British Comedy Guide

Help identifying sitcom?

I'm searching for a show I saw on public broadcast in the 1980s I believe. It could have been older. I thought it might be called "My Two Sons", or similar. It had two middle aged sons trying to put up with their domineering clingy mother. I believe at least one had to live with her, and they both yearned for independence. One had a moustache, I think, and they had their differences, too, but Mom was their main antagonist. The only example I recall was the younger brother came to the mother's flat and the elder was wearing a black arm band. He said ,"Oh no, she hasn't..." and his brother said, "NO, she's making me practice." If you know this show please help, it's making me slightly mad.

Sounds a bit like Keeping Mum, but that didn't come to the UK (originally Australian) until the late 1990s.

http://www.phill.co.uk/comedy/keepmum/

I'm investigating "Keeping Mum". The movie with Rowan Atkinson looks good, so I'm giving that a try... It might be the original Ausie show, however I recall both sons being single, and at least one trying to date. I'll update as solved when I confirm (if and) which it was, thank you.

Unfortunatly I can rule out 'Keeping Mum' because it was post 1997.

The movie is unrelated to either of the shows.

And not very good IMO, despite starring Rowan Atkinson.

I know I haven't given much to go on, but I do recall that the show, though somewhat dark comedy, was light hearted as opposed to having the gravitas that tackling a real problem like alzhiemers would have. I wish I could describe some of the scenery, but it was rather banal.

I reckon, as Aaron suggests, it's the original Australian version of 'Keeping Mum', entitled 'Mother and Son' - starring Garry "Norman Gunston" McDonald:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oTDeyVp8pp0

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mother_and_Son

...but maybe not, only you know for sure Azederach :)!

By George, I think that's it! Busy here for a bit, but I did manage to get round to checking. The links were very helpful. Months of wondering and fruitless searches and you guys sorted it out straight away. It's amazing what 20 or so years and the tricks of memory do to us, and I was never aware that the local PBS station had broadcast any Australian shows, but I recognised some landmarks in the show, so Case Closed. I've always been a big fan of British, and, I suppose, Australian sitcoms. The tempo is more relaxing and the dialogue is dryer and wittier in these old gems. My wife and I are currently watching the other shows I could remember and track down, 'Allo 'Allo! and Open All Hours. Thanks again!

Our pleasure. :)

The thing I remembered clearest is Garry Mcdonald's face, but TRY describing that without a pic !

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