The 1970's Brit TV comedy films thread
 

A definite not at all guilty pleasure of mine is enjoying film adaptations of 1970's British TV comedies. Yes, you've all heard dark mutterings about the three "On The Buses" movies, but surely no-one can deny the genuis of this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vb2QRJB1ArM

And from sublimilty to, well, this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OIuiopFLls8

"Scum" was pretty great.

And don't forget those advert breaks when mum sticks a french bread pizza under the grill:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fI0Fa66h6Qo

I'm a pretty serious fan of On the Buses, as it happens. The first five series are composed purely of consistent comedy genius, and Inspector Blake is one of the most likeable and magnificent comedy characters of all time. Series six and seven are not as good, for various reasons.

The first two films (the first one outgrossed that year's Bond film at the box office) are a bit bobbins, it has to be said; the tension between Blake and the oher staff is exaggerated and a bit nasty, but mainly they fail because they have too much of a sketchy feel to them. The third and final film, Holiday on the Buses, is much better - a proper narrative arc, some jokes that match the series, and a successful relocation of the action (not always an easy thing to do).

Oh, lunchtimes in the late 1970's weren't the same without a P-P-P-Penguin and a bag of Golden Wonder prawn cocktail crisps. Another classic ad, there.