Monty Hall's - No Great Escape

ron1863 · #1 (**permalink**) 15-03-2009, 08:26 PM

I have just been reading my Sunday Mail up here in Scotland and there is a long report in it about Monty Hall's adventure as a so called crofter.
The programme is certainly not what it appears to be on screen, as it has been reported by locals that Monty spent every evening wining and dining in the award winning Applecross Inn with his girlfriend who was employed as a breakfast waitress during his time there.
Locals have also reported that there was a team of people on the croft doing the work and as soon as filming was over, he was off to the pub. He also left the area on numerous occasions for public speaking engagements.

James M · #2 (**permalink**) 15-03-2009, 09:18 PM

Well that's a shame, but never mind I still enjoy the program anyway.

ChrisJB · #3 (**permalink**) 15-03-2009, 10:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ron1863

I have just been reading my Sunday Mail up here in Scotland and there is a long report in it about Monty Hall's adventure as a so called crofter.
The programme is certainly not what it appears to be on screen, as it has been reported by locals that Monty spent every evening wining and dining in the award winning Applecross Inn with his girlfriend who was employed as a breakfast waitress during his time there.
Locals have also reported that there was a team of people on the croft doing the work and as soon as filming was over, he was off to the pub. He also left the area on numerous occasions for public speaking engagements.

Aww nooo! Talk about bursting my bubble Ron!

I have enjoyed the first two programmes so much, especially as I know the area. I have to say also, that despite having never heard of Monty, he seems a good bloke. Alas, he has gone down a trifle in my estimations now. I'd like to be a principled sort and never watch it again in protest, but I like it too much, and Reuben the dog.

Regards, Chris

camo · #4 (**permalink**) 15-03-2009, 10:16 PM

Hi Ron

Thats that then, after a absolutely brill night of Great Events followed by Yellowstone (absolutely brilliant) and then Monty spoilt by the thought that he is conning us. But I just can't switch it off.

Roy

ron1863 · #5 (**permalink**) 15-03-2009, 11:03 PM

The Sunday Mail has a double spread news item on him and the programme, and they report that the guy is a bit of a laughing stock around the village - they watch the programme too and also watch the filming.

Apparently the crew wanted him to live off the land for 5 days - he couldn't do it. He went out by himself fishing in an inflatible boat with £90 worth of diesel supplied by the crew and came back with two mackerel

which he tried to barter for bread off the local baker.

Meta menardi · #6 (**permalink**) 15-03-2009, 11:29 PM

Like so many things, we are dealing with fantasy, but it is good fantasy. He does have many of the qualities we are admiring, but he has to make a living as well.

Painting a picture, taking a photo, writing a book, there is always a bit of blurring, choosing the best view.

Write a script that is 100% truth, we wouldn't watch it.

solus · #7 (**permalink**) 15-03-2009, 11:30 PM

At least the scenery's terrific!

I had heard via a pal on Skye that all the work the locals did to help make the ruin habitable was actually paid for! As he put it: "Best crofting traditions my * - who up here works for nothing!"

He didn't stick it out for the winter either!

ron1863 · #8 (**permalink**) 15-03-2009, 11:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Meta menardi

Like so many things, we are dealing with fantasy, but it is good fantasy. He does have many of the qualities we are admiring, but he has to make a living as well.

Painting a picture, taking a photo, writing a book, there is always a bit of blurring, choosing the best view.

Write a script that is 100% truth, we wouldn't watch it.

I wouldn't call conning the general publlc "a bit of blurring". Many viewers watch these programmes believing everything they see and hear and would be very disappointed to learn he hardly made an effort.

Richard G. · #9 (**permalink**) 16-03-2009, 10:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ron1863

Many viewers watch these programmes believing everything they see and hear and would be very disappointed to learn he hardly made an effort.

To be honest, he didn't seem to be making much of an effort in front of the camera to me, letting all the other folk build the house, while he made the tea.

Love the programme for the scenery and wildlife, but could be presented by anyone really...

RAINBOWRUSSELL · #10 (**permalink**) 16-03-2009, 11:32 AM

Watched a bit of the program last night,loved him trying to get his lovely woofer in the boat!Reminded me of a dog I used to look after,very big Bouvier who loved going up the river in our little boat in Sweden,had to hold him down every time he saw a dog on the bank or any ducks!!We used to all end up soaking wet but laughing out loud too!!We couldn't get him out of the boat!!You try dragging a unhelpfull huge black hairy wet smelly thing like that outta somewhere he wanted to stay,also loved going out in the car.....