Mother and Son: The Clock – The ruined Saturday

A sharp-eyed real estate agent has noticed Maggie take a clock from her neighbour’s house while it is open for inspection. Maggie Beare is convinced that her neighbour stole this clock that her now deceased husband gave her on their 25th wedding anniversary.

The clip is an excellent example of the pared-down style of the show – a simple set and only two actors, McDonald and Cracknell, on screen for the most part, with one well-cast guest actor, no music and audience laughter. Still we are immediately drawn into the poignant comedy.

Mother and Son – The Clock synopsis

Maggie (Ruth Cracknell) has stolen a clock from a neighbour’s house where she’s been snooping. The house is for sale and is open for inspection. The real estate agent (Paula Duncan) saw her take the clock and comes across the road to get it back, thus ruining Arthur’s (Garry McDonald) hopes of a quiet Saturday at home.

Mother and Son – The Clock curator's notes

Writer Geoffrey Atherden offers a deft spin on the eccentric character of Maggie Beare, who assumes that something that’s misplaced must be stolen. When Robbie (Henri Szeps) the older son arrives with a plan to deceive his wife so he can play golf with his mates, we have one of the oldest gags in the business although with Maggie involved, it has a new and very funny twist.

Atherden began his writing career with sketches for the Sydney University Architecture reviews. He followed that up with writing for Aunty Jack while he was a practising architect. Mother and Son (1984-1993), his first situation comedy, was an instant success. His next sitcom Grass Roots became another hit series.

Notes by Janet Bell