Steptoe
and Son
Writers:
Ray
Galton and Alan Simpson
Stars:
Wilfrid
Brambell and Harry H. Corbett
Length:
Series
1 – 8 (1962-1974)
Some
of you may of heard of this sitcom about the rag and bone men Albert
Steptoe and his son Harold Steptoe who resided at Mews Cottage, Oil
Drum Lane in Shepard's Bush, London. I've decided to write a review
of the series as a whole as the series has had a compelling effect on
me. It's so much more than a sitcom, it has pathos and a tragic
element to it and tackles issues that still remain today like sex,
class, politics, poverty, war, masculinity, family, aspirations etc.
Over the years the humour became more broad but it remained the same
at heart and in my opinion there's only a few weak episodes in the 58
that were made. It was certainly ahead of it's time.
I'm
very happy that it became a full length series after the pilot “The
Offer” that was a Galton and Simpson one off production for their
comedy playhouse series. As it's given me hours or laughter and sheer
joy and at times
it's made me cry.
I absolutely adore this series and has made me see
some sitcoms in a much different light.
It
would be far too long for me to write about every series and episode
so i've decided to condense it into one review discussing the
absolutely outstanding acting by Brambell and Corbett and some
selected actors that you may one to look out for and highlighting
some of the best episodes of the series and finally the themes to the
sitcom. Enjoy.
Harry
H. Corbett plays Harold Steptoe a man who's gullible, cultured, good
hearted, a socialist, intelligent, political, a dreamer and a man who
blames his father for holding him back all these years. Never letting
him go and living his own life when in fact he himself is partially
to blame. This does not make him a complete fool mind you as he means
well but is held back by his own shortcomings, misunderstandings and
some times his father's schemes.
The
root of Harold's tragedy comes from his childhood when his mother
died when he was younger and his father took him out of school at the
age of 12 and never sent him to another school but put him on the
horse and cart and put him to work. He only got away from his father
when he fought in the second world war and was put on the cart again.
There's other things of which I don't want to spoil for you.
He's
always trying to better himself be it to impress a woman or open
doors socially to give him a better social standing. With him it's
about what others think about him. Harold hates being a rag and bone
man because of the way people look down on him and how women react to
hearing he's profession they instantly think the worst of him and
Harold does his best to correct it.
Despite
having to leave school early he has bettered himself with learning
about artistic periods from across the globe, a love of classical
music, a fine taste of wine and food and a love of theatre and
literature. He also speaks a little latin and French.
Women
are a big part of Harold, he is always after them though it's not so
prominent in some episodes. He has no problem at all with attracting
their attention. The problem is when he takes them home and they meet
his father. When he gets turned down by a women he sometimes goes
into fits of anger and frustration which is made light of when in
fact you should not be laughing at all. This is where the them of
masculinity comes into play as Harold sees having a woman on his arm
will make him a man and to stop his father treating him like a child.
Harold does not like how Albert views women, in he's rather
disgusted by it. In the later series he becomes much more sexually
expressive.
Harold
is a fiercely passionate Labour supporter throughout the whole series
as he see's there ideals match his own. He see's himself a socialist
and strives for equality for all. He is also very liberal in his
views for the period that it was made. He wants to distance himself
from the common people as he finds he cannot have intellectual
conversations with them and they are tasteless. He also takes swipes
at the upperclass too which does not happen often though are
brilliant. I wonder what he would of made of If... ?.
Harold
is always having blazing rows with his father as they have very
different view points of which I don't want to spoil for you in case
you have not seen a episode. They are brilliant scenes. You can
clearly see that Albert really does get on his nerves and never
ceases to cause him frustration. He also see's his father holding him
back with emotional blackmail of which i'll go into later. This
causes Harold to contemplate snuffing out his old man which is made
light of too but makes some really great scenes in the series i'll
just mention the shower and that would be it !.
He's
also a rather depressed too as he contemplates ending his own life to
end the drudgery and the misery of his surroundings it's very dark
but really rather funny.
What
really impresses me about Harold is his vast knowledge on antiques of
which he's often seen to be better at than his father which is one of
his small little victories against him. At some points in the series
he gets little victories against his father which cause no end of
amusement for me personally. There's time when he outsmarts his
father too.
He
has a strong love hate relationship with his father, most of the time
it's hate. Though they do have their moments. Also what I love about
Harold his how he fiercely defends his father whenever he thinks his
father is in trouble he rushes to his aid. He also defends his
mother's honour very strongly and mostly from Albert. He does not
like anyone picking on or taking an advantage of his old man aside
himself of course. Deep down he does not want to upset his father as
he feels he has a duty to look after him as he's all Albert has and
this is a part of his shortcomings but makes some of the greatest
moments in the series.
He
is a very tragic character and Corbett really does bring him to life.
He plays him with absolute sincerity, honesty, sadness & heart. I
really love his performance in this I was hooked from the get go on
him. I really love those moments when he does not speak and the
expressions on his face say everything. One moment in particular in
the episode titled “The Holiday” he's on the round and passes a
series of advertisements for holidays abroad and there's very
attractive woman on them and the smile on his face says everything
and to top it off he takes of his cap too.
He
expresses so much emotion throughout the series it's incredible to
say the least and it's beautiful to watch no matter how brief it was
especially in “Porn Yesterday” the look of horror on his face is
brilliant and the only time he shows it. I know that some people can
find Harold's voice grating and annoying though I personally have no
problem with it. I can honestly say it's one of the greatest
performances I have seen in a sitcom that can only be matched by a
small handful of actors. He is fantastic in all episodes. He's
absolutely nothing like the character he portrays on screen. It's a
shame that Corbett was not well known for his acting talent as this
really showcases his best.
Wilfrid
Brambell plays Albert Steptoe, Harold's Father. A bigoted, selfish,
ignorant, very intelligent and cunning, xenophobic,worldly, realist
dirty old man who surprisingly has a lot more to him than meets the
eye. I must say at first in the series I depicted him as a villain
character but I quickly changed my mind as I began to love his
character and could sympathise with him.
Albert
will never ever let his son go, he uses any means necessary to make
him stay and in most cases uses emotional blackmail which at times is
completely genuine though you would need a good eye to tell. He see's
the women that Harold brings home as a threat to his comfortable
lifestyle and does his best to turn them off Harold. Often with some
hilarious results. He's the great saboteur.
His
son has a habit of calling him “The Dirty Old Man” as he never
washes and if he does he rarely washes his neck and covers it with
his muffler much to Harold's chagrin. He's always trying to save
money by any means and he's a bit of a cheapskate in that he takes
clothes off the round and does not buy any and watch out for his
glasses case and making a steak and kidney pie, and many other
instances where he lives up to his name sake !. Most of the time he
dresses very shabbily though with some air of sophistication with a
pocket watch and waistcoat. He rarely dresses nice and it's only to
make a good impression on those who seem fit to and when he does he
cleans up very well and unrecognisable. It's like he's a different
man completely.
It's
not only Harold's chances with women that he ruins but his social
aspirations too. Whenever Harold tries to better himself he's
guaranteed to a throw a spanner in the works or join in to ruin
Harold's chances which makes some of the most finest moments in the
series of which I won't get into.
What
also get's on Harold's nerves is that his father supports the
Conservative Party. Which Harold feels as a betrayal to their class.
Like Harold he's passionate about politics too. The reason that I
think he supports them is because to get on Harold's nerves. I must
admit they have some great political discussions in the series.
Albert
is quite backwards in his views compared to Harold most notably his
view on foreigners which I finds wears off as the series goes on. One
interesting view is his view on families and the expectancy of the
children looking after there parents in there old age where as Harold
believes he should strike out on his own and leave his father and put
him in a home. This of which really frightens Albert he hates the
idea of being put in a home as he knows he would die there and would
rather look after himself and die at home.
Even
though Albert appears to be an old man, he's really not he's a very
sprightly and active man and keeps himself busy while Harold's on the
round most of which is not work related !. He is full of surprises.
That is what surprised me quite a lot of what he gets up to when his
son is not around it's quite remarkable really. There's parts of
Albert's past that get slowly eked out in the series which are
marvellous and make some of the most touching elements of the series
as we learn that Albert was not always like how he is. It's rather
tragic really.
Another
thing I really like about Albert is his double standards view point
on women and sex. He disapproves of Harold's desires often calling
him “you dirty little bleeder”. Whilst telling Harold of his
sexual exploits of which he's really proud of and leaves Harold
feeling in mixed revel and disgust. Also Albert would like to move on
from his dead wife and marry again as numerous times throughout the
series. Much like his father Harold tries to ruin his chances with
prospective women, it's a great role reversal and in one episode it's
particularly sharp.
He
is a rather rude and vulgar and sometimes lecherous man who uses a
lot of blunt language and is not afraid to speak his mind. Unlike
Harold who is far more polite. Though he does have his moments.
Also
Albert loves going to Bognor Regis, they go there every year for
there annual holiday. No where else just Bognor and it shows that
Albert is low class down to earth individual who's happy where he is
unlike Harold who's trying to get his dad to go on a much classier
holiday. They have very different tastes too which makes great
viewing.
Unlike
his son Albert is a realist, he see's things for what they really are
and know's when his son is taken for a fool and means well by showing
him the error of his ways. They always make great touching scenes. He
is also very protective of Harold in some of the episodes and I
absolutely love those moments and most of them draw down to social
prejudices which really hit home. They may not seem to like each
other but when they defend each other it really does show how much
they care.
He's
really a cunning man and know's exactly what he's doing and pretends
he does not when Harold catches him out sometimes. It's not done out
of cruelty (though at one time it really is and is the most cruellest
thing he ever did). He does it for their benefit which really does
bring them together and ends some of the episodes on a high.
He's
also a brilliant faker too, so much so you don't know when he's being
genuine or not. Though at times it does show when it's genuine
especially when he reads his birthday cards in “65 Today”. When
he does fake it though Harold falls hook line and sinker. I really
have to say his fake death faces look really genuine. Another thing
he likes to play on is having a heart attack all of which are fake of
course it's like a running joke but it's great when it happens.
I
have to say it Brambell is a even more marvellous actor than Corbett.
It's an absolute joy to watch him on screen for every single moment
just like Corbett. He was forty-nine when he first played Albert as
he looks much older than he actually was and when you watch
interviews with Corbett he's the complete opposite of Albert he
dresses really smart and has a very good high class voice. He once
was too smartly dressed to be let in to a BBC Party !. He has a
fantastic face for facial expressions I have never seen one better. A
single look on his face says everything especially when he's sad he
looks very gaunt and full of sorrow. I also love the 'proud facial
expressions too.
I
really love the voice he puts on for Albert it's a fantastic voice he
expresses so much with his voice too with using different tones. I
love the pity me voice. In some episodes he actually plays himself
and they are great to watch. He
changes them very quickly showing the ever changing emotions of
Albert. I also love the really extreme face he pulls when Harold is
angry with him and gets hold of him they are fantastic or when he
realises he's done something wrong and widely opens an eye and half
closes the other one, it's priceless. He would not look out of place
of a Charles Dickens production.
His character was so full of life
and expression. He brings great warmth to Albert Steptoe no one could
of played him better and I am pleased he stayed on he is brilliant in
every single episode.
Now
that I have discussed both actors without giving any surprises away I
want to dispel the common well known lie that Harry H.Corbett and
Wilfrid Brambell absolutely hated each other. It's not true in the
slightest. Galton and Simpson have said it when the Curse of Steptoe
drama aired some years ago and Corbett's relatives have too. It would
be very clear if they didn't get along and there would not be eight
series if that was the case. They may have had different views and
lifestyles but they got along very well it's very clear and evident
to see especially in there 1963 Variety Awards Ceremony and in the
episodes.
I
really have to say there was some great supporting actors within the
series. Here are my favourites. Throughout the series you may see
faces popping up again as different characters.
Frank
Thornton is one actor who's appeared in more episodes than any other
that has appeared in the series. Five times in fact. Most notably the
Barman who appeared in “65 Today” and reappeared in “Steptoe A
La Cart”. He and Harold have a great albeit short argument about
politics when Harold recognises him.
Dudley
Foster appeared in four episodes and was brilliant in all of them. He
has a very distinctive high class voice. I most remember him as Mr
Stonelake in “My Old Man's a Tory”. It's very sad that he
committed suicide at the age of 48.
Valerie
Bell played Dolly Miller of whom Albert had said that she's always
fancied Harold and she finally appears in the episode “Any Old Iron
?”. Also she played Roxanne in “The Bird” Harold's failed date.
Yootha
Joyce plays Delilah and Avis two women whom Harold tries to seduce
and almost does in “A Box In Town” she's fantastic in that one
especially in the opening scene. You may recognise her from George
and Mildred.
George
A.Cooper played Uncle Arthur, Alberts brother his brilliant in his
the brief scenes that he's in. You may recognise him as he was always
on TV back in the day but not so much now. I would like to see him in
more.
Mollie
Sugden played Melanie's Mother in “And Afterwards at” she has one
brilliant scene with Albert and Auntie Minnie in “Oh, What a
Beautiful Mourning” she is fantastic in that too. You may recognise
her from Are You Being Served ? and That's My Boy.
Speaking
of Are You Being Served ?. Trevor Bannister appears in “A Star Is
Born” as Rupert Ffaines -Muir a jittery nervous wreck of a man
who's trying to put a theatre production together he is magnificent.
June
Whitfield features in The Bond That Bind Us as Madge a young woman of
whom Albert attracts. I'd never thought she would appear in this. Her
character was about to be in her mid to late twenties when in actual
fact she was about 39 !.
Patricia
Haines appears in “Is That Your Horse Outside?” as Dorothia who
takes a shine to Harold. She's brilliant in her role and she's very
beautiful too. She steals all the scenes she's in. It's a pity that
she died young at the age of 45 of Cancer. She also appeared in the
cult classic british sci-fi movie Night Caller From Outer Space/Blood
Beast From Outer Space. She also appeared in three classic episodes
of The Avengers.
Margret
Nolan plays Nemone Wagstaff in “A Star is Born” a amateur
actress who stars across Harold in the play. She's had a really
interesting career as she used to be a glamour model then a actress.
She's been in some of the Carry On Films and featured in Goldfinger
as Dink and as the woman covered in gold in the opening credits and
interestingly starred in Witchfinder General & A Hard Day's Night
which also starred Wilfred Brambell !.
Rita
Webb plays Aunt Freda in “At Afterwards At” and Aunt Ada in “Oh,
What a Beautiful Mourning”. I see them both as the same character
as she's a great loudmouth battleaxe and steals the only two scenes
she's in especially in “At Afterwards At” look out for her rant I
was in fits of laughter. she was a great character actress and
starred in many comedy series of the time.
A
young Joanna Lumley who was only 26 at the time starred as Bunty,
Harold's girlfriend in “Loathe Story” that he got on very well
with until he introduced her to his father. I have to say I was
really surprised to see her in this and she looked really stunning
and instantly recognisable and the voice has not changed at all. I
was mesmerised by her when she appeared. She's a great comedic
actress.
Leonard
Rossiter featured twice in the series in Series 3 in The Lead Man
Cometh as Welsh Hughie who sells them some lead he was “given to by
the church”. I didn't recognise him till my second viewing and
stole the show in Series 7 as Johnny in “The Desperate Hours”.
That small role secured him the part of Rigsby in Rising Damp which
was originally a stage show and Wilfrid Brambell was up for the part.
He has a great sense of humour also J.G Devlin is very good in his
role too.
Now
for the hard part my favourite episodes. In chronological order of
airing.
The
Offer- The one that started it all which set up the premise to one of
the greatest sitcoms ever made. This episode is more of a drama than
a comedy and there's some great laughs to be had. The ending is very
upsetting well for me anyway with Harold breaking down. This could of
easily been transferred to stage. It's beautiful.
The
Bird- This episode is fantastic and really gets to the root of
Harold's frustration with women. I have to say this is the only
episode that made me see Albert as a villain as he does the most
dastardly evil thing to his son and causes him to throw a fit of
anger and rage which is seen as funny but it's really not it's
incredibly raw.
The
Diploma – In one of many attempts of Harold to better himself takes
up a course in TV repairing to become a TV Repair man. The one of
many instances where he's upstaged by his father a cracking episode.
The
Holiday- Ah the one that started the Bognor Regis/Abroad argument
it's an absolutely fantastic episode and one where we really see the
differences between the two. I really love the wordless opening of
Harold admiring the holiday posters. The ending is absolutely
fantastic as Albert uses every trick in the book.
Wallah,
Wallah Catsmeat- Hercules is taken ill and Albert and Harold expect
the worse is to come, they are near broke and struggle to survive
until they both come up with a brilliant idea. It's one of the
brighter ending episodes. I love Harold's speech about Britain's
relationship with cups of tea it's very truthful what he says.
The
Bath- This one has a great opening scene and this episode is golden.
The saying “You Dirty Old Man!” is taken to another level in this
episode and Harold's sarcasm is fantastic In this as it is throughout
the series. Superb.
The
Stepmother- Albert attempts to re-marry and Harold is having none of
it. A great role reversal as to where Harold is trying to break up
Albert's relationship. There's some very sharp lines in this which is
really ahead of it's time.
Sixty-Five
Today- It's Albert's 65th Birthday and Harold wants to
treat his old man to a night in the West End rather than the Skinners
Arms. A episode of true class and taste divide. I really love the
scene where Albert receives the present and card from his son. It
really made me feel for Albert and Brambell gives a stellar
performance in this. Also when they get up town it's amazing, the bar
scene and the Chinese restaurant come to mind. I love it when Albert
catches Harold trying to chat up a woman. The ending is rather sad
mind.
A
Musical Evening- Harold brings some records to the house, some of
which are classical pieces and some of the pop music of the time
which he disgust and his father loves. Hilarity ensues when they both
try to irritate each other to turn off their music.
Full
House- Harold has won a game of poker and he invites the friends he
played with round for a game of Poker of which Albert thinks is a sin
and believes that Harold had some “Beginners Luck” and was meant
to win. Albert defends his son and wins back all the money despite
never playing a game in 30 years.
Is
That Your Horse Outside- Harold helps a attractive woman named
Dorothia carry her things whilst asking her if she has any junk to
sell him. But she's after something else and Harold is more than
happy to help and believes it would lead him to break away from his
father. But Albert's seen it all before. A brilliant and tragic
episode with some great moments of laughter. Brambell steals this
episode that face at the end says it all.
Home
Fit for Heroes- To go on a around the world trip Harold considers
putting his father into a care home of which Albert completely
detests and is scared of. When they get to the care home it starts
really funny with Albert's reaction and how he plans to rebel but
near the end it gets very sad and you really feel for Albert.
The
Wooden Overcoats- Harold gets the clever idea of flogging coffins and
has the idea of his father becoming a undertaker. A great gothic
horror tinged episode. I loved every minute of it.
Steptoe
a la Cart- After meeting and having communication problems with a
attractive french maid. Harold attempts to learn French and brings
her home to Albert. If I say anymore i'll spoil it, it's beautiful
and Brambell steals it with the surprises of Albert.
Sunday
for Seven Days- Ah the trip to the pictures. Harold wants to see
Federico Fellini's 8 ½ whilst Albert wants to see Nudes of 64. An
absolute side splitting episode and it had me in stitches throughout.
I love how Harold defends his father in this one. To say anymore
would spoil it. It's a masterpiece. Though I'll say it's very ahead
of it's time.
The
Bond That Binds Us- Albert wins £1000 on the horse races much to
Harold's surprise he's disappointed that his father won't share it
with him, then again he doubted it in the first place. Albert than
brings Madge back to the house and Harold's determined to expose her
true intentions. Another sad episode which has a bittersweet moment
at the end. We see Brambell playing himself in this one.
And
Afterwards At- Harold get's jilted at the alter, not to the surprise
but the delight of Albert. Due to the embarrassment Harold decided to
head home as he's very shocked, depressed, angry and full of mixed
emotions. Eventually his family members come around to 'comfort' him.
I love this episode as it really gets to the root of family. Rita
Webb steals her scene with her 'tea towels' rant. Brambell and
Corbett are phenomenal in this episode especially when Albert talks
about marriage, the punch ups he and his wife had, hell and having a
blazing argument with the mother in law priceless. Harold's outburst
as the end is absolutely fantastic.
Crossed
Swords- Harold finds a piece of porcelain off the round which he
thinks will sell a lot of money at auction so he decided to take it
to a dealership to see it's worth and the greed gets the better of
him. A masterful episode.
Those
Magnificent Men and Their Heating Machines- You can tell how this one
will end from the start but the result is still very funny as Harold
attempts to add central heating to the house. His handiwork is
laughable but means well and the last 5 minutes are outstanding.
The
Siege of Steptoe Street- Another dark episode where they have little
money and the debts are mounting for the Steptoe's and the debt
collectors come a knocking. This leaves Harold and Albert coming up
with ideas to get them off there back and to hold out of them. It's a
fantastic episode and this one gives Albert a sense of class with his
eating habits which I found marvellous especially Harold's reaction
to them. There's a great emotional scene towards the end where Harold
comes rushing to his aid.
A
Box in Town- Harold is finally able to move away from the house and
'get a box in town' a small apartment atop a some flats. Harold now
able to bring women back to his place but his old man is more
successful with the ladies than he is !. The only episode to feature
a swear word. This one was very ahead in themes for it's time and
it's a marvellous episode. One of the absolute best in the series.
My
Old Man's a Tory- As Harold is a staunch labour supporter. He buys
himself a Gannex Mac like Harold Wilson and put himself forward to be
chosen as the ward's new Labour candidate and calls a party meeting
to stake his claim. Watched on by Albert who's a Conservative
supporter. This one is really about politics and social prejudice
it's absolutely brilliant.
Pilgrims
Progress- Albert decides he wants to revisit the battlefields of WWI
go on a pilgrimage there. Harold thinks that they should go somewhere
else abroad instead. Him being a war veteran himself fighting in
WWII. Harold then changes his mind and decides to take his father.
When they get on the plane this episode really does take off it's
brilliant and Harold soon learns why he should never fly with his
father again !. This episode's sole focus is war and it's brilliant
to see it covered and learn of there experiences.
A
Death in The Family- Hercules dies of a heart attack when Harold's on
he round and Albert blames Harold for killing him by racing him.
Harold decides it's time to move on and get another horse but Albert
is finding it very difficult to move on. This episode is very raw and
very emotional as Harold struggles to tell his father about Hercules
and Albert's reaction feels very truthful as he unearths his feelings
towards the horse it's amazing to watch. There's some brilliant dark
comedic moments.
A
Winters Tale- Harold is looking to go on a skiing holiday despite the
fact that he has has had no experience and his father yet again wants
to go to Bognor. Despite knowing what will happen it's brilliantly
executed. This episode features the brilliant shower scene.
Steptoe
and Son – and Son!- A pregnant woman knocks at the Steptoe's door.
Claiming that she's looking for Harold Steptoe is the father of the
unborn baby much to Albert's shock and disbelief. Harold is excited
at the idea of becoming a father and Albert grows to the idea of
being a grandfather and is very excited at the prospect. This episode
is very sad and I love Albert in this one as Albert does not say a
single word when the truth comes out and tries to bury his true
emotions.
The
Colour Problem- Albert is sick and tired of the small black and white
TV and Harold wants a car to attract women. The less I say the better
the ending is outstanding.
Robbery
with Violence- Albert accidentally knocks down Harold's cabinet which
contains some of his prized porcelain. To save angering Harold and
getting walloped by him he fakes that there's been a robbery. It's
fantastic to watch events unfold in this one.
Come
Dancing- Harold is feeling frustrated as his latest girlfriend is a
dancer and he has two left feet. So Albert decides to help his son by
teaching him to dance which does not end how he plans. Watch out for
the scene where the milkman teaches Harold a dance step !. It's one
of my favourites as Albert is genuinely trying to help him and
Brambell is a fantastic dancer.
Two's
Company- Albert has a girlfriend that he met at the Darby and Joan
Club though she's no old dear she's an employee and is Harold's lost
love Daphne Goodlace (Jean Kent) and Albert intends to marry her and
when Daphne and Harold they find they still have feelings for each
other. Which leaves Daphne with a very difficult choice to make. The
last few minutes are fantastic as the camera does not focus on Harold
and Albert when they are discussing what to do and instead focuses on
Daphne. The piece of music that accompanies this scene adds an air
of sadness to it and the ending is fantastic. A perfect example as to
why Steptoe could be adapted to stage.
Tea
for Two- Campaigning for the by-elections has started and Harold is
still a Labour Supporter and Albert is true blue Tory. The two argue
about there opposing political views which is amazing to watch and
among the greatest discussions in the series. Ted Heath the
Conservative leader at the time is on a 'Meet The People Tour' and
Albert is thrilled at the news that Heath will be visiting him . It's
not long after that Harold plans a nude protest with Dolly Clackett
though not all goes according to plan, it's a fantastic political
based episode.
Without
Prejudice- Albert and Harold decide to move from their home of
squalor and disrepair into Suburbia and are met with social prejudice
from the neighbours. A cracking episode about social prejudice. Watch
out for the salesman he's brilliant.
Cuckoo
in The Nest- Albert's long lost son called Arthur arrives on Oil Drum
Lane from Australia, Harold is surprised and shocked that he has an
older brother and feels jealous that his father treats Arthur better.
Which makes him move out. This one really highlights on poverty yet
makes light of it.
A
Star is Born- Harold has joined a theatre group and hopes to become
an actor through the group feeling that is his true calling. Yet
there's tension within in the theatre group and their leader Rupert
Ffaines—Muir as well as the fact that his father joins in to and
attempts to steal his thunder. The ending has moment of great pathos
and sadness, beautiful.
Oh,
What a Beautiful Mourning- The Steptoe clan return as Arthur's
brother George has died and there's a family funeral and all the
money grubbing relatives turn up hoping to get a part of George's
will. A masterful episode where Albert says the greatest line
throughout the series and Harold tries to go out with his cousin !.
Being honest with you The Steptoe clan ain't in this enough.
Loathe
Story- After suffering for many years under his father's rule Harold
is sleepwalking and grabs butcher's knife and attempts to kill his
father. Albert wakes up in time and Harold desperately apologises.
Harold decides to visit a therapist to get to the root of his
problem. A brilliant episode which covers Harold's past (most of
which his father has done to him). Joanna Lumley is brilliant and
look out for the breast obsessed therapist !.
Divided
We Stand- Harold want's to refurbish the house interior and Albert is
completely against the idea. So Harold takes matters in his own hands
and divides the house in half !. There's some terrific scenes in this
which I don't want to spoil.
The
Desperate Hours- In the middle of winter Albert and Harold are broke
and are out of food and nearly out of money for the meter just as
they get some uninvited house guests from Wormwood Scrubs ! in the
shape of Johnny (Rossiter) and Frank (JG Devlin). They soon learn
they have robbed the wrong place It's not soon long that Harold
sympathises with Johnny and Albert sympathises with Frank as they are
in the exact same relationship. A marvellous episode which tackles
many issues and is quite dark in places. And Rossiter steals the
limelight in this one he's on top form.
And
So To Bed- After an unsuccessful attempt to woo his latest squeeze
Harold decides to buy a water bed. Not all goes to plan in this
episode but it's incredibly funny and the humour is very broad .
There's an ending shot that echoes The Shining.
Porn
Yesterday- Harold is out totting in the sweltering heat whilst his
father relaxes enjoying the summer sun. He picks up a 'What The
Butler Saw' Machine and is keen to watch it and his father's initial
excitement turns to something else. A marvellous episode in which
Brambell expresses so much emotion as much the same for Corbett a
fantastic episode that has a lot of pathos in.
Upstairs,
Downstairs, Upstairs, Downstairs- The second from last episode in the
last series which really should have been swapped for the last.
Albert is bedridden after a back injury of which he needs plenty of
rest and Harold is running ragged after his every need. To say
anymore would spoil it but the ending is fantastic.
A
Perfect Christmas- Sick and tired of spending Christmas at home every
year Harold decides to go abroad for the holiday season and of course
Albert is adamant on not going to Bognor. Eventually the old man
caves and decides to go to Switzerland there's only one problem
Albert has not got a passport. The ending is brilliant and ends on a
high note and a great ending to the series. Brilliant.
I
have to say I absolutely adore Steptoe and Son it's a fantastic
sitcom that was well ahead of it's time and was the first to add
pathos. You could say it's more of a comedy drama.The issues it
tackled were true to life and still very relevant today. I was
honestly surprised by it's depth and how it made me feel. I have to
say I was crying at some points and no sitcom has made me do that
before. It's made me see sitcoms in a whole new light that's for
sure. Galton and Simpson have created a masterpiece with Steptoe and
Son. Their scripts are absolutely fantastic in every imaginable way.
I love the subtle satire they use and the subtle way they reveal the
characters tragic past and issues.
What
is also a very important part is Corbett and Brambell they were
perfect for the characters and really bought them to life and add
great pathos to them. I absolutely love the characters of Albert and
Harold Steptoe.
Who
can forget the iconic theme tune Old Ned by Ron Grainer it's a
brilliant theme as soon as it starts you know it's Steptoe. His music
really bought atmosphere and a sense of mood it was fantastic and the
pieces accompanied the episodes well. I cannot forget the many
directors either they did an amazing job of shooting Steptoe and
making it feel very real.
If
you've never seen this before your in for an absolute treat and I
know the word timeless get's thrown around often regarding some
sitcoms and this one truly is. I'll happily watch this series again
and again every few years I love it and i'll definitely review some
more similar sitcoms in the future.
