Each week, we will be taking an in depth look at some of the best sitcoms and comedy shows from both the UK and the USA.
Today we will be looking at a comedy that was really successful in the seventies and even gave one of the leading actresses a BAFTA – The Good Life
Opening title Sequence / Theme Tune
About the Show
Summary of Plot
The perils of “escaping the rat race” and dropping out of society – to start a farm in Surbiton (and to drive Margo nuts). – IMDb
Number of Seasons / Episodes
4 Seasons
Characters:
Richard Briers – Tom Good
Felicity Kendell – Barbara Good
Penelope Keith – Margo Leadbetter
Paul Eddington – Jerry Leadbutter
Trivia
+ The writers decided Eddington’s character would be called “Jerry”, rationalizing “we’ve got a Tom, may as well have a Jerry.”
+ Graphic designer Oliver Elmes took his inspiration for the opening title sequence from the swooping bird seen in The Unicorn in the Garden (1953).
+ The Penelope Keith character Margo is heard but not seen in the first episode.
+ Penelope Keith won a BAFTA for playing Margo.
+ As a result of the huge success of The Good Life, Bill Cotton, the controller of BBC 1, promised Richard Briers, Felicity Kendall, Penelope Keith and Paul Eddington shows of their own on the BBC when it ended in 1978. A year later, Paul Eddington and Penelope Keith both had huge success with their respective sitcom’s Yes Minister and To The Manor Born. Felicity Kendall followed in 1981, with the less successful Solo, however Richard Briers had to wait six years before starring in Ever Decreasing Circles in 1984.
+ The part of Margo was first intended for Hannah Gordon.
Classic Clips
Home Brewed Wine
Bread with Cheese
Jerry and Margos Dinner Party
The Vibrating Armchair
