With 'Bless This House' proving a hit on ITV, it was inevitable that a feature film spin-off would eventually appear. This 1972 film was written by Dave Freeman and produced by Gerald Thomas, both of which worked with Sid James on the 'Carry On' films. With those credits, it is perhaps unsurprising that 'Bless This House' turned out like one of Gerald Thomas' seaside romps. Not especially a bad thing but all the same it contradicts the television counterpart, which was a family show.
Most of the cast are present and correct. Diana Coupland reprises her role as Sid's wife Jean, as do Sally Geeson as Sid and Jean's scatty daughter Sally and Patsy Rowlands as their nagging neighbour Betty. Peter Butterworth replaces Anthony Jackson as Trevor while Robin Askwith replaces Robin Stewart as Sid and Jean's hippie like son Mike. Terry Scott and June Whitfield play Sid and Jean's new neighbours, Ronald and Vera Baines. Unlike Terry from 'Happy Ever After' and 'Terry & June', Baines is an unlikeable, toffee-nosed twit who takes great delight in winding up Sid.
The film, while not bad, is slightly messy. There is no real plot as such. Mike buys a scrap-pile of a car which doesn't even have the road credibility of a lawn mower, Sally attempts to fight against those who pollute the planet, Jean and Betty attempt to set up a jumble sale stall to sell junk given to them by their neighbours, Sid tries to repair damage he made to his neighbour's house by trying to remove a hideous over-mantle.
The main part of the movie focuses on Mike's relationship with Kate, the Baines' beautiful daughter who ends up getting a job at the same café where Mike is working.
The supporting cast is made up of the likes of Tommy Godfrey, Wendy Richard, George A. Cooper, Janet Brown, Julian Orchard and Frank Thornton. Carol Hawkins plays Kate, who during the '70's was one of the hottest women on the small and big screen. Robin Askwith at this time was to be seen starring in the saucy 'Confessions' movies.
The year after this film went on television, 'Bless This House' was back on television for another series, with Robin Stewart and Anthony Jackson reprising their respective roles. 'Bless This House' at its best was good, saucy, unassuming fun which helps wile away a pleasant hour and a half, though as I pretty much covered before, it is in an entirely different league to the series.
Funniest bit - the 'panama hat' fiasco! I can't do it justice here, but it is a hilarious scene and it cracks me up each time.
Most of the cast are present and correct. Diana Coupland reprises her role as Sid's wife Jean, as do Sally Geeson as Sid and Jean's scatty daughter Sally and Patsy Rowlands as their nagging neighbour Betty. Peter Butterworth replaces Anthony Jackson as Trevor while Robin Askwith replaces Robin Stewart as Sid and Jean's hippie like son Mike. Terry Scott and June Whitfield play Sid and Jean's new neighbours, Ronald and Vera Baines. Unlike Terry from 'Happy Ever After' and 'Terry & June', Baines is an unlikeable, toffee-nosed twit who takes great delight in winding up Sid.
The film, while not bad, is slightly messy. There is no real plot as such. Mike buys a scrap-pile of a car which doesn't even have the road credibility of a lawn mower, Sally attempts to fight against those who pollute the planet, Jean and Betty attempt to set up a jumble sale stall to sell junk given to them by their neighbours, Sid tries to repair damage he made to his neighbour's house by trying to remove a hideous over-mantle.
The main part of the movie focuses on Mike's relationship with Kate, the Baines' beautiful daughter who ends up getting a job at the same café where Mike is working.
The supporting cast is made up of the likes of Tommy Godfrey, Wendy Richard, George A. Cooper, Janet Brown, Julian Orchard and Frank Thornton. Carol Hawkins plays Kate, who during the '70's was one of the hottest women on the small and big screen. Robin Askwith at this time was to be seen starring in the saucy 'Confessions' movies.
The year after this film went on television, 'Bless This House' was back on television for another series, with Robin Stewart and Anthony Jackson reprising their respective roles. 'Bless This House' at its best was good, saucy, unassuming fun which helps wile away a pleasant hour and a half, though as I pretty much covered before, it is in an entirely different league to the series.
Funniest bit - the 'panama hat' fiasco! I can't do it justice here, but it is a hilarious scene and it cracks me up each time.