Sunday 27 May 2007

Frank Spencer - Roller Skates

For most of the 70's, Frank Spencer was a comedy icon. Though the sit-com Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em produced only 22 episodes over three seasons (with, strangely, a five year gap from 1973 to 1978 between the second and third series), the character was perhaps the most mimicked of any in the history of TV comedy. He was a main ingredient in the acts of impersonators such as Mike Yarwood, Bobby Davro and Lenny Henry. Most people could have a reasonable go at an 'Ooh Betty' ; at work, in the pub or the playground.

The above clip comes from the end of the 1973 episode, Fathers' Clinic. Frank (Michael Crawford) and Betty (Michele Dotrice), are looking after two children whose mother is in hospital. A trip to a roller skating rink results in typical mayhem. The scene represents one of the most lasting memories of the show and would arguably be in any list of all time great comedy moments. Believe me, when first viewed it was pretty scary stuff , as were many of Crawford's other stunts in the series. Enjoy it.

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