Benny Hill, once a titan of British entertainment, continues to spark discussions about the evolution of comedy and societal values. Known for his unique blend of slapstick and risqué humour, Hill captivated audiences for over two decades. However, his legacy has recently come under scrutiny, particularly in a Channel 5 documentary, The Cancellation of Benny Hill, which examines the rise and fall of his popularity.

The documentary highlights Hill’s impressive career milestones, including one of his specials aired in 1969, which attracted more viewers than the historic moon landings. At the height of his fame in 1971, Hill’s show garnered over 21 million viewers, earning him the title of ITV’s Personality of the Year. Notably, his appeal spanned various cultural icons, including pop legend Michael Jackson, and he made appearances in major films like The Italian Job and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

Despite his monumental success, by the 1980s, Hill’s style of comedy began to falter in the face of changing societal norms, with critics targeting the perceived racism and sexism in his sketches. The documentary showcases archival footage that might be seen as controversial today, and invites younger viewers, including Ellie, Pradeep, and Jodie, to share their impressions.

Among the clips analysed, a sketch featuring a chat show host trying to discreetly aid a vicar with an unfortunate wardrobe malfunction provoked laughter from the younger audience. Pradeep remarked, “That was funny and I think when he was trying to cover it up with the flower pot that was funny as well, just the awkwardness of it all.” In contrast, a more contentious scene featuring a male office worker distracted by a scantily clad female colleague met with disapproval. Jodie commented, “If that came up while you were watching TV with the family, it would definitely be very weird,” echoing the sentiments of many who view the sketches through a modern lens of critical reflection.

The show further unraveled the complexities surrounding the portrayal of women in Hill’s work, illustrating how characters were often depicted in revealing clothing and subordinated roles. Journalist Nina Myskow expressed critical views, stating, “This is purely a male fantasy of what a secretary is: subservient, bend over when required, just so sleazy.” In contrast, actress Nina Wadia noted that while the portrayal was regrettable, the humour could still resonate when placed within the context of the sketch.

Some scenes, however, delivered pure comedy, such as a segment depicting firemen hilariously racing after a fire truck. Yet not all moments were received positively; a portrayal of female firefighters in short skirts sparked discourse on the absurdity of such depictions in contexts of emergency.

The documentary ultimately raises the question of whether Benny Hill’s contributions to the comedy landscape merit a re-evaluation today. In a segment addressing a controversial character known as Chow Mein, a character Hill developed, the younger viewers expressed shock over the racial implications of his portrayal. Pradeep noted, “That would not fly today, I don’t think,” while Ellie added, “The accent and him squinting his eyes, that was really bad.”

Despite the backlash, the programme pointed out that many of the clips which now seem outdated were reflective of their time, as Wadia argues: “If you have 21 million people tuning in to watch someone portray characters who you think are inappropriate, it’s a sign of the times.”

Benny Hill’s career began to decline notably after he introduced Hill’s Angels, a series that many critics argued overtly sexualised women and presented them as mere objects of appeal. By 1984, the show was cancelled, and Hill’s trademark style was deemed out-of-touch with contemporary audiences, overtaken by the rising popularity of more modern comedians like Billy Connolly.

Sadly, Benny Hill passed away in April 1992, found sitting on his sofa watching television at the age of 68, following a heart attack. At his death, he still enjoyed considerable popularity, including a dedicated following in the American hip-hop community.

The ongoing conversation around Hill’s work exemplifies the shifting tides of entertainment and the growing scrutiny of past cultural products. As viewers conclude their assessments of Hill’s comedy against the backdrop of modern sensibilities, the complex legacy of his career continues to provoke dialogue within the realms of comedy, representation, and morality. The documentary is now available for viewing on My5.

Source: Noah Wire Services