In 1999, it became public knowledge that comedian Rikki Fulton became a victim to Alzeimer's Disease which resulted in his abrupt retirement. Because he was no longer able to perform, he felt he was no longer a respected television figure, despite the sales of his autobiography, 'Is It That Time Already?', shooting through the roof. To show the man he was still a highly regarded figure, BBC Scotland built a documentary around the man's life and career entitled ''Rikki Fulton - The Time Of His Life'.
Though Rikki was undeniably best known for his portrayal of characters such as Supercop and The Reverend I.M. Jolly in the BBC Scotland sketch show 'Scotch & Wry', he was also noted for his double act with Jack Milroy in 'Francie & Josie' as well as his roles in films such as 'Gorky Park' and 'The Miser', as well as his other comedic television roles such as in 'The Tales Of Para Handy' and 'It Ain't Half Hot, Mum'. We are also treated to some rare visual and audio footage of Rikki's panto appearances as well as his days of acting as compere on 'The Show Band Show' in the '60's.
Aside from a few words from the man himself, co-stars Gregor Fisher, Tony Roper ( sporting the 'Jamesie Cotter' jacket he wore in 'Rab C. Nesbitt'. Presumably he was filming a new series at the same time this interview was recorded. ), Claire Neilsen, Gerard Kelly, Jack Milroy also appeared to tell us tales of working with him. Rikki's wife Kate ( whose memoir, 'Rikki & Me', later became a stage show adapted by Tony Roper and Phil Differ ) also told a few amusing stories about her husband's pefectionist traits.
As is the case with documentaries of this ilk, 'The Time Of His Life' though not without its flaws, is mostly interesting stuff. The only truly upsetting thing about the show is the obvious frailty of Fulton himself. He died five years after this documentary went out.
'Rikki Fulton - The Time Of His Life' was released on VHS by Universal Video but it has long since gone out of print and has yet to appear on DVD. Maybe this year, it may surface, along with the complete set of 'Scotch & Wry' to mark the 40th anniversary of the show. How nice would that be?
Though Rikki was undeniably best known for his portrayal of characters such as Supercop and The Reverend I.M. Jolly in the BBC Scotland sketch show 'Scotch & Wry', he was also noted for his double act with Jack Milroy in 'Francie & Josie' as well as his roles in films such as 'Gorky Park' and 'The Miser', as well as his other comedic television roles such as in 'The Tales Of Para Handy' and 'It Ain't Half Hot, Mum'. We are also treated to some rare visual and audio footage of Rikki's panto appearances as well as his days of acting as compere on 'The Show Band Show' in the '60's.
Aside from a few words from the man himself, co-stars Gregor Fisher, Tony Roper ( sporting the 'Jamesie Cotter' jacket he wore in 'Rab C. Nesbitt'. Presumably he was filming a new series at the same time this interview was recorded. ), Claire Neilsen, Gerard Kelly, Jack Milroy also appeared to tell us tales of working with him. Rikki's wife Kate ( whose memoir, 'Rikki & Me', later became a stage show adapted by Tony Roper and Phil Differ ) also told a few amusing stories about her husband's pefectionist traits.
As is the case with documentaries of this ilk, 'The Time Of His Life' though not without its flaws, is mostly interesting stuff. The only truly upsetting thing about the show is the obvious frailty of Fulton himself. He died five years after this documentary went out.
'Rikki Fulton - The Time Of His Life' was released on VHS by Universal Video but it has long since gone out of print and has yet to appear on DVD. Maybe this year, it may surface, along with the complete set of 'Scotch & Wry' to mark the 40th anniversary of the show. How nice would that be?
