Johnnie Mortimer's answer to 'The Odd Couple' ran on Thames Television for a decade yet is virtually forgotten now, even though in its time it was one of the most talked about and most watched shows on the box. Its lack of recognition these days is all the more bewildering given who its stars were - respected theatre and film stalwart Donald Sinden and sitcom veteran Windsor Davies.
Donald Sinden plays Simon Peel, an obnoxious upper-class antiques dealer whose son David marries the daughter of his business rival and arch enemy Oliver Smallbridge, down to earth Welshman who not only lives next door to Peel but is also unlucky enough to have his shop adjoined to Peel's. Peel and Smallbridge's hatred of each other pretty much formed the basis of the comedy. Both were not above resorting to subterfuge in order to get what they wanted. Many of the episodes were thin on the ground with regards to the comedy but I do remember a very funny one in which Smallbridge entrusts his neighbour to look after a prize bloom in his greenhouse whilst he is away. The result? Disaster, as you can imagine.
Sinden and Windsor made a formidable pairing and they were ably supported by Robin Kermode and Julia Watson. David and Lyn left after series three and did not return again until series eight, though this time they were portrayed by Christopher Morris and Tacy Kneale.
Honor Blackman made occasional appearances as widow Veronica Barton who was often a rival for Simon and Oliver's affections. Maria Charles was Simon's ditty housekeeper Miss. Sandler. Derek Deadman was funny as the harebrained Ringo.
Nothing overly special or out of the ordinary. Jack Trombey's theme tune is excellent however.
Donald Sinden plays Simon Peel, an obnoxious upper-class antiques dealer whose son David marries the daughter of his business rival and arch enemy Oliver Smallbridge, down to earth Welshman who not only lives next door to Peel but is also unlucky enough to have his shop adjoined to Peel's. Peel and Smallbridge's hatred of each other pretty much formed the basis of the comedy. Both were not above resorting to subterfuge in order to get what they wanted. Many of the episodes were thin on the ground with regards to the comedy but I do remember a very funny one in which Smallbridge entrusts his neighbour to look after a prize bloom in his greenhouse whilst he is away. The result? Disaster, as you can imagine.
Sinden and Windsor made a formidable pairing and they were ably supported by Robin Kermode and Julia Watson. David and Lyn left after series three and did not return again until series eight, though this time they were portrayed by Christopher Morris and Tacy Kneale.
Honor Blackman made occasional appearances as widow Veronica Barton who was often a rival for Simon and Oliver's affections. Maria Charles was Simon's ditty housekeeper Miss. Sandler. Derek Deadman was funny as the harebrained Ringo.
Nothing overly special or out of the ordinary. Jack Trombey's theme tune is excellent however.