Jonathan Sloman takes to Facebook today to weigh in…
I put forward the theory that the interviewer is producer and one time Head of Light Entertainment at Granada, Johnnie Hamp. Not only was he producing Cinema at the time, but he had also past dealings with Woody Allen, convincing him to perform an excellent stand-up special for Granada in 1965, which Hamp also produced.
Jonathan goes on to offer the video on this page as a sample of Mr. Hamp's voice which he believes is a match. Remember that I have no opinion on this matter.
Meanwhile, Stephen Saunders disagrees with the theory that the interviewer is Barry Took…
Sorry I couldn't let it go. In 1971 Barry Took was Head of Light Entertainment at London Weekend Television, a competing company to Granada, the producers of Cinema. So, unlikely. He was a writer on Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In in 1970 though, which has nothing to do with it, but something I didn't know. Thank you for your time and understanding. I need a life.
Please continue to remember that I have no opinion on this matter. What I do have is a message from Nigel Parkinson…
Sorry I haven't checked your blog until today, or I could have told you that it is indeed Barry Took doing the interview. You may remember he was Marty Feldman's comedy writing partner in the 1960s and was a stand-up comic before then. He was also instrumental in getting Monty Python together, as well as other UK comedy shows. A very significant figure. And, he doesn't sound anything like Peter Cook! I met Barry Took in the 90s and he was an extremely jovial and entertaining man, much missed.
So there you are: More disagreements. Feel free to form your own opinion…as long as you remember that I don't have one.