TV Show spotlight
Open All Hours is a British television sitcom created and written by Roy Clarke, starring Ronnie Barker as penny-pinching corner-shopkeeper Albert Arkwright, and David Jason as his nephew and assistant Granville. The programme originated as a 1973 episode of Barker’s comedy anthology Seven of One, and later ran for 26 episodes; the first series broadcast on BBC2, the remaining three series broadcast on BBC1.
Open All Hours follows the daily life of Albert Arkwright, a miserly and obsessive owner of a small corner shop in Yorkshire. Along with his put-upon nephew and errand boy, Granville, Arkwright navigates the eccentricities of his customers and his own peculiar desires, particularly his unrequited infatuation with Nurse Gladys Emmanuel. The series is a gentle comedy of everyday life, character quirks, and the enduring nature of the corner shop.
Open All Hours is widely regarded as a classic British sitcom, beloved for its sharp writing, memorable characters, and the impeccable comedic timing of its cast, particularly Ronnie Barker. The show achieved significant popularity during its run and continues to be a favourite in reruns, celebrated for its warm humour and nostalgic portrayal of community life.
Praised for its witty dialogue and character-driven humour.
Ronnie Barker's performance as the devious Arkwright is considered a comedic masterpiece.
The show is cherished for its charming depiction of working-class life and community spirit.
Google audience: Audience reviews consistently highlight the show's timeless humor and the brilliant performances of the cast. Many fondly remember the characters and the relatable, everyday situations depicted.
The distinctive green frontage of Arkwright's corner shop in the series was actually the front of a real, now-demolished, shop on Lister Avenue in Listerhills, Bradford.
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It took the BBC a couple of years after the end of "Porridge" to find another suitable sitcom for the considerable talents of Ronnie Barker, and so in 1976 they reunited him with producer Sydney Lotterby and "Last of the Summer Wine" creato...