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Amazon.co.uk Review
When Dave Allen passed away in March 2005, we lost a true comedy great. Sitting cross-legged on a high stool, whiskey in one hand, cigarette in the other, Dave Allen's exasperated commentaries on the absurdities of modern life struck a chord with millions of fans in Britain, Ireland and Australia for over four decades. He was a compelling storyteller -- able to spin shaggy dog stories out of the almost any subject, including the missing tip of his fourth finger of his left hand, for which he provided various unlikely explanations. But his gentle, laconic wit could also give way to ferocious attacks on the media, the state and, most famously, the Catholic Church. He was a unique talent -- a comic who could make his audiences laugh, cry, and be shocked, all in one. Here he is with his personal choice of sketches, gags and monologues.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
66 of 66 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
When I think of the heroes of my childhood, they weren't footballers, singers or film stars. Yes, I admired people from all of these categories, but my REAL heroes were comedians: Tommy Cooper; Mel Brooks; The Goodies (yeah, well I WAS a kid)...and Dave Allen. One day, I thought, I too will sit on a stool with a drink in my hand pontificating on life - it seemed easier somehow than scoring the winning goal in an FA Cup Final.
Although Dave Allen is still as funny to watch today as he was in the seventies when he was at the height of his fame, he has a certain gravitas. Perhaps it's his honesty - you know his material comes from the heart. He was, after all, a former journalist and very passionate about the world's injustices. Nevertheless, he always saw the funny side.
He was a national treasure (here, as in his native Ireland) and probably did more to dispel the stereotype of the 'thick Paddy' than anyone else. He is sorely missed, and this DVD brings some of his magic back to life.
Although Dave Allen is still as funny to watch today as he was in the seventies when he was at the height of his fame, he has a certain gravitas. Perhaps it's his honesty - you know his material comes from the heart. He was, after all, a former journalist and very passionate about the world's injustices. Nevertheless, he always saw the funny side.
He was a national treasure (here, as in his native Ireland) and probably did more to dispel the stereotype of the 'thick Paddy' than anyone else. He is sorely missed, and this DVD brings some of his magic back to life.
165 of 168 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
...it's overpriced for what you get. It's a reissue of an earlier VHS tape, with a running time of 93 minutes and no extras.
Now the good news...it's utterly hilarious. It's a mixture of his earlier (before his hair went completely grey) monologues and sketches. The humour is brilliant and timeless, and Mr Allen's delivery of his monologues is unique, quirky and shows exactly why he is sadly missed by devotees. The sketches are wonderfully surreal, with some familiar faces. There's a poignant introduction, with a much older Mr Allen looking back at clips of his earlier shows.
Fans will want this. Anyone who has not seen Mr Allen in his prime should buy it, if only to see how stand-up (or, in this case, sit-down) comedy ought to be performed.
Goodnight, Dave, and may your god go with you.
22 of 22 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
Being 35 years old now, i was only a mere lad when my Dad, a born and bred Irishman, would rave on about a fellow Irishman by the name of Dave Allen.
I would sit in the living room with my parents on a weekend and my Dad would be watching this man sat on a stool fuelled by whiskey and nicotene rambling on and getting more irate as he would go on.
As I was so young, I didn't really understand half of what he was talking about. But my Dad would be sat there, doubled up in his armchair getting red in the face and struggling for breath as he was laughing so hard.In the meantime my Mum would be sat in the other armchair tutting while she did a crossword puzzle.
"What is it about this bloke?" I used to think.
As time has gone on and I've grown up and had the years of such great comedians like the sadly deceased cynic Bill Hicks and the fiercely politically charged Mark Thomas, I recently went on youtube for some clips of Dave Allen after a workmate mentioned him, jogging the memory and my desire to see what the fuss was about.
I have to say I finally sussed him out Dad. Now I get all those jokes and understand why you laughed as hard as you did and I guess all along it was you that inspired me to check out the truely great comics and know how to spot the terrible ones.
Although this DVD does not fit in all of Dave's best moments. It's certainly a fantastic place for newer fans or simply for everyone else to recapture some monolouges and sketches from one of the funniest men of the last few decades.
Come on, it's great value (unless you have already bought the VHS tape that other reviwers have mentioned). It's barely more than a fiver, what have you to lose?
RIP Dave, i'm glad you made sense to me in the end.
I would sit in the living room with my parents on a weekend and my Dad would be watching this man sat on a stool fuelled by whiskey and nicotene rambling on and getting more irate as he would go on.
As I was so young, I didn't really understand half of what he was talking about. But my Dad would be sat there, doubled up in his armchair getting red in the face and struggling for breath as he was laughing so hard.In the meantime my Mum would be sat in the other armchair tutting while she did a crossword puzzle.
"What is it about this bloke?" I used to think.
As time has gone on and I've grown up and had the years of such great comedians like the sadly deceased cynic Bill Hicks and the fiercely politically charged Mark Thomas, I recently went on youtube for some clips of Dave Allen after a workmate mentioned him, jogging the memory and my desire to see what the fuss was about.
I have to say I finally sussed him out Dad. Now I get all those jokes and understand why you laughed as hard as you did and I guess all along it was you that inspired me to check out the truely great comics and know how to spot the terrible ones.
Although this DVD does not fit in all of Dave's best moments. It's certainly a fantastic place for newer fans or simply for everyone else to recapture some monolouges and sketches from one of the funniest men of the last few decades.
Come on, it's great value (unless you have already bought the VHS tape that other reviwers have mentioned). It's barely more than a fiver, what have you to lose?
RIP Dave, i'm glad you made sense to me in the end.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
still so funny
Dave Allen had a great line in telling jokes - a true "stand up" comedian (albeit sitting down)! This was a great reminder of just how funny he was, and how his humour was never... Read more
Published 10 days ago by Mrs. K. M. Fowler
with a suit, a stool and a glass of something
"The Best Of Dave Allen" - 2005 previously on VHS. BBC
A personal selection of the finest gags from the grand master of innovative comedy.
1. Read more
A personal selection of the finest gags from the grand master of innovative comedy.
1. Read more
Published 13 days ago by DavidJohnStock
Best of Dave Allen
The video of Dave Allen brought back fond memories of a very talented comedien who always
managed to bring a laugh about his own particular view of everyday events in... Read more
managed to bring a laugh about his own particular view of everyday events in... Read more
Published 1 month ago by foxtailcus
Looking a little dated now, but still amusing.
Dave Allen's unique style of delivery and his irreverent view on the world was innovative at the time, but is now looking a bit old-fashioned. Read more
Published 3 months ago by A. J. Flynn
Dave Allen V.Good
This is just Dave Allen as he always was on stage. Very good video. I have seen better from Dave Allen on TV years ago, but he did so many and we liked them all. Read more
Published 4 months ago by Friends fan
A legend
One of the best comedians ever. Not one of the current bunch matches up to Dave Allen. The only one who might come anywhere near him in time,maybe,is John Bishop.
Published 4 months ago by BJ
Dave Allen, brilliant
Dave Allen was a brilliant entertainer and sadly missed. This DVD "The Best of Dave Allen" is every bit as entertaining and funny as the original broadcasts.
Published 5 months ago by R. A. Rivers
dave allen
Absolutely brilliant. i have always found him funny and this mix of shows was excellent. a laugh from start to finish.
Published 5 months ago by Linda Campbell
ideal gift
This was bought as a gift so I haven't watched it yet. However, I have very fond memories of watching Dave Allen with my Dad so can't wait to watch it again.
Published 7 months ago by Nicky
The humour hasn't aged at all
I always tried to watch the original Dave Allen TV shows and was reminded of them recently when some clips were shown. If you like his humour then this DVD is a must-buy. Read more
Published 8 months ago by Tothamplains
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