Oh Doctor Beeching!

During lockdown I have been watching series of sitcoms by Perry and Croft that I have not previously seen.

This one was co created by David Croft. However scripts for the second series were by other writers.

I found the humour to be laboured and predictable. Steven Murray doing his Blakey routine from on the buses. Su Pollard being as scatty as ever.

The previous relationship between Holland and Shane's wife being the main story thread.

I just found it disappointing when compared to his previous series.

This is a very underrated show, I really don't know why as it's so much fun! Many people think it's less funny than David Croft's other work such as Hidehi and You Rang M'lord, but I would hasten to disagree. The first few episodes are a little slow to get going, but after that it becomes hilarious! Series 2 is even better than Series 1, and I feel that if it had been allowed a 3rd series, it could have become a huge hit! The sunny setting is great and the characters are all wonderful - the Skinner family run Hatley station & take care of all the other staff - potty Ethel & her equally potty son Wilfred; predatory Vera Plumtree whose husband ("he was an engine driver you know") is now deceased, and therefore she now goes for anything in trousers! May Skinner is also a bit of a flirt, especially when new Station Master Cecil Parkin arrives and she realises that he is in fact her old flame - and possibly the father of her teenage daughter Gloria!!! Harry Lambert is a hilarious character, especially in episodes such as "Action Stations" where the staff all have to do role plays to prepare for the visit of Dr Beeching himself! A great series, full of slapstick fun!

This is a fine example of fine British humour. Every character is clearly defined, and each one adds something to the whole.

I suspect that many Americans would not enjoy it. They seem to prefer more slapstick comedy, whereas this sitcom is funny because the characters work off one another.

Indeed, British humour has changed so much recently, that I'm sure many younger viewers would find it difficult to relate to the subtle humour of this story.

However, if you do like this series, then you must check out "You Rang M'Lord" It's a totally different story, but many of the same actors.

This was yet another gem from the writing and performing team behind "Hi-de-Hi" and "You rang M'Lord?". It was on on a Sunday night at 6.30 and it was absolutely fantastic. I have always had a soft spot in my heart for Jeffrey Holland. He is a very sexy man and an incredible actor. Seeing him play a miserable man after watching him as funny man Spike Dixon is a delight. Paul Shane is a bit hit and miss. I have never rated him as an actor, but I like his delivery of funny lines. He is a comedian, not an actor. Su Pollard is a delight as always, she is a very funny actress and her eye rolls are brilliant. Stephen Lewis is good but not used as much as I would like. He has made a career from playing the same character in nearly every show he is in. Pay special attention to the actor who plays Wilfred, he is so funny, even when he doesn't have a line. It's a shame that this series wasn't given as much backing as other shows on the Beeb. It is fascinating watching the characters deal with the possibility of losing their station. This is a series that should have been allowed to mature, it is a gentle comedy, not having to rely on horrible characters (apart from the obvious- "Doctor Beeching")or bad language It was set during the 1960's and the characters were waiting for Doctor Beeching to decide whether or not he was closing down the railways. Sometimes the acting was a bit hit-or-miss, or the jokes were b it vague, but n the whole it was a fantastic show. It's only a shame it isn't repeated as much as Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em or Only Fools and Horses. In life today we need a gentle comedy like this to remind us that we can ave a laugh and enjoy ourselves. I'm only glad that both series have been released to buy, I have just rushed out and bought them. Come on, everyone knows the theme tune, sung by the cast: "Oh Doctor Beeching, What have you done? There were once lots of trains to catch, But soon there will be none. I'll have to buy a bike Cuz I can't afford a car, Oh Doctor Beeching, What a naughty man you are!" Come On BBC, give us more, PLEASE!!!!

Thats Yorkshire for right good, and it was, l have all the episodes on tape and l watch them over and over again, given more time this would have been a classic sit com, as it is it`s a really good one.

Holland, Shane, & Pollard try and suceed, as does the rest of the cast, l love the way May in the Buffet always said how nice Mr Parkin was-l would think!..it was funny...pity if finished...but l enjoy the episodes that were made...

8/10