Customer Reviews

Till Death Us Do Part

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

 

 

I bought this on VHS a few years ago thinking it would give me a sense of the groundbreaking BBC TV series on which "All in the Family" was loosely based. For that, I should have just bought episodes of "Till Death Us Do Part" (which are also available on DVD in America).

This is a cinema-release feature film based on the series, and was aimed at fans of the TV show who wanted to know more about its characters. Out of that context, it doesn't really hold up. It's okay, and a fascinating document of its era, but it's nothing to write home about.

Still, the brilliant Warren Mitchell is in fine form in his signature role as Alf Garnett, the hard-drinking, loudmouthed, bigoted working stiff. And Dandy Nichol is her wonderful self as his long-suffering "silly moo" of a wife, Else (even if I don't quite buy her as a twentysomething in the flashback). The problem is that a little Alf Garnett goes a long way. And in this flick, you get a lot of Alf.

Much of the film is a flashback to the 1940s, where we get to see the early years of Alf and Else's "romance" (if you can call it that). Then it jumps ahead to the 1960s as Alf's xenophobia gets a workout when Britain faces Germany for soccer's World Cup.

Whether you buy this film or opt for the TV show (I suggest the latter), bear in mind that the tone is much harsher than the later American series, and many U.S. viewers may find "Till Death Us Do Part" so shrill as to be unwatchable. The TV series is growing on me. This film isn't.

But that's just me. This is not for all tastes and in fact can be quite distasteful in many places. But that's why it is what it is. Alf Garnett is not politically correct and that is what makes him so funny. There is much too much political correctness around these days and this is so refreshing. A real throwback to old school British humour at its best. Everyone gets their share of critism and it's written in a wonderfully beliveable way. People like these do exist. Only purchase if you understand harsh British humour.

Kudos to Anchor Bay for making this great DVD!!! This is the movie version of Till Death Us Do Part,and the visuals ond sound are darn good for it's age,but Anchor Bay always does a pretty good job with the transfers and this one is no exception!!! PS,look for Frank Thornton(Are You Being Served?),and Geoffrey Hughes(Keeping Up Appearances,Yellow Submarine)in small roles!!! Classic British Comedy!!! A+