Oh, Miss Jones . . . they’ve left us off the list of TV greats
IN THE list of the all-time greatest British comedy sitcoms (Mail), I was astounded no mention was made of the fabulous Rising Damp. The 28 episodes of this ITV show, written by Eric Chappell and aired between 1974 and 1978, were recorded at Yorkshire Television in Leeds. It’s still hilarious today, albeit not as politically correct in these modern times as one would hope for. The starring role went to the genius of comic timing, Leonard Rossiter. His interpretation of the landlord of not so salubrious bedsits was a joy to behold. Despite the peeling wallpaper and tacky furniture, Rigsby thought his rooms were on a par with the Hilton. In his battered cardigans and trousers shiny with age, he was in his element imparting his knowledge on any given subject, particularly his expertise with the female gender, to the hapless Alan (Richard Beckinsale). Another male tenant Philip (Don Warrington) was well-educated and relished in winding up his landlord. Rigsby tried hard to win the heart of his tenant Miss Jones (Frances de la Tour), but with no luck. The casting was fabulous, the background research was meticulous and the writing was some of the best on TV, then and now. Even Rigsby’s cat Vienna had a starring role. It was cleverly written and acted, providing us with a useful piece of social history. It is still my favourite comedy show. Mrs JANET E. LITTLEWOOD,
Redditch, Worcs.
I WAS astonished by the omission of Steptoe And Son from the Top 20 sitcoms list. I would have it in equal first place with Fawlty Towers. I would also make a case for The Liver Birds, Bread, Hancock’s Half Hour, Till Death Us Do Part, One Foot In The Grave, Citizen Smith, Last Of The Summer Wine, Open All Hours, Rising Damp, On The Buses and The Army Game. Can I assume that most of the panel of judges have never seen anything in black and white?
ALAN SMITH, Barnstaple, Devon. THE glaring omission from the list of top sitcoms is Hancock’s Half Hour. Its writers Ray Galton and Alan Simpson virtually invented the sitcom.
CLIVE WHICHELOW, London SW19.