7/10
The Ups and Downs of Lucky Jim
30 November 2021
Remember watching this as a child when it was broadcast and it is pretty standard fare for the comedy of the time. Set in the nineteen sixties it is awash with pretty girls in mini skirts and mini cars. Everyone smokes cigarettes and drinks alcohol at lunch time with the occasional reference to cannabis and free love. Probably wouldn't be allowed before 9pm now although it was early evening viewing then. It's good fun as you follow Jim Dixon round Swinging London never quite getting into the groove and gelling with the beautiful people no matter how much he tries.

They get the atmosphere right with the various classes portrayed accurately and the humour comes from the clashes and 'unlucky' Jim's near misses with girls and success. Jim's 'Walter Mitty' monologues liven up his dull life as he scrapes his way through. Clean whimsical fun for everyone.

Lots of British actors who made names for themselves at the time or a bit later. Glynis Barber, fabulous in sixties attire, and Steven Pacey just out of Blakes Seven in completely different characters. I was a Blakes 7 fan at the time and it wasn't until watching this again that I realised they were both in it, their characters are so different. Miranda Richardson, Anthony Sher, Barbara Flynn, Bill Treacher and John Altman all appear for an episode or two.
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