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My 70's TV ChildhoodAuthor: Oliver Colling
A celebration of growing up in Britain in the 1970's and the huge part TV played in our lives. You can comment on episodes, suggest subjects for future podcasts and, of course, share your memories with us on our blog www.my70sTVchildhood.com Language: en-gb Genres: Society & Culture, TV & Film Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it Trailer: |
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This Made Me Cry With Laughter: Ripping Yarns and Why It Still Holds Up
Episode 5
Monday, 2 February, 2026
This made me cry with laughter. That is the honest truth about Ripping Yarns, and it still does nearly 50 years later.Michael Palin and Terry Jones, the creative minds behind Monty Python, took the classic British adventure stories I grew up reading and gave them a brilliant, absurdist twist. Between 1976 and 1979, they created nine episodes that understood their subject so well they could deconstruct it with precision and humour.In this episode, I explore why Ripping Yarns remains one of the most underrated comedy dramas of the 1970s. From "Tomkinson's Schooldays" where new boys fight grizzly bears, to "Golden Gordon" with its legendary football drama, to "Roger of the Raj" which turns the British Imperial dream on its head, each episode is a masterpiece.The cast included Ian Ogilvy, Liz Smith, Roy Kinnear, Frank Middlemass, Denholm Elliott, and Joan Sanderson. These were top British actors who clearly relished the material. The historical setting, the brilliant writing, and the exceptional performances ensure these episodes remain genuinely funny after nearly 50 years.What to Expect:🎬 Why this show still makes me laugh today📚 The classic British adventure stories that inspired the series🎭 Highlights from key episodes🎪 The brilliant casting and performances💭 Why British humour at its finest is self-deprecating and unafraid to question our own absurdities📲 Connect & Follow📝 Blog: https://my70stvchildhood.com📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/my70stvchildhood🐦 X / Twitter: https://x.com/70sTVchildhood📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/my70stvchildhood/▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@my70stvchildhoodDon’t forget to like, rate, and review us wherever you get your podcasts! It helps us grow and keeps the spirit of 70s television alive.Take care, OliverGet in touch!Support the show
