Amid the chaos and fury of Gough Whitlam's sacking, one man tried to find humour in what he now says was a "terrible" day.

As angry Labor protesters gathered on the steps of Old Parliament House, satirical TV journalist Norman Gunston peppered the demonstrators and politicians with questions.

"It's a bit too serious for that," future prime minister Bob Hawke told the fictional, hapless reporter.

"It certainly is, I quite agree. It's extremely serious," Gunston said, turning to the camera, his brow furrowed.

"Is this an affront to the constitution of this country?" he asked the crowd.

"Or was it just a stroke of good luck for Mr Fraser?"

Five decades on, the man behind the character says Australians have a unique ability to find humour in challenging times.

"It is interesting that th

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