Three Steptoe classics

Press, 26 January 1988, Page 30

Three Steptoe classics

Three more “Steptoe and Son” episodes have been released under the 8.8. C. Classic Comedy label.

These bring to 12 the number of episodes of this brilliantly funny television series put out on video.

“A Star is Born” is about the competition that arises when Harold (Harry H. Corbett) is offered a part in the local amateur dramatic society’s production. He has long had hopes that his acting talents will be discovered, but soon finds his father (Wilfrid Brambell) is also in the running for a part. In “Upstairs, Downstairs, Upstairs, Downstairs,” Albert has a slipped disc which is healing slowly, thanks to the tender ministrations of his faithful son. But if Albert is flat on his back upstairs, why are all the pink licorice allsorts disappearing from a jar downstairs? “Cuckoo In The Nest” tells of the arrival of Arthur, an uncouth Australian visitor who turns out to be a half-brother to Harold. The son who has toiled so long and hard in the rag and bone business is understandably jealous when the newcomer is offered a partnership. The 8.8. C. sports team has also added three videos to its range. One is a study of 101 tries in international rugby matches, introduced by Cliff Morgan, and with a running time of 58 minutes. For the cricketers there is “A View From the Box — Brian Johnston’s Great Cricket Moments.” The 60-minute video looks at some high points from seven internationals. The most recent of them is 1984.

The motor racing fans are not forgotten; either, with a 79-minute video on “Supercharged — The Grand Prix Car 19241939.” The video is an extended version of an “Horizon” documentary. There is some colour footage that has not been seen before, and racing driver John Watson does some road testing--D.C.