Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em - The Complete First Series

Some Mothers Do ‘Ave ‘Em was an unquestionable hit back in 1973 and about a hundred times since, having been the recipient of endless repeats on television. If that has not been enough, then now comes the chance to own two-thirds of the entire catalogue with the release of the first and second series on DVD.

The first series was first aired in early 1973, and starred Michael Crawford as the terminally wimpy and effeminate Frank Spencer. Married to Betty (Michelle Dotrice), Frank bumbles from one mess to another, but always with the best intentions, and therein lies the success of the character. Frank may have the ability to reduce those around him to dribbling basket cases, break everything he touches (and things he doesn’t touch) and make a mess of the simplest of tasks, but he does so without malice or intent. This attitude is a credit to the acting and comedic skills of Crawford.

Newlyweds Betty and Frank are much like any other new couple who struggles financially, desires their independence, and are keen to make their mark on the world. Frank undoubtedly succeeds at making his mark in all the wrong ways, and those who come into contact with him are unlikely to forget. His mother was a ‘bit funny’ too.

Even after 30 years and numerous viewings, there are plenty of laughs to be had and sometimes at the most subtle of things. Crawford really is a one-stop comedy shop. His delivery, unforgettable Frank mannerisms, slapstick and physical routines are generally very funny, and it becomes quite frustrating as Frank tries harder and harder to dig his way out of each self-created mess, only to find himself sinking deeper and deeper.

This first series of seven episodes is a great little set, and should be an automatic addition to any Britcom collection. You can relive Frank’s failed job interviews, failed second honeymoon, failed home renovations, failed home-handyman repairs, failed hospital visit, failed psychiatric assessment, failed… well, you get the idea.

The world’s best-loved loser eventually went on to make a further two series' and a couple of Christmas specials, but Crawford turned down further series' fearing typecasting. It would take quite some time for people to accept him in any other role. Some would have said, they didn’t give him a phantom of a chance.

As is so predictable with Britcom from the 1970s, there is almost a combination of sources at work, such is the visual quality, but of course it can be put down to studio versus location recording. Most of the series is recorded (presumably on videotape) in a studio and is quite clean and clear. The image is noticeably sharper and generally brighter than the filmed, outside sequences. Colours hold up quite well, and are mostly solid with little to no noise and bleeding. They are also clean and free from most grain and marks and blemishes.

The filmed scenes stand out for their drop in definition, the increased grain, more prevalent dirt and other small marks, and the decreased shadow detail. Overall though, as most of the series is filmed indoors, it is more than acceptable. The layer change, however, is badly placed in the middle of Episode Four. Surely this could have been placed between episodes as has become the standard?

While the audio is stock standard Dolby Digital mono, it is evenly balanced in volume and fidelity. There is some evidence of post-production dubbing in some of the physical, outdoor scenes, but this is almost deliberately obvious. There are no issues with clarity or synchronisation and little background hiss.

Being mono, there is no action from the surround speakers or subwoofer, but there would be little to no increase to enjoyment levels.

Some DVDs don’t ‘ave ‘em. This is one of ‘em.

There are guaranteed laughs in Some Mother’s Do ‘Ave ‘Em, often because Crawford knows how to play a scene. Much of the humour would probably not have been as sharp and enjoyable in the hands of another actor/comedian. Dotrice plays her role as Betty very well, and has numerous amusing lines and scenes. As slapstick as this is, it is often the subtle moments that work the best, such as the occasional look of despair on Betty’s face, or Frank‘s expression as yet another disastrous solution to yet another unsalvageable mess forces its way to the front of his mind.