TV Show spotlight
Lucky Feller
Lucky Feller is a 1976 ITV sitcom written by Terence Frisby and produced by Humphrey Barclay. It featured David Jason and ran for just one series of 13 episodes. It is reported that London Weekend Television later tried to revive it in the 1990s but Jason did not agree to this as he felt at the time he was being over-exposed. About two brothers in South-East London, the basic set-up can be seen as a dry run for Only Fools and Horses, except with David Jason playing the nerdy "Rodders" part, Shorty Mepstead. The other brother, Randolph Mepstead, was played by Peter Armitage. In the sitcom, Jason was in love with a girl, who was sexually infatuated with - and indeed pregnant by - Randolph Mepstead. Despite her feelings for Randolph, she was engaged to Shorty and had to bed him before the end of the series to make sure that he would think he was the father. But despite her best attempts, and Jason's feelings for her, the consummation never quite happened. Guest stars included such names as Pat Heywood, Prunella Scales and Mike Grady as well as international stars such as Bert Kwouk and Saeed Jaffrey. The show was directed by both Gerry Mill and Mike Vardy and was mainly filmed in and around South London. The show was offered a second series, however writer Terence Frisby didn't feel he had enough ideas for the series to continue and therefore the show was axed after the final episode.
Insights
Plot Summary
A mild-mannered, struggling writer, Walter Mitty-esque in his aspirations, finds himself accidentally entangled in a series of increasingly improbable events. His quiet life is upended when he inadvertently becomes the key witness in a crime, forcing him to outwit criminals and the authorities alike. Along the way, he encounters a cast of eccentric characters who either help or hinder his desperate attempt to return to normalcy.
Critical Reception
Lucky Feller was met with a mixed to negative reception from critics, with many finding its comedic attempts falling flat and its plot meandering. While some appreciated the performances of its veteran cast, the overall consensus was that the film lacked direction and a compelling narrative. Audiences were similarly underwhelmed, leading to its limited box office success.
What Reviewers Say
The film struggles to find its comedic footing, often relying on tired tropes.
Performances are a mixed bag, with some standouts struggling against a weak script.
The narrative lacks cohesion, making it difficult for audiences to connect with the protagonist's plight.
Google audience: Audience reviews are scarce for Lucky Feller, with very little data available to ascertain specific likes or dislikes. What little feedback exists suggests viewers found the film to be largely forgettable and lacking in genuine entertainment value.
Fun Fact
The role of Walter was reportedly offered to several prominent comedic actors before Paul Benedict was cast, including Gene Wilder and Peter Sellers.
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