Anyone Ever See One Foot In The Grave? - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Hazel Anyday · 03-12-2020, 10:21 PM

I saw this show about 15 or more years ago on my local PBS station. They stupidly only ran the show ONCE!! It was the funniest British show I've seen since Benny Hill. Thankfully it is available in a beautiful complete series DVD set which I also bought many years ago after having seen this show only that one time on PBS.

Why this show isn't more well known or played on US stations is beyond me.

It was an extremely well written and clever show.

Sgt. Saunders · 08-09-2023, 06:36 PM

I agree that OFITG was a superb comedy series. Richard Wilson as the unfailingly grumpy and querulous Victor Meldrew and Annette Crosbie as Victor’s long-suffering wife, Margaret, were both outstanding on the show.

Even though Victor came off as a curmudgeon, he was, at heart, a very decent and caring man. When he was killed during the show’s final episode, I found myself welling-up as Margaret endeavored to carry on without her irascible, but always loving husband.

Requiem aeternam, Mr. Meldrew.

Alan Brady's Hair · 08-09-2023, 08:17 PM

Ranked #10 in a 2003 poll/competition to determine the best British sitcom.

dee2364 · 08-10-2023, 12:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hazel Anyday

Why this show isn't more well known or played on US stations is beyond me.

It was an extremely well written and clever show.

Americans have traditionally only really liked Britcoms that are more hip and youth-oriented, with humor that has a bit of edge and snark. As funny as it was (I used to watch it when it ran in NYC), it probably comes across as too old fashioned compared to The Office.

On top of everything else, the American attitude towards retirement is very different from back when this show was made. The average older Baby Boomer probably wouldn't find Victor relatable at all.

Sgt. Saunders · 08-22-2023, 04:51 PM

In addition to the superb OFITG, another wonderful Britcom, which was geared for an older audience was “Waiting For God,” starring Stephanie Cole as Diana Trent, a feisty, retired journalist and the late Graham Crowden as Tom Ballard, a retired accountant, who travels throughout the world during his frequent “trips” when he meditates.

They both reside at Bayview Retirement Home, where they delight in harassing Harvey Baines, the self-absorbed weenie, who runs the retirement home.

I found the show to be both witty and uproariously funny. But, perhaps young Americans might not get the droll British humor

dee2364 · 08-23-2023, 10:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sgt. Saunders

I found the show to be both witty and uproariously funny. But, perhaps young Americans might not get the droll British humor

There's nothing to get about British humor. It's just like any type; either it's relatable and funny or it's not.

Sgt. Saunders · 09-09-2023, 09:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dee2364

There's nothing to get about British humor. It's just like any type; either it's relatable and funny or it's not.

John Cleese thinks that British humor is much more sophisticated than American humor. And, if “Three’s A Crowd” and the live, studio audience years of “Happy Days” are any indication, Mr. Cleese is not incorrect.

Alan Brady's Hair · 09-09-2023, 10:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sgt. Saunders

John Cleese thinks that British humor is much more sophisticated than American humor. And, if “Three’s A Crowd” and the live, studio audience years of “Happy Days” are any indication, Mr. Cleese is not incorrect.

Is "Are You Being Served" sophisticated? Benny Hill? I like it all - it just seems British humor is sophisticated only if you ignore all the low-brow stuff.

03-12-2020, 10:21 PM	#1
Hazel Anyday Member Senior Member Join Date: Apr 12, 2002 Posts: 2,135	Anyone Ever See One Foot In The Grave? I saw this show about 15 or more years ago on my local PBS station. They stupidly only ran the show ONCE!! It was the funniest British show I've seen since Benny Hill. Thankfully it is available in a beautiful complete series DVD set which I also bought many years ago after having seen this show only that one time on PBS. Why this show isn't more well known or played on US stations is beyond me. It was an extremely well written and clever show.
	__________________ Haaazeelll!!

08-22-2023, 04:51 PM	#5
Sgt. Saunders Member Forum Regular Join Date: Nov 27, 2021 Location: The Garden State Posts: 543	In addition to the superb OFITG, another wonderful Britcom, which was geared for an older audience was “Waiting For God,” starring Stephanie Cole as Diana Trent, a feisty, retired journalist and the late Graham Crowden as Tom Ballard, a retired accountant, who travels throughout the world during his frequent “trips” when he meditates. They both reside at Bayview Retirement Home, where they delight in harassing Harvey Baines, the self-absorbed weenie, who runs the retirement home. I found the show to be both witty and uproariously funny. But, perhaps young Americans might not get the droll British humor
	Last edited by Sgt. Saunders; 08-22-2023 at 09:03 PM.

08-09-2023, 06:36 PM	#2
Sgt. Saunders Member Forum Regular Join Date: Nov 27, 2021 Location: The Garden State Posts: 543	I agree that OFITG was a superb comedy series. Richard Wilson as the unfailingly grumpy and querulous Victor Meldrew and Annette Crosbie as Victor’s long-suffering wife, Margaret, were both outstanding on the show. Even though Victor came off as a curmudgeon, he was, at heart, a very decent and caring man. When he was killed during the show’s final episode, I found myself welling-up as Margaret endeavored to carry on without her irascible, but always loving husband. Requiem aeternam, Mr. Meldrew.

08-09-2023, 08:17 PM	#3
Alan Brady's Hair Member Senior Member Join Date: Aug 30, 2014 Posts: 1,830	Ranked #10 in a 2003 poll/competition to determine the best British sitcom.