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Alas Smith and Jones
The Rich British Heritage of "Alas Smith and Jones".
"Alas Smith and Jones" is not just a remarkable British comedy sketch television series, but also an inextricable element of the country's television heritage. Created by the eponymous comedy duo Mel Smith and Griff Rhys Jones, the show took British humour to unprecedented heights and left an indelible mark on popular culture. Running from 1984 to 1998 over several seasons, it showcased the exceptional talent of the duo, both in performance and scriptwriting, earning them critical acclaim and a devoted audience. The comedic pair later expanded their empire with the establishment of TalkBack, an independent production company that became a cornerstone in the British television industry.
Born out of the ashes of "Not the Nine O'Clock News" in 1982, "Alas Smith and Jones" was the brainchild of Mel Smith and Griff Rhys Jones, two comedians who had honed their talents on the former BBC show. Recognising their complementary comedic styles, Smith and Jones formed a double act, first appearing as a duo in the BBC1 comedy special "The Funny Side of Christmas" in 1982. Their chemistry was apparent, and soon the BBC granted them their own show.
The title of the show is a playful pun on the popular American television series "Alias Smith and Jones," hinting at the duo's fondness for subverting expectations. Building on the irreverent humour and bold, boundary-pushing comedy of "Not the Nine O'Clock News," "Alas Smith and Jones" delighted in presenting material that often swam against the tide of convention. The format, a mixture of taboo-breaking sketches and head-to-head 'duologues', allowed both Smith and Jones to play off each other's strengths, resulting in a brand of comedy that was as sharp as it was hilarious.
While Smith and Jones excelled on screen, they also broke new ground behind the scenes. After four successful series produced by the BBC, the show transitioned to be one of the first produced by an independent production company, TalkBack, of which Smith and Jones were founding directors. Beginning with the 1987 Christmas special "The Homemade Xmas Video", TalkBack's involvement signaled a new era for "Alas Smith and Jones". The company, which was later sold to Pearson Television for £62 million, would become a juggernaut in British television, producing some of the most iconic shows in recent memory.
The creativity of Smith and Jones extended beyond their namesake show, as they embarked on various other projects. Between series 3 and 4 of "Alas Smith and Jones", they created "The World According to Smith and Jones" for London Weekend Television. Despite mixed reviews, the show returned for a second season, underlining the pair's willingness to push the envelope and experiment with different formats.
Another notable venture was "Smith and Jones in Small Doses", a series of four comedy playlets broadcast on BBC2 in 1989. This show served as their swansong for BBC2 before they moved their primary series to BBC1. Yet another testament to their innovative spirit came in the form of "The Smith and Jones Sketchbook" in 2006, where they revisited highlights from their original run, peppering it with newly written material.
The influence of "Alas Smith and Jones" permeates British comedy to this day. Despite the show ending in 1998, its echoes can be heard in the irreverent, boundary-pushing humour of many contemporary British comedies. Commercial releases of the show, including compilations and a two-disc set titled "At Last Smith and Jones - Volume 1," have ensured that their comedy remains accessible to new generations.
The legacy of Mel Smith and Griff Rhys Jones also extends beyond their own show. Through TalkBack, the pair has contributed significantly to the landscape of British television. And despite numerous brand name changes and acquisitions, TalkBack's influence remains palpable in today's industry.
"Alas Smith and Jones" exemplifies the British comedy tradition - daring, clever, and relentlessly funny. Smith and Jones have given British television some of its most unforgettable moments, all while redefining the boundaries of comedy. Their legacy is a testament to the power of creativity, innovation, and a great sense of humour.
Genesis and Evolution of a Comedy Classic
Born out of the ashes of "Not the Nine O'Clock News" in 1982, "Alas Smith and Jones" was the brainchild of Mel Smith and Griff Rhys Jones, two comedians who had honed their talents on the former BBC show. Recognising their complementary comedic styles, Smith and Jones formed a double act, first appearing as a duo in the BBC1 comedy special "The Funny Side of Christmas" in 1982. Their chemistry was apparent, and soon the BBC granted them their own show.
The title of the show is a playful pun on the popular American television series "Alias Smith and Jones," hinting at the duo's fondness for subverting expectations. Building on the irreverent humour and bold, boundary-pushing comedy of "Not the Nine O'Clock News," "Alas Smith and Jones" delighted in presenting material that often swam against the tide of convention. The format, a mixture of taboo-breaking sketches and head-to-head 'duologues', allowed both Smith and Jones to play off each other's strengths, resulting in a brand of comedy that was as sharp as it was hilarious.
Pushing Boundaries, Making History
While Smith and Jones excelled on screen, they also broke new ground behind the scenes. After four successful series produced by the BBC, the show transitioned to be one of the first produced by an independent production company, TalkBack, of which Smith and Jones were founding directors. Beginning with the 1987 Christmas special "The Homemade Xmas Video", TalkBack's involvement signaled a new era for "Alas Smith and Jones". The company, which was later sold to Pearson Television for £62 million, would become a juggernaut in British television, producing some of the most iconic shows in recent memory.
The Many Incarnations of Smith and Jones
The creativity of Smith and Jones extended beyond their namesake show, as they embarked on various other projects. Between series 3 and 4 of "Alas Smith and Jones", they created "The World According to Smith and Jones" for London Weekend Television. Despite mixed reviews, the show returned for a second season, underlining the pair's willingness to push the envelope and experiment with different formats.
Another notable venture was "Smith and Jones in Small Doses", a series of four comedy playlets broadcast on BBC2 in 1989. This show served as their swansong for BBC2 before they moved their primary series to BBC1. Yet another testament to their innovative spirit came in the form of "The Smith and Jones Sketchbook" in 2006, where they revisited highlights from their original run, peppering it with newly written material.
Preserving a Legacy
The influence of "Alas Smith and Jones" permeates British comedy to this day. Despite the show ending in 1998, its echoes can be heard in the irreverent, boundary-pushing humour of many contemporary British comedies. Commercial releases of the show, including compilations and a two-disc set titled "At Last Smith and Jones - Volume 1," have ensured that their comedy remains accessible to new generations.
The legacy of Mel Smith and Griff Rhys Jones also extends beyond their own show. Through TalkBack, the pair has contributed significantly to the landscape of British television. And despite numerous brand name changes and acquisitions, TalkBack's influence remains palpable in today's industry.
"Alas Smith and Jones" exemplifies the British comedy tradition - daring, clever, and relentlessly funny. Smith and Jones have given British television some of its most unforgettable moments, all while redefining the boundaries of comedy. Their legacy is a testament to the power of creativity, innovation, and a great sense of humour.
- Alas Smith and Jonesen.wikipedia.org
