I am a lifelong fan of the Steptoe and Son TV series - indeed it is probably my all-time favourite sitcom and one of the true greats of that genre. There is no doubt that much of that appeal remains in this film version but all the same it is often an uncomfortable, bittersweet viewing experience.
It doesn't give too much away to say that the film revolves around Harold finally marrying and then his father ensuring that things do not work out. Albert thwarted many of his son's romances and other plans for happiness in the TV show. In this film version though what happens almost seems depressing, even cruel. It's hard to explain why. The TV series did a great job of injecting serious and reflective moments and even pathos alongside the comedy but here it becomes overpowering, maybe more of a comedy-drama rather than comedy with dramatic touches. Perhaps because of the longer running time the snatching away of Harold's hopes just becomes too drawn out. Or maybe it's because in the TV series he never reached this prospect of happiness, of actually having a wife and a chance of a normal life. Maybe it's also the fact that Harold's girlfriend and later wife Zita is a genuinely appealing and sympathetic figure that makes the final outcome harder to take. If Zita had been selfish, manipulative and generally unpleasant (but maybe Harold unable to see it) Albert's interventions would have been more palatable.
The 90 minute film is generally too much of a stretch even for an excellent sitcom and so we do see even some very funny scenarios drawn out too much for their own good and maybe one or two elements added to pad out the running time which would have been better omitted.
It's certainly interesting to see the studio-bound TV format translated to the much more expansive medium of film and this is done well so we avoid seeing the Steptoe home looking entirely different to its TV origins as sometimes occurred with sitcoms translated to the big screen. The character of Albert does have his crudity and contempt for basic hygiene pushed a little too far, maybe making him even more dislikeable than was necessary. It's worth pointing out that at times Albert does show he genuinely cares for his son and his predicament and that was a welcome feature and true to the series. In essence Albert is a conflicted man who does care for his son but is so desperate not to be alone that he cannot let him go, no matter the cost to his happiness.
All the performances are fine and there is certainly still a lot to be commended here. There are some brilliantly funny moments that stick long in the memory, most notably Albert and a packet of Flash! However overall this seemed like a missed opportunity. The later film "Steptoe and Son Ride Again" is more plainly comedic and a better adaptation of the show for the cinema but the ultimate versions will always be the TV episodes.
