An episode of Galton and Simpson’s ‘Steptoe and Son’ contains
(in my view) the best explanation of the potential shortcomings of legal agreements
that has ever been expressed (albeit, in jest!).
The plot of 'Divided We Stand' involves Harold (the son)
becoming so annoyed with Albert (his father), that Harold decides to separate
the living room of their shared residence down the middle with a partition wall
- so that they avoid contact with each other.
However, they discover that both wish to be able to watch their only television, necessitating a position whereby the partition splits their television set down the middle.
However, they discover that both wish to be able to watch their only television, necessitating a position whereby the partition splits their television set down the middle.
HAROLD STEPTOE [Trying
to convince Albert to change the channel of the partitioned TV set]
“We had an agreement, we shook hands. I have got the law of
contract on my side”.
ALBERT EDWARD LADYSMITH STEPTOE
“I’ve got the knobs on my side”.
It still makes my laugh every time I use it to seek
to explain the relevant point!
Please feel free to talk to me, if you want ‘the knobs on
your side’ in relation to any legal agreement you are considering entering into.
