Glad to see that the BBC broadcast a new Count Arthur for Christmas, on R4. This will always be, for me, the original and best version of the character, based on his penny-pinching scheming, bombastic persona, and tendency to wind himself up to a point of frustration with his rambling monologues, full of mangled word-play. The TV version of Count Arthur is a softer, less abrasive one, more of a Harry Worth style bumbling, likeable eccentric. There's also a completely different supporting cast, which takes a while to get used to, and who take up a greater proportion of screen time. It does, though, allow for some good visual comedy, and there are some laugh out loud surreal scenes, my favourite being the Jack the Ripper tour conducted from an old ice cream van. Even if it lacks the bite of the radio series, it is still a very enjoyable tv comedy.
Review of Count Arthur Strong
