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Amazon.co.uk Review
The Good Life has proved an enduring jewel in the BBC's mainstream comedy archive. More than 25 years after it first appeared in our living rooms, nostalgia must be a major reason for its appeal. A whole generation of young men--and their fathers--found the weekly sight of Felicity Kendal as Barbara Good, pert in denim dungarees, irresistible. But it's the quality of the playing that has really stood the test of time and triumphs over a premise--self-sufficiency in Surbiton--that now seems naïve. Even in 1975, a Tom Good (a masterpiece of comic eccentricity from Richard Briers) quitting the rat race would probably have sold up his semi and chanced his luck as a small holder somewhere more remote than suburban Surrey.
Comic tensions arise not just from the Goods' daily struggle to beat the system on their own terms, but also from the relationship with their incredulous, often horrified, but usually supportive neighbours. Penelope Keith's Margo Leadbetter remains one of the great comic creations in British sitcom history--a simmering volcano of conservatism waging her own battle against creeping mediocrity in all aspects of life, whose human frailty somehow keeps her loveable. Paul Eddington as Jerry, her long-suffering husband, spars splendidly. --Piers Ford
Special Features
English
Region 0
Dolby Digital English
Dolby Digital
A Bob Larbey Interview
Production Notes
Filmographies
Scene Indexing
Region 0
Dolby Digital English
Dolby Digital
A Bob Larbey Interview
Production Notes
Filmographies
Scene Indexing
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
37 of 37 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
This DVD is actually titled "The Classic Episodes" and contains exactly what it says on the box!
It has 3 episodes (Backs To The Wall & The Wind-Break War & Silly, But It's Fun), scene selection, an interview with the writer Bob Larbey, production notes and filmographies. The latter items are the same as the ones on the Series 4 DVD.
Backs To The Wall
It's time for Tom and Barbara's harvest and Margo and Jerry are off to 'Keenya' on safari. But Tom hurts his back and Barbara is left to do all the work, but then help appears - although limping!
* Some lovely poingant moments in this episode amid the usual chaos that is the life of the Good's. Classic moments include Margo helping with the harvest and Barbara tempting Tom when he's in too much pain to do anything about it!
It has 3 episodes (Backs To The Wall & The Wind-Break War & Silly, But It's Fun), scene selection, an interview with the writer Bob Larbey, production notes and filmographies. The latter items are the same as the ones on the Series 4 DVD.
Backs To The Wall
It's time for Tom and Barbara's harvest and Margo and Jerry are off to 'Keenya' on safari. But Tom hurts his back and Barbara is left to do all the work, but then help appears - although limping!
* Some lovely poingant moments in this episode amid the usual chaos that is the life of the Good's. Classic moments include Margo helping with the harvest and Barbara tempting Tom when he's in too much pain to do anything about it!
The Wind-Break War
Margo has planned an arbour in the back garden which requires a wind-break to be erected. This means that the Good's fruit will get no sun and an argument and mix-ups ensue not helped by the gardener! They eventually make-up and a very enjoyable (for the audience!) evening follows fuelled by the famous pea-pod burgandy!
*This has to be my all time favourite episode and some of the lines have me in stitches. This is always remembered as the episode when they all get drunk and Jerry admits his feelings for Barbara.."It brings out the beast in me!" and Tom comforts Margo when she admits she has no sense of humour..."Don't worry Margo - I'll go and find you one!" Paul Eddington has a wonderful time and some of the best lines as stressed out Jerry and defends Margo very gallantly! Brilliant, Brilliant episode evidently enjoyed by the cast as much as anyone!
Silly, But It's Fun
Margo's christmas is due to arrive in a van, but the 9ft tree isn't, and so the whole lot gets sent back -along with a very perceptive delivery driver- and the new lot never arrives. So naturally Jerry gets political chicken-pox and Margo feels christmas "hasn't come to this house...". Jerry is looking forward to a nice quiet christmas with just the two of them until he realises there's not enough alcohol or food! Tom and Barbara have planned a simple self-sufficient christmas and so invite Jerry and Margo over to join in and, after Tom 'persuading' Margo to join in with the games and sprirt of the thing, they all agree it has been the best christmas ever.
* Another wonderful episode, with Margo's social standing and idea's taking another battering thanks to the 'working class'and the Good's idea of a good time! Some great moments include the delivery man's observation's (especially the one about Barbara's eyes!)the home-made crackers (and paper-hats!), anytime a piece of mistletoe appears!, Barbara's bird model, and present giving time.
All in all this is an essential piece of kit for a DVD owning fan of 'The Good Life' or for someone who is new to the show. Also good for anyone who needs cheering up or a satisfying laugh out loud - Enjoy!:)
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
This DVD is a must have for any serious fan of this popular and enduring Britcom! In fact, you will need to buy this DVD in order to complete your collection, even if you have Series 1-4. But it is definitely worth it! The audio and the video are excellent! This classic never gets old!
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
Format:VHS Tape
The Good Life is a series that will never age.The humour is continuous.The Good Life was probably a stepping stone for alot of what we do today. Felicity Kendal and Richard Briers shine as alwaysas Tom and Barbara Good, who manage to spend 15p each at christmas, and Paul Eddington and Penelope Keith as Jerry and Margot Leadbetter whose expensive lavish christmas does not turn out exactly how they planned!!!This video features 3 of the series classic episodes and can be watched again and again without the humour becoming less funny, unlike many so called comedys of todays era.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Hilarious and cheerful!
The Good Life is a classic comedy series and these are three of its best episodes ("Backs to the Wall", "Silly, But it's Fun" and "The Wind Break War"). Read more
Published on 25 Aug 2008 by N. Preskey
Great show...but
One of the best comedy shows ever. And while this is a good compilation, you should do yourself a favour and watch the complete series instead.
Published on 1 July 2004 by S. Com
The Good Life, brilliant!
Classic! What more can one say apart from saying that Margo is not only one of the funniest british sitcom characters, but she is my favourite. Read more
Published on 1 Aug 2003 by "javlpkah"
One of the greatest.
The Good Life will never age - it's just so well written and performed. Where many shows of the era now clang, The Good Life brightly jingles on, smart and funny at every step.
Published on 5 Jun 2000
Excellent - brilliant British Comedy - A Classic Series
What I had waited for for ages - The Good Life is a wonderfully warm and funny British series from the 70's. Very clever and great fun. Roll on winter afternoons! Enjoy
Published on 24 Mar 2000
An absolute cracker!
Beautiful, well presented and highly desirable. I've always wanted one of these! I am of course talking about Felicity Kendal and here she is in one of the best comedies ever... Read more
Published on 17 Mar 2000
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