SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 25:00 Min.
Produced by Thames Television, this episode first aired on England’s ITV on October 4, 1976. A family funeral prompts Mildred Roper (Joyce) to discover her slovenly husband, George (Murphy), had delinquently let his life insurance lapse a quarter-century before. Prodding a reluctant George to obtain a homeowner’s life insurance policy from snobbish Jeffrey (Eshley), Mildred also drags her husband into pre-planning his funeral.
To George’s chagrin, Mildred becomes increasingly enthused about her future life as a presumably wealthy widow.
Notes: George & Mildred is the direct British inspiration for the short-lived Three’s Company spin-off: The Ropers. Acknowledging the original British screenwriters, The Ropers loosely adapted “Your Money or Your Life,” among several others from George & Mildred. Utilizing the same title, it is The Ropers’ third episode.
Mildred Roper: Yootha Joyce
George Roper: Brian Murphy
Jeffrey Fourmile: Norman Eshley
Ann Fourmile: Sheila Fearn
Tristram Fourmile: Nicholas Bond-Owen
Kate: Stella Moray
Uncle Fred: Michael Ripper
Funeral Director: John Carlin
Dr. White: Rafiq Anwar
Vicar: Arthur Howard
Mourners: Uncredited
Wake Guests: Uncredited
REVIEW:
Predating yet reminiscent of Keeping Up Appearances, this episode’s snarky, middle-aged marital humor is inspired. Suffice to say, “Your Money or Your Life” is a welcome dose of British sitcom farce.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars
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