Albert is confined to bed with back trouble. A doctor ( Robert James ) has prescribed plenty of rest. Naturally the old man takes advantage of the situation by living like a king, with poor old Harold not only cleaning the house, shopping, changing library books, preparing and taking meals upstairs, but also being expected to go totting as well. When he gets the time.
It all comes to a head when Harold lets his feelings be known. Of course he calms down eventually.
Attempting to change channels on the T.V. set while Harold is out, the old man's slipped disc suddenly rights itself. Instead of telling Harold this, he continues to treat him like a slave.
Harold notices his favourite liquorice allsorts - the pink ones - have gone missing, also cans of beer have been drunk. He puts two and two together, and plots a terrible revenge on his malingering father...
A superb episode from the final run of 'Steptoe & Son'. Poor Harold is really pushed to the limit here, anyone who has had to look after a sick relative will know exactly how he feels. His line 'we'll manage...we always do' is wonderfully touching. The old man plays the sympathy card relentlessly, so much so that in spite of his condition you do not feel at all sorry for him. His comeuppance, when it comes, is eminently satisfying.
Robert James, who plays 'The Doctor', was 'Lesterson' in Patrick Troughton's 'Dr.Who' debut in 1966: 'The Power Of The Daleks'.
Funniest moment - Harold staying out of sight while his Dad comes downstairs and steals the liquorice allsorts. He then creeps up behind him and delivers an imaginary kick to his rear! Great stuff.
It all comes to a head when Harold lets his feelings be known. Of course he calms down eventually.
Attempting to change channels on the T.V. set while Harold is out, the old man's slipped disc suddenly rights itself. Instead of telling Harold this, he continues to treat him like a slave.
Harold notices his favourite liquorice allsorts - the pink ones - have gone missing, also cans of beer have been drunk. He puts two and two together, and plots a terrible revenge on his malingering father...
A superb episode from the final run of 'Steptoe & Son'. Poor Harold is really pushed to the limit here, anyone who has had to look after a sick relative will know exactly how he feels. His line 'we'll manage...we always do' is wonderfully touching. The old man plays the sympathy card relentlessly, so much so that in spite of his condition you do not feel at all sorry for him. His comeuppance, when it comes, is eminently satisfying.
Robert James, who plays 'The Doctor', was 'Lesterson' in Patrick Troughton's 'Dr.Who' debut in 1966: 'The Power Of The Daleks'.
Funniest moment - Harold staying out of sight while his Dad comes downstairs and steals the liquorice allsorts. He then creeps up behind him and delivers an imaginary kick to his rear! Great stuff.
