"Long Legs of the Law", "The Yellow Peril", "A Losing Streak", "No Greater Love" (v.1) (BBC Radio Collection)

Sullivan, John

ISBN 10: 0563536810 ISBN 13: 9780563536819

Publisher: BBC Physical Audio, 2002

Synopsis

The Long Legs of the Law/The Yellow Peril/ A Losing Streak/No Greater Love Del Boy and Rodney have become part of the nation's consciousness as record-breaking audiences have followed their hilarious wheeling and dealing over the years. Here, four classic episodes from one of the funniest comedy programmes of all time have been brought together - so don't be a plonker, have a listen!

About this title

Review

The 80s yielded few more memorable comic characters than Derek "Del Boy" Trotter, the obstinately proud salesman of goods of dodgy quality and even dodgier legality. Humiliating his dopey brother, whining grandfather and leech-like uncle, he insisted that "this time next year we'll be millionaires". What made Only Fools and Horses so appealing was the very real affection that writer John Sullivan felt for all these characters and, with stories that were often as moving as they were hilarious, the show was both a celebration and critique of Thatcherite Britain.

Much of the first five series is on video, but for those who feel embarrassed travelling with a TV and video recorder on their lap, their scripts now exist in this more portable volume. Without visuals and vocals, they may not make many converts, but highlights abound, such as Rodney's date with a policewoman and a slasher movie send-up, and the book ends with the moving episode where Del Boy turns down a job in Australia.

Mildly let down by a rather meagre two-page Trotter to English dictionary, this is nevertheless a treat. "Pas de calais" as Del would say. --Stephen Portlock

Edition details

• Publisher: BBC Physical Audio
• Publication date: 2002
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0563536810
• ISBN 13: 9780563536819
• Binding: Audio CD