song.

― Ronnie, Tuesday, 2 December 2003 15:38 (twenty-two years ago)

Could only find this about the programme itself:

"FIVE'S COMPANY (1997 - 98)
Channel 5's attempt to master daytime television was typified by this lamentable effort to rework the standard Pebble Mill magazine format into a bright, breezy, "modern" and, yes, "mainstream" affair. Five's Company involved five (do you see?) presenters all on screen simultaneously sitting around chatting about anything in particular. And that was it. Guests such as Lionel Blair would turn up, but only to be talked at in a menacing fashion by the fearless quintet, who never let anybody else get a word in and appeared to positively enjoy speaking over the top of each other. As such most of the show was completely incomprehensible, which was probably no bad thing. Hosts included Esther McVey, Steve "LBC" Allen and other jobbing hacks. Ratings were almost undetectable, and the show was mercifully axed in February '98. Its legacy was to live on in Granada's Loose Women." Off The Telly

― Ronnie, Tuesday, 2 December 2003 15:43 (twenty-two years ago)

Wouldn't be David Niven, by any chance?

― mark grout (mark grout), Tuesday, 2 December 2003 15:53 (twenty-two years ago)

No. This interview must have been done about '97, and whilst the deportment of this actor was certainly very reminiscent, David Niven died in 1983.

― Ronnie, Tuesday, 2 December 2003 16:16 (twenty-two years ago)

"Dear Ronnie

Thank you for your recent e-mail regarding '5’s Company'.

As the programme was last transmitted in January 1998 and you do not have full details in your e-mail we are unable to assist you.

Thank you for your interest in Five.

Yours sincerely

DUTY OFFICER"

― Ronnie, Thursday, 4 December 2003 11:50 (twenty-two years ago)

better ask Esther McVey then...

― mark grout (mark grout), Thursday, 4 December 2003 11:51 (twenty-two years ago)

She's an MP now.

― Ronnie, Thursday, 4 December 2003 11:56 (twenty-two years ago)

You are wasting your time.

― Plunging Hen, Thursday, 4 December 2003 12:00 (twenty-two years ago)

one year passes...

Hurrah! I've just found out who wrote that song:

Dulcie Gray! Married to Michael Denison ...

― Ronnie, Thursday, 13 October 2005 15:27 (twenty years ago)

You must be logged in to post. Please either login here, or if you are not registered, you may register here.