Millions of Germans will tune in to a little-known English-language sketch called “Dinner For One” this New Year’s Eve.
Filmed in 1963 with British comedians Freddie Frinton and May Warden, it has become a traditional part of the evening and is shown in several versions (colour, original, etc.) on different television stations. As such, it used to have an entry in the Guiness Book of Records for the most frequently repeated TV programme.
The sketch is simple: Miss Sophie is celebrating her 90th Birthday. Unfornately, the companions of her own generation are long since deceased, so it is up to her butler, James, to take on their roles. As the meal progresses, James becomes more and more drunk and outrageous, whilst Miss Sophie calmly orders the next course with the appropriate drinks.
However, even though the sketch is performed in English, almost no-one in England these days has ever heard of it.
Want to see what you’re missing? Watch the clip at the NDR homepage.
