Catchphrases that really caught on

These letters are in response to an editorial by Julie Eley asking readers for their favourite TV catchphrases. After a random draw, Stephanie Inglis of Mt Maunganui wins the six-month subscription to TV Guide.

Without even a second thought “This is Julia Child – Bon Appetit” immediately springs to mind. Any time I hear Julia utter those six words I’m instantly transported back to my grandmother’s lounge watching The French Chef on a black-and-white TV when I was just a little girl. I loved her then. I can still remember moments that I couldn’t help but laugh – banging pot lids together or massaging a nice big juicy chicken breast, both quite naughty in the eyes of a seven year old. Although Julia eventually left our screens while I was still quite small, I was never to forget her. In my later years our family Thanksgiving dinners are based on her Mastering The Art Of French Cooking book. Imagine my delight recently when the Living channel screened The Julia Child Challenge. I loved every second but most especially the old clips they played from Julia’s shows, although not enough for my appetite in that regard. I do so hope they plan a second series. But in the meantime I challenge Living to play the original Julia Child series, let a whole new generation of cooks fall in love with her and the old generation can reminisce. Bon Appetit, love her now.

Stephanie Inglis (Mt Maunganui)

I always loved it on Happy Days when Fonzie would capture everyone’s attention simply by saying “aaaaay”. I read somewhere that the actor, Henry Winkler, introduced this catchphrase because he had trouble learning lines and it helped fill in the gaps. That was such a great series. Sunday, Monday, happy days, Rockin’ all week with you.

Judy J. (Napier)

Hill Street Blues was one of the best police shows ever. It was great when the Sergeant (Phil Esterhaus played by Michael Conrad) finished his briefing sessions to the detectives and police officers on duty with the words ‘Let’s be careful out there’. I would always listen out for that line. Great memories. The theme tune to that series was one of the best ever too. They don’t make ‘em like they used to.

Trevor (Canterbury)

“Are you free, Mr Humphries. Yes, I’m free.” That was hilarious from Are You Being Served? You probably couldn’t get away with a comedy series like that now, with so many innuendos, but it was so funny. I remember John Inman, the actor from that series, coming out here for a Telethon once.

Free Spirit (Otago)

My favourite catchphrase was from Dad’s Army when Corporal Jones used to say ‘Don’t panic, Captain Mainwairing, don’t panic.’ And then he’d be rushing around in a huge panic. Meanwhile, Godfrey would politely say, ‘May I be excused, sir’ as he needed to go to the toilet (again) while Frazer uttered, ‘We’re doomed’.

G. Wilson (Tauranga)