Open All Hours - Review

'Open All Hours' was a comedic television series which began in 1973 and ran for 12 years, signing off in 1985. Directed by Sydney Lotterby and written by Roy Clarke, 'Open All Hours' enjoyed quite a bit of success with stars that included Ronnie Barker as the penny pinching, profit obsessed owner of a small Doncaster shop, Albert Arkwright, and David Jason as Arkwright's junior clerk, Granville. Both Jason and Barker starred throughout the entire 12 year run of the show.

At various intervals, other stars that made noticeable showings include Lynda Baron as Nurse Gladys Emmanuel between 1976 and 1985, Stephanie Cole as Mrs. Featherstone from 1982 to 1985, Barbara Flynn as The Milk Woman from 1981 through 1985, Maggie Ollerenshaw as Mavis between 1981 and 1982, and Kathy Staff as Mrs. Blewett from 1976 until 1981.

'Open All Hours' is considered to be one of the best comedy shows in Britain's history, in the company of other sitcoms like 'Porridge' and 'Fawlty Towers.' This is due in large part to the comedic skills of Ronnie Barker and David Jason. As Arkwright, the owner of the shop, Barker is obsessed with two things: making money and gaining the admiration of his neighbour, Nurse Gladys Emmanuel, whom he considers to be his fiancée. As Granville, David Jason plays assistant to Barker in both comedic foil and situation comedy, helping him to manipulate the customers into purchasing items they didn't come for, don't want, and don't need.

"The dialogue is clean, sharp, and witty and when Arkwright succeeds in forcing a sale on the weary customer, it's truly comedic. Tightly written and well acted, it's no wonder that 'Open All Hours' has become something of a cult classic."

Because the shop is on a neighbourhood street in suburban Dorcaster at the start of the '70s, the grocery store has mostly regular customers who come in to make weekly or daily purchases. The viewer gets to know these customers as well as Barker's Arkwright and Jason's Granville, and the story lines grow out of the interactions amongst these characters.

In every episode, a new issue comes up out of the relationships and intricacies of running a small grocery store. The highlights are the efforts which Arkwright puts forth in order to hawk his wares to his customers. He will say anything and do anything to make a sale, despite the customer's intention. The dialogue is clean, sharp, and witty and when Arkwright succeeds in forcing a sale on the weary customer, it's truly comedic. Tightly written and well acted, it's no wonder that 'Open All Hours' has become something of a cult classic.

A running plotline throughout the series is Arkwright's manipulation of his nephew and assistant in the shop, Granville. Played by David Jason, Granville is a master character in that he manages to keep the viewer cheering for him even while the viewer continues to laugh at his misfortune. Always under the thumb of his uncle Arkwright, Granville is kept earning a tiny wage, doing all the grunt work, and kept from the affections of women and potential friends alike through the tireless efforts of his boss. Though a full grown man, Arkwright makes sure that Granville stays a small boy in mindset, treating him as a small child. Jason's mastery of the duplicitous role is superb, both endearing and funny. His character is a highlight of the series, and his timing is unmatchable. The viewer finds him or herself cheering for Granville, while thoroughly enjoying the comedy created when he succumbs yet again to Arkwright's manipulation and overbearing and miserly management of the grocery store.

Twenty six episodes of this 30 minute comedic sitcom, the first four seasons, are available on DVD. With a PG-rating, 'Open All Hours' will be enjoyed by the whole family.