"The Good Life" (1975) TV series 1975-1978

User Rating:

8.2/10   

Seasons:

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | unknown

Release Date:

4 April 1975 (UK)

Genre:

Comedy

Plot:

The perils of "escaping the rat race" and dropping out of society - to start a farm in Surbiton (and to drive Margo nuts).

Plot Keywords:

Farm | Neighbor | Conservative | Housewife | Innuendo

Awards:

1 win & 6 nominations

Cast

Richard Briers	...	Tom Good (30 episodes, 1975-1978)
Felicity Kendal	...	Barbara Good (30 episodes, 1975-1978)
Penelope Keith	...	Margo Leadbetter (30 episodes, 1975-1978)
Paul Eddington	...	Jerry Leadbetter (30 episodes, 1975-1978)

Also Known As:

"Good Neighbors" (USA)

Runtime:

28 min (30 episodes)

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Sound Mix:

Mono

Certification:

Australia:PG (some episodes) | Australia:G

Filming Locations:

Kewferry Road, Northwood, Middlesex, England, UK

Company:

British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)

Trivia:

The last episode, "When I'm 65" was the second comeback special (by popular demand) and was recorded in the presence of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip. After the recording the cast and leading members of the crew were presented to the royal party.

Goofs:

Continuity: In "The Early Birds" (episode #3.01), after the couple's sleepless night, Tom spoons sugar into his tea and ceases in the reverse shot, his attention focused on Barbara.

Quotes:

Margo: Road cleaning, I shall pay. Street lighting, I shall pay. Ground rent, I shall pay. But when it comes to the drain in front of my house, I shall not. Because it is blocked up and overflowing.
Mr. Squires - Clerk: I shall make a note of that.
Margo: You will do more than that, Mr. Squires. You will have a plumber on my door step at nine o'clock tomorrow morning with a plunger in his band, or you will not get a penny.
Mr. Squires - Clerk: Just who do think you are, Mrs. Ledbetter?
Margo: I am the silent majority.

Movie Connections:

Featured in "Funny Turns: Penelope Keith" (2000)

Soundtrack:

The Bandolero

Those where the days!

In the seventies, television was good, and The Good Life (1975-1978) is no exception. It's a dry, pleasant and warm British situation comedy about an everyday man who decides on his 40th birthday to quit his job and become self-sufficient. The reason this comedy works better than most is down to its brilliant casting, all of the actors have such a believable chemistry. From Tom and Barbara Good (the fantastic Richard Briers and the lovely Felicity Kendall) to Jerry and Margot Ledbetter (the equally great coupling of Paul Eddington and Penelope Keith). The characters are so likeable, you can't help but warn to this show, it's funny, inoffensive and most of all happy, the kind of show that will lift you're spirits and put a smile on you're face. (Incidentally for a show that is so happy, the final episode is actually quite depressing and emotional a bit of a downer. But that aside you can still watch all the other episodes). This is great comedy with great actors that adds up to a true television classic...