All customer reviews

I last saw this program when it was originally broadcast in 1970/71. Although I was only 11 years old I was a fan,despite the very adult theme. It follows the exploits of Joe Lampton,a bluff Yorkshire business tycoon,who is successful,but was set on the road to it by his father-in law,and lives in a house owned by his wife.This causes simmering tensions in the relationship,and his constant womanising doesn't help. Lampton will stop at nothing to succeed, regardless of the consequences,which constantly upsets family and friends,and attracts enemies. It was considered controversial in it's time due to the use of bad language,and treatment of women. It has been fascinating to see it again-once I watch one episode,I end up watching two or three! The picture quality isn't great,the sets could be out of poundland,but Kenneth Haigh is BRILLIANT as Joe Lampton. Such is the quality of his portrayal of the mysoginistic,chauvinist hypocrite,you actually want him to win. The clever thing about this series is it is one of the first,that has a character that although unsavoury,destroys people who are even worse. He also has a human side-the ultimate anti-hero! The plots,and the twists and turns as Lampton fends off attacks on his business empire are rivetting as ever. The supporting cast are all high quality actors,and this keeps the whole thing on edge nicely. One of the best series of the 70's. It looks dated and wooden when you start watching it,but you are soon dragged into the sheer excellence. Not to be missed for fans of that era,and strongly recommended if you haven't seen it.