mikedunton

Most of what I wanted to say has already been written. So I'll keep this short. This is a very entertaining film with plenty of action and laughs. OK, so it bombed in The States - probably because the panning it took from the critics persuaded the American audiences to stay away.

However, if you want almost three hours of fun, adventure and general mayhem, and you're willing to enter into the spirit of the adventure, I would thoroughly recommend this film.

Being of a certain age and, therefore, having seen the original TV series all those years ago, some of the "one-liners" are better appreciated. However, not having seen the series on TV would not detract from anyone's enjoyment.

Hopefully, as with Pirates of the Caribbean, there will be a sequel.

I too have always remembered this series, but can only recall the details of one of the episodes - where Ralph takes Brian to what he describes as a Spanish "gut" restaurant. In other words authentic rather than tourist-made. Turns out it is someone's house!! I have often wondered why it was never repeated, but one answer may lie in the following.......... Two or three years ago Richard Briers was being interviewed on Radio 5 Live and listeners were asked to phone in with questions. I asked about this programme and what had happened to it. Richard Briers said that, although it was nice of someone to remember it, it wasn't one that he cared to recall. I think he actually described it as a failure. I have often wondered whether part of Martin Byce's character (Ever Decreasing Circles) was drawn from Ralph Tanner.

It really is time to bring this to a close. This is set in the sixties. It began in 1992, so the regular actors have now aged 15 years in a series that is supposed to span 10. Gina in mini skirt and boots, trying to dance in 60s style just looks ridiculous now. Alf, Bernie and Oscar are well past their sell-by dates and the whole thing is tired. Please can it now!!! By the way, I used to think it was a really good programme - especially the music. Just as an aside.......... Now that smoking is banned in places of work in England, they won't be able to smoke when making the programme. So, no smoking in the Aidensfield Arms, no more roll-ups for Alf in the police station - over 40 years before the ban came into being!!!