Welcome back to My 70’s TV Childhood, where we reminisce about growing up in 1970s Britain and how television shaped our lives. . If you played with Sindy or Action Man, watched the Bay City Rollers in Shang a Lang, and wouldn't miss Scooby Doo for anything, you're in the right place for a dose of nostalgia.
Recently, I've received numerous comments following our episode marking the 50th anniversary of The Sweeney. It seems I wasn’t alone in finding the prospect of watching tough but fair coppers speeding around London with guns a very exciting proposition. Many of you shared happy memories of playground games and fallings out because some parents refused to let their children watch such a violent show. Keith emailed me a link to The Sweeney Letraset transfer set, part of the Super Action Heroes series, which brought back vivid memories of villains, Regan and Carter, and even uniformed policemen with truncheons.
If you’d like to email us like Keith did, on Letraset or anything else, you can email [email protected]. You can also leave a comment on our blog at www.my70stvchildhood.com or on one of our many social media sites. At the last count, you can find us on Facebook, Twitter/X, YouTube, and LinkedIn.
As I record this episode, the UK is in the midst of a general election campaign. The campaigns of all sides have been slightly depressing, focused on television appearances and avoiding mistakes, which makes it all very dull. This led me to reflect on my childhood, where despite economic gloom, we had political commentary and satire on TV that lifted spirits. Mike Yarwood’s impressions of political figures provided much-needed humour.
This reflection took me back to the clever comedy of the seventies, particularly The Two Ronnies. Watching television with my family, laughing at the same things, was a cherished experience that seems rarer today. Saturday evenings were special, with tea and cake in front of the TV, followed by a mix of shows like The Pink Panther, Basil Brush, Alias Smith and Jones, and Doctor Who. We’d later have supper, always spaghetti Bolognese, and watch US cop shows like Starsky and Hutch.
The Two Ronnies, a staple of Saturday nights, was a mix of clever comedy, monologues, and musical numbers. Ronnie Barker and Ronnie Corbett met in 1963 and got their big break in 1970, leading to a successful run until 1987. The show was funny, clever, and included standout sketches, recurring themes, musical guests, and Corbett’s monologues.
One memorable part was the serials, like The Phantom Raspberry Blower of Old London Town, written by Spike Milligan and Barker. It was silly and hilarious, inspiring playground antics and even featuring in my nightmares during a dental visit.
The show’s finale often involved musical parodies, showcasing the duo’s versatility. The effort and professionalism required to produce each series were immense, making it a beloved part of British television history.
What memories do you have of The Two Ronnies? You can let us know by leaving a comment on our blog at www.my70stvchildhood.com or on one of our social media sites, or you can simply email [email protected].
Join us next week for the latest edition of our 70’s TV trivia quiz and in a fortnight for the next edition of our podcast. Until then, take care and see you soon for more from My 70’s TV Childhood.
Oliver
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