George and the Dragon

In the 1960s Sid James' flag was flying high. Years of film appearances culminating with the "Carry On" series made him a household name. He already had a foothold in TV due to Hancock's Half Hour. 3 specific TV vehicles were created for him:

First of all we got "Citizen James" starring Sid as Sid, Bill Kerr as Bill and Liz Fraser as Liz – Sid's fiancée. Next up was "George and the Dragon" - Sid as George Russell and Peggy Mount as Gabrielle Dragon (Geddit? George and the Dragon!!) Finally "Two In Clover" where Sid & Victor Spinetti escape the rat race for life in the country.

While there is nothing wrong with the other 2, the middle programme gets by vote. Sid is the chauffeur, "the formidable" Peggy Mount is the housekeeper, Keith "I'll 'ave 'arf" Marsh as the gardener. Working for John Le Mesurier as the colonel – lots of ear-scratching vagueness. The problem with the colonel's household is that the housekeepers don't last long. They leave after Sid/George tries to seduce them. Enter Ms. Dragon which stops Sid in his tracks.

The title is a little misleading as there is not a lot of blood and thunder between the 2 main characters. There is plenty of scheming going on but the 2 can as often be allies as enemies. It is quite a gentle look at how life was a long time ago. The humour is a bit corny after nearly 50 years but it is an enjoyable half hour