The Problematic Gaze
Winner - ‘Best History Podcast’ - Independent Podcast Awards 2025
‘Top 30 Podcasts To Listen To Right Now’ - The Radio Times 2025
Direct from PG Towers, join social historian Dr Lee Arnott and TV producer Dave Moor for a lighthearted look at the world of TV, Film and Popular Culture of yesteryear that has since been considered problematic. Each week we focus on a different piece of pop culture, and put it into context by looking at the news events and cultural landscape of the year it was released. Out and proud, Dr Lee and Our Dave present a humorous take on life as LGBTQ+ men of a glorious age, and present a digestible mix of academic social commentary, unflinching life lessons, media analysis, and hot takes on feminism, race, politics and cancel culture.
The Problematic Gaze
The Benny Hill Show from 1975: Comic Genius… or Just a Dirty Old Man?
In this episode of The Problematic Gaze, we hop into the telly TARDIS back to January 8th, 1975 — and land smack in the middle of The Benny Hill Show at the height of its powers: ratings through the roof, international fame, and a cast of women who seemed contractually obligated to wear only lingerie and smiles.
Benny Hill was a comedy genius, no doubt — a master of physical timing, quick-cut gags, and musical parodies. But beneath the laughs (and above the hemlines) lies a cultural artifact full of questionable accents, endless ogling, and punchlines that raise more eyebrows than laughs today.
We break down the sketches, the innuendos, and the saxophone-fueled sprinting. Light-hearted but clear-eyed, this episode is a cheeky look at a show that made millions laugh — and now makes many ask, “Wait… did he just say that?!”
Click here to watch our chosen episode of 'The Benny Hill Show' from 1975
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GAZER HOMEWORK: Next week our Halloween Special will feature the horror movie Sleepaway Camp from 1983. Click here to watch on YouTube
