The fag end of the seemingly endless succession of seventies TV spin-offs that was yet another reason why British films were such a depressing feature of the 1970s.
But unnecessary as it is (especially since it lacks the late Richard Beckinsale), it still has Eric Chappell's writing and the acting of the rest of the regulars Leonard Rossiter (also soon claimed by the Grim Reaper), Frances de la Tour and Don Warrington; and after the appalling title song - which probably prejudices most viewers even before the credits are over - it can only get better (although at 98 minutes it goes on far too long).
Christopher Strauli (himself a familiar face at the time from 'Only When I Laugh') is actually a perfectly adequate substitute for Beckinsale; while 'Guest Star' Denholm Elliott makes the lesser impression because of the brevity of his role (his presence counts for much more in the recent 'Sweeney 2').
Shot in drab colour on actual locations, it's now nearly forty years old and a period piece itself; with it's payphone in the hall, Rigsby collecting milk bottles off the doorstep and the Battle of Britain still sufficiently recent for Elliott to be able to pass himself off as a veteran.
But unnecessary as it is (especially since it lacks the late Richard Beckinsale), it still has Eric Chappell's writing and the acting of the rest of the regulars Leonard Rossiter (also soon claimed by the Grim Reaper), Frances de la Tour and Don Warrington; and after the appalling title song - which probably prejudices most viewers even before the credits are over - it can only get better (although at 98 minutes it goes on far too long).
Christopher Strauli (himself a familiar face at the time from 'Only When I Laugh') is actually a perfectly adequate substitute for Beckinsale; while 'Guest Star' Denholm Elliott makes the lesser impression because of the brevity of his role (his presence counts for much more in the recent 'Sweeney 2').
Shot in drab colour on actual locations, it's now nearly forty years old and a period piece itself; with it's payphone in the hall, Rigsby collecting milk bottles off the doorstep and the Battle of Britain still sufficiently recent for Elliott to be able to pass himself off as a veteran.