Mother and Son

I remember this being watched by my parents and them enjoying it thoroughly and me being to young to appreciate it for what is was. Now that we have internet tv sites I found all 6 seasons on 9NOW and thought to see what they saw in it. A true classic of quality Australian comedy with a real charismatic flavour dispite the dark element of Maggie's dementia.

With solid performances from well loved 70's comedic actor Garry McDonald and Ruth Cracknell, a celebrated actress named in 1998 by the National Trust as one of Australia's top 100 national living treasures. This show epitomized the classic Australian style comedy (even if it is forgivably a tad cringe worthy at times) and (generally lol) wholesome prime time entertainment that will stand the test of time.

If you like classically witty Aussie style comedy then this is the one for you. You could even get your money's worth by purchasing the box set on DVD and relive the zanyness as if it were for the first time again and again at your leisure!

This is a well written series, whose potential seems to me to be almost completely ruined by its tone and its central performances. Could it have been the writer's intention to create such a depressing sitcom, and the director's intention to have it played out in such mournfully bland surroundings by such unsympathetic actors? As written, the characterisations are interesting, and the situations inventive, but there's a general lack of fun, or joy or even amusement (for me), because the lead characters give such depressing readings. The mother (Cracknell) is unrelentingly cold, bullying and negative, and the son (McDonald) is a constantly anxious and negative loser. There's almost no relief. Every now and then there's some cute or farcical business, and I suspend my overall feeling of how unpleasant and pathetic these people are. Occasionally the other son (Szeps) appears. He's an overly confident dentist, with one of the most annoying personalities ever broadcast (and not funny annoying, just annoying.) The series has been very successful.

This show has got to be one of the best Australian comedies that has ever been made. Ruth Cracknell gives an outstanding performance as Maggie Beare, an elderly woman who is slowly declining but is still extremely feisty, strong-minded and manipulative. Gary McDonald also contributes some excellent acting as Arthur Beare, the son who does so much for his mother but never gets appreciated for his efforts. Henri Szeps puts in a convincing and excellent performance as Robert Beare, an occassionally well-meaning but extremely self-centered dentist who is "mummy's little boy". Judy Morris also shines as Liz Beare and her sarcasm and cynical outlook on both her husband and her mother-in-law enhances the show greatly. This is a series not to be missed

"A comedy about dementia" For anyone who has had to cope with a parent or grandparent who is 'losing it', this series of half-hour episodes will certainly lighten their burden.

I watched this when I was young and it was one of the best comedies i'd seen. Its got wit and its well directed with a great cast. Sadly, Ruth Cracknell who played Maggie died of Respiratory complications on the 13th of May, in Australia, just last night. A great actress who'll be remembered for a long time.

Rest in peace, Ruth.