Watch Only When I Laugh

Only When I Laugh is a British sitcom that aired from 1979 to 1982 on ITV. The series follows the lives of three men who share a hospital ward and their adventures as they try to cope with their illnesses, the hospital staff, and each other. The main casts of the show are James Bolam, Peter Bowles, and Christopher Strauli, who portray the characters of Roy Figgis, Dr. Gordon Thorpe, and Norman Binns respectively. Roy Figgis is a wisecracking northerner who enjoys cracking jokes, while Dr. Gordon Thorpe is the pompous and patronizing surgeon who lords over the ward. Norman Binns is an elderly man who is a chronic hypochondriac with an endless list of ailments.

The plot of the show revolves around the interactions of the three main protagonists and the other minor characters in the hospital ward. Their relationships are dynamic, and each episode sees them using wry humour to combat the frustrations of their illnesses and the bureaucratic and uncaring nature of the hospital system.

The show is a good blend of humour and poignant moments, often dealing with the subject of illness and how it affects the people going through it. Despite the show's central focus on the characters' health conditions, the humour is never forced or gratuitous, instead relying on the situational comedy of the men's interactions and jokes.

It is worth noting that the show is set in the late 1970s, which means that the costumes, sets, and cultural references used all have a distinct retro feel. However, this does not detract from the show's appeal or its relevance to modern audiences.

Only When I Laugh was created by Eric Chappell, who also created the popular British sitcom 'Rising Damp.' The show was originally supposed to be a series of plays that would be aired on ITV's Playhouse series, but its popularity led to its creation as a separate show. It ran for four series, with each series containing six episodes, for a total of twenty-four episodes.

The show is a product of its time, and the ward's newspaper, the Daily Heil, reflects this conservative frame of mind. Nevertheless, the show tackles issues such as the limitations that illnesses place on people's lives and limitations in the healthcare system.

Another remarkable feature of the show is the use of exterior and interior shots from Central Middlesex Hospital, where much of the filming took place. This gives the show an authentic air and enhances its realism.

The performances from the three main actors are excellent, with Bolam's wry humour being particularly noteworthy. Bowles also shines in his portrayal of the arrogant surgeon who believes he knows better than anyone else. Strauli gives a convincing performance as an elderly man who is going through a difficult time in his life. The supporting cast is also impressive, with such British television veterans as Richard Wilson and Derrick Branche appearing.

In conclusion, Only When I Laugh is an entertaining show that offers a look into the lives of people dealing with medical issues. The show has a distinctly British feel, and its humorous moments are deftly executed by its talented cast. The show's themes regarding illness and its impact on people's lives are still relevant today, and its retro feel only adds to its charm.

Only When I Laugh is a series that ran for 4 seasons (28 episodes) between and on FilmRise