That's Life!

"That's Life" was a very peculiar programme - Esther Rantzen surrounded by a group of rather camp men wearing cardigans and talking in a droning and sanctimonious fashion about subjects ranging from trivia to life-saving. But all terribly boring, and as it was usually broadcast on a Sunday night, a depressing show as well.

All most people can remember of it today was animals who said things - "Sossages" - and some tedious campaigns about diet pills.

I'm told that many of the production team went on to great things elsewhere in television - so I guess the dire state of TV today can be blamed on this frightful show as well Tom

I watched this show regularly when I was stationed in England during the mid to late 1970s. Yes, it was a weird mix. It was also rather funny much of the time. Now granted, my fond memories of this show are tainted by the 30-some years that have passed since I watched it.

All I can say is that I love British humor (better than most "American" humor) and that is why I watched the show. It was part humor, part investigative consumer reporting and all fun.

Only two bits of the show stand out in my memory at this late date.

1. Ms. Rantzen had a large smile with lots of teeth. In one episode, they showed a fan mail envelope that had been delivered. There was no address or name of any type on the envelope, just a drawing of a large toothy smile. The post office delivered it to the right place.

2. Investigating a complaint about the tea served by British Rail, they held up a Styrofoam cup of British Rail tea, reheated to the same temperature as served on the trains. They then inserted a British Rail provided plastic spoon to stir the tea and pulled out a melted spoon.

Now, that may not sound funny to many Americans, but I and many others enjoyed it.

Even though much of it would be very dated today, it is one show I'd love to have on DVD.