I know many say the put downs were cruel, but that's why I think she was so good, as she didn't mind looking stupid for laughs. The culture then was quite sexist and I don't think she was recognised for her comedic ability.
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For me, the funniest lines in the show came when Arthur and Olive were arguing and there's no doubt Olive played a big part in making that great partnership so wonderfully funny.
She would set the joke up and Arthur would finish it of to great effect.
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http://youtu.be/1MXkiNfFweg?list=FLVV5WYpxtp7d88S1LybSOfw
Yes but the beauty of it all was often Olive gave as good as she got. She'd often remind Arthur (in front of the family) of his lack of prowess in bed, let slip some peculiar habits he had, refer to his operation or embarrass him with tales about splinters in her bum or him stealing cutlery from a hotel. So you see it wasn't all one-way traffic.