Nearest and Dearest

The filmed version of Nearest and Dearest was released a year before the television show finished with its final series.

The film goes back to when the show started and the death of Eli and Nellie Pledge's father. Both siblings now inherit their dad's pickle business in Colne, Lancashire.

Even though Eli has been away for a number of years, hoping to make his fortune in London. He arrived back home potless.

Eli and Nellie go to Blackpool for a seaside break. He attracts the attention of amorous widow Mrs Rowbottom (Yootha Joyce.) Then has the idea of marrying Nellie off to Vernon Smallpiece (Norman Mitchell.) A middle aged pickler from Oldham who is also single.

Only Vernon agrees to reluctantly marry Nellie as he is in desperate financial straits himself.

The film aimed for Carry On style cheeky postcard humour. It lost the pull of the television series. Both Jimmy Jewel and Hylda Baker struggle with the script. It is plotless and witless.

The early scene when Eli strands his girlfriend Freda (Pat Ashton) in London and they nastily throws a portion of chips at her. That is basically assault. It gets worse later, Eli does a striptease.

Then there are lazy scenes to reunite the characters from the show. On the trip to Blackpool, Eli and Nellie bump into Walter and Lily. As well as factory workers Stan and Bert.

Overall a dismal offering.