Customer Reviews

Open All Hours [VHS]

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Open All Hours, written by comedy veteran Roy Clarke (Keeping Up Appearances, The Last of the Summer Wine, Hawks), is in my opinion one of the most enjoyable British comedies around. This is character comedy at its best, and Ronnie Barker (Porridge) delivers a stellar performance as the stuttering, penny-pinching Arkwright, owner of a corner grocery, who is forever lusting after his very generously endowed neighbour, nurse Gladys Emmanuel. As lusty as Arkwright may be, however, he's always quick to put a damper on any such thoughts on the part of his nephew Granville (David Jason).

This tape is 85 minutes in length and consists of one long untitled episode. For those who have enjoyed the three-video boxed set, this video is sure to please. It is really quite hilarious; further (and this is especially nice for newcomers to the series), we are introduced to the characters just as if this were the first episode in the series. We are even introduced to Arkwright's equally avaricious cash register with its lethal spring-loaded money-clip!

In this episode, Arkwright and nurse Gladys are not yet afianced and Arkwright, under Granville's prodding and for less-than-honourable reasons, decides to purchase a van. The last half-hour (which could easily stand alone as a separate episode) has Arkwright taking some very humourous steps to beef up security following a burglary, while Granville thinks he may have inadvertently and unknowingly discovered carnal knowledge "while his back was turned."

Those who enjoy character comedy (like Keeping Up Appearances and Summer Wine) are sure to enjoy this video (and the boxed set too!). Arkwright is a very distinct, unique character; certainly, he couldn't be more different from Hyacinth Bucket. He is, however, every bit as funny in his own right, and Open All Hours is every bit as hilarious as Keeping Up Appearances. Very highly recommended to fans of British comedy.

I have many of these shows on tape but I didn't have this one. It is such a cute show and the characters are all wonderful. Arkwright is a devil, Granville is such a darling that you want to fix him up yourself with a niece or cousin, Nurse Gladys Emmanuel is just what Arkwright needs to keep him straight. (If they had married that would have been a show in itself. The Black Widow is like a cloud coming into the store but you know there will be some laughs when she is there. What this tape didn't have was Mavis. I love Mavis. Oh heck, I love everything about this show. I wish my PBS station would carry it.

This is possibly the best British comedy created through the years. Ronnie Barker stars as "Arkwright"--a Scrooge-like Yorkshire shopkeeper along with his nephew/assistant "Grandville". Each episode introduces a variety of characters and hilarious events that are reminiscent of John Cleese's Fawlty Towers. I was fortunate enough to see this series when it was on a PBS station in my area many years ago. I purchased this video immediately when I saw it on sale--I wish there would be additional volumes as this edition is only a sample the series. If you are a fan of Fawlty Towers, Are You Being Served?, or other British Comedy series, this is a must buy!

Great sale! I know I'm a geek for liking Bristish comedy but I looooove these old shows...I like the 'one liners' and the simple humor of it...glad someone takes time to make these available!!tape in great condition as promised!

I just love this movie! It's so funny with Arkwright's speech impediments. Buy it!