You Have Been Watching - The Autobiography Of David Croft by David Croft (29-Apr-2004) Paperback

by David Croft

As the writer and creator of some of the best-loved series in British TV history, David Croft has captivated audiences with such timelessly lovable sitcoms as "Dad's Army, Hi de Hi , Allo Allo, " and "Are You Being Served?" David's autobiography reflects on a life that has always revolved around showbusiness, and provides a privileged insight into the workings of British TV from the 60s to 80s.

Genres: Nonfiction, Autobiography, Biography

Paperback

First published April 1, 2004

Reviews

[^ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Writing with a beautiful sense of warm humorous and honest realism, the late David Croft was clearly the right person, with the ‘right’ talent, at the right time; and it’s always heart-warming to see that combination succeed. I identify with him because I do find the twisting plots of his situational sit-coms to be extremely clever and very funny (however many times I’ve seen them); whereas much of what is presented at ‘humour / comedy’ today tragically relies more on embarrassing the audience into pathetic forced ‘laughter’.

Croft writes so very well about people; his eye for assessing the personality, character, and skills of an actor is keen and analytical. For those of a certain age, happy memories will flood in thick and fast. Those of a lesser age will be turning to the digital TV schedules, YouTube, and DVD stores. Those of an older age will keenly relate to his astute description of a minor prep school in the early 1930s. With every autobiographical detail the foundations are laid to reappear in his later scripts.

I wish that British television would grow-up and display the confidence to re-broadcast the comedy series, “It Ain’t Half Hot Mum” which was written to be honest and accurate of attitudes in the period it depicted (The British in India during WW2). Alas, as Croft angrily observes, IAHHM has been sacrificed by TV executives on the altar of political correctness.

Croft rightly asks (pg. 250) of the 1990’s: “The industry is making it dammed difficult to bring up kids. Why should coarse and yobbish behaviour and language be tolerated at any time? Does television really intend to alienate its audience, …”

Rants over, Croft ends by stating what (I think) he believed to be his happiest achievements; a long and happy marriage, seven children, and (at the time of writing) twelve grandchildren. Thank goodness he was able to make sufficient money to bring up so many children, and so well!

[Maarten Van Krimpen · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this book because I love his sitcoms. I hoped there would be some nice behind the scenes information about Hi-de-Hi, It Ain't Half Hot Mum and Oh Doctor Beeching but that was really sparse - he goes on and on about his life in panto and musicals, which wasn't for me.

2/5

[Paul Holland · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've owned this book for so long it's a relief to read it finally. A gift to me from David Croft following a not-particularly in depth interview with him for the Bury Free Press. I managed to hide the fact I hated Hi-Di-Hi which is a good job considering the amazing amount of work he did in light entertainment and specifically for Butlins. This is a fascinating tour through the UK's entertainment history from the late 1920s to the late 20th Century. It's a bit point-by-point at times but he's got a LOT to get through. The only sour note for me is the way he saw the modern BBC - in a very bad light. OK - it went through bad patches but it still produces great stuff. And great comedy at that.

[Jeff Patchett · Rating 5 out of 5]

An easy to read view of the "Best of Times", of British television. An interesting insight into his life and the times he lived through, from music hall to television. David Croft's military experience made his two second world war sitcoms believable.