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

Ask most people just how many episodes there are of Some Mothers Do ‘Ave ‘Em and chances are you’ll get some very wild answers. This is understandable really, for it has been repeated on television so many times over the years that it seems like there are far more episodes than there actually are. We now have the third and final series of six episodes (beware the cover’s claim that there is 210 minutes of Frank here. When I was at school, six times 30 minutes was 180 minutes) released on DVD which makes a grand total of only 22 actual episodes, (including the three Christmas specials released as a separate package).

Frank makes an arse of himself.

There are some differences in this series that become obvious almost immediately. For one, the cast do look a little older, and with good reason. The first two series' were filmed back in 1973, while Series Three was filmed and shown in 1978. Why the long break? The answer is Crawford’s fear of typecasting. He was offered another five series' but wisely refused and went on to become a star of stage musicals such as Weber’s Phantom of the Opera).

Other differences are the maturity of the character of Frank. Sure, he’s still an annoying and bumbling loser, but with a great sense of (unfounded) confidence. He can still bring grown men to tears in just minutes, and still manages to destroy anything he comes into contact with, but the underlying good-nature and naivety of the character is still very much in evidence.

Don't ask!

Michelle Dotrice returns as Betty, baby Jessica is now a little girl, but Betty’s mother is nowhere to be seen and only referred to occasionally. The predicaments are mostly amusing, with Crawford again performing most of the stunts. The series ends openly allowing the possibility of further Frank and Betty adventures, but of course this never happened.

Episode Guide:

Moving House: Frank, Betty and baby Jessica are moving house - before it falls down around them. Frank offers to ride in the removal van to protect their goods, but needless to say, nothing goes right. Frank manages to destroy his new neighbour’s house on the first day.

Wendy House: The insurance man has arrived to assess Frank’s record-breaking insurance claim. Meanwhile, Frank has been making new furniture at woodwork classes with the aid of some super glue that gets him into some very sticky situations, and eventually lands him in hospital.

Scottish Dancing: Could Frank be jealous of Betty’s new Scottish dancing partner? Not when he’s also Frank’s dancing partner, surely? All is forgotten after a visit from a local dignitary in which the Spencers get to show off their new found talents. Frank shows us more than just his dancing skills.

Men as Women: Frank volunteers himself into the local hospital’s annual pantomime when one of the ugly sisters takes a fall. Could things get any worse for the hospital? Apparently they can.

Motorbike: Frank takes on a job as a motorbike courier but will any deliveries arrive on time? Frank is given a special delivery but why are the police so interested in his package?

Australia House Frank is getting closer to fulfilling his dream of going to Australia but first he has to convince the immigration officials that he has something to offer Australia.

Congratulations to all those that just know in advance how this section will read. The full frame aspect ratio is standard ‘70s BBC, and while age has wearied the image a little, this is still more than acceptable. As most of each episode was recorded in a studio, there is generally a good level of clarity, decent sharpness and mostly consistent colouring that has paled mildly but is mostly free of grit, dirt and other artefacts. Grain is as good as non-existent and while there is some evidence of noise, black levels are mostly good and shadow detail is not an issue. The layer change is placed between episodes.

Like the video, the audio doesn’t get much blander. It delivers everything it should in the way of clarity, volume and synchronisation, and is virtually free from hiss and dropout. Sure it’s Dolby Digital mono, will not challenge your speakers, rattle the windows or tick your neighbours off (unlike Frank Spencer), but it won't provide any issues to cloud your enjoyment.

Pah! Not even the associated Christmas Episode.

Aside from the aforementioned Christmas Episodes (available as a separate release from all good, bad and indifferent DVD shops), this series marks the end of Frank Spencer’s career as the World’s Biggest Loser. While many would give thanks and others are indifferent, there are more than enough Frank-o-philes amongst us to ensure Frank will live forever.