Bless This House
Dir: Gerald Thomas
1973
***
I grew up on films like Bless This House, On the Buses and the Carry On films. I wouldn't expect anyone who isn't British and born after 1990 to really appreciate them. They are tired, outdated, not particularly funny or realistic, they're not visually impressive or directed particularly well either. However, to some of us they represent an old school of British comedy, a golden age full of some of the most wonderful characters in our entertainment history. Sid James, Diana Coupland, Peter Butterworth, Terry Scott, June Whitfield, Robin Askwith and Patsy Rowlands were staple comedy players during the 70's and those that have passed on are still fondly remembered and sadly missed. It's hard to believe that many of these greats of comedy have been gone for so long, as they are still very much in the public's consciousness. Credit is also due to Gerald Thomas, the unsung directer who was responsible for much of this country's rich comedic heritage. It is what it is, it's hard to explain to someone who doesn't know anything about it to what it is but I would encourage all to give it a go. It's part of my heritage, a part of it that I'm very fond of so needless to say I love it.