The BBC have an atrocious track record in the preservation of their classic comedies, especially so for those from the 1950's through to the 1960's, such that I expect it as a matter of course, but one might imagine that by 1970 and with colour TV by then in use, that matters should have improved.
Series 5 would have been made and broadcast in colour, so they should have recorded and now be available as such, but in reality that's not the case such that, the shows are only available in monochrome versions.
After each episode is the message that the BBC thanks the cooperation of both, the B. F. I. (British Film Institute) and the Steptoe and Son Appreciation Society, in making the Archival material available. The BBC also mention on the DVD case that 'only black and white versions exist today', but as the BBC made the programme, we have to ask them why the heck is that?
As a huge fan of Steptoe this is a signature episode to show the tensions that persist between them, in most families mine in particular dads and sons especially in my generation, had nothing in common and didn't relate to one another at all. In Steptoe this natural situation is totally altered, by virtue of them having to work together in the family business, so instead of them being able escape each other in the normal way, they are forced together by both family and work.
Series 5 would have been made and broadcast in colour, so they should have recorded and now be available as such, but in reality that's not the case such that, the shows are only available in monochrome versions.
After each episode is the message that the BBC thanks the cooperation of both, the B. F. I. (British Film Institute) and the Steptoe and Son Appreciation Society, in making the Archival material available. The BBC also mention on the DVD case that 'only black and white versions exist today', but as the BBC made the programme, we have to ask them why the heck is that?
As a huge fan of Steptoe this is a signature episode to show the tensions that persist between them, in most families mine in particular dads and sons especially in my generation, had nothing in common and didn't relate to one another at all. In Steptoe this natural situation is totally altered, by virtue of them having to work together in the family business, so instead of them being able escape each other in the normal way, they are forced together by both family and work.