Steptoe and Son – 1972 | 100 mins | Comedy | Colour

Plot Synopsis

Feature film version of Galton and Simpson’s classic BBC sitcom featuring Harry H. Corbett, Wilfrid Brambell and Carolyn Seymour. Despite the film using the familiar premise of Harold’s dreams being hampered by his father, on this occasion the pathos is lost and Albert is portrayed as malicious rather than mischievous.

Opening with Harold (Corbett) and Albert (Brambell) returning from the divorce courts – the film then flashbacks to reveal how restless rag-and-bone man Harold got into this situation. Both father and son go out for a night’s entertainment at the local football club – chiefly in the knowledge there’s a stripper booked to perform! During her routine, the glamorous stripper, Zita (Seymour), slips Harold a note offering to meet him later for a drink. The following morning Harold delivers the shocking news that he’s engaged to Zita!

Against his father’s wishes the wedding goes ahead and Harold makes the rather unwise decision of allowing his dishevelled father to tag along on their Spanish honeymoon. Albert tries putting his son’s well-laid plans on the scrap heap, ands it seems he’s succeeded when Harold is forced to desert his bride and return to England with his food poisoned father. But before he can utter good riddance to bad rubbish, Harold learns she’s pregnant and he’s the proud father. Fatherhood contains some unexpected discoveries for Harold.