Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em - The Character of Frank

The Character of Frank

The wimpish smiling Frank, sporting his trademark beret and trench coat, is married to (apparently normal) Betty (Michele Dotrice) and in later series they have a baby daughter, Jessica, which offered scope for even more slapstick humour. Frank was a gift for impersonators, and for a time it became a cliché that every half-decent impersonator was doing an impression of him, particularly his main catchphrase, "Ooh Betty", which is only ever said in one episode: series 2, episode 2.

"Ooh Betty.." is not Frank's only catchphrase of the series. Others include a quavering "Oooh...", usually uttered with his forefinger to his mouth as he stands amidst the chaos of some disaster he has just caused (and which he himself has invariably escaped unscathed). He also sometimes complains about being "ha-RASSed!", or occasionally, "I've had a lot of ha-RASSments lately" (perhaps surprisingly, most people now use this pronunciation, but this is probably more because of American influence). Other recurring catchphrases include references to "a bit of trouble", which usually implies some sort of undisclosed digestive disorder, and to the cat having done a "whoopsie" (on one occasion in Spencer's beret).

Despite his unfailing ability to infuriate people, Frank is essentially a very sympathetic character, who inspires as much affection from his audience as from his ever-loving and patient wife, Betty. The ability to convey this lovable aspect of his character — which meant that, crucially, the audience is always on Frank's 'side' — was a notable achievement of the writer and main actors. For all his extraordinary faults, the viewer never doubts that Frank adores Betty and would do anything for her, and in their own way they are blissfully happy together. He also venerates the memory of his late mother and worships his daughter.

For the final series, made five years after the previous one (although there had been two Christmas specials in between), Frank's character changes markedly. He becomes more self-aware, and keen to make himself appear more educated and well-spoken. He develops an air of pomposity which is always best demonstrated when someone would approach and enquire, Mr Spencer?" to which he would always reply, "I am he." He also becomes more self-assured, and much more willing to argue back when criticised, and often win arguments by leaving his opponents dumbfounded by the bizarreness of what he would say.

Acknowledging the show's success in Australia, the final series saw him begin talk of having relations there, and contemplating emigrating.

Crawford himself has talked of how he based many of Frank's reactions on those of a young child. Crawford also found it difficult to break out of the public association with the role, despite his later career as a hugely successful musical performer on the West End and Broadway stage, in popular shows such as Barnum and The Phantom of the Opera.