Only Fools and Horses - The Complete Series 1 [1981] [DVD]

Regularly touted as one of the best British sitcoms ever, Only Fools and Horses kicked off in 1981 when mobile phones were the size of bricks and wine bars were the ultimate places to hang out in. The formula was simple enough: Cockney wideboy Derek Trotter (brilliantly played by David Jason) dreams of better things for himself while sharing a cramped council flat in the nicely named Peckham tower block Nelson Mandela House with his unworldly brother Rodney and his sweet but doddery old granddad. Trouble is, Del's endless money-making schemes (such as his attempt to flog a consignment of one-legged turkeys, or his plan to sell bottled tap water) inevitably backfire, like the knackered old Robin Reliant van he uses to cart around all this faulty gear. Created by John Sullivan, who also sings the very catchy theme tune, Only Fools and Horses is a wonderful mix of dodgy but loveable characters (such as Del Boy's dimwit friend Trigger), knockabout slapstick (no-one falls down with as much comedic grace as Jason) and brilliantly crafted dialogue. Sadly, Leonard Pierce who played Granddad died in 1983; but his armchair in the Trotter household was filled in 1985 by Buster Merryfield as Uncle Albert (an old merchant seaman who bores Del and Rodney with tales of his war days). The show ran to seven series and ended with characteristic warmth in 1991, when Del Boy became a father; but the Trotters made occasional returns to the small screens with six hugely popular one-off Christmas specials. As Del Boy himself might say: "Lovely jubbly". --Edward Lawrenson

4:3 Full Frame
DVD 5
English
Region 2
Dolby Digital English
Dolby Digital

Episodes:

Big Brother
After flogging one legged turkeys from the back of a three wheeled van, Del's confident at last he's on to a winner with Trigger's consignment of Old English vinyl briefcases. How can Rodney even think of abandoning the high-flying world of trading for a real job?

Go West Young Man
Rodney's depressed. His mate Mickey Pearce has moved in on his bird - Monica of the fat thighs - and life isn't exactly a social whirl. Del has the solution - they'll all be millionaires in a year - cue his smooth friend Boycie and a very dodgy deal...

Cash and Curry
Del's swooping in on the deal of a lifetime - it could keep him in pilau rice forever. All he has to do is get hold of a poxy statue...trouble is, he hasn't reckoned on a touch of gang warfare...

The Second Time Around
Del's rekindled passion with an old flame Pauline and it looks like wedding bells are in the air again. Rodney's not too thrilled after what happened to her last two husbands...

A Slow Bus To Chingford
Del has a dream: The Trotter corporate skyscraper, rising majestically against the Peckham skyline. It's time for the latest moneymaking scam, Trotter's Ethnic Tours...

The Russians Are Coming
The threat of nuclear war looms over Peckham. What will become of the Nag's Head if the Russian's attack? One thing's guaranteed, the Trotter's will be sitting pretty in their DIY shelter...

Christmas Crackers
It's anthracite roast potatoes and green stuff all round - Grandad's cooking dinner! Trouble is, Rodney's in danger of dying of boredom. The the glittering attractions of the Monte Carlo Club beckon...