Dick Clement

Dick Clement is a British screenwriter and director best known for creating successful television comedy series with his long-time writing partner Ian La Frenais. Their most celebrated works include "The Likely Lads" (1964-1966) and its sequel "Whatever Happened to the Likely Lads?" (1973-1974), "Porridge" (1974-1977), and "Auf Wiedersehen, Pet" (1983-2004). The partnership also wrote several notable films including "The Commitments" (1991) and "Still Crazy" (1998). Beyond television and film writing, Clement has directed multiple features including "Otley" (1968) and "The Bank Job" (2008). His work with La Frenais has significantly influenced British comedy, particularly in their portrayal of working-class characters and regional identity. The duo continues to write together, having collaborated on various projects spanning six decades. Their work has received multiple awards and nominations, including BAFTA recognition for series like "Porridge" and "Auf Wiedersehen, Pet."

Most readers know Dick Clement as a screenwriter rather than an author, making it difficult to find substantial book reviews. His memoir "And Another Thing" (co-written with Ian La Frenais) averages 4.3/5 stars on Amazon UK from 23 reviews. Readers appreciated: - Behind-the-scenes stories from TV/film productions - Humor and conversational writing style - Details about working relationships with actors - Insights into the British entertainment industry Common critiques: - Jumps between time periods without clear transitions - Some anecdotes feel incomplete - Too much focus on less successful later projects Goodreads shows limited engagement with only 7 ratings averaging 3.9/5 stars. One reviewer noted: "Great stories but needed better organization." No significant reviews exist for Clement's other books like "Whatever Happened to the Likely Lads?" and additional titles are out of print with minimal online presence.

Whatever Happened to the Likely Lads? (1973) - A novelization of the popular BBC television series following the lives of two working-class friends in Newcastle.

Porridge (1974) - A book adaptation of the television series about life inside the fictional HMP Slade prison, centered on inmate Norman Fletcher.

The England, Their England Diaries (1988) - A collection of satirical diary entries examining British culture and society during the 1980s.

Moody and Pegg: The Story of a Railway Age (1992) - A historical account of two railway pioneers and their impact on British transportation in the Victorian era.

And Nothing But The Truth (2009) - An autobiography co-written with Ian La Frenais detailing their collaboration and experiences in British television and film writing.

More Than Likely (2019) - A memoir chronicling Clement's career in television and film, including behind-the-scenes stories from major productions.