I thought this could be a problem in exporting British humor to the US, you just don't get it over there

Too true! Your post sounds condescending, but I'd have to agree. Not because the humor is superior or inferior, but the culture and sensibility differences are quite great.

Speaking of which, did anyone see last night's Simpsons? They commented on this exact subject when a Simpsonian movie star invited Helen Fielding to a Springfield women's book club. There she said that she didn't care if anyone read "Bridget..." because Americans wouldn't understand the British humor. She consequently runs out the door in a Benny Hill spoof, with bobbies chasing after her.

Personally, I never found Benny Hill very funny *ducks*