On The Buses - Series 1 [DVD]

This was the first of a massive seven season's of the smash hit comedy TV series 'On The Buses'!

Many people may not know (or remember) that Stan's 'original ' mum was played by the much talented actress from the 1930s; Dame Cicely Courtneidge. She was married to 30s film star Jack Hulbert. Though she is good in this, I think the change to Doris Hare was a good one. Dame Cicely's acting was a little dated - even in this for the time, and she was probably past her best.

This first season was not particularly outstanding, and consisted of seven not terribly funny episodes when compared to much later ones, in fact, the first is surprisingly 'unfunny' I thought in comparison to the second which was in total contrast, hilarious and reminiscent of what was to come much later. There were no continuities in terms of story-lines from episode to episode in these type of comedies usually, but in this first season, we see a little, in the form of a character's return for a later appearance in episode seven, having first appeared in episode two - this was the sexy 'Iris', wonderfully played by Gwendolyn Watts, who is sadly no longer with us...

Network are usually quite good at leaving in Ad. Bumpers in their releases, but in this first set, only a couple have them intact, all the others have either been lost or edited out for some reason, which is a shame.

This was a comedy that definitely had to find its feet in my opinion, and some of the characters are a little 'wooden' and were to change somewhat over the years; Arthur was actually employed in this first set, whilst Jack plays a considerably smaller role. The title theme music - though the same, is played at a considerably slower tempo here too which does not help...

In summing up; this was a great comedy that got better as it went on.

Well what does one stay about On The Buses, but,- Its a must for all great british comedy fans, you can't go wrong, there are laugh's all the way through and you know it, great artist's at their best, hilarious comedy , nice to see all these loveable shows coming to DVD. About time, go on have a laugh and collect the lot, there a must!

Compared to what followed the first series of On The Buses is quite poor. Its a wonder it made it to a second series. Inspector Blake is a completely different character here and Mum is a completely different actress (Cicely Courtneidge looking a bit ill at ease).
Still has its moments and interesting to watch a show in its very early stages. Just dont expect huge bellylaughs! For that get the third series.