On the Buses - The Complete Series [DVD]

It seems a pretty true statement to say that it's widely considered that the BBC has been primarily the broadcaster who has produced the much greater share of sitcom classics. Their interpretation of comedy often seemed that little more sophisticated, and perhaps more eloquently written, than their nearest rivals, ITV, yet there are occasional exceptions. LWTs 'On The Buses' isn't especially sophisticated, true, and it's fair to say the politically correct brigade may find a few things to disapprove of in terms of social attitude on show here, yet when the show was at its peak, it seriously took some beating, such was the effectiveness of its humour. Everything seemed to fit into place most perfectly, not forgetting also the most wonderful casting. The lead character, Stan (Reg Varney), alongside his mate Jack (Bob Grant), was a middle aged man who's job it was to drive the local bus, isn't really too detached in attitude to a typical male stereotype - very much into girl chasing, and especially the 'clippies' where he worked, and pretty much trying to get by by doing as little work as he could get away with. I think most of us have come across the type at one time or another. Stan still lived at home with his mother, his sister, Olive, and her husband, so there is plenty of scope for domestic humour also to be found in this series. Olive, played by Anna Karen, especially, was made the butt of many a joke because of her rather plain appearance, and her ongoing marriage problems with Arthur (Michael Robbins) became a consistent thread running through many of the storylines. Arthur appeared very rude and also rather aloof for much of the time, with an element of snobbery running through his character, but why appears to be very much a mystery, as he never seemed to be doing any better than the rest of them. One wonders why he ever decided to marry Olive in the first place. However, the character who was really most central to much of the humour is Inspector Blake (Blakey), who, by the end of the show's run, would replace Stan as the show's central character. The first five series (of the seven) are pretty flawless, where the writers, Ronald Wolfe and Ronald Chesney, effortlessly appeared to write brilliantly conceived situations, which in turn created many wonderfully memorable comedy moments. Incidents involving attempting to date clippies became a consistent theme for Stan, alongside many a domestic drama, involving a motor bike, a toilet, some do it yourself decorating, to name just a few. The humour is always very immediate, and laughs are plentiful. Wolfe and Chesney displayed a wonderfully light touch to their writing, where, whatever the circumstance, the show always maintained that wonderful feelgood factor. It was never really crude, or overtly sexual, unlike today. There was always a warmth, and a homeliness, whatever the situation. If anything, series three to five, shows the show at its absolute peak, which was around the time that Blakey's comedy credentials began to be utilised more fully. In many ways as Blakey actor Stephen Lewis grew into his part, and he became known for his many catchphrases ('i 'ate you Butler' being perhaps the most popular) and pained facial expressions, so he became the catalyst for so much of the show's greatest moments. Towards the end of the fifth series changes were at hand, when the writers, Wolfe and Chesney, decided to relinquish their control of the writing of the scripts (to concentrate on one of the highly successful 'On The Buses' films). This gave amongst others, the opportunity for Bob Grant, who played the role of Jack, and Stephen Lewis (Blakey), to contribute scripts. In truth, and despite a number of really high quality episodes in the shows latter days, this marked the beginning of the end for the series. What seemed like a truly funny show in previous series' now began to seem all rather silly, where a truly farcical element began to dominate many of the storylines. The episodes began to rely a little too much on the character of Blakey, in all sorts of haphazard situations, while one or two of the main cast, including Reg Varney, had had enough and decided to quit. Those later shows really do seem rather thread bare compared with the show at its peak, as though outrage had replaced what was once a truly entertaining show, which was initially very high on comedic value. This DVD release also includes a number of extras, including a couple of Reg Varney variety shows, and also the opening episode to the follow up series 'Don't Drink The Water' (starring Stephen Lewis' character Blakey), all of which perhaps have fairly limited appeal. In retrospect, it is perhaps best when purchasing this boxset to concentrate on the first five series, and not take too much time pondering over the inadequaces of some the rest of what's on offer. It is those five series which show this sitcom at its very best. At that point it could pretty much hold its own with any other sitcom around, too, past or present. A mighty fine achievement, too, in my opinion.

On the buses is a brilliant comedy a good laugh all round. Stan and his mates what they get up to is excellent comedy. Trying to outwit the inspector when they can. Stan’s family problems are really funny what they get up to. It’s well acted but remember the series is made in the 1970’s so it might upset some people. I thoroughly enjoyed the series a good sitcom with plenty of laughs and slapstick as well. On the buses the series is value for money.

I bought this because I love some of the older series from TV and I was not disappointed. I found it just as enjoyable and funny as the first time I saw it. I would recommend that if you haven't seen it, watch it. Sadly most of the main actors in the series have passed away now leaving only Anna Karen (Olive) and Stephen Lewis (The Inspector Blakey) left. However the show is a fitting tribute to them all. My wife and I watched the whole series from beginning to end and laughed loudly as we did. The extras are also brilliant. I can only hope that sometime in the future that they will release the 13 episodes of the spin off series starring Steven Lewis called Don't Drink The Water. The first episode is included as an extra along with Reg Varney's play The Best Legs In The Business. I have given this a five star rating as it deserves it for the hours of enjoyment it has brought.

This boxed set is all 11 series of this show; 11 discs and over 32 hours of viewing. This is a show you either like or loathe. I'm in the latter category, but my OH loves it and I must admit that watching it with a more objective eye, some 40+ years after it first aired, it's proved to be quite interesting. The sexism is appalling and it's fascinating to see how much ( or little) attitudes to women have changed. It's a social microcosm going back to the days when buses had drivers, conductors and inspectors who'd check timekeeping etc. To my surprise, although it's not laugh a minute as the gags are predictable, I've enjoyed watching a few episodes. It's sad to realise that Olive is the only surviving cast member (she appears in Eastenders from time to time). I bought this as a warehouse deal at an exceptionally good price because the outer cardboard case was slightly damaged. But it's amazing value.

It may be sexist, it may, at times, be vulgar but I love On The Buses. Granted most of the episodes centre around Stan Butler (Reg Varney) and his conductor Jack Harper (Bob Grant) leering at female colleagues in a shamelessly chauvinistic way which would never be tolerated today. When they aren't doing that they occupy themselves by making the life of the Inspector (Stephen Lewis) a misery. My only bug bear is the fact that the cast don't say their lines they shout them and sometimes when they're all shouting over one another the first impulse is to reach for the volume control. That said the show is a nostalgic throwback to the 70's and is a nice way to while away an hour or so if you watch a couple of episodes. The cast throw themselves into the fun (although Doris Hare is far superior as Mum than her predecessor, Cicely Courtneige in series 1). Hours of enjoyable harmless fun. And 74 episodes at such a low price is great entertainment value for money.

I purchased the complete On The Buses sight unseen based upon having seen Stephen Lewis in Oh Doctor Beeching! (brilliant!). Initially, I was a bit disappointed. As has been mentioned by others, series 1 and 2 are weak, I almost gave up on the show. But by the middle of series 3 it had grown on me and I was hooked. Of course every time Blakey (Lewis) opens his mouth it is pure gold. Far and away the character that makes this show for me. Additionally the characters of Arthur (Michael Robbins) and Olive (Anna Karen). Olive is funny straight away in the first episode and the interaction between the two gets better the longer the show is on. Arthur's obvious contempt for his wife who clearly adores him is simply well played and always funny. Stan (Reg Varney) and Jack (Bob Grant) are both capable at carrying the story lines and providing ample comedy on their own and with Blakey and the various clippys who throw themselves at these two paragons of masculine prowess. Sadly, something always seems to get in the way for poor old Stan. Often getting in the way is his mum (Doris Hare). Mum as a character does a fine job of being the glue for the family and she furthers much of the plot. The stories are simple and predictable. You will likley never be surprised by some wicked plot twist. But it's not about that, it's about this group of 6 characters and their interactions with each other and the comedy which results. There is quite a bit of clever word play as well as some very good physical comedy from Reg Varney (the episode where he's done his back in and the lads load him into the cab of his bus whilst he is wearing a corset is brilliant physical comedy). I was torn between 3 or 4 stars for this show, but in the end, it makes me happy and makes the characters seem like old friends rendering it both watchable and re-watchable. So I give 4. I would not give it 5 stars because it pales when compared to shows like The Good Life, To The Manor Born or Dad's Army where the writing and character development and even acting is far more sophisticated. This show views much more like a filmed play than a polished show. There are a lot of fluffed lines, but there is also genuine live audience reaction. And if you like this show and loved the Blakey character, check out Oh Doctor Beeching!, he's the same old Stephen Lewis, and ain't it marvelous!

My grandad use to be a bus inspector and everyone still calls him Blakey. After finding out it was from on the buses I decided to purchase the full box set to see if I would find it funny. It’s absolutely hilarious! You’ve got to remember the program is old now and A strike affected the filming of a few episodes so they are not in colour but this is only about six episodes half way through the box set. I think it’s absolutely incredible how long one take is without a cut and how they don’t burst out into laughter amazes me. I’m only 25 years old and I would definitely now put this in one of my top 10 all-time comedies. Just a side note: I have always wondered why they let Arthur talk to Olive how he does? Also am I the only one who thinks olive isn’t actually that unattractive?

Really enjoyable

Tried to watch the DVD and all that comes up is "playback prohibited due to region code". You wouldnt think that would be an issue considering I've bought it from the Australian Amazon site. Very disappointed and I've missed the return window.

This dvd set is for England only…. I returned it and had to pay for the postage going to Montreal….why they sell this is beyond me….why sell it when you can’t watch it….

Britse humor van de bovenste plank !!!

Brit. sit-com of early 70s. Generally amusing, with some episodes quite good, but time to time a bit labored, failing to hit the laughter mark. Not the greatest Brit. series, but still pretty good, it has it's moments.

Very funny series