Pardon the Expression
Pardon The Expression! is an ITV sitcom made by Granada Television, that was first broadcast from Wednesday 2 June 1965 to Monday 27 June 1966. The sitcom was one of only four spin-offs from the highly popular soap opera Coronation Street. Pardon the Expression itself had a spin-off: Turn out the Lights broadcast in 1967. There wasn't to be another spin-off until the 1980s with The Brothers McGregor, which reused two characters who appeared in a single episode. Leonard Swindley was the central character. Formerly the manager of the fashion retail store "Gamma Garments" in Coronation Street, in this series he is the deputy manager of the department store Dobson and Hawks. His boss in the series was Ernest Parbold played by Paul Dawkins who was replaced by Wally Hunt played by Robert Dorning in series 2. Other regulars were Betty Driver as canteen lady, Mrs Edgeley and Joy Stewart as Miss Sinclair, the boss's secretary.
Insights
Plot Summary
The series followed the life of a middle-aged, socially awkward clerk named Arthur Crabtree. Set in the fictional town of Atherton, the show depicted his mundane work life, his struggles with social interactions, and his often-humorous attempts to navigate everyday situations and relationships. It offered a slice-of-life look at the routines and minor dramas of an ordinary man.
Critical Reception
Pardon the Expression was a BBC television series that garnered a small but dedicated following for its gentle humor and relatable portrayal of everyday life. While not a blockbuster, it was appreciated for its character-driven narrative and understated wit, capturing a specific vein of British comedy.
What Reviewers Say
- Appreciated for its quiet humor and observational style.
- Praised for its realistic depiction of ordinary life and its protagonist's struggles.
- Seen as a character study with moments of understated charm.
Google audience: Information regarding Google user reviews for this specific 1966 BBC series is not readily available.
Fun Fact
The series was notable for featuring Arthur Lowe in a role that foreshadowed his later iconic performance as Captain Mainwaring in Dad's Army, showcasing his talent for portraying slightly pompous but ultimately endearing characters.
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