Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em - The Cleaner
- 4 years ago
https://mikesifonly.com
The expression "Some mothers do have them" is (or once was) a common British saying - as a (usually gentle, even kindly) criticism of someone as foolish or inept.
Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em is a British sitcom created and written by Raymond Allen and starring Michael Crawford and Michele Dotrice. It was first broadcast from 1973 and 1975 and ran for three series, including 2 Christmas specials in 1974 and 1975, after a three-year absence it returned for a fourth series in 1978 and returning in 2016 for a one-off special.
The series follows the accident-prone Frank Spencer and his tolerant wife, Betty, through Frank's various attempts to hold down a job, which frequently end in disaster. The sitcom was noted for its stuntwork, performed by Crawford himself, as well as featuring various well-remembered and much lampooned catchphrases, that have become part of popular culture. In a 2004 poll to find Britain's Best Sitcom, Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em came 22nd.
The wimpish, smiling Frank, sporting his trademark beret and trench coat, is married to the apparently normal Betty (Michele Dotrice) and in later series they have a baby daughter, Jessica.
The character was popular with impressionists such as Mike Yarwood in the 1970s, particularly his main catchphrase, "Ooh Betty", which is allegedly only ever said in one episode (Series 2, Episode 2). Other sources, such as TV Tropes and British Classic Comedy claim that he never said it and attribute it to Mike Yarwood's impressions.
"Ooh Betty ..." is not Frank's only catchphrase of the series. Others include a quavering "Oooh ...", usually uttered with his forefinger to his mouth as he stands amidst the chaos of some disaster he has just caused (and which he himself has invariably escaped unscathed). He also sometimes complains about being "ha-RASSed!", or occasionally, "I've had a lot of ha-RASSments lately" (originally an American pronunciation). Other recurring catchphrases include references to "a bit of trouble", which usually implies some sort of undisclosed digestive disorder, and to the cat having "done a whoopsie" (presumably a euphemism for having defecated in an inappropriate place, on one occasion in Spencer's beret). If Frank is pleased (or confused) about something, he will often use the catchphrase "Mmmm — nice!" or "Ohhh — nice!"
Acknowledging the show's success in Australia, in the final series he mentions relations who live there, and contemplates emigrating himself.
Crawford also found it difficult to break out of the public association with the role, despite his later career 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.
The expression "Some mothers do have them" is (or once was) a common British saying - as a (usually gentle, even kindly) criticism of someone as foolish or inept.
Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em is a British sitcom created and written by Raymond Allen and starring Michael Crawford and Michele Dotrice. It was first broadcast from 1973 and 1975 and ran for three series, including 2 Christmas specials in 1974 and 1975, after a three-year absence it returned for a fourth series in 1978 and returning in 2016 for a one-off special.
The series follows the accident-prone Frank Spencer and his tolerant wife, Betty, through Frank's various attempts to hold down a job, which frequently end in disaster. The sitcom was noted for its stuntwork, performed by Crawford himself, as well as featuring various well-remembered and much lampooned catchphrases, that have become part of popular culture. In a 2004 poll to find Britain's Best Sitcom, Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em came 22nd.
The wimpish, smiling Frank, sporting his trademark beret and trench coat, is married to the apparently normal Betty (Michele Dotrice) and in later series they have a baby daughter, Jessica.
The character was popular with impressionists such as Mike Yarwood in the 1970s, particularly his main catchphrase, "Ooh Betty", which is allegedly only ever said in one episode (Series 2, Episode 2). Other sources, such as TV Tropes and British Classic Comedy claim that he never said it and attribute it to Mike Yarwood's impressions.
"Ooh Betty ..." is not Frank's only catchphrase of the series. Others include a quavering "Oooh ...", usually uttered with his forefinger to his mouth as he stands amidst the chaos of some disaster he has just caused (and which he himself has invariably escaped unscathed). He also sometimes complains about being "ha-RASSed!", or occasionally, "I've had a lot of ha-RASSments lately" (originally an American pronunciation). Other recurring catchphrases include references to "a bit of trouble", which usually implies some sort of undisclosed digestive disorder, and to the cat having "done a whoopsie" (presumably a euphemism for having defecated in an inappropriate place, on one occasion in Spencer's beret). If Frank is pleased (or confused) about something, he will often use the catchphrase "Mmmm — nice!" or "Ohhh — nice!"
Acknowledging the show's success in Australia, in the final series he mentions relations who live there, and contemplates emigrating himself.
Crawford also found it difficult to break out of the public association with the role, despite his later career 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.