Steptoe And Son

[andy-hughes]

Just caught the tail end of an episode where Harold left Albert to join a holiday ship.

The contrast between Albert's horrible hostility as Harold left, and the instant look of hurt panic on his face when left alone, was a masterpiece of acting.

I have said before, and reminded again, that Steptoe and Son, especially the early ones, were like one-act theatre plays, shot on one camera on one set, with no editing.

The pathos that always lingered beneath the comedy, of to characters manacled together by fear of separation, was perfect.

That's what so much modern comedy lacks, the ability to tread the fine line between laughter and tears.

Must make sure I record the rest - they are on satellite on 'Great TV'.

[tomus42]

//Tex Avery and Chuck Jones.//

Great animators I agree. Tom and Jerry though ended at a certain point, even though it might have technically carried on.

Like ac/dc after Bon Scott died.

[NoseyNose]

https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/william_arthur_ward_131334

[jno]

oh, T&J are still going ... all friends now, it seems. I still won't be watching (even though I approve of amity between animals, and cats going vegan).

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1361336/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_8_nm_0_q_tom%2520and%2520jerry

[Canary42]

I beg to differ as far as The Good Life is concerned, Gerry was trapped in a "conventional" marriage thanks to Margot's aspirations whereas I believe he secretly envied Tom's lifestyle.

But, as has been stated, comedy is very much in the eyes of beholders, who have different opinions as to what is funny.  

[tomus42]

//he wants comedy that has stasis and frustration woven into their very fabric. //

I'm not sure he does, but he'll be back to speak for himself I'm sure.

[tomus42]

//Gerry was trapped in a "conventional" marriage thanks to Margot's aspirations whereas I believe he secretly envied Tom's lifestyle.//

He may have had a sneaking admiration for it, but he was happy where he was. Gerry could never have lived without a good salary and he knew it.

[anneasquith]

Never liked the programme, .

[barry1010]

Rising Damp is another great sitcom, great cast and writing

[drmorgans]

 

I think Steptoe and Son was one of the BBC's Comedy Playhouse series in the early 60's, as was Till Death Us Do Part and The Liver Birds.

 

[barry1010]

Still Game is my all time favourite sitcom

[Arksided]

I'm amazed no-ones mentioned Porridge, you can't get any more thrown together than that.

[ladybirder]

Do you have one you have liked over the years AA?

[anneasquith]

Ladybirder, I'm sure I have. Why ...

[andy-hughes]

Canary - // I beg to differ as far as The Good Life is concerned, Gerry was trapped in a "conventional" marriage thanks to Margot's aspirations whereas I believe he secretly envied Tom's lifestyle. //

I don't think Gerry's circumstances are central to the premise of the comedy.

I don't think he envied Tom's lifestyle, more he envied Tom his wife who went along with his madcap ideas.

Even Richard Briars has said in hindsight, that Tom is not at all a sypmathetic character, and I have to agree with him.

I never found the programme funny, and I found the media's constant obsession with how 'sexy' and 'adoreable' the hamster-cheeked, squeaky-voiced, Felicitcy Kendall was, really irritating.