Ronnie Barker's run of sitcoms includes 'Porridge' and 'Open All Hours', two of the all-time greats. Poor Ronnie Corbett was not quite so lucky with his shows, which include 'No, That's Me Over Here', its prequel 'Now Look Here' and the spin-off, 'The Prince Of Denmark'. However, in 1981, fortune smiled on him as he began a long-run in the BBC sitcom 'Sorry!'. Ronnie played 'Timothy Lumsden', a 41 year old librarian who lives at home with his antiquated parents, played by Barbara Lott and William Moore ( Mollie Sugden's husband ). Timothy wanted very much to leave home and find romance, but somehow Mother was all too ready to keep him shackled to her apron. Written by Peter Vincent and Ian Davidson, the show mixed humour and pathos in equal measure. It was a great success, and had the good fortune to end just before the cull of old school comedy in the 90's.
As well as Corbett, Lott and Moore, there was Roy Holder as 'Frank', Timothy's pal, and the lovely Marguerite Hardiman as 'Muriel', Tim's sister. Muriel had successfully escaped Mother's clutches, and started a family. A flaw in the premise was spotted by a viewer at the time - if Timothy was being treated like a child, surely he would have a mind like one? Yes, but then the show would not have been so funny. A bigger problem I think was Ronnie's tendency to shout a great deal. He did not need to do this.
A special mention for the distinctive theme tune by Gaynor Colbourn and Hugh Wisdom. It was intended for a different series, but fitted 'Sorry!' so perfectly. The show ended happily with Timothy escaping to a new life with his girlfriend Bridget Brice. So, not a show for everyone then, but good fun all the same.
As well as Corbett, Lott and Moore, there was Roy Holder as 'Frank', Timothy's pal, and the lovely Marguerite Hardiman as 'Muriel', Tim's sister. Muriel had successfully escaped Mother's clutches, and started a family. A flaw in the premise was spotted by a viewer at the time - if Timothy was being treated like a child, surely he would have a mind like one? Yes, but then the show would not have been so funny. A bigger problem I think was Ronnie's tendency to shout a great deal. He did not need to do this.
A special mention for the distinctive theme tune by Gaynor Colbourn and Hugh Wisdom. It was intended for a different series, but fitted 'Sorry!' so perfectly. The show ended happily with Timothy escaping to a new life with his girlfriend Bridget Brice. So, not a show for everyone then, but good fun all the same.