George & Mildred

Feb 2022

Just watched all these episodes for the first time since i was a kid and i really enjoyed them, i rate them on par with Man about the house, which is the series which introduced us to the Ropers.

So lots of fun.

8.5 out of 10.

Surely the best ever British comedy series. I know that people talk about Only Fools and Horses being the best, but for me, this is it. In case anybody doesn't know what it is about, it is basically about a middle-aged married couple who, after having their London home compulsory purchased by the Council, move to Hampton Wick into a posh neighbourhood. The series is basically about Mildred, the sex-starved wife, trying to better herself and George, her work-shy husband, who seems to delight in upsetting their neighbours. Only 5 series were made, due to the death of Yootha Joyce, but I would recommend this to anybody who appreciates genuine British comedy.

Very good comedy actors that do their job very well. Many of the individual scenes are funny.

However, the story lines are very predictable. You can normally guess how the story will develop or end in, about 5 or 10 minutes into episode, which was typical of ITV sitcoms churned out during this time, which were normally second division to those produced by the BBC. I feel sorry for the actors having to act out such weak storylines.

Surprised this went as far as a 5th Series, and probably more if Yootha Joyce had not died in 1980. Nevertheless decent enough period 70s comedy to watch.

This series was a huge success in Spain in the early 80s, following the equal success of Man About The House. Then it was screened again on Saturday nights in 1989, and at my family home we all loved it. I have been able now to see it again last month, and I laughed my head off. I managed to get also the first four episodes of Man About The House, but sadly I didn't find it half as funny as G&M. The lovable Yoota Joyce was a formidable comedian, the way she scolds George, flirts with Fourmile and sends Jerry off (a wonderful role by the great bumbling idiot Roy Kinnear). The kid steals every scene he is in with his direct and uncomfortable questions to his parents about where babies come from, the Tories, the working class... Boy, I laughed so much with him. He is too smart for his years. And Norman Eshley as the snobbish ass Fourmile -no wonder, with a name like that- always hating the sight of George: "Good lord! He is vulgar, dirty, scratches himself, picks his nose, belches and can't speak properly!" And the kid says with a smirk "He is working-class, and bloody proud of it". That line was pure gold. And my other favourite character and another great scene stealer is Mildred's posh sister Ethel. "We were just passing by in our brand new XJ6... our brand new MG... look at my brand new vicuna coat, dear... my brand new diamond ring..." and on and on and on, always showing off. It is a pity that Yoota Joyce died after the fifth season, because G&M could have enjoyed a few more years of brilliant success.

Brian Murphy is one of the greatest at playing the dumba**.His teaming up with Yootha Joyce was an inspiration. They really could make you believe that they were married! Don't miss this great comedy series it will sure put a smile on your face......