Review for The Upchat Collection (The Upchat Line / The Upchat Connection) - Complete Series Set

I don't remember either of these series from their original airing, yet somehow feel I ought to have. The first aired in 1977 and the second in 1978 . Thanks to the lovely folk at Network another 'marginal' TV release is plucked from the vaults. If it wasn't for Network (and occasionally Revelation and Optimum) shows like this may never have seen the light of day again.


The two disc set includes both the original seven-epsisode comedy series, 'The Upchat Line' and the follow up, 'The Upchat Connection' - also seven episodes.


'Mike Upchat' (a Keith Waterhouse creation) is a smooth-talking lady's man who always knows which buttons to press to ensure a warm bed for the night. Upchat is homeless, living out of locker at Marleybone station, but this homelessness is portrayed, not as desperate or poverty stricken, but rather as a metaphor for an un-complicated life free from responsibility. There is no question that this is how Upchat chooses to live. This romanticizing of homelessness was maybe one reason why this series never got a 'decade later' airing like so many of its contemporary shows. Well, that and the relentless sexism.


John Alderton ('Please Sir!') plays the homeless writer who is ready to pretend to be anything to anybody in order to get his way. (Yes - the common thread with Waterhouse's 'Billy Liar' are clear).


We learn that even 'Mike Upchat' is a borrowed name and lifestyle which gets passed on from person to person - usually won in a game of cards. Well, that's a great way to explain why Robin Nedwell (Doctor TV series) replaces Alderton for Series 2, after Alderton managed to upset Keith Waterhouse with his endless suggestions for script changes. (Maybe apocryphal but commonly believed to be the case).


It's fascinating to see women fall at Alderton's every advance. It certainly isn't a look that you can imagine having great success today, rather like reflecting on how on earth Peter Wyngarde as Jason King could possibly have got voted as sexiest man in Britain in '71. How times change! Also, for me 1977 was an age where everything seemed to change. Punk was in full flow and attitudes were changing, with the first nudges towards politically correct comedy. None of this is reflected in either series. 'Upchat', despite its bid for hipness, is anything but.


In the first series (The Upchat Line) we see this 'hip' comedy quickly descend to farce again and again as Upchat's Billy Liar routines get him into deeper and deeper trouble. Like when he pretends to be a brilliant interior designer to get closer to the daughter of a prospective client. Or when he follows a girl back home, pretending that he used to live in the house. But it all works out in the end after a few 'hilarious' wriggling moments. As I say - farce.


Series 2 sees Robin Nedwell take up the Upchat reigns having won the rights in a raffle, with the previous Upchat needing the funds to get a ticket to Australia. Nedwell has nowhere near the subtlety of Alderton, bringing instead a manic fever to the role which is entertaining in its way.

One of the most attractive features of both series is the parade of guest actresses including Wanda Ventham, Susan Jameson, Gabrielle Drake, Sue Lloyd, and Liza Goddard.


Picture quality is fine throughout, as is mono sound, especially for a TV series of this vintage. The running time is substantial for a two disc set and can be considered excellent value for anyone who remembers the series with fondness.