Richard Briers

Sad to hear of the death of Richard Briers at the age of 89.

Many of the obituaries & news reports nominated The Good Life as the tv comedy series for which he will be best remembered.

As often happens, these judgements often depend on how old you are. I was not a fan of that 1970s BBC comedy series – those for whom the show is a vivid childhood memory will be in their forties now & in a position to dominate the media comment.

My fondest memories are of Marriage Lines, a 1960s comedy in which he starred with Prunella Scales. The Times obituarist nominates this as the series which made Brier’s name. Showing, as it did, the ups & downs of early married life, including the wife’s frustration at being tied to home & babies, it seemed rather forward looking & rebellious, albeit in a gentle way.

Links
Richard Briers
YouTube: Marriage Lines
Marriage Lines
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