Billy Connolly

**highlandtide** · 14th March 04, 03:19 PM

I think he was saying it facetiously.

**Graham** · 15th March 04, 06:43 AM

I agree billy was great in the film "Mrs Brown", actually, he was a great actor there, at least his mouth didn't let him down in the movie and it was a great promotion of the kilt.

**bear** · 15th March 04, 11:17 AM

I have never before heard of anyone who doesn't like Billy Connelly! Billy is one of the funniest men in the world!

We don't get the Parkinson show here.

**Colin** · 16th March 04, 09:51 AM

Billy Connelly may some times be a bit crass, but that is what I have always enjoyed about him. He has always come across as someone whose humor you would listen to in a Scottish pub.

In a time of over the top comedy (Jim Carrey), it is more refreshing to enjoy someone that deliveres the punch line with some intelligence and charm.

**Hamish** · 16th March 04, 05:35 PM

[quote="al'
..........................
P H B - How can you!!! Billy Connolly is superb! He is not just a stand up comedian, but a social commentator, satirist and not a bad actor either (Mrs Brown).

We've had this conversation before, but you've never said 'why' you don't like him. Is it the bad language. It can be a bit choice.

Al[/quote]

Yes, alright Al., I was being somewhat facetious, I admit - but I guess you knew that!

Fine! I am sure BC is a good man, a good husband and father, etc. (not that I know anything about his private life) and, yes, he was good as "Mrs. Brown", although I think Judi Dench was even better as John Brown (her make-up was superb)!!!! That being said, I have little time for stand-up comedians in general, especially when they fall into the 'alternative comedy' camp - I do not know why; I just do not find them funny (on the whole).

You probably are correct about the 'bad language' because, quite simply, I abhor its use, especially in public, and certainly in my home. I never heard my parents swear, my late partner never swore and I do not believe I have ever sworn. It is SO unnecessary and is a clear indication of the user's ignorance. Believe me, I am no prude, but the use of foul language as I say, in my home, whether live or via the TV, is just not acceptable. So, Mr. Connolly, whether talented or not, gets switched off chez moi before he even starts!

**al' Sporrano** · 17th March 04, 09:47 AM

Originally Posted by Hamish

You probably are correct about the 'bad language' because, quite simply, I abhor its use, especially in public, and certainly in my home. It is SO unnecessary and is a clear indication of the user's ignorance. Believe me, I am no prude, but the use of foul language as I say, in my home, whether live or via the TV, is just not acceptable. So, Mr. Connolly, whether talented or not, gets switched off chez moi before he even starts!

Ham,

You know I respect your views and I understand perfectly what you are saying here. I hear bad language all the time (as I'm sure you can imagine) and am therefore immune to its effects. I use it myself sometimes, but am careful to know my audience - usually in the work environment.

I am careful not to swear at home, especially in front of the children (even though they know far worse from the school yard). Most of my friends won't hear me swear either.

As far as BC is concerned, swearing is a natural part of who he is. It's part of the working class, Glasgow culture of which he is a part. He satirises the Scottish working man and his lifestyle through his comedy and I would argue bad language is part of this. Ergo it is appropriate. If you notice, he rarely swears when he is narrating his 'world tour' tales. Most is saved for his act.

I don't mind it in drama/films, when again it is socially accurate or important to characterisation. I don't like swearing for swearing sake.

Al

**shillelaghbruises** · 17th March 04, 02:33 PM

I don't have any problem with swearing when people are angry when it fits the situation, but I know a lot of people who "drop the f-bomb" just because they think it somehow makes them cool, which is really just stupid.

**Plastic Paddy** · 17th March 04, 03:32 PM

I have used "bad Language", just as I have most likely used improper English in my everyday speaking. Unfortunately in some areas, cultures and communities bad language is used in everyday conversation. This is not to say that it is acceptable or preferable to not using bad language, but with my dealings with some groups, swearing is used as a verbal punctuation of their statements.

English in the U.S. is on a slippery slope, and I find inappropriate word usage almost more annoying than bad language.

I hope this assists in the constipation the situation as it manifests itself, but I digress.

Slainte

**Colin** · 18th March 04, 10:39 AM

While I do some times have a potty mouth myself, I am becoming more and more aware of obsenities, and their lack of purpose in the English language. Of course I would rather have cursing and nudity over violence. To me these are the lesser evils, and I can handle them.

George Carlin was on the tonight show last night, and Jay Leno asked him about his opinion of the Janet Jackson flash, and the fact that comedians could be fined 1/2 a mil for swearing on TV. His sarcastic response was " As long as they don't regulate my violence, I would't stand for that, I have to have my violence".

Billy Connely's use of colorful wording is a gimmick, and has been used by many successful comedians. Remember Eddie Murphy in the 1980's? Without the gimmick, BC can still pull off his humor, and he really did do quite well in Mrs. Brown.