Steptoe And Son, A Star Is Born (Radio Version), 1974
The radio version of the popular TV sitcom mirrored it’s TV counterpart in that it was broadcast in two blocks. Of the 57 TV episodes 52 were adapted for radio.
For this post we go back to the second block, third episode of the fifth radio series broadcast in 1974.
We’ve picked on this episode as whilst it’s a favourite there are some significant changes made to the beginning of the episode featuring a certain BBC Radio 2 DJ, one Jimmy Young.
Summary
Harold has written in to the JY prog to get Jimmy to tell the Old Man to get his dinner on.
After a hard day on the round, Harold returns home to find instead of getting his dinner on Albert has been to the local Indian AGAIN !.
It turns out to quite apt as he announces his upcoming role in the local Amateur dramatic society’s latest play, Guilt: The White Man’s Burden. Albert tells him to get it down him “might help you get into character” he scoffs to Harold.
When the producer offers Albert a part Harold is furious and hilarious consequences ensue.
On opening night the distraction is too much and it turns out that a new star is born.
Clips
Cast
Harold Steptoe – Harry H. Corbett
Albert Steptoe – Wilfrid Brambell
Details
Channel: BBC Radio 2
Written And Adapted For Radio By: Ray Galton and Alan Simpson
Produced By: Bobby Jaye
Originally Transmitted: 9th June 1974
Where To Listen
Steptoe and Son the radio series is repeated regularly on BBC Radio 4 Extra, Selected episodes can be found on You Tube