A popular radio comedy program throughout the 1950's, The Goon Show starred the trio of Harry Secombe, Peter Sellers and Spike Milligan. A barrel full of insanity, the madness that was the Goon Show was very popular and would influence the field of comedy for years to come. As such, listening to this show has helped me out in some pretty dark times, though I must also admit that I won't listen to certain ones as they do actually disturb me. This isn't a top 10 list, merely 10 episodes I like in no particular order with another 10 list coming soon. So lets take a look at a few that I love.
1. Shifting Sands
I consider this to be my favourite episode of them all and it all comes down to just how well the jokes work for me. The appearance of Colonel Chinstrap (a character played by Jack Train from another radio show called 'It's That Man Again') and his interactions with Major Bloodnok is a real highlight for me. The story is that a British Garrison on the frontier of Waziristan has lost it's Union Jack ('they know which side their on, but they can't prove it') and Neddie Seagoon is sent to deliver the plans, though things don't go to plan when he gets there. I recommend this one if you want to give the show a shot.
2. The Moon Show
In an attempt to improve his poetry skills, Ned Seagoon buys the Moon from Grytpype-Thynne and Count Moriarty, but it soon appears something might not be right about the purchase. Another great episode with some fast moving jokes and well placed sound effects. Do not attempt to learn poetry from this show.
3. The Fireball of Milton Street
The first ever Goon Show I ever heard, the story is straight forward, yet marvelously silly. Henry Crun has taken a photo of the Sun and notices that it's on fire, which sends Neddie Seagoon into action. Yes, this is a story about a group of people panicking because they found out the Sun is on fire. I love it.
4. 6 Charlies in Search of an Author
The moral of this story is never give anyone a typewriter in a world where what you write happens. The idea is actually quite brilliant for a story and I have seen some shows implement something similar to this, but without the real comedy that this one did (the others were more serious shows, even if the episode was a little silly).
5. Tales of Montmatre
A story that bases some of its characters and humour on famous Artists, such as Paul Gauguin and Toulouse-Lautrec. This one guest stars Charlotte Mitchell in the role of Fifi, a sexy French model who seems to make out with every man in the episode. The silliness of the plot along with the constant duels due to insults makes this one more of a simple flow compared to many other episodes.
6. House of Teeth
For characters of a dark and sinister nature, the show would call upon Valentine Dyall, a man who's voice sounds like it would easily fit into any horror story. In this he plays the roll of Dr. Longdongle, who seeks false teeth for a particular reason. Valentine Dyall really steals the show, both in this episode and in The Canal episode.
7. 10 Snowballs that Shook the Earth
A title that has nothing really to do with the show, the story (from what I could make of it) is that the value of the Sterling (currency) is falling and that Neddie has to sell the Equator to save it. Yeah, I sorta don't understand it entirely, but then its more about enjoying the show then any deep and meaningful plot. There are a couple of gags here that I thoroughly enjoy and I hope one day to incorporate one or two of them here and there in some future project.
8. Queen Ann's Rain
Speaking of great gag's I want to incorporate, this one also has a few nice ones. The story for this is a small town is experiencing continuous non-stop rain and everything is flooding. Someone points out that Queen Ann is currently reigning over the country and the confusion is that they want Queen Ann to stop (confusing rain with reign).
9. The Treasure in the Tower
Two stories taking place, the burying of the treasure in 1600 and the attempts to find it in 1957. Unfortunately for the story, the characters in both can't seem to figure out which one they are suppose to be in, which leads to some great moments. Get the feeling this is not based on a historically accurate set of events.
10. The Six Ingots of Leadenhall Street
A crime story about an idiot Inspector and the lack of honor among thieves. Grytpype-Thynne and Moriarty are trying to smuggle six gold bars out of the country and plan to use Neddie Seagoon to do it. However, the number of gold bars keeps changing and things go down hill as the story progresses. The character of Bluebottle gets some nice parts in this.
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