Hilarious: Americans React to Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em | British Comedy

Hey everyone! So glad you're back watching our videos. This one was requested by many commentators and we are pleased to share with you our reactions to Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em!
If you're new to our channel, we are Americans living in the UK reacting to British culture and more. We make three new videos a week, so please subscribe so you can check out our new content.
The video we are reacting to can be found here: • Video
[This video is reproduced under fair use exemptions to copyright laws.]
------------
Subscribe to our channel for new videos three times a week! ➡️ bit.ly/postmodernfam
Buy a T-Shirt in support of our channel here ➡️
teespring.com/stores/the-post...
Buy us a gift from our Amazon Wish List! ➡️ bit.ly/pmfwishlist
Subscribe to our Podcast to get inside our heads ➡️ bit.ly/pmfpodcast
Check out our Patreon if you want to join our Exclusive Community ➡️ bit.ly/pmfpatreon
And our Website for everything that we're doing: thepostmodernfamily.com; bit.ly/pmfwebsite
------------
facebook: @postmodernfamily
twitter: @postmodern_fam
instagram: @postmodernfamily
pinterest: @postmodernfamily
-------------
PLAYLISTS
Most Popular Videos: bit.ly/bestofpmf
Food in the UK: bit.ly/foodinuk
Pregnant in the UK: bit.ly/ukpregnancy
VIDEOS
Real Opera Singer Sings "Never Enough": • REAL OPERA SINGER SING...
US vs. UK Healthcare: • US vs. UK HEALTHCARE |...
5 Day UK Food Tour: • AMERICANS EAT UK FOOD ...
We Love UK Food: • AMERICANS WHO LOVE UK ...
Baby Bump Progression: • BABY BUMP PROGRESSION!...
US vs. UK Driving Conditions: • US VS. UK DRIVING COND...
Americans Love Moggmentum: • AMERICANS LOVE MOGGMEN...

[@Ecthaelyon]

Absolute comic genius. So much of his act was ad-libbed, he did all his own stunts. Michael Crawford, an incredible comedian / actor / entertainer / singer etc.

[@deanmoore7239]

It wasn't that he was stupid or dumb, it was the fact he was so naive about life and interacting with other people. Michael Crawford is a genius. Those body movements and facial expressions. He could make people laugh without saying a word.

[@white-dragon4424]

He's still a buffoon, on the level of Jar-Jar Binks.

[@charlotteE164]

This is it these Americans were a bit rude and arrogant, there are lots of people like this who are not the best with social cues but there certainly not dumb!

[@charlotteE164]

This is it these Americans were a bit rude and arrogant, there are lots of people like this who are not the best with social cues but there certainly not dumb!

[@charlotteE164]

This is it these Americans were a bit rude and arrogant, there are lots of people like this who are not the best with social cues but there certainly not dumb!

[@waynedoyle5584]

true ......he wasn,t dumb ....just innocent like the good hosts understand ....that,s why it,s funny / the character is british legend .....in other words ...he,s just sweet

[@kiwi007]

He was a genius. Those of us in our 50s grew up with this comedy.He did his own stunts as well. Currently he lives in New Zealand.

[@lordshadow3822]

I'm watch it as a kid during the 90s 😁 it is brilliant!

[@garethutting6328]

He did his own stunts and then.....Michael Crawford sings in Phantom of the Opera he plays the part of the Phantom.Legend.

[@easyrider2031]

A great comedian

[@michaelkiddle3149]

Happy days we had so much good quality comedy back then

[@white-dragon4424]

It's been shown on TV on and off ever since it was made, not just in the 70's.

[@marianjones3889]

Hard to believe that "Frank" went on to create one of the most iconic characters in modern musical theatre as the Phantom in Phantom of the Opera. A hugely talented man and a really good person - my special needs son and I had the pleasure of meeting him when he was appearing at the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas in EFX. He spent nearly half an hour with us BETWEEN SHOWS and it's a day my son still talks about 23 years on.

[@goombabear]

I'm an American and I loved Frank Spencer for nearly two decades.

[@tonyknight9912]

Crawford's an utter genius, some of his stunts were bloody dangerous!

[@TheSeeking2know]

One of my favorite comedy shows when I was a kid growing up in Nigeria. We got to watch reruns in the local TV station. Frank was a disaster but with a pure, harmless heart. It was his physical humor - facial expression and squirming - and those awkward pauses before delivering his responses that we always fun to watch. Never got old.

[@timwilson2280]

What nice words

[@Kernewik101]

Its from 50 years ago....comedy genius at that time n regularly got 15 million plus viewers watching it every week. Sweet, gentle, kind n hilarious...💝

[@johnbunyan5834]

Michael Crawford went on to be the first Phantom of the Opera star when it opened in London. What a range of talents.

[@artistjoh]

Michael Crawford is the definition of genius. His singing voice is amazing. As the Phantom of The Opera he was sensational. But in Some Mother's his incredible talent is at its peak. No one else could elicit so much laughter from just facial expressions and body language, few could tell so much story without saying a word.

[@dean1039]

The best of British humour from the golden age of British sitcoms.

[@WallaseyanTube]

The actress playing the wife - Michele Dotrice - is the sister of the actress (Karen Dotrice) that played the daughter in Mary Poppins (1964) and both are from a famous acting family.

[@TheCollingsShowVlog]

Frank Spencer rocks. The thing I love about the character is that, although he's so inept at everything, he has a heart of gold, and he's actually a good father to his little girl. Classic show that remains hilarious no matter how old it gets.

[@jasonjones5357]

I grew up in the 70's and every kid at school used to act like him, or have a saying of his. It was one of the greatest comedy shows we ever produced, he was a national treasure.

[@yesireallyam]

Being english, it was great watching your reactions to what was one of the classic 70's tv series here in the UK. It never seems to get old.I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[@thinker9115]

What's also so funny are the professionals who come into contact with 'Frank' they start off so proud and in control of their world but after only a few moments in the company of Frank, their world begins to collapse around them.

[@MrMoonlightmile]

I remember watching this as a child growing up in the 70’s . British Tv shows back then were such an institution . Funny innocent and borderline rude . Perfect 👌😀

[@GenialHarryGrout]

Frank wasn't simple he was just very naive and innocent. His intentions were genuine in everything he did but he wasn't very good at anything. Michael did his own stunts, something actors wouldn't do or be allowed to do today. From watching Filipe's reaction this should be a dvd box set you should get and it may be being shown on UK Gold.

[@charles.stewart4422]

yeah he did do all the stunts including a motorbike riding through the water , he did say after that his Back got quite hot with the exhaust pipe between him and his Coat !

[@michaelmallory2926]

Genial Harry Grout That’s not true about actors not being allowed to do their own stunts, Tom Cruise and Keano Reeves do must of their own stunts.

[@danielgardecki1046]

It's just called *Gold* now. *UK Gold* hasn't existed since 2003, and *UKTV Gold* hasn't existed since 2008.

[@marcgatland5314]

There was one episode ending where he got buried under a mound of earth from a tip truck, and was supposed to appear from the dirt and say the final lines.... dirt drops, Michael buried, and then...... the stage crew were digging him out furiously before it became more than just a stunt. That one almost got way too real.

[@stevezpj]

his stunts were incredible - I remember he also played the lead in Condorman (Michael Crawford as a superhero is pretty much what you'd expect)

[@PBLE20]

I can’t believe you didn’t include when Frank misunderstands Betty’s news about having a baby!!! Funniest thing ever!! Michael is a master of expression and comic timing! 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@silverfoxdude7]

When i was a teen this show was much loved in the uk . The frank spencer character was inpersonated by everyone across the board

[@nicklewis1882]

His facial expressions alone just kill you every time. Brilliant actor and brilliant character.

[@eclaire_x88x]

Before I even start watching this, it surely isn't possible that anyone can watch this and not fall in love with Frank Spencer. Michael Crawford is a legend and this is one of the best comedies ever made imo, he's soo good. Good choice.

[@mariaisabelcruz4943]

The best of the best.

[@mariaisabelcruz4943]

We would like to see this serie again. It is timeless He was the phantom of the opera....absolutely great. And he has a voice like an Angel

[@thegreenknight2658]

Frank Spencer aka Michael Crawford is also known for originating the title role in The Phantom of the Opera. Hard to believe it was the same person.

[@MrGlobbits]

He also played the lead role in Condorman which was kind of like a spoof of 007. Watched it as a kid and there's a car chase scene I always remember.

[@globeforever9777]

The Green Knight An serious and comedy acting genius.

[@robinford4037]

@@MrGlobbits ahh , the black porsche

[@michaeljago6620]

He was also in the musical Hello Dolly in 1969

[@MartinSparkes-BadDragon]

He was also in Hello Dolly, and the character used there was a copy of Frank Spencer

[@duncanwyer2460]

His episode on roller skates when he does some very dangerous stunts with moving traffic is a must watch

[@loopylou949]

No roller skating scene? You’ve been short changed!

[@christnumber2]

Not sure how that was not No.1? "I've got no change" and "I've been articulated!" Pure brilliance!

[@veilbreak5867]

Loopy Lou, Yes, and the 'Nativity'...his Angel gabriel!

[@ianchambers6191]

This is a misunderstandings compilation not funniest stunts

[@thefurrybastard1964]

Oh god! The roller Skating Scene!

[@alien_industries3803]

love the motorcycle courier episode, he did all his own stunts and he can also sing very well and was phantom of the opera.

[@direnova6284]

His performance as Frank was great. He's so lovable and innocent. He based it on his very young daughter.

[@njm57]

I so loved this programme as a child. We watched it as a family and would be crying laughing and loving the characters at the same time. Very innocent humour.

[@spagoz2136]

I remember an interview where Michael indicated that Frank's "childlike" reactions when things went wrong, were based on similar reactions from his own (4 year old ?) daughter & which he was able to imitate with Frank's character. When he has that "look" on his face & hesitates to stop & think about the situation, to me it is the perfect example of how some children would react.

[@jackdelaney4082]

Love British humour .So clever and dry

[@hughneek12]

British TV comedy used to be the best, not so good these days though, seem to have lost all the great writing talent.

[@danw1374]

@@hughneek12 Now they're too busy making up new genders and fretting about 'culturally appropriating'

[@hughneek12]

@@danw1374 We really do live in sick times if the flow of human creativity is so inhibited by such sociological confusion. Sanity has been inverted.

[@simon8864]

Frank is played by Michael Crawford who, unbelievably, was cast as the Phantom in Phantom of the Opera along side Sarah Brightman

[@SuperStreaky]

Have you tried watching 'Porridge' - set in a prison BUT an absolute classic...!!!

[@andrewlaw]

Beat me to it, the humour in Porridge is universal and so funny.

[@michaelhunt8419]

Most our sit coms are about knowing the characters and finding humour through the relationships between them Porridge is brilliant. I wouldn't recommend watch clips from any show out of context you have to see the whole thing to appreciate what they are about.

[@Eleventhearlofmars]

Steptoe and son is another character comedy classic, that ironically the Americans copied dismally

[@Eleventhearlofmars]

winstoneism yeah and they were about as funny as a boil on my arse.

[@dabble778]

And the actor Fulton Mackay is wonderful (he appears in this KZbin clip too)

[@fluxfotos22]

What they don't realise is that Some Mothers Do Ave Em is without doubt one of the funniest comedy's ever in the history of british television, right up there at the top along with the young ones, blackadder, porridge and the two ronnies.

[@pup1008]

No *"Fawlty Towers!!!"*

[@fluxfotos22]

equal.

[@swillshere]

Four candles. I said fork handles.😂

[@wenedsday]

Morecambe and Wise!!!

[@ynotnilknarf39]

it's right out of the Buster Keaton slapstick stunt comedy book too, Crawford stunts were fantastic and very underestimated.

[@mrssadieadler4874]

How ppl kept a strait face while filming this show its amazing Micheal Crawford is an amazing actor it’s one of my fave shows from the 90s when I was growing up 😂🤣😂😁😁😁

[@danic9304]

The subtlety - not that there's a huge amount - comes in some of the quieter moments. there's a sweetness to his relationship with his wife and little girl that leaves you 100% on his side. The scenes where he sings to his daughter are beautiful. Sometimes that sweetness means that underlying the broad comedy is a strand of judgment against those who are unforgiving and cold Haven't seen an episode in many years - but loved it growing up.

[@johnnypenso9574]

Haha, I watched this show with my Dad back in the 70's here in Canada. Absolutely loved it. On the Buses was another good one from back then as well. In the 80's I got into Desmond. British comedies are so much better than a lot of the tripe we get over here!!!

[@davebillington9618]

Unfortunately British comedies died in early 2000s imo. Now fir some reason our comedies try to copy American ones like friends. They've also moved away from working class to middle class families imo.

[@solatiumz]

@Dave - The same with all the comedians, it is hard to find a good working class comedian. The only one I can think of is Kevin Bridges.

[@davebillington9618]

@@solatiumz yep stand up comedy splits people personally I like Billy Connoly, Jasper carrot, Richard prior, Eddie Murphy but for some they are an aquired taste. Modern play it safe stand ups like Michael Mcintyre who I find very boring and predictable.

[@Isleofskye]

I'm 64 and I loved some of the old sitcoms like Black AdderPorridge/Fawlty Towers/Reg Perrin/Alan Partridge etc but The Office/Extra/Not Going Out/Boomers/Outnumbered/Some Girls and many others have all been hilarious...

[@Isleofskye]

Kevin Bridges/Lee Mack/Lee Evans (not for me )/Steve Coogan/Stewart Lee/Henning Wein/Ricky Gervais/Peter Kay (Working class lad if ever I saw one ) are fine comedians though 1 or 2 of them are not Working Class,admittedly.

[@cherise2831]

Not only was this highly popular as Frank Spencer was a complete innocent clot but also a generally decent guy. What made Michael Crawford also so very popular and famous is he performed all his own stunts and don't forget he had the starring role in Phantom Of The Opera, he has a wonderful voice.

[@markrobinson9394]

"I'm sorry, George. I've wet the bed." That's by far my favourite moment in the entire series. So hilarious.

[@eddievision]

You need to watch full episodes from season one onwards Michael Crawford did all his own Stunts throughout the series it is comedy gold...

[@virginiaisidro8552]

How can I watch the full episodes?

[@maximushaughton2404]

Frank had an domineering overly protecting mother, who tried to keep him hiden from the outside world when he was young, he was a real mummy's boy. It resonated with the British audiences, because we knew someone like him to a point.

[@davidhoward2487]

Like Pike in "Dad's Army"

[@stuartmacinnes8992]

seventies was good clean humour with a lot of innuendo lol .

[@CrazyInsanelikeafox]

Hhmm... Love Thy Neighbour, Mind Your Language.. not too clean.

[@stuartmacinnes8992]

@@CrazyInsanelikeafox Well I didn't have any problems with it at all .

[@purplevamp666]

I used to watch this all the time as a little girl. Haven't seen it in so many years. I used to love his little catchphrases "Ooh Betty" "the cat's done a whoopsie" 😂 😂

[@andrewdoubtfire4700]

I think you’d like “Porridge”. (not the breakfast!). Brilliantly written and superbly acted.

[@brianrodney5202]

Doctor " Do you have any disability ? " Fetch " I've got bad feet , Doctor " Doctor " Are you a practicing homosexual ? " Fletch " What ? With these feet ! "

[@CathyKitson]

brian rodney From the same scene:- Doctor - You see those flasks over there? I want you to fill one for me. Fletcher - What, from here?

[@ianrobson9601]

Yes yes Porridge , Fulton Mackay who we just saw in the sketch where Frank was dressed in an RAF uniform and being given a test, was absolutely superb in Porridge as the prison warder called , Mr Mackay. He was the one Felipe laughed hard at for rolling his R`s. He`s Scottish Felipe , that`s what they do , they love rolling their, R`s. You should hear them pronounce the word , Worms or , Wurrrrrrrrr -rumms as they like to say

[@electricleg207]

Another great scene was -McKay `My house reflect`s my wife. Fletcher `Big is it`.

[@CathyKitson]

electricleg The common mantra when the warders woke the prisoners up - "Who's been having your old lady?" - "Ha, ha, ha. Oh that is original, Fletcher. I've been havin' that for the last seven years." - "So's she an' all." "Porridge" is full of side-splitting asides! Instantly memorable and still hilarious after 40 years.

[@helmuthschultes9243]

Extremely skilled in real life, with fantastic signing voice. His own stunts show great athletic and coordination ability, many stunts simply dangerous. As his roll in this show the precise opposite, a person raised by a mother mollycoddling the son to the point where he is extremely uncoordinated, unable to do anthing right, always completely mucking up anything he does. The only two successes in life seem to be to get a wife and have a child because anything and everything else becomes a massive disaster. Also surprising is how his wife manages to stay loyal to him, inspite of all the havoc he creates. Certainly never ever manages keeping any job no matter how simple.

[@tonznz007]

good summary

[@susancarroll9499]

I wonder if these people realise that Frank/Michael Crawford. Is actually a great singer and played the part of The Phantom of the Opera. Yes he is a buffoon but greatly talented. 🎼🎼🎭

[@Bonglecat]

Not to mention Hello Dolly, Barnam, Billy (Liar), EFX in Vegas, count Fosco in Women in White and the Wizard in the Wizard of Oz.

[@pauldonnelly8659]

no cgi back then remember, they really blew that old chimney stack up lol

[@DavidSmith-iw7jh]

Comedy series you should watch - Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em, Rising Damp, The Fall and Rise of Reginald Perrin, Steptoe and Son, Porridge - all classics.

[@jazzyb4656]

You missed out Open All Hours which is the best of the lot followed by Porridge.

[@globeforever9777]

David Smith 6510 How would the Americans react to Mrs Browns Boy's?

[@tomjohnston1108]

Don't forget It Ain't Half Hot Mum ;-)

[@jeffpurcell7035]

You forgot “The Goodies”

[@tomjohnston1108]

You can't go wrong with Kitten Kong!!!

[@bellslinki]

I was crying with laughter rewatching this. I loved it as a young kid.

[@claredyson9936]

Oh wow! Americans don’t know about Some mothers do ave em? It’s a classic. It’s better when u what the whole program. He is hilarious 😂

[@jdlc903]

Most English ppl dont know this.im 31 first time ive come across this.

[@joshhunt4146]

Jdlc how is that even possible? I’m 30 and I used to watch it as a kid all the time. It was always on telly

[@SuperHydra93]

I'm 26 and it was repeated on TV when I was a kid.

[@rapunzelmane9592]

The catchphrase that kids used to repeat in the playground at the time was: "Oooo Bettie, the cat's done a whoopsie [poop] in my beret".

[@danw1374]

I'm a man! Lol

[@rapunzelmane9592]

@@danw1374 😂

[@EthanfromEngland-]

One of my all time favourite shows.

[@Ynysmydwr]

2:56 Cocking a leg is what a male dog does when peeing.

[@seanosborne3343]

I loved watching him when the series first aired. In one episode he (literally) demolished an entire street, very dangerous, and all done in one take. He was working as a professional opera singer when he was only a boy, and one piece of music he sang in had to be re-recorded, because the mikes were picking up the sound of him eating peanuts. He appeared in the film version of Hello Dolly with Barbara Streisand, and had a solo, It Only Takes a Moment. Michelle Dotrice, who played his wife in Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em, was the little girl in the original Mary Poppins film.

[@ConstanzeWeber]

God I love this series. Betty telling Frank that she's pregnant was just the best!! I understand that Michael Crawford modelled those awkward reactions on his toddler's reactions when she was being told off!! One of the few true innocents shown on TV and it's still delightful over 40 years later!! Michael's stunts were amazing too.

[@stuartofblyth]

"Your Worship" (4:21) is the correct way to address a magistrate of either sex, but times have changed since that recording and I believe "Sir" or "Madam" is also acceptable now. O tempora! O mores!

[@amazed66]

There's a trailer for one of the reality TV channels where people from different professions talk about their experiences in their jobs and a magistrate said one defendant called her your majesty.

[@stuartofblyth]

Brilliant. I've been known to send people up by calling them "Your Edifice" or "Your Supreme Munificence".

[@whatshisname3304]

your worship is more appropriate for a lord, not a magistrate.

[@markkram849]

robert smith - that's completely incorrect - 'your worship' is not an appropriate way to address a lord but it is absolutely the correct way to address a magistrate.

[@markkram849]

Rose Tico Enthusiast - 'Your Honour' is how one addresses a judge. However, Frank isn't in front of a judge, he's before a magistrate and 'Your Worship' is the correct form of address.

[@sabian5393]

Some Mother's Do 'ave 'em was, and still is to this day, one of my favourite comedy programmes, second only to Fawlty Towers, which will ALWAYS be my favourite,

[@garymcatear822]

There were loads of really dangerous stunts in this TV show and Frank did all his own stunts, brave guy.

[@garymcatear822]

@@personalcheeses8073 lol yeah Michael, sorry i have a habbit of using actors charactor names.

[@janicetingley]

So good to join you both in laughter. I have seen these various ‘Some Mothers do ‘Ave ‘Em’ videos time and time again over the years - I still ‘laugh my head off’ every time. The simplicity of misunderstanding the English language, and Frank’s childish and awkward mannerisms have kept me laughing for nearly 50 years! Original British humour😂😂

[@erroleabrown4317]

Hes supposed to be a resolt of conplete innosence, his charater is brillient in its simplicity and sweetness. He really is the greatest creative actor theres ever been.

[@stuarthossack7906]

Lovely to see you two enjoying a humour that you didn't grow up with and a style you may not be used to (?), gotta say I nearly got a tad emotional - these sort of sit-coms were part of my childhood (mainly on a Thursday night) and to see a couple of Americans giggling along is .......... well ............ lovely. Dunno how long you've been in the UK, but welcome. EDIT: Michael Crawford is an acting icon now and I don't think you have to be "American dumb" (I don't agree with the stereotype btw) to appreciate this simple (complicated stunts) humour - MC based Frank Spencer on his daughter's child like character, innocence and sense of wonder - she must have been a lovely child.

[@roberthaynes8830]

I love Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em. Michael Crawford and Michelle Dotrice were both wonderful. The stunts that Crawford did still freak me out.

[@user-dr2yc1de9e]

Michael Crawford was just brilliant did all his own stunts, just goes over American heads!!

[@CaptainNemo1701]

Nice to see you reacting to one of my favourite childhood comedies of the 1970's. Pity though, this top ten countdown didn't inclide two classic episodes: The one where a cliff top picnic goes wrong & the 'one with him rollerskating'. I suggest you search youtube for those clips as saying any more would ruin the fun. The rollerskating clip is probably the most famous & Michael Crawford did his own stunts.

[@loneranger5412]

Oh yes they must watch the cliff top picknick I loved it .....i used to watch Frank as a child of the 1970s.....i loved this one

[@wannabuyabridge]

That was one of the scariest things I had ever seen on TV, after Davros of course

[@garydunn3037]

I have that picnic cliff hanger episode, it has you biting your finger nails. Its classic Frank at his best. They just don't make anything to make us laugh these days. Not in this miserable PC World.

[@geoffpoole483]

Some Mothers..... was very clean; a lot of the humour was slapstick. It's still funny 40+years later. Michael Crawford is a phenomenal talent.

[@Dragonblaster1]

There are no bad episodes of SMDAE. Michael Crawford was a natural for comedy, and Michelle Dotrice was a perfect foil for him.

[@fredbates3165]

You should watch some full episodes they are really funny

[@roddersfiftynine]

First aired 50 years ago and still as funny after all this time. Over 20 million tuned in weekly to watch Frank and Betty and the christmas specials (check out the nativity scene) were a seasonal highlight with over 25 million watching. British national treasure Michael Crawford, a man of many talents.

[@petercook4070]

Michael Crawford was the original lead in Phantom Of The OPERA and took it to Broadway.

[@grahamd1318]

By just watching the clips you pick up on his innocence, childlikeness, indecision, and complete lack of understanding of most things. But the character as a whole is more rounded; If you watch some episodes you'll see he is fiercely loyal to his wife and he never stops trying. The episode you need to watch is one when he is on roller skates...It is shot in a single take, and goes on for about a minute, including going down a set of concrete steps and passing under a lorry. Try to find it if you can. I just typed 'Frank Spencer on skates' and found it. There are multiple cameras used, but it is legendary for being shot in one take, as I said. Enjoy ;)

[@GodlessScummer]

Oh yes that is an all time classic clip.

[@zombiegnomes1]

I was thinking the same thing - that is my favourite episode

[@clinteastwood8230]

@@zombiegnomes1 the hotel one good when everything falls to bits. And the home improvement one too

[@grahamhaspassedaway4580]

This is a vital aspect of the character that is often overlooked. If he was just the buffoon who made a mess of everything, the audience would probably look on him with contempt. But when you see him talking to his little girl at night and singing her to sleep, his love for his family was palpable. He was a man who was constantly a victim of circumstance, but also one who was endlessly optimistic and hopeful for the future. And that, I think, is the reason he was so beloved.

[@kenno615]

Exactly true, Graham, as in one episode, goes to see a psychiatrist who finally tells him he's a failure, and Frank knows in his own mind that he thinks he is, but he became a father in it, so that is an achievement in that he was a good father to Jessica in certain ways.

[@sjbict]

These shows are from 1973 so the humour was a lot different then , The expression "Some mothers do have them" is meant to refer to someone clumsy or foolish. and the main character Michael Crawford has had many major roles as a hugely successful musical performer on the West End and Broadway stage, in popular shows such as Barnum and The Phantom of the Opera. He has also been i Hollywood musicals such as Hello Dolly. Love the videos by the way.

[@marycarver1542]

Michael Crawford, who played the Phantom of the Opera for a long run. A genius.

[@mdjcsmith]

Your wife's reactions with every slight change Michael Crawford makes to his face, reminds of when I first saw this show when I was a young chap

[@charleneraymond4036]

Man, this reminds me of Sundays sitting on the sofa with my family watching this (and Keeping Up Appearances). Apparently these shows were really big in Jamaica as well (where my mother is from)

[@TheIamtheoneandonly1]

Hey guys, I highly recommend that you check out the Some Mother’s Do Ave em Christmas Special from 1974. It’s incredibly funny 😂

[@davidhoward2487]

Oh if that's the one where Frank is an angel....I laughed til I cried!!

[@clinteastwood8230]

@@davidhoward2487 that's when he goes on look Betty is a whirly thing lol. Builds all the scenes and they fall to bits too lol

[@themlotproductions]

Michael Crawford's comic timing is impeccable.

[@susan9188]

You should see the one of him on roller skates. He did all his own stunts, absolute genius.

[@moogdome2562]

Rising damp, Rigsby. is a real classic, Rigsby doesn't have to say anything but, the womanizing sceaming shady landlord, gives everything away in his facial expressions, you just have to look to see what he is thinking. We know him so well.

[@KaitainCPS]

Best one is when he doesn't grasp that Betty's pregnant.

[@alansevern290]

That my friends, is Michael Crawford who took to the stage and played the Phontom of the Opera so successfully, such an underrated actor.

[@axeltaylor9094]

As an Australian the show Some Mothers Do Ave Em is very popular. Before my dad passed away me and my dad used to watch the show on UKTV.

[@jamesadcock5235]

It's funny u laughed more at something from the 70s than more modern day comedy

[@ThePostmodernFamily]

What do you think that means?

[@hurnethehunter]

Comedy has changed with each generation. 70s comedy is different to today's comedy, though it is still enjoyed by most people..

[@Hellmut34]

We were less hamstrung in the 70's and 80's with regards to Political Correctness. This gave the writers of that era the ability to do more or less what they wanted (within a certain threshold of course). Love your videos :) .

[@martyndyson9501]

Peter you obviously know nothing, yes there was a lot of sexual innuendos and toilet talk but to say it was nothing but means you haven't seen most stuff out there, steptoe and son, it ain't half hot mum were not predominantly sexual innuendo shows, they had a little but it was nothing like the carry on films.

[@drwhatson]

Most of these comedy shows were very well written. Watching the odd clip out of context is like skipping pages in a novel. Michael Crawford allegedly copied some of his facial mannerisms from his young daughter. 'Frank' was an innocent, trying his best in a grown-up world which he wasn't really prepared for. The constant "mishaps" he encountered weren't always his fault.

[@gdfggggg]

I enjoyed that, brought back childhood memory’s. I remember as a kid being in tears of laughter. Thanks

[@GeeCeeWU]

You should check out the roller skating episode, brilliant. Michael Crawford did all his own stunts.

[@j.dmetalhead7517]

Some mothers do 'ave em was a classic sitcom in the 70's. Michael Crawfod did all his own stunts the most famous one was the roller skating one..... brilliant!

[@Bpg5012trick]

Best comedy of all time, he did his own comedy stunts as well, check out the famous roller skater stunt, still the best stunt on British TV, not the Sports Relief one but the original one, but he redid the same stunt, at the age of 75... 45 years after the original.

[@rdh-daliasjb3796]

One of the truly great sequences.

[@ScottishPEACEguy]

Definitely not the best of all time.

[@spudpud-T67]

He is better known for his fumbling and disastrous outcomes for any activity he attempted. The one liners here are not really Frank Spencer at his best / worst.

[@samuelwoods164]

The theme music is very clever, it spells the name of the show in Morse code. I'm surprised the show translates, a lot of the humour is very outdated.

[@PeterCooperUK]

The setting and the contexts are very outdated, but I think the humour relies enough on everyday misunderstandings and slapstick to still work. My kids think it's hilarious. Something like "On The Buses" on the other hand..

[@spockboy]

Cool. Thanks. Didn't know that. Always loved the simplicity of it. One of the best themes ever for capturing a personality.

[@happyuk06]

That's a bit like saying they wore flares then therefore it can't be funny now. True humour never dates.

[@cbcdesign001]

It certainly is, I never knew that until I read your comment.

[@HRHtheDude]

You seemed to like this, you should watch the episodes. Frank was a lovable gem of the 70s. Highly recommended, an old school comedy that you can watch with the kids.

[@danielwilliams1932]

Frank is the best!! His elocution lessons is too funny, you will cry with laughter.

[@craigk621]

Really need to watch an episode, particularly when he does some stunts. Great Character acting by Crawford, also played Barnum and The Phantom on stage.

[@stevethompson1421]

In the rest of the aptitude test scene. Notice that Fulton Mckay, the tester, almost loses it (cracks up), during the shapes on the wall moment. There's a scene from another episode I recommend, where Betty tells Frank she's pregnant. His reactions and just his comic acting is so nuanced ... just brilliant. I watched this as a kid in the 70's and still find the whole series hilarious today. You should watch it from the beginning, as getting to know the character, is half the fun and adds to the enjoyment of the series.

[@MrStevecro]

was Fulton Mckay's appearance here before of after his Porridge role

[@stevethompson1421]

About a year before his memorable Mackay role in Porridge.

[@stevethompson1421]

@@personalcheeses8073 He certainly was. Excellent in one of my favourite sitcoms, PORRIDGE.

[@daveyk71]

He did all his own stunts in the show. The roller skating scene was hilarious. he broke his ankle filming it

[@SabotPottery]

One thing you have to remember is that is was first aired in 1973, so you're watching comedy which is 45 years old. What other comedy around the same time has lasted for so long, and at the time 'Some Mother's' was a turning point in main stream television at the time.

[@Shindai]

Hard to believe that guy played the Phantom of the Opera and Barnum lol

[@AHABNZ]

The original Phantom. Andrew Lloyd Webber overheard him singing by accident. He did three and a half years and over 1,300 live performances. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gn_VnIxujZ2kr6c

[@Payne2view]

The Frank Spencer character would have a support worker assigned to him these days or some sort of care package. He is the ultimate socially inept naïve character. A lot of the show is funny though if you suspend disbelief. It is farce type comedy and mostly worth a watch. It was very inventive in its day and he did some incredible stunts himself, some of which would simply not be permitted these days due to concerns over safety of the actor.

[@Terranova667]

on roller skates with the bus comes to mind no way they would let an actor do that these days health and Saftey would have a fit.

[@salfordnick5336]

The rollarskates stunt was pure comedy genius

[@faizet2]

Robert Payne What about Mr. Bean??

[@Eleventhearlofmars]

Terranova667 that was a tremendous stunt performance by Michael, there was another with a ladder that comes to my mind, wasn’t he cleaning windows or something?

[@CathyKitson]

Robert Payne Not to mention Crawford having the best comic timing I've ever seen. Some of those pauses were very long, but they were just right, along with his little tics and facial expressions.

[@ElectricSoulShow]

What made Frank Spenser so loveable was his mannerisms....Some times he didn't even say a word - he could make you laugh or smile at the least...

[@messenger8279]

It's easy to see why his hero's were in the silent movies. Buster Keaton etc. He has such a talent.

[@Larry]

You should check out One Foot in the Grave as well, classic BBC comedy from the '90s.

[@mks3033]

I don't believe that you just suggested that

[@rachelbirdy3850]

Ahh my two favourite shows... frank and victor

[@ajrwilde14]

Best to watch a whole episode, any of the 'baby episodes' are the best ones.

[@mizofan]

Roller skating scene was great- and when he's performing the nativity on stage. He was superb with such stunts and also had an excellent singing voice, e.g in Phantom of the Opera- Music of the Night. Talented all round.

[@stephenphillip5656]

The RAF Officer is played by Fulton McKay, a great Scottish actor now sadly deceased. He was famous for his depiction of ferocious but (usually) fair prison warder Mr McKay in "Porridge" alongside Ronnie Barker. Classic!

[@Hustwick]

You've got to try and find the roller skates sketch from this show. As I understand it, the actor that portrays Frank (Michael Crawford) did it all himself.

[@Isleofskye]

Rollerskating - Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em - BBC classic comedy. It is on You Tube and he did !!!!!

[@robalexander8065]

It's called Father's Clinic and is the same episode as the scene about the "soft spots".

[@alvamiga]

Health and Safety would have a field day with that today, let alone the insurance company!

[@andrewmstancombe1401]

Ok I admit I haven t read all the comments, but has anyone said the role of Frank and indeed the series was written with the legend that is Sir Norman Wisdom in mind. Norman did his own stunts and in fact for one of his comedy films he's in a wheelchair which tips him out of a window onto the top of a moving ambulance which races through the streets until he eventually flies off. Norman was a huge comedy star and the insurance company wouldn't let him do it, a stunt man was hired. But the stuntman hurt himself doing the stunt and couldn't do it. Norman did the stunt without the insurance company knowing and did it better than the stuntman. These clips you have don't show that the series had lots of stunts in. As the show had been written for Norman including stunts they had to have an actor who was willing to do the kind of stunts Sir Norman was known for. As we know now Micheal Crawford was that man. So why did Sir Norman turn it down? Well when he read the script he thought it childish humour. But on seeing the show with Crawford in the role he regretted not taking the role.

[@arwelp]

Ah, yes, I remember seeing Norman Wisdom in pantomime at the Liverpool Empire in 1973 ;). He was also extraordinarily popular in communist Albania as he was the only western comedian the dictator Enver Hoxha approved of, so only his films were shown there; even now he’s still fondly remembered there.

[@robalexander8065]

Was also offered to Ronnie Barker but he became committed to Porridge.

[@lwaves]

Norman Wisdom is one of the few people (maybe the only) to get away with a joke whilst being knighted by the Queen. Apparently she was a fan and as he walked away he did his classic fake trip up. The Queen even smiled.

[@BoingBB]

Charlie Drake also did all his own stunts. He actually got knocked unconscious in one episode when he was pulled through a bookcase - on live TV too!

[@martinreeves5074]

He then became the first phantom of the opera. An outstanding actor

[@jalabi99]

This is a classic British comedy. Michael Crawford was a master of physical comedy, did all of his own stunts, and imbued the character of Frank Spencer with an innocent charm that drove all of his protagonists to exasperation. Lovely to see Americans enjoying this show decades after they were first shown on the telly! If you haven't already done it you should also do episodes of _Mind Your Language_ and _Fawlty Towers_ and _Are You Being Served?_