In the mid 1980's I was in Singapore and visited Raffles where they have an interesting small museum. One of the items was a guest book made especially for an anniversary dinner for the hotel. Amongst the various famous names and their comments such as 'fabulous event' , ' What a wonderful evening' etc...there was one from Spike which just said ' What time is the raffle ? '
Sanjeev Bhaskar is quite the best reader of Milligan's words. I am in awe of this man's skill in bringing Spike to life. No one else comes close to doing this.
People forget that Spike was born in India, raised in infancy by an Indian nanny, and so would have absorbed the cadences and mannerisms of local dialects of English. Which makes Sanjeev a perfect fit for the role. as he would have had similar exposure as a child.
When I watched Goodness Gracious Me I always saw it as a spiritual successor to Not The Nine O'clock News, Monty Python, and the Goons. It was not too surprising either to learn that Sanjeev used to listen to The Hitchhiker's Guide To the Galaxy on his transistor radio in his bedroom as a child.
My father's funniest war story was when he and his company were tasked to build a raft to cross a river. It took them a few days to do this and when they launched it they discovered, when the raft sank, that the water only came up to their knees.
Forever my absolute favourite. I was very young when my Dad introduced me to Spike. I have watched, listened and read everything of this man and I’m am in awe. The comic genius is unsurpassable. You are still my number one guest at that dinner table.
One might not think Bhaskar the most obvious choice to read Milligan, but the delivery is so full of observation and nuance, that I cannot help but think he is the most perfect.
Also it’s somewhat fitting, Milligan was of English/Irish heritage born in India, whereas Bhaskar is of Indian ancestry and born in England. Plus, Bhaskar really captures the extended “oo” sound Milligan would use.
I miss Spike and particularly his generation. I joined the RAF just as their time began to wain. My first "Boss" was simply funny and unflappable. Hysterically funny, carried me back to barracks more than once and I would have walked over hot coals for him. If perturbed he would look at you and say "Ohh dear, never mind, shit moves down hill, move to higher ground lad"!
Spike was a childhood hero and read all of his books because I had two wonderful teachers who would buy for birthdays etc to encourage me to read! Sanjeev's slightly clipped delivery does justice to the old bugger
I've read some pretty good books over the years, but Spikes' recollections of his war service are the only books I've read that made me laugh out loud while reading them. "It'll never get better if you picket!" "Have you ever seen a white eared elephant?" Well read, Mr. Bhaskar.
Spike's books about his time in the army have been called some of the best books about the Englishman at war ever written because they're totally honest about what young conscripts thought & felt about being there. No heroics, though if anything he underplayed the terror of being shot at.
I had it put on my son's grave, it being so appropriate, as he had been to the GP countless times before he got the tests that showed he had terminal cancer. 😢 He loved Spike too.
Not surprised that sanjeev was chosen to read spikes letter, they both have the same cadence to their voices and rhythms, both are also hilariously funny😂😂😂❤❤❤
Milligan wrote that his squad's artillery piece took off down a hill and he went down to find it. He claimed he first met a young Harry Secombe and asked him if he'd seen a 12" Howitzer go past. Secombe purportedly replied, "what colour?"
@@Rickkennett143 Spike actually met a member of a German battery after the war, and they realised that they must have fired at each other on a specific day in the Italian Campaign. The German sent Spike a card saying "sorry I missed you xx/xx/1943".
@@realhorrorshow8547 Yes I had that in mind. After telling this story Spike added, "Who says the Germans have no sense of humour... just about everyone."
The scene in the book ( i believe it was ‘monty my part in his victory’ ) where the vicar plans a fire and brimstone event to raise funds for the church roof repair. And at the climax of the sermon, smoke is supposed to pour forth from the rafters. Nothing. Climax repeated. Silence. Then the church warden whining from the belfry ‘i’m sorry vicar, i can’t light it. The cat’s peed on the matches’.
@philiptaylor7902 I have recently reread his war memoirs and they are all excellent, not only funny but moving and utterly honest account of what is was like to be in the British army during the war. Everyone will have their own favourites but mine is Mussolini his part in my downfall. It is the most moving, particularly when you have read it before and you know what is in store for Spike
@@davidsullivan7743 When I last read them, a good few years ago, I recall Spike mentioning that some of his old comrades had objected to the way he portrayed some - unspecified - things, so he had switched to pseudonyms. I think we all know that, while very honest about personal things, and background, Spike didn't let facts get in the way of a good story. Later, I heard that his old pal Harry Edgington had "dropped" him. I assume that this was over the same issue of personal accuracy, but I could never find out any details. It seems a great shame.
"Monty, HPIMV" is one of the most realistic descriptions of the worm-eye view of the war ever written. Eg: SPIKE - "We are bloody far forward for Heavy (artiliery)" SGT RYAN - "Far forward? There were (German Mortars) in this field this morning!"
Condemn Benny Hill but Milligan is "cool". The latter frequently "browning up" and putting on a pantomime Indian accent. Check out tv series "Curry and Chips". The pc gang are rather picky as to who "offends" them.
@@kiwihib YT has it. But it is principally used to block comments critical of aspects of any product being pushed. Can't upset the advertisers - no matter how untruthful they are.
Why blatantly use and condone blasphemy as a comedic device? If you don't believe, why use the Divine's name in vain? Why not just use your own random name in vain?
![Seungmin "그렇게, 천천히, 우리(As we are)" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/kAzmhLHePqU/mqdefault.jpg)
In the mid 1980's I was in Singapore and visited Raffles where they have an interesting small museum.
One of the items was a guest book made especially for an anniversary dinner for the hotel. Amongst the various famous names and their comments such as 'fabulous event' , ' What a wonderful evening' etc...there was one from Spike which just said ' What time is the raffle ? '
I miss that mad bugger. And Sanjeev magnificently presented him.
If you close your eyes it's almost spot on
Excellent to hear Spike’s work, and a wonderful performance beautifully capturing Milligan’s cadence of speech (when performing).
Just enough of a hint of Spike's cadence and inflection - perfect choice.
Sanjeev Bhaskar is quite the best reader of Milligan's words. I am in awe of this man's skill in bringing Spike to life. No one else comes close to doing this.
People forget that Spike was born in India, raised in infancy by an Indian nanny, and so would have absorbed the cadences and mannerisms of local dialects of English. Which makes Sanjeev a perfect fit for the role. as he would have had similar exposure as a child.
When I watched Goodness Gracious Me I always saw it as a spiritual successor to Not The Nine O'clock News, Monty Python, and the Goons. It was not too surprising either to learn that Sanjeev used to listen to The Hitchhiker's Guide To the Galaxy on his transistor radio in his bedroom as a child.
I never knew that he originated in India, thanks. I loved his accent but I could never place where it came from.
Spike Milligan.
INDIAN.
😂
@@michaelrobson3460😂😂😂
Sanjeev was born in Ealing 😂
Great delivery. Spike , gone but never forgotten
"Oh Christ! The cook is dead!" That made me laugh so hard!
My father's funniest war story was when he and his company were tasked to build a raft to cross a river. It took them a few days to do this and when they launched it they discovered, when the raft sank, that the water only came up to their knees.
Ahahahaaa!!! That's wonderful.
I love how well Mr Bhaskar captures both Spike Milligan's staccato delivery and humour.
This was great, no surprises there. Sanjeev Bhaskar's narration in Life of Pi audiobook is phenomenal and a personal favorite of mine.
His tone and accent is exactly that of Spike Milligan on The Goon Show.
Forever my absolute favourite. I was very young when my Dad introduced me to Spike. I have watched, listened and read everything of this man and I’m am in awe. The comic genius is unsurpassable. You are still my number one guest at that dinner table.
One of the Greatest Reads ever! "Anymore questions from YOU, and our friendship is at an end!" killed me!
One might not think Bhaskar the most obvious choice to read Milligan, but the delivery is so full of observation and nuance, that I cannot help but think he is the most perfect.
I couldn’t agree more 👏
Also it’s somewhat fitting, Milligan was of English/Irish heritage born in India, whereas Bhaskar is of Indian ancestry and born in England.
Plus, Bhaskar really captures the extended “oo” sound Milligan would use.
@@richardnicklin654 I'd not considered that, interesting!
His timing was so Spike 😂😂😂. Very enjoyable 🦘🦘🇦🇺🇦🇺
@@tawnydi Absolutely!
Terrific delivery!
I love these type of letters by writers. Have written a few myself.
I love that he got Spike's voice. That was done with love.
I miss Spike and particularly his generation. I joined the RAF just as their time began to wain. My first "Boss" was simply funny and unflappable. Hysterically funny, carried me back to barracks more than once and I would have walked over hot coals for him. If perturbed he would look at you and say "Ohh dear, never mind, shit moves down hill, move to higher ground lad"!
Thank you, Sanjeev. That was read brilliantly and a great homage to Spike’s way of speaking. 😊😊🦘🦘🇦🇺🇦🇺
Spike was a childhood hero and read all of his books because I had two wonderful teachers who would buy for birthdays etc to encourage me to read! Sanjeev's slightly clipped delivery does justice to the old bugger
Ah, how I miss Milligan!
I've read some pretty good books over the years, but Spikes' recollections of his war service are the only books I've read that made me laugh out loud while reading them. "It'll never get better if you picket!" "Have you ever seen a white eared elephant?" Well read, Mr. Bhaskar.
Amazing delivery of a wonderful response letter.
I read his books to help me understand what my dad went through as he was in the Desert Rats and in the D Dodgers campaign in Italy and on to Berlin.
Spike's books about his time in the army have been called some of the best books about the Englishman at war ever written because they're totally honest about what young conscripts thought & felt about being there. No heroics, though if anything he underplayed the terror of being shot at.
"I told you I was ill". I want it on my grave too!
I had it put on my son's grave, it being so appropriate, as he had been to the GP countless times before he got the tests that showed he had terminal cancer. 😢 He loved Spike too.
Not surprised that sanjeev was chosen to read spikes letter, they both have the same cadence to their voices and rhythms, both are also hilariously funny😂😂😂❤❤❤
Milligan wrote that his squad's artillery piece took off down a hill and he went down to find it. He claimed he first met a young Harry Secombe and asked him if he'd seen a 12" Howitzer go past.
Secombe purportedly replied, "what colour?"
7.2" and Sercombe's mob had 25lbers.
What a joyful way to start my Sunday!!
Spike was a comedic generous. I miss him. Just like the Italians. :D
The Germans missed him too which was just as well.
@@Rickkennett143 Spike actually met a member of a German battery after the war, and they realised that they must have fired at each other on a specific day in the Italian Campaign. The German sent Spike a card saying "sorry I missed you xx/xx/1943".
@@realhorrorshow8547 Yes I had that in mind. After telling this story Spike added, "Who says the Germans have no sense of humour... just about everyone."
“Any more questions from you, and our friendship is at an end” slew me 😂
Genius, both the writer and the orator!
Further evidence to support my growing suspicion that Spike Milligan was the funniest person who ever lived.
I can almost see Spike reading this and I still miss Spike
Wonderfully read. Spike Milligan al the way through.
I loved the military series of books that Spike wrote
You even sound like the man . Well done !
Who else but Milligan could write that? Sanjeev delivered it almost perfectly.
Brilliantly read, I need to re-read all of the books again now!
Oh, that is _perfect!_
Wonderful.. Wonderful.. Wonderful.
Milligan at his anarchic / deranged best, delightfully read and interpreted by Sanjeev Bhaskar.
We were never quite ready for Spike Milligan, and then he was gone, and now, it's too late.
I just know it's going to be good ❤
I love Spike Milligan and Sanjeev
He was something else, that man.
Spike, the father of modern british comedy.
Man that is one smart and HANDSOME man!!!
I think I’m in love!!! LOL
Sanjeev is channelling Spike.👍👍👍
The scene in the book ( i believe it was ‘monty my part in his victory’ ) where the vicar plans a fire and brimstone event to raise funds for the church roof repair. And at the climax of the sermon, smoke is supposed to pour forth from the rafters. Nothing. Climax repeated. Silence. Then the church warden whining from the belfry ‘i’m sorry vicar, i can’t light it. The cat’s peed on the matches’.
That was (also?) in Milligan's novel Puckoon.
'Monty, My Part In His Victory.'
Rommel? Gunner Who? A confrontation in the the desert. Surely the best book title in history.
It's "Monty, His Part In My Victory", as I recall.
@philiptaylor7902 I have recently reread his war memoirs and they are all excellent, not only funny but moving and utterly honest account of what is was like to be in the British army during the war. Everyone will have their own favourites but mine is Mussolini his part in my downfall. It is the most moving, particularly when you have read it before and you know what is in store for Spike
@@davidsullivan7743 I read them when they came out, they left a great impression, so honest, moving and hilarious all at the same time.
@@davidsullivan7743 When I last read them, a good few years ago, I recall Spike mentioning that some of his old comrades had objected to the way he portrayed some - unspecified - things, so he had switched to pseudonyms. I think we all know that, while very honest about personal things, and background, Spike didn't let facts get in the way of a good story.
Later, I heard that his old pal Harry Edgington had "dropped" him. I assume that this was over the same issue of personal accuracy, but I could never find out any details. It seems a great shame.
Brilliant
Aahhh… I love movies they help me to forget.Forget what Mr Milligan? I don’t know I can’t remember!!
Was it not Spike Milligan who has written on his tombstone "I told you I was sick?" 😊
I told you I was ill. Yes.
I miss writing and receiving letters...those were the days
Wonderful.
So Spike 🙂
Top man Sanjeev, Goodness Gracious Me & The Kumars were excellent but I'm not too sure today's audiences could understand them.
May I beg to differ? And how about The Indian Doctor?
May I beg to differ? And how about The Indian Doctor?
"Monty, HPIMV" is one of the most realistic descriptions of the worm-eye view of the war ever written.
Eg:
SPIKE - "We are bloody far forward for Heavy (artiliery)"
SGT RYAN - "Far forward? There were (German Mortars) in this field this morning!"
Nailed it. 76 brought up on goons.
❤❤❤
Brilliant comeback to a rather obnoxious reader.
Yiu can still feel the sting after all these years
❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
🙏🏾👏🏽
And people think that is funny. My dad was out there and he didn't think it was funny-so much so, he rarely ever talked of it....
Such a shame about the awkward, self-conscious man in frame behind, Mr Bean! Bit distracting for me, waiting for him to relax.
Good cadence & intonation without overdoing it. And if he took it too far it may sound like he was doing a dodgy Indian accent.
Condemn Benny Hill but Milligan is "cool". The latter frequently "browning up" and putting on a pantomime Indian accent. Check out tv series "Curry and Chips". The pc gang are rather picky as to who "offends" them.
Cut the canned laughter its crap !!
Did you have your eyes closed? There is literally a live audience.
So .they still use it and also cue cards !!
@@goddam9925 Wow, you're really bad at trolling.
@@ClockworkChainsaw YT really needs a block button.
@@kiwihib YT has it. But it is principally used to block comments critical of aspects of any product being pushed. Can't upset the advertisers - no matter how untruthful they are.
Why blatantly use and condone blasphemy as a comedic device? If you don't believe, why use the Divine's name in vain? Why not just use your own random name in vain?
You've clearly never had bloody great lumps of iron lobbed at you. Get a grip. Jesus!