Rita, Sue And Bob Too

The original tag-line from this mid-80s sex comedy was 'Thatcher's Britain with its knickers down'. It caused quite a stir at the time and the London Underground even refused to display posters. Now, it's hard to see what all the fuss was about - there's little that isn't in most soap operas - but the dark comedy and excellent performances mean it's still well worth watching.

Two 15-year old girls, Rita and Sue, living on a housing estate have little to look forward to except their weekly babysitting sessions for a local couple, Michelle and Bob, who are living in relative affluence. Bob is soon offering more than just a lift home to the girls, a situation which suits all three until Rita gets pregnant and Michelle finds out.

Clarke's assured bad taste direction amuses even as it provokes. George Costigan entertains and appals as the lecherous Bob and while we laugh at the unfortunate girls and their naff lives, sympathy is never far behind.