Steptoe & Son - Complete Collection

Albert is conniving and wicked and riddled with a double standard attitude. They try and show him with a softer side now and then. But it's not often enough. He never really gives Harold praise unless he feels there's something in it for himself. Albert got voted in The Top 50 characters of all time I think it was in comedy by people in the industry. Albert Ladysmith Steptoe is like Peggy Bundy but in OAP form. He even threatened to creep into Harold's room one night. And whack him over the throat with a pipe in his sleep all because he didn't get his own way. I think this happened in The Bath episode. For some reason Albert and his attitude don't ruin the show for me. I think it's because Harold makes the show worthwhile. Harold is really funny in his anger outbursts. Which there are many thanks to how he's treated by his callous dad. I didn't like how they made Harold the butt of a lot of the hokes in the show. And how Albert was such a Pro at a lot of things. Fluent in French. Good at Snooker. Good at Poker. You name it. The show has more positive than negative going for it. So that's a good thing. It is why I have it on DVD and am in the middle of going through all of it for a second time in a week. It might sound like I hate the show by how I describe Albert. But I don't. I am just telling it like it is with him and his attitude. Nothing more. My dad loved this show before his passing. He liked both characters and how they'd always fight with each other. The daft things they'd do during some of the arguments. Albert's facial expressions as well. This is proper old school entertainment though. Regardless of what we each think about it. They don't make them like this any more. They'd be afraid to considering the cancel culture woke climate society has at the moment. That's fading thankfully. But it's a slow process. Maybe one day we'll get good comedy like this back on our screens. Not so much with the dialogue that could be classed as racist by today's standards. But just good solid funny shows. No irritating female characters. No DEI nonsense. Just solid fun. Like Albert when he was cooking for him and Harold. "They're blacker than a gorilla's goolies" is how he described the Christmas puddings in one episode. Mr Brambell and Mr Corbett made this show work. They will always be one of the finest duo's in comedy. Good writing brings out emotions in the viewer. Good and bad and sad.

This handsome box set collects together all 56 TV episodes (and two Christmas specials) of `Steptoe and Son', possibly one of the most unique series to have ever been aired in this, or any other, country. From the pen of Galton and Simpson, who had previously done sterling service scripting `Hancock's Half Hour', the series tells the stories of everyday life for a pair of totters (rag and bone men) in East London. Life was tough and money scarce. Never far from the breadline, and often struggling to put food on the table, the setting is grim and realistic. However, from this unpromising background, comedy gold was spun. Apart from the exceptional writing, what made the series was the fantastic acting of Wilfred Brambell and Harry H. Corbett in the lead roles of dirty old man Albert, and his idealistic dreamer of a son, Harold. They brought the characters to vivid life in a display of acting that could put several Oscar winners to shame. The series revolves totally around the two leads. It is really a study of an abusive relationship, with scheming, crafty Albert never willing to let Harold go, terrified of a lonely old age by himself. Harold is constantly trying to break away, but is always conned into staying by his cunning old dad. Doesn't sound funny does it? But I assure you it is absolute comedy gold. The witty one liners and sarcasm, along with some bizarre situations, cleverly set up, contrast with the grim setting (while never seeming disjointed or out of place) to give rise to howls of laughter. The series fell off a bit in later years, after the move to colour filming, as the tone became a little more slapstick and less reliant on the characters and clever plots. There are still a few gems to be found in the later series though, especially my all time favourite episode, `Oh, What a Beautiful Mourning'. All the episodes are collected onto 13 discs, in a large book about the size of 4 normal DVD cases thick. There is a short note from Galton and Simpson regarding the genesis of the series on the back, and an episode listing and air dates inside the front cover. There are no other notes, nor are there any extras on the discs. But that doesn't really matter, the series was so good it doesn't need extras. The picture has been restored, but bear in mind the poor source material, so despite restoration some of the early episodes look a bit ropey. Again, this doesn't matter too much and it is good to have all the episodes in one place. Fans might also want to hunt down the two films, `Steptoe and Son Ride', and `Steptoe and Son Ride Again'. There was also a recent West End play, which concluded the story of Albert and Harold in a very well done and touching way; if ever you get the chance I can really recommend you go see it.

Order came very promptly, exactly what I ordered and wanted.

First off you’ll need a Region 2 or 4 DVD player or a computer to watch this set but that’s noted in the description. Steptoe and Son is “must see” classic British comedy. It’s one of the best comedies out there. Typical of it’s time it’s a bit naughty and politically incorrect but that’s what makes it so funny. Sadly the BBC wiped the master tapes for Series 1 through 6 so only black and white monochrome (kinescope) copies exist. Series 1 through 4 originally aired in black and white anyway so it’s not so bad there. Quality varies from episode to episode but they’re all watchable and well worth viewing. Series 7 & 8 are from the color master videotape and look much better. This set is a great bargain as it contains the complete run of the program and mine arrived two days after I ordered it.

Wow!! Brings back memories!! A dvd was a little cracked but cant complain because it was really affordable. Very funny and a great way to spend a few hours

Essendo vissuto in Inghilterra da bambino, mi ricordo che vedevo questa serie in televisione, mi pare di vedere ancora mio padre che rideva mentre lo guardavamo insieme, molto divertente per chi apprezza l’humour d’oltremanica.

This is a real time capsule. How I got interested in Steptoe and son was through the BBC radio versions. I would be laughing out loud at the the thing they would say to each other. I bought this boxset and it didn't disappoint. I suppose it reflects the way society was at that time. My mother used to tell me about them and she loved them. But I always thought "Nah I wouldn't be interested" But I was wrong. It is a collection worth owning for the historic value alone. Comedy genius.