Sykes (TV Series) Football (1972) User Reviews

A classic comedy.

[Sleepin_Dragon · 8/10 · 3 March 2023]

Eric gets to referee a local game, but a mishap from Hattie has everyone placing bets, placing pressure on Eric to .....encourage the right result.

It's a fine, funny and imaginative episode, it's definitely different, the opening scenes add a bit of curiousity, and you wait to see what happens in the match. The appearance of Frank Bough gives you an idea of the popularity of the show, a real character.

The scenes of Eric on the pitch are the highlight, absolutely hilarious, you can understand the uproar and need for a false beard.

A few times you could see the set shaking, but that's the charm of the show.

How wonderful to see Joan Sims appear as the lady from the bakery, she of course worked with Hattie many times on The Carry on films.

One of the best episodes from series one.

8/10.

Football

[Prismark10 · 6/10 · 6 February 2021]

The infamous Eric Sykes in disguise is interviewed by sports presenter Frank Bough.

It was all to do with a controversial recent football match that he refereed.

A match where Hattie as well as his friends and neighbours placed large bets that Sebastopol Rangers would beat Wood Lane Athletic .

They all think that Sykes would make sure that the result would only have one outcome. One that is lucrative for them all despite Eric's protests that he will be fair.

The episode is shown in an interview format with flashbacks to that fateful match. Where Eric was carried out aloft from his home by a crowd all the way to the ground.

Hattie, Corky, Charles Brown, Madge and the milkman all gather to watch the match live on television.

It is an episode where everyone becomes Eric's pal thinking he will do them a favour and then suddenly turn on him. Eric cuts a dash in his referee outfit. Blowing his whistle and telling off Hattie.

Bough's interview suggests that there was some wrongdoing on Eric's part. However despite the pressure he was under, Eric has the last laugh.