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Albert feels at his age he's entitled lie around, be provided
with money and waited on by his hard working son. Anything
that threatens this comfortable existence is ruthlessly dealt
with. He rages, cajoles and whines to get his way.
Writers Ray Galton and Alan Simpson wrote the original episode
as part of 'BBC Comedy Playhouse', a series of one offs. It
struck an instant chord with the audience.
For the first time real poverty, squalor and disgusting personal
habits are turned into laughs, albeit it times very close
to the bone.
And yet there are moments of understanding and sympathy between
the two characters that lift "Steptoe & Son" into sensitive
drama.
Produced over 40years ago it is, in every way, a television
classic.
Episode 1: "Upstairs, Downstairs, Upstairs, Downstairs"
The doctor orders bed rest, Albert lies there for a fortnight,
his every need and whim being supplied by his devoted son.
The back seems no better until Harold notices cans of beer
in the garbage bin he didn't drink, and favourite allsorts
missing he didn't eat. Who is the thief? Surely not Hercules
the horse.
Episode 2…"The Bath"
Harold has invited a girlfriend for a pre dinner drink and
'Father' is eating pickled onions in the living room…in a
tin bath!
Episode 3… "Porn Yesterday"
While on his round Harold picks up an old 'What the Butler
Saw' machine. His catch phrase 'You dirty old man', takes
on a literal meaning.
Episode 4… "Séance in a Wet Rag and Bone Yard"
Albert tries to communicate with the spirits by through Madame
Fontana, (Patricia Routledge), a medium. Harold discovers
all the spirits aren't in a bottle.
Episode 5… "And so To Bed"
Marcia discovers bugs in Harold's bed. To win her back he
buys a waterbed from Bayswater Bedarama. She is persuaded
to return…
Conclusion: 90% Extras: 25%.
Continued: DVD
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