My 70's TV Childhood

Oliver Colling

A celebration of growing up in Britain in the 1970's and the huge part TV played in our lives. You can comment on episodes, suggest subjects for future podcasts and, of course, share your memories with us on our blog www.my70sTVchildhood.com 

  1. Monty Python: The Comedy That Changed Everything

    6D AGO

    Monty Python: The Comedy That Changed Everything

    It was silly, it was intellectual, and it was like nothing anyone had ever seen before. This week, we're revisiting the chaotic and brilliant world of Monty Python's Flying Circus. From the Ministry of Silly Walks to the Spanish Inquisition, Monty Python's unique brand of absurd humour revolutionised comedy and left a lasting impact on British culture. In this episode, we explore the origins of the Pythons, the creation of their groundbreaking show, and the sketches that have become legendary. 💬 What to Expect: •The Pythons: How Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, Michael Palin, and Terry Gilliam came together to create a comedy revolution. •Pythonesque Humour: We explore the show's unique and intellectual style of comedy that defied classification. •Iconic Sketches: From SPAM to the Lumberjack Song, we revisit some of the most memorable and hilarious moments from the show. •Controversy & Censorship: We look at how the show's controversial material often clashed with the BBC. •The Legacy: We discuss the enduring impact of Monty Python on comedy and popular culture. What's your favourite Monty Python sketch? Let us know in the comments! And if you love chatting about this stuff with people who remember it just like you do, come and join our My 70s TV Childhood Facebook community. Take care, Oliver 📲 Connect & Follow Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/my70stvchildhoodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/my70stvchildhood/X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/homeYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@my70stvchildhood This is a Worth A Listen Production Don't forget to like, rate, and review us wherever you get your podcasts. Your feedback helps us grow and keeps the spirit of 70s TV alive! Tell your friends about the podcast and invite them to join the fun. Get in touch! Support the show

    29 min
  2. George & Mildred A 70’s Love Story for the Ages?

    FEB 17

    George & Mildred A 70’s Love Story for the Ages?

    Theirs wasn't a romance for the ages. But it was one of the most honest love stories on 70s TV. With Valentine's Day just behind us, I've been thinking about the unforgettable marriage of George and Mildred Roper. They started as landlords in 'Man About the House', but their bickering, aspirational, and deeply familiar dynamic stole the show. Their own spinoff, 'George and Mildred', cemented their place as a television institution. In this episode, I explore why their relationship—funny, awkward, and wonderfully real—resonated with so many families in the seventies. We look at the incredible actors who brought them to life, Brian Murphy and Yootha Joyce, and why their on-screen chemistry felt so authentic. What to Expect: 🎭 Brian Murphy's Early Life: From entertaining troops during the war to training at RADA. 🎪 The Theatre Workshop: How Joan Littlewood's famous theatre group shaped his career. 🏠 Man About the House: The controversial sitcom that introduced the world to the Ropers. 📺 The George & Mildred Spinoff: How the nation's love for the couple led to their own hit show. ❤️ A Love Story for the Ages?: We discuss why their marriage struck such a chord with viewers. I'd love to know what you think! Were you more of a 'Man about the House' fan, or did 'George and Mildred' win you over? Did their relationship remind you of anybody in your own life? Let me know! And if you love chatting about this stuff with people who remember it just like you do, come and join our My 70s TV Childhood Facebook community. Take care, Oliver 📲 Connect & Follow 📝 Blog: https://my70stvchildhood.com 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/my70stvchildhood 🐦 X / Twitter: https://x.com/70sTVchildhood 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/my70stvchildhood/ ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@my70stvchildhood Don’t forget to like, rate, and review us wherever you get your podcasts Get in touch! Support the show

    15 min
  3. This Made Me Cry With Laughter: Ripping Yarns and Why It Still Holds Up

    FEB 3

    This Made Me Cry With Laughter: Ripping Yarns and Why It Still Holds Up

    This made me cry with laughter.  That is the honest truth about Ripping Yarns, and it still does nearly 50 years later. Michael Palin and Terry Jones, the creative minds behind Monty Python, took the classic British adventure stories I grew up reading and gave them a brilliant, absurdist twist. Between 1976 and 1979, they created nine episodes that understood their subject so well they could deconstruct it with precision and humour. In this episode, I explore why Ripping Yarns remains one of the most underrated comedy dramas of the 1970s. From "Tomkinson's Schooldays" where new boys fight grizzly bears, to "Golden Gordon" with its legendary football drama, to "Roger of the Raj" which turns the British Imperial dream on its head, each episode is a masterpiece. The cast included Ian Ogilvy, Liz Smith, Roy Kinnear, Frank Middlemass, Denholm Elliott, and Joan Sanderson. These were top British actors who clearly relished the material. The historical setting, the brilliant writing, and the exceptional performances ensure these episodes remain genuinely funny after nearly 50 years. What to Expect: 🎬 Why this show still makes me laugh today 📚 The classic British adventure stories that inspired the series 🎭 Highlights from key episodes 🎪 The brilliant casting and performances 💭 Why British humour at its finest is self-deprecating and unafraid to question our own absurdities 📲 Connect & Follow 📝 Blog: https://my70stvchildhood.com 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/my70stvchildhood 🐦 X / Twitter: https://x.com/70sTVchildhood 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/my70stvchildhood/ ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@my70stvchildhood Don’t forget to like, rate, and review us wherever you get your podcasts!  It helps us grow and keeps the spirit of 70s television alive. Take care,  Oliver Get in touch! Support the show

    29 min
  4. The Quiz # 61

    JAN 27

    The Quiz # 61

    Hello and welcome back to the My 70’s TV Childhood Quiz!  This is the 61st edition of our fortnightly trivia challenge dedicated to the golden age of British television. Thanks for all your comments on the last quiz. A few of you found it tricky, but with some scores in the high teens, it seems we’re pitching it just right! Ready to test your knowledge again? Grab a pen, paper, and your favourite beverage, and let’s begin 💬 What to Expect: •🎲 Round 1: The Name of the Game - Can you identify the 70s gameshow from a simple description? •📺 Round 2: Marathon or Fil Rouge - Questions about topics we’ve covered in previous podcast episodes. •🎵 Round 3: Theme Tune Spin (1973) - We spin the wheel and test your knowledge of five classic theme tunes from 1973. •🎬 Round 4: TV Times - Anything goes in our general 70s TV trivia round! •🎁 Bonus Question - We reveal the answer to last week’s question and pose a new challenge. How will you score? Send your results to quiz@my70stvchildhood.com! Take care, Oliver 📲 Connect & Follow •Blog: https://my70stvchildhood.com •Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/my70stvchildhood •X/Twitter: https://x.com/70sTVchildhood •Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/my70stvchildhood/ •YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@my70stvchildhood Don’t forget to like, rate, and review us wherever you get your podcasts!  It helps us grow and keeps the spirit of 70s television alive. Get in touch! Support the show

    17 min
  5. Some Mothers Do ‘Ave ‘Em

    JAN 20

    Some Mothers Do ‘Ave ‘Em

    This week, we’re bracing ourselves for chaos and cringing with affection as we revisit one of the most iconic sitcoms of the 1970s: “Some Mothers Do ’Ave ’Em”! Join me as we return to the world of the hapless but well-meaning Frank Spencer, brought to life by the incredible Michael Crawford. We’ll explore the jaw-dropping stunts, the unforgettable catchphrases, and the surprisingly heartwarming relationship between Frank and his long-suffering wife, Betty. 💬 What to Expect: •The Man Behind the Beret: A look at Michael Crawford’s diverse career, from West End star to the accident-prone Frank Spencer. •Nationwide Anxiety: Why the entire country would watch through their fingers as Frank attempted even the simplest of tasks. •The Stunts: How did they get away with it? We discuss the most memorable and dangerous physical comedy moments, all performed by Crawford himself. •“Ooh, Betty!”: A tribute to the endlessly patient and loving Betty, the calm in the eye of Frank’s storm. What are your favourite Frank Spencer moments?  Did you cringe with embarrassment or laugh until you cried?  Share your memories with us! Oliver 📧 Email us: oliver@my70stvchildhood.com 📲 Connect & Follow •Blog: https://my70stvchildhood.com/ •Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/my70stvchildhood •Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/my70stvchildhood/ •X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/home •YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@my70stvchildhood Get in touch! Support the show

    22 min

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A celebration of growing up in Britain in the 1970's and the huge part TV played in our lives. You can comment on episodes, suggest subjects for future podcasts and, of course, share your memories with us on our blog www.my70sTVchildhood.com 

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