Series 3, Episode 28: Mrs. Niggerbaiter Explodes

MRS. NIGGER-BAITER

Michael Palin

MRS. SHAZAM

Terry Jones

SON

John Cleese

The sketch:

(Pull out to reveal that the 'Blue Peter' set is in one corner of a stockbroker-belt sitting room. Two ladies an sitting by the fire looking at a photo album.)

Mrs Nigger-Baiter: Oh, yes, he's such a clever little boy, just like his father.

Mrs Shazam: D'you think so, Mrs Nigger-Baiter?

Mrs Nigger-Baiter: Oh yes, spitting image.

(The door opens. The son comes in.)

Son: Good afternoon, mother. Good afternoon, Mrs Nigger-Baiter.

Mrs Nigger-Baiter: Ooh, he's walking already!

Mrs Shazam: Yes, he's such a clever little boy, aren't you? Coochy coochy coo . . .

Mrs Nigger-Baiter: Hello, coochy coo...

Mrs Shazam: Hello, hello... (they chuck him under the chin)

Mrs Nigger-Baiter: Oochy coochy. (the son smiles a little tight smile) Look at him laughing... ooh, he's a chirpy little fellow. Isn't he a chirpy little fellow ... eh? eh? Does he talk Does he talk, eh?

Son: Of course I talk, I'm Minister for Overseas Development.

Mrs Nigger-Baiter: Ooh, he's a clever little boy - he's a clever little boy. (gets out a rattle) Do you like your rattle? Do you like your rattle? Look at his little eyes following it ... look at his iggy piggy piggy little eyeballs eh... oo... he's got a tubby tumotum. Oh, he's got a tubby tum-tum.

Son: (whilst Mrs Nigger-Baiter is talking) Mother, could I have a quick cup of tea please. I have an important statement on Rhodesia to make in the Commons at six.

(Sound of an explosion out of vision. Cut to reveal Mrs Nigger-Baiter's chair charred and smoking. Mrs Nigger-Baiter is no longer there. The upholstery is smouldering gently.)

Mrs Shazam: Oh, Mrs Nigger-Baiter's exploded.

Son: Good thing, too.

Mrs Shazam: She was my best friend.

Son: Oh, mother, don't be so Sentimental. Things explode every day.

Mrs Shazam: Yes, I suppose so. Anyway, I didn't really like her that much.

(The doorbell rings. Mrs Shazam goes to the door. A vicar with a suitcase.)