Steptoe and Son Ride Again  - This is more like it

As a die hard 'Steptoe and Son' fan of the British sit-com, I was a little disappointed with their first big screen outside (simply called 'Steptoe and Son).  However, the sequel was far more true to the original vibe of the TV show.

It follows the exploits of a couple of rag and bone men - a father and son duo who, although polar opposites, never seem to be able to leave one another.  The small screen series dealt out the comedy with the odd helping of black humour and dark sadness, but - ultimately - remained more weighted to the laughs.

The first film seems to veer the other way and dwell on the misery young Harold was in, depicting his father as an even more unsavory and scheming character than he normally was.  The difference is with the sequel is... well, everything.

It's a better situation, has more laughs and feels generally more upbeat (which I'm guessing is one of the main requirements for a comedy!).  I really find it hard to find a fault with it.  I suppose I should mention that all humour is rather 'slapstick' and can be a little crude and visual.  It's hardly 'high-brow' entertainment, but if you liked the series, you'll feel far more at home with this one.

Nowadays, I read online how there was originally planned to be a third in the film series, but this one actually under performed at the Box Office - possibly because fans felt like this would be more like the first one.  If you like the original show, or just want a few cheeky laughs from yesteryear, I think this one is a classic.

9/10