The Vicar

Dick Emery's vicar reflected his own personal impression of the standard TV clergyman. And he found that character insincere. He was also quick to rule out any impression he might give of deriding the Christian faith in his characterization of The Vicar stating that it was only the TV version that he was suspicious of: "To me, they are a breed apart, totally divorced from reality. I have watched them intoning the same old pious platitudes in late-night discussion programmes, Sunday religious broadcasts and nightly epilogues, in voices which must surely be reserved for their TV appearances." It's true that many character actors, when imitating the clergy for comedic effect would adopt the most patronizing of voices. It wasn't until the 1990s and the arrival of Dawn French's joke-cracking, irreverent reverend Geraldine Granger that viewers got a chance to look at the clergy in a different and more positive light, bringing the character more into line with modern thinking. It was probably the best publicity the church had had in a long time. But Emery's character was steeped in the old attitudes and formed by his own impressions of what he'd seen: "The Vicar reflects my impression of the insincerity of the standard TV clergyman. He has the same pious voice and expression, which in his case mask a very disreputable character." For this characterization Emery wore a set of protruding front upper teeth. This immediately made The Vicar a comedic character. "I think too," he wrote "that they help him to achieve that sanctimonious, butter-wouldn't-melt-in-my-mouth look. For instance, having inadvertently disclosed his true nature while answering the interviewer's questions, he has to compose his features around these teeth in order to resume the usual expression of bland piety which he presents to the world."

Interviewer: Excuse me, Vicar.
Vicar: Yes, my son?
Interviewer: As a man of the Church, I am sure you have the interests of the community very much at heart.
Vicar: Oh, yes indeed. For instance, on behalf of my flock I have been keeping a critical eye on some of the scandalous strip clubs in the neighbourhood.
Interviewer: And what are your conclusions?
Vicar: Well. for my money you can't whack Miss Lulu and her trained python at the Girlies Galore.