There are many icons in British comedy, but few are as indelible as Ronnie Barker. It's easy to see why this guy is as loved as he is, because the mark he left on the world of comedy is monumental. Love him or hate him, you've got to respect him, because this guy is a true legend. And he's at the centre of two of the most beloved sitcoms ever, one of which being the 1970s classic, Open All Hours. Ronnie Barker plays Arkwright, a frugal shopkeeper who is assured by his put upon nephew, Granville, played by David Jason. Like the best sitcoms, it makes up for it's simple setups with the sheer likeability of it's characters. Barker and Jason have great onscreen chemistry, and the series is at its best when it's just them bouncing off of each other. The banter here is really something special, and it's played with enough wit and charm to make up for the fairly simple plots. The series has a likeability to it that makes it an easy and fun watch.
Even though there are other recurring characters, the series tends to stay focused on the relationship between Granville and Arkwright. This is fine because their rapport is more than entertaining. It's the heart of the show, and it isn't just funny, it's actually kind of believable too. Similar to Steptoe and Son, the comedic dysfunction of their relationship hides some genuine heart and pathos. Over the course of the series, you do get the impression that these two actually do care about each other. As I said when I talked about Steptoe, that kind of underlying humanity really enhances the humour.
So Open All Hours. What can I say? It's a classic, and for good reason. With how likeable the two leads are, and how strong their characterisations are, it stands the test of time flawlessly. It's effortlessly charming and incredibly funny, and it absolutely solidifies Ronnie Barker as an all time legend. Well, that and another series....
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