You're Only Young Twice

You're Only Young Twice is kind of timeless. In a way, it was dated when it debuted in 1977. It's the kind of sitcom that had been around since the late 1950s. Unoffensive (apart from attitudes towards an off-screen gay character which were, unfortunately, very much part of the 1970s, and vanquished at the start of the 1980s), character-led and funny.

I recall revelling in this show back in the late 1970s and early 1980s because of the sheer acting talent of the veteran cast, and the fabulous writing. There are occasional flights of fancy (a certain Mrs Petty being hypnotised for one), and these do not sit easily with me, but the vast majority of episodes are wonderful, and it retains its tremendous quality right to the final series, with stand-out episodes there including "Breakfast At Peabody's", "Flora's Big Mistake" and "The Gypsy's Curse". I have re-watched "You're Only Young Twice" many times since its DVD release. It always stirs fond teenage memories. And the cast continue to weave their magic and bring Paradise Lodge to life for me at each sitting.

Watch and enjoy.