Black and Blue

Apparently, all but one episode of this series of black comedies has been lost. The first episode, Secrets, was recorded on an early home video system when first transmitted. It surfaced on Network's DVD of The Complete Ripping Yarns. Despite the technically poor image quality, the programme is in colour and quite watchable.

I was delighted when I watched; the performances are very good (especially Warren 'Alf Garnett' Mitchell), the script is clever, satirical and lively, with the programme thundering along. In fact, I found it more enjoyable than some of the accompanying Ripping Yarns episodes.

The same premise was reworked in the 1988 film Consuming Passions.

It would be nice if other instalments from this series could be found.