MovieChat Forums > Yes Minister (1980) Discussion > Best quote from the whole series?

Best quote from the whole series?


There are very many to choose from, but I reckon it's:

HACKER: "You mean to seriously tell me that winking at corruption is government policy?"

SIR HUMPHREY: "No, no Minister! It could never be government policy, that is unthinkable! Only government practice."

Incidentally, for my money, the best from Yes Prime Minister is where Humphrey has been cleared of being a Soviet spy, and Hacker addresses him:

HACKER: "Ah! Goofey... er, Humphrey!"

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Actually, I was giving some more thought to the matter, and I realized that there's one dialogue exchange from YPM that sums up the WHOLE series (including YM - at least in my opinion). It's when Hacker gets the idea to abolish the Education Department.

Hacker: I wonder what Humphrey will say.

Dorothy Wainwright (his political adviser): Whatever he says, I want to be there when you tell him.

Hacker: To witness the clash between the political will and the administrative will?

Dorothy: I think it will be the clash between the political will and the administrative won't.

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HACKER: "Are you saying that you help Ministers make fools of themselves?"
SIR HUMPHREY: "In my experience Ministers don't need help..."

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I always found every line of dialogue a joy. But I think you'd have to go some to beat the episode from Yes Prime Minister when they were arranging a state funeral for Hacker's predecessor. As I recall, the French president created a diplomatic incident by trying to bring a puppy as a gift for the Queen in violation of quarantine laws.

BERNARD'We've tried everything ... an oil-painting of the puppy -'

HACKER: Can't you get them to stuff it?

SIR HUMPHREY: There's nothing we'd like more - oh, taxidermy? No chance.



FRENCH AMBASSADOR: The President's wife, our First Lady, has set her heart on it. She is determined.

HACKER; Your Excellency, I must ask the President not to bring that bitch with him. Aghast expression from French Ambassador. HACKER:(panicky) The puppy! I meant the puppy.

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