And It's Goodnight from Him -: The Autobiography of the Two Ronnies

by Ronnie Corbett

Double acts don't come any closer than the The Two Ronnies. Messrs Barker and Corbett kept a nation laughing for two decades, and yet despite the rigorous work that went into writing, rehearsing and broadcasting almost a hundred episodes to millions of viewers each week, the pair never shared a cross word. For the first time, Ronnie Corbett tells the story of the their rise from theatre, through The Frost Report and into their own legendary show, as well as how some of their greatest sketches, including Mastermind and Fork Handles, came into being. This is the story of one of the great British institutions of the last thirty years, and a hilarious and moving look inside the working lives of two of our most-beloved comedians.

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, Autobiography, Humor, Comedy

Paperback

First published October 5, 2006

About the author

Ronald Balfour "Ronnie" Corbett, CBE was a Scottish actor and comedian who had a long association with Ronnie Barker in the television comedy series The Two Ronnies.

Reviews

[Leo . · Rating 5 out of 5]

Comic royalty. A lot of people in the UK rated Morcombe and Wise as the greatest comic duo. I have to disagree. These two were by far the best in my opinion. Classic comedy. Ronnie Barker was a genius.🐯👍

[Sean Peters (A Good Thriller) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Double acts don't come any closer than the The Two Ronnies. Ronnie Barker and Ronnie Corbett kept a nation laughing for two decades, and yet despite the rigorous work that went into writing, rehearsing and broadcasting almost a hundred episodes to millions of viewers each week, the pair never shared a cross word. In this memoir, the late Ronnie Corbett tells the story of their rise from theatre, through The Frost Report and into their own legendary show, as well as how some of their greatest sketches, including Mastermind and Fork Handles, came into being.

This is the story of one of the great British institutions of the last thirty years, and a hilarious and moving look inside the working lives of two of our most-beloved comedians.

In Britain in the 60's, 70's and 80's, well and the 90's we were lucky some great television comedians that will always be remembered, from Morecombe and Wise, Tommy Cooper, Bob Monkhouse, to the great Two Ronnies.

Throughout this book I felt I was listening to Ronnie Corbett was talking to me from his famous chair, telling me all the classic stories. Here in this book he has gone through not only his career, but also Ronnie Barker's, their own work and their joint work.

Two British legends with such different personalities, Ronnie Barker was a very private man and a very shy person, this great characters in this now famous series allowed him to be someone else.

An honest, touching, sincere biography of these two great talented actors, comedians, with two great careers.

Ronnie Barker turned down "One Foot in The Grave", "The Rise and Fall of Reginald Perrin" and "
Some Mothers Do Ave Em"

Recommended

[Bettie · Rating 2 out of 5]

And It's Goodnight From Him: The Autobiography Of The Two Ronnies



play
R4
spring 2013
pub 2007


BBC BLURB: Goodnight From Him tells the story of Ronnie Corbett and Ronnie Barker from their beginnings in cabaret and repertory theatre, via their first meeting at the bar of the Buckstone Club in 1963 and being chosen by David Frost for his new show The Frost Report (alongside John Cleese), to getting their own Saturday night BBC1 series The Two Ronnies in 1971. The show ran for an extraordinary sixteen years, always topping the ratings, ending in 1986 with Ronnie Barker's early retirement.

The play explores the differences between the two: Corbett the happy-go-lucky sketch performer and extrovert, comfortable chatting to an audience; and Barker the shy introvert who needed to hide behind his characters to face an audience and worked like a demon behind the scenes.

Using parodies of some of their greatest sketches - Fork Handles, Mastermind and The Class Sketch from The Frost Report - Goodnight From Him tells the story of how two men worked together for twenty years without ever a cross word.
Written by Roy Smiles

Producer: Liz Anstee, A CPL production for BBC Radio 4.

Not much sparkle in this particular version of the book.

[Julie Kendrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I've ever read. I loved Ronnie Barker and to read this book written by Ronnie Corbett was very emotional for me. Corbett wrote this book from the heart, not taking any credit for sketches or skits that he did not write and with such obvious affection for Barker that this really does make for an emotional read.

Needless to say I was crying by the end and this book has pride of place on my bookcase. God help anyone who touches it.

[Matthew Wyatt · Rating 5 out of 5]

An entertaining and heart-warming insight into the much loved comedy duo. Particularly fascinating is the personal and affectionate presentation of Ronnie Barker and his genius as both a great comedy actor and writer.

[Nathaniel Wrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable romp through a golden period of television and the perfect partnership.

[Marjorie Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

I grew up watching the Two Ronnies shows on Saturday night, but I didn't realise at the time how talented these two were, and I think some of their comedy went over my head.

We didn't have a television, so every Saturday night we'd decamp over to my uncle, who did. My mum wanted to watch the early evening western, and, if I remember correctly, The Two Ronnies was on shortly after that. Even my straight-laced father, who strongly disapproved of some of the other Saturday night comics (Dick Every, Benny Hill etc "smut, all filthy smut") couldn't find too much to complain about here, and could even be seen chuckling quietly to himself occasionally.

So when I spotted this book in a charity shop, I picked it up for a big dose of nostalgia. And it didn't disappoint. I always enjoy reading about people and how and why they ended up doing the things they did. And in this case, it was interesting to hear, in Ronnie Corbett's words, how they started working together and learn more about the way in which the series was created and recorded. It's also quite touching to read how much Ronnie C appreciated and valued the deep friendship they had.

As other reviewers have said, some of this book is a bit like listening to Ronnie C's ramblings in his chair - he can wander all over the place and sometimes you end up wondering what the point of all that was, but it's not an unpleasant experience.

[Tim Worley live · Rating 3 out of 5]

An enchanting and warm look back over the career of an amazing double act of comedy. I had read a lot of the stories about Ronnie Barker in a previous book, but this was told from Ronnie Corbett's perspective. Corbett really opens up about the work ethic and character of his work partner. Their comedy defined a generation and Ronnie C is very generous in talking about who was the most creative. When you have Spike Milligan, John Cleese and David Frost to work with its no wonder The Two Ronnies are an institution.

[Dave Sanderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

An easy but rather slight read. It was very RC, you can almost hear him telling you the tale from his famous chair. Rather too much reliance on quoting verbatim from known sketches but otherwise a lovely book from the big man. His love for his friend clearly shines through and it was very touching towards the end. As someone else said, a nice read. If you're expecting him to dish the dirt don't bother there's none to be had and doesn't that make a nice change.

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

Found this an enjoyable book, the story of how Ronnie C and Ronnie B came together was interesting. The middle section of the book was somewhat weaker and felt more like a list of shows and already well known sketches. The end of the book was touching and showed what a great friendship they had. Enjoyable overall and glad I read it.

[Cait · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really nice book. Like the way it was written with no focus on scandal or disagreements. Corbett seemed to blame himself for any problems.

Very sensitive to the memory of Ronnie Barker, particularly in the final chapters.

Liked the inclusion of extracts from the shows and sketches. Especially good read after watching the complete TV series on DVD. I also liked all of the photos.

[Derelict Space Sheep · Rating 3 out of 5]

42 WORD REVIEW:

Written not long after Ronnie Barker’s death in 2005, Ronnie Corbett’s singlehanded autobiography (for two!) forms a touching tribute to his departed friend and a companionable stroll down memory lane. Self-effacing yet reverent, Corbett evokes gentle nostalgia for British comedy’s bygone era.

[Jason Duncan]

Such an easy read of how The Two Ronnies came to be the highlight of many peoples Saturday night T.V. viewing. As expected there are humerous stories to be found through their 16 year collaberation - Ronnie Corbett has entertained us with the behind-the-scenes happenings and a superb tribute to his close friend Ronnie Barker.

[JackieB · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this. It was funny of course but also quite reflective.

[Mike Worth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book - you can not fail to remember how good these guys were and it's great that Ronnie C wrote this before the story was lost. True Greats.

[Jim Turner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Surprisingly thoughtful and insightful.

[Richard · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting and touching insight into their lives and careers. Four candles? Yes! Four stars? Sadly not, but maybe it's because I'm not the greatest fan of autobiographies.

[Tim · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 1/2 stars. Enjoyable book explaining the career of the two Ronnie's. A bit of light entertainment which is worth a read for anyone who enjoys the show.

[Paul Tisserant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. A great insight into two of our most-loved comedians from the 70s & 80s. Told with honesty and humour.

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unexpectedly enjoyable read.
Many things now fall into place about their characters.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Funny and touching a wonderful insight into two national comic treasures.

[Steven Thomsen-Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly lovely read.

[Del de la Mare · Rating 3 out of 5]

As the title suggests the book is the story of The Two Ronnies from the beginning through to the end written from the perspective of the author. It also touches on the 'Frost' years from before the Two Ronnies and also the various series they were each involved in, Open All Hours, Sorry, Porridge to name a few.

I enjoyed the chance to read how a huge series such as the Two Ronnies grew from small beginnings into a TV show that was enjoyed by so many people. It was doubly interesting for me, for at the time I regarded the Two Ronnies as 'old peoples telly', being much more interested in Python, Milligan etc. It was only in later years that I came to regard them as comedy giants.

Ronnie Corbett tells the story of the series and of his friend with humour and passion. I do however think he rather downplays his contribution to the show and I suspect he should give himself far more credit than he does. He does come across as a bit of a 'Luvvy'. I don't mean this as an insult, just an observation, I'm sure many of them were!


A good easy read in which, as mentioned by others, you can almost imagine Ronnie settling down into his armchair before rambling off on one of his stories.

[Sophie Crane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ronnie Corbett seems to have a reputation as someone you either love or loathe. I have a friend who thinks of him as that "irritating little Scottish bloke" and won't watch any TV that has him in it. I know other people who aren't too keen on him as well and in particular the bit on The Two Ronnies where RC sat in a chair making lots of small talk and eventually telling a very corny joke.

I have always liked him though and so this book is right up my street - in fact, even if you aren't too keen on him i think you will find this a good read. RC tells of his time pre-Two Ronnies, which was very interesting though I thought it too abbreviated really as RC was too keen to get on to tell readers about the writing and the making of The Two Ronnies. This bit was really good and I could hear both RC and RB performing their lines in the quotes that RC gives from the shows. There are also plenty of photos which are really clear even on the Kindle edition, which is the version that I read.

So give it a go and I am confident you will like it. If RC isn't your cup of tea, put up with a few weak puns and enjoy the book. RC has been a well respected actor for a great many years and his telling of his life-story is a good read.

And it's goodnight from Me.......

[Malcolm Frawley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Highly recommended for Baby Boomers who will remember, probably with much fondness, the reign of the Two Ronnies in television comedy. Corbett's 'voice' is well-documented in this tome, especially considering that co-author, David Nobbs, most likely did much of the 'writing', & the history of the working & personal relationships between these titans of a foregone age is enjoyable, & touching, throughout. Fans of the duo's work are rewarded with the printing of many televised exchanges along with occasional complete sketches. It certainly took me back although not to a time that I actually lived. My memory is of me watching this show with Mum, Dad & Sister but it was first broadcast in 1971, the year I moved out of home. So I would only have watched, at most, only the first season with my family. 300 odd pages of real nostalgia.

[Shahrun · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book over 2 days as it was rather interesting and easy to read. I purchased it as my boyfriend loves The Two Ronnies and got me hooked too. This book wasn't quite what I expected. I knew nothing about either Ronnie, so the little bits of background information on them was good. I guess I was expecting more of that. But I still found the insight into how they came & worked together and beyond very interesting. There are lots of pictures too. I was very moved when Mr Corbett described Mr Barkers illness and death.

I think this book would make a great companion to a 'Complete Two Ronnies’ DVD boxed set if it exists. Or, even better if it was filmed with Mr Corbett reading it and the actual sketches were slotted in, where he describes them in the book.

[Shirley Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Passed 0n to me second hand and I shall be following suit as this is well worth a read for anyone who remembers Ron. I can hear his voice in every paragraph and it seems both candid and respectful - sharing a few secrets but not overdoing the soul-bearing. Lovely use of some of the scripts from shows, very tender in places but never mawkish and overall a quick read with some good photos.
Ronnie pays a good tribute to his comedy partner but is also quick to acknowledge the part others played in his success whether writing or producing/directing.
He's a sad loss and the book is a reminder of when we had true family entertainment at home with the telly serving up variety suitable for tots, teens and adults.

[Thom Goddard · Rating 2 out of 5]

‘2 stars for 2 Ronnie’s - How utterly disappointing’.

Forget this “autobiography” and read “High Hopes”, a far more honest, insightful and funny look at Ronnie Corbett’ down life.
The 2 stars are for some of the interesting stories later in the book focusing on how the two Ronnie’s created their most famous sketches.
However, the rest of the book simply has no heart and was obviously predominantly written by the ghost writer David Nobbs.
Each chapter begins with a paltry history lesson and then blandly lists what happened around that time. What happened, did Ronnie Corbett literally phone it in and David Nobbs cobble together what he could?
A sad and uninformative way to tell the story of one of the greatest duos in comedy history.
Shameful.

[Tony · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting read. Written after the death of Ronnie Barker, Ronnie Corbett gives a very personal account of his early life, the meeting with Ronnie Barker and the subsequent years of them working together. This reads like Ronnie Corbett sitting on his chair during his solo section in the Two Ronnies, it does feel like he is in the room talking to you. The insight he gives into both himself and Ronnie Barker is very personal. For those who grew up with the Two Ronnies will enjoy this.

[Dave Pierce · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Two Ronnie's were always one of my favourites comedy duos. A real shame that we didn't read what Ronnie B had to say but Ronnie C did a brilliant job in telling their story. Loved reading about their beginnings in the business to shows before and after the Two Ronnies. A really great read, sad that they are both no longer with us. Their shows and the laughter they brought will live on.