As a child I only vaguely remember this show (I was born in '82). About 6 years ago I found a charity shop bundle of VHS videos of this franchise, bought the lot and instantly fell in love with what became a new favourite !
Essentially it's quite a basic plot. 2 kids their single father go to live in a caravan on a farm. The field's scarecrow comes to life in the form of an illiterate but lovable and hilarious character 'Worzel Gummidge'. He is constantly amorously pursuing the local antique 'Aunt Sally', also a living being, alongside his other chief passion of 'A Cup O' Tea And A slice O' Cake' ! Always up to mischief, the kids and Worzel's creator 'The Crowman' have to guide him through his adventures, making sure he doesn't get into trouble !
As well as highly comical, the show is also highly aesthetically beautiful and culturally idyllic. Set in rural Kent, the intimacy of tender fields and garden-like countryside, alongside a score of gentle, easy instrumental music gives the show a natural, traditional, serene and idyllic cultural bliss - there's next to no reference to contemporary popular culture.
The cast are quite notable too. The late Jon Pertwee plays the clumsy scatterbrained Worzel, Una Stubbs as the arrogant, deluded, greedy but charming Aunt Sally, the late Charlotte Coleman (an unrecognisable, dark featured 'Scarlet' from 4 weddings...) as young Sue, and Jeremy Austen as her brother John (otherwise only known for a brief role in Red Dwarf !) Guest appearances include Barbara Windsor, Anthony Sharpe + Connie Booth.
Overall, this show, both entertaining and cultural, is an often overlooked gem that should be seen by today's kids amidst a sea of internet degeneracy and apologies for shows. Not to forget the late-80s spin-off series, 'Worzel Gummidge Down Under', which I think I remember vaguely seeing back in the day !
