Unbelievable!

[Dean]

Seeing as we have threads on the meanest things on the show, I thought I'd start something on the least believable story or storyline.

Of course the nature of farce is that you quietly move from the real to the bizarre in small steps. That way you can end up with something highly strange yet still sorta believable because you have moved in small steps and each step was believable in itself. For example - the whole staff ending up camping out in Mrs Slocombe's temporary home on an upper floor of Grace Bros is a bizarre idea - but you can enjoy it because each small step to reach that point is believable.

So this thread is really about when the small steps were eliminated or not believable, instead just plain silly.

I have two.

The show where Mrs Slocombe is hit on the head and reverts to childhood. Although I do sorta enjoy the slapstick element of the show and some of the banter is very funny, the whole concept stretches credulity. If someone was hit on the head so badly as to lose their memory you'd be taking them to the doctor or hospital, not debating who should take them into their home. And who gave her the child's clothes and wig? And why? I also don't like the ending where she suggests she was acting most or all of the time. Again... why?

And my least favourite show, The Hold Up. We are expected to believe here that our formerly cowardly staff think the best way to tackle armed robbers is to dress up as cops and robbers themselves... I am sympathetic to Rumbold when he doesn't believe it! The whole thing is just silly. And this time there isn't even any clever banter to save it...

I do love this show so hope no-one gets too upset by my views!

Anyone else got something you just shake your head at?

[Bionic Grainger]

"Is it Catching" takes the unbelievable to new heights. Some crazy illness that starts with a strange red bump on the nose and ends in rapid fire sneezing. Everybody caught the sneezes, but oddly never got the red bump on the nose.

The forced quarantine was ludicrous and why wasn't Harmon and Rumbold locked up with the rest of them? I never did figure out why they had to wear those dippy suits except to get some laughs out of a silly episode.

[Fun Time Freddy]

Any eppy where they stay after work to reherse a song and dance number. Any place I've ever worked if it were suggested that we put on a "show" for management, would get a responce of .....lets just say it'd be a colorful no.

[Greg WibblyWobbly]

"Memories Are Made Of This" is the eppy that you were thinking Dean and I totally agree with you and your two choices. Both "Memories" and "The Hold Up" were idiotic and unbelieveable eppys.

Another one I'd like to add to that is "Heir Apparent". Seems like Mr. Writer was stretching things a bit when he decided to write a show that Mr. Humphries could be in anyway Mr. Grace's son. This is what I've been saying about the show being written to revolve around Humphries and Slocombe in the latter series and hence the eppys not being my favorite ones.

[blakey]

When Humphries swims up the canal and sells ice creams on the M1 its just stupid and not in the least bit funny. Also any time the staff come in in a daft costume because 'they couldnt get home'. :lol:

[Greg WibblyWobbly]

When Humphries swims up the canal and sells ice creams on the M1 its just stupid and not in the least bit funny. Also any time the staff come in in a daft costume because 'they couldnt get home'. :lol:

Absolutely agree with these as well. :yes:

[Red Shadow]

In "Monkey Business," I had a hard time believing how easy it was for the staff to get an appointment with the prime minister. I've had a harder time getting an appointment with my dentist.

[The Green Man]

Shame on you for saying anything negative about AYBS!


;) j/k


I've never thought the plots were too far fetched. I always seen them along the lines of silly American sit coms of the 1960s and 1970s: evil twins, amnesia, etc. The fact that AYBS takes place in England in the 1970s ads to the farsical nature of the show.

[Dean]

You make a great point. How believable is it that a man would be married to a witch (Bewitched) or that a group of people would be marooned for years on an island while just out on a day-cruise (Gilligan's Island) or that a bunch of POWs in World War 2 whould be as powerful as Hogan's Heroes?

I think the difference for me is whether something is believable once you initially suspend credulity. If Gilligan had suddenly acquired magical powers and turned the Skipper into a turnip, I would say that is too silly.

The question is then whether things went too far or not on whatever occasion. As I say I can still enjoy the Slocombe-child eppy... but the logical part of me is also there somewhere... :)

thanks for the interesting comment.

[Greg WibblyWobbly]

In "Monkey Business," I had a hard time believing how easy it was for the staff to get an appointment with the prime minister. I've had a harder time getting an appointment with my dentist.


:lol: :lol:

[Melchett]

In "Monkey Business," I had a hard time believing how easy it was for the staff to get an appointment with the prime minister. I've had a harder time getting an appointment with my dentist.

Or what about even HAVING a Paraguayan Monkey for sale in the pet department!

[Greg WibblyWobbly]

How about "By Appointment" when Peacock's voice was affected like that ?

[Sienna]

Yes, that voice was just plain ridiculous. We might have believed that he had no voice at all... or a very deep one, or a very husky one, but not the one they gave him.

[blakey]

And his clearly turgid side affect acting. :no:

[blakey]

Or what about even HAVING a Paraguayan Monkey for sale in the pet department!

Well Harrods used to sell all sorts things like this, they could order anything in for anyone. Especially during the 70's when AYBS was on, they sold tigers, exported elephants, ect...

[Lady Stableforth]

i found it hard to believe mr. spooner was blamed for the cb radio in which he was talking to a policewoman, i have seen that episode and it was mr. humphries who touched all the switches on the radio.

[Melchett]

i found it hard to believe mr. spooner was blamed for the cb radio in which he was talking to a policewoman, i have seen that episode and it was mr. humphries who touched all the switches on the radio.

Speaking of which, the whole "I switched it off so they won't find us now" was pretty silly...

[Red Shadow]

In "Goodbye, Mrs. Slocombe," I found it hard to believe that Miss Featherston (spelling?) was convinced to quit her senior sales lady position after the run-in with Mr. Humphries in drag. It didn't seem like that bad of an exchange between the two, certainly not one bad enough to make one quit.

[Lady Stableforth]

mine also was the unfair firing of mr. grace's secretary just because she wasn't as sexy and pretty as the other one, he should have been sued for sexual harrassment.

[blakey]

this was the 70's remember, there was no such thing!

[Lady Stableforth]

:water:too bad....

[Dean]

In "Goodbye, Mrs. Slocombe," I found it hard to believe that Miss Featherston (spelling?) was convinced to quit her senior sales lady position after the run-in with Mr. Humphries in drag. It didn't seem like that bad of an exchange between the two, certainly not one bad enough to make one quit.

Also - isn't Humphries quite recognisable? She had after all been working with him!

[Lady Stableforth]

i wonder if Miss Featherston is related the Mrs. Featherston who runs the LHLA Inn that Mr. Grainger talked about in Hurrah for the Holidays?

[Melchett]

i wonder if Miss Featherston is related the Mrs. Featherston who runs the LHLA Inn that Mr. Grainger talked about in Hurrah for the Holidays?

Maybe it's the one and the same!

[cpl.er...Capt. Joe]

All the excuses for making the staff sing and dance were silly.

But the idea of opening a restaurant/night club in the store after hours that the staff would work extra hours to do in their spare time? Would you go to a club that was located in a clothing store? Would you buy clothes that were smoke filled or carried the scent of fish & chips from a place that doubled as a night club?

[Bionic Grainger]

I think the whole Old Mr. Grace was unbelievable. They should have had a think tank to come up with a better idea for replacing Young Mr. Grace.

[Greg WibblyWobbly]

And his clearly turgid side affect acting. :no:

:yes:

[Greg WibblyWobbly]

In "Goodbye, Mrs. Slocombe," I found it hard to believe that Miss Featherston (spelling?) was convinced to quit her senior sales lady position after the run-in with Mr. Humphries in drag. It didn't seem like that bad of an exchange between the two, certainly not one bad enough to make one quit.

That whole scene was just bad. Just an excuse for Inman to dress in drag.

[Greg WibblyWobbly]

But the idea of opening a restaurant/night club in the store after hours that the staff would work extra hours to do in their spare time? Would you go to a club that was located in a clothing store? Would you buy clothes that were smoke filled or carried the scent of fish & chips from a place that doubled as a night club?

Totally agree .... :yes:

[Red Shadow]

Thank you, Capt. Joe! I've always found that odd too.

[Sienna]

Not to mention that they'd work all the extra time for the minimal extra income that they could get...

[Lady Stableforth]

or not, probably old mr. grace would get all the profits :wine:(cheap bastards):omghead:

[Sienna]

:slochead: True.

[blakey]

In Friends and Neighbours why would Mr Grace want to stay above his own store in a room stinking of curry and chips when he had that large mansion we hear about in 'the appartment'? Also, would someone of his age really be able to design or even USE a bed which flung him backwards and landed him in the bog?

Bloody daft all of it.

[Sienna]

I'm not even sure where that toilet was supposed to be. I mean, if you look carefully when the cods' heads are burning, you see Mr Humphries running to the left, where the kitchen is. Presumably on the other side of the kitchen, there is a door to the room where Captain Peacock was staying. So I would think that the bathroom would be a door on the right hand side, opposite the kitchen. Only how exactly is that bed going to transport you there then?? It'd be much quicker just getting up and walking there if you ask me... :)

[Greg WibblyWobbly]

Not to mention that they'd work all the extra time for the minimal extra income that they could get...


And the fact that most of the time the staff complains about overtime.

[Greg WibblyWobbly]

I'm not even sure where that toilet was supposed to be. I mean, if you look carefully when the cods' heads are burning, you see Mr Humphries running to the left, where the kitchen is. Presumably on the other side of the kitchen, there is a door to the room where Captain Peacock was staying. So I would think that the bathroom would be a door on the right hand side, opposite the kitchen. Only how exactly is that bed going to transport you there then?? It'd be much quicker just getting up and walking there if you ask me... :)

What is actually unbelieveable is that fact that there is a smoke filled room and Humphries runs in there with a baby in his arms.

[Greg WibblyWobbly]

From "Anything You Can Do" the frog in YMG's soup.

[Sienna]

Was just thinking about the frog myself Greg. I mean, did he eat it? Not likely since it is a large animal. Did he just not see it at the bottom of the soup bowl? I know he was old but his eyesight can't have been that bad... he saw plenty of suspenders and short skirts!

[Melchett]

Was just thinking about the frog myself Greg. I mean, did he eat it? Not likely since it is a large animal. Did he just not see it at the bottom of the soup bowl? I know he was old but his eyesight can't have been that bad... he saw plenty of suspenders and short skirts!

Well, Mrs. Slocombe did tell him not to drink all of it to save room for pudding. Plus we see the frog at the very end of the episode, so I guess he survived!

[Bionic Grainger]

It is unbelievable (imo) that Miss Belfridge would be interested in Captain Peacock.

[Greg WibblyWobbly]

Personally I thought just the frog being alive in his soup was ridiculous enough.

[blakey]

Unbeilivable that Miss Belfridge would be interested in captain peacock. A grey 50 year old married army man with a stuck up nose. Even if she was a gold-digger and only liked him to get on in her job she couldnt have got very far as he is only senior middle managament.

Or is it semi-upper middle senior managenet? :lol:

[clockworkgirl21]

I always hated "Is It Catching?" Especially when they're all locked in that room. I don't know how English laws were in the 70s, but that had to be illegal. I couldn't believe they didn't sue, let alone not quit!

"The Hold Up" was bad, but I can overlook that because it had some hilarious one-liners.

[Melchett]

It is unbelievable (imo) that Miss Belfridge would be interested in Captain Peacock.

Well, according to Captain Peacock himself - "Women have always been attracted to power". This is how he explains his wife's supposed attraction for Rumbold...

[Lady Stableforth]

she only did it to make him jealous besides being married to her i doubt he would have gotten any kind of affection from her...

[Dean]

Unbeilivable that Miss Belfridge would be interested in captain peacock. A grey 50 year old married army man with a stuck up nose. Even if she was a gold-digger and only liked him to get on in her job she couldnt have got very far as he is only senior middle managament.

Or is it semi-upper middle senior managenet? :lol:

love is blind...

[Greg WibblyWobbly]

I always hated "Is It Catching?" Especially when they're all locked in that room. I don't know how English laws were in the 70s, but that had to be illegal. I couldn't believe they didn't sue, let alone not quit!



Another point ... why the Hell wouldn't they have gone to hospital ? I know the nurse said they were relieved about not going but between being in hospital and staying in the store I think going to hospital sounds a lot better. Better than wearing those idiotic suits.

[Red Shadow]

why the Hell wouldn't they have gone to hospital ?

Greg, that would have been a lot of fun. Can you see the staff staying in a large hospital ward? Mrs. Slocombe demanding more privacy....Miss Brahms being hit on by some young, handsome doctor....Mr. Humphries tyring to resist the amorous advances of some creepy patient across the room....Mr. Lucas (or Spooner in this case) chasing after the nurses....

[blakey]

It would have been too expensive an difficult a set to make for BBC's budgets! :lol:

[Greg WibblyWobbly]

Greg, that would have been a lot of fun. Can you see the staff staying in a large hospital ward? Mrs. Slocombe demanding more privacy....Miss Brahms being hit on by some young, handsome doctor....Mr. Humphries tyring to resist the amorous advances of some creepy patient across the room....Mr. Lucas (or Spooner in this case) chasing after the nurses....

I can see the scene now where Humphries gets out of bed with his gown gapping open in the back and a voice behind him saying "I wish I could afford that ." :lol: :lol:

[sonosun]

Greg you're bad.;)

[Greg WibblyWobbly]

How about Humphries showing up in that stupid square, black rain coat he borrowed from a girl punk rocker.

Sh*t like this is what makes me dislike the latter series.

[Melchett]

How about Humphries showing up in that stupid square, black rain coat he borrowed from a girl punk rocker.

Sh*t like this is what makes me dislike the latter series.

Just another opportunity for a Humphries entrance...

[Greg WibblyWobbly]

Just another opportunity for a Humphries entrance...

Once again ... the latter series ... :roll:

[Melchett]

Once again ... the latter series ... :roll:

Are there any latter series episodes you do like?

[Greg WibblyWobbly]

Are there any latter series episodes you do like?

I like them all and watch them all but they're not as good when compared to the first 5 series.

[Melchett]

I like them all and watch them all but they're not as good when compared to the first 5 series.

Is there one episode in the latter series that stands out and being better or being the best?

[Greg WibblyWobbly]

Series 6 - "A Bliss Girl" makes me laugh a bit but not much.

Series 7 - "Strong Stuff This Insurnace", "Anything You Can Do",I don't think "The Agent" is a horrible eppy and "Punch and Judy" is OK.

Series 8 - "A Personal Problem", "Sit Out" and "Closed Circuit" are all OK

Series 9 - "Calling All Customers" is OK

Series 10 - "The Night Club"

I'm not saying I don't watch the other eppys (except for "Heir Apparent" and "Conduct Unbecoming" which totally bite).
It's like this ... I have the box sets above the DVD player and it always, always seems that I gravitate towards the first 5 (or 6 with the US release) DVD's.

[Melchett]

Then you have both the U.S. and U.K. releases? Wow.. that's dedication!

[Lady Stableforth]

how are the uk:anglophile: ones different from the u.s.? :usa:just curious...

[Sienna]

For as far as I know, only in the time of releasing... in the US the entire series is on DVD, plus some extras. In the UK, they've only got as far as series 7. I'm not sure if we'll get the same extras here - like that clip show with John Inman that was made in America - but I do hope so. I guess the menu on the DVD itself will look different, and the covers. But apart from that I think it's pretty much the same.

[Lady Stableforth]

okay thanks for info!:thumbup:

[blakey]

Ive had to buy the US editions of the latter series as BBC only released up to 7. Its been said before, but the menu on the UK isnt animated, and there isnt an episode blurb and a woman with a list on the uk ones :D

[Bionic Grainger]

Then you have both the U.S. and U.K. releases? Wow.. that's dedication!

:afford:

[Greg WibblyWobbly]

Then you have both the U.S. and U.K. releases? Wow.. that's dedication!

The UK ones were cheaper for the first box set then what the US ones were.
I just wished they would release the last box set of AYBS? in the UK.

how are the uk:anglophile: ones different from the u.s.? :usa:just curious...

The biggest difference (and the main reason I ordered the UK versions) is that each series is by itself and not like the US version where they ran the disc together. In other words, when I pop in the second disc I know I'll only be watching the whole of the second series. I know it may not sound like a big thing but to me it was important.
I went into detail in the "AYBS? Merchandise" thread over the differences.

[Sienna]

I don't think they're going to be releasing the last box set any time soon in the UK... it took ages for series 7 to come out, it'll probably be 2020 by the time they get to series 10... alas... :(

[Greg WibblyWobbly]

:|

[Fun Time Freddy]

why dont we send a complete set up in the next space probe? maybe with a note saying- if these dont give every satisfaction please dont hesitate to return them.

[Bionic Grainger]

why dont we send a complete set up in the next space probe? maybe with a note saying- if these dont give every satisfaction please dont hesitate to return them.

:lol:

[Red Shadow]

Good idea, Fun Time Freddy! It makes me wonder who the space aliens would want to see first: Miss Brahms and her sexy looks, Mr. Humphries and his mincing walk, or Mr. Rumbold because, as Miss Brahms mentioned in "Shedding The Load," space aliens have bald heads, beedy eyes, and great, big, sticky-out ears.

[Dean]

don't aliens always say "take me to your leader"... which would be Young Mr Grace

[Greg WibblyWobbly]

http://lordgreg.minki.net/brahms2.jpg "Great big pink things they are with bald heads and sticky out ears."

:lol:

<TABLE class=tborder style="BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px" cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=6 width="100%" align=center border=0><TBODY><TR title="Post 138193" vAlign=top><TD class=alt2 align=middle width=125></TD><TD class=alt1>why dont we send a complete set up in the next space probe? maybe with a note saying- if these dont give every satisfaction please dont hesitate to return them. </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Also include on the note that "the box will ride up with wear."

[Melchett]

http://lordgreg.minki.net/brahms2.jpg "Great big pink things they are with bald heads and sticky out ears."

Sounds like OMG as well... :omghead:

[Greg WibblyWobbly]

That dude just creeps me out.

[Sienna]

That dude just creeps me out.

:omghead: You've all done very well... except you. *looks pointedly at Greg*

[Melchett]

:omghead: You've all done very well... except you. *looks pointedly at Greg*

:omghead: Greg, I've heard all about you from my brother - but I didn't understand a word of it.

[Greg WibblyWobbly]

:omghead: Greg, I've heard all about you from my brother - but I didn't understand a word of it.


:emotlol: and you couldn't handle the truth.

[sonosun]

:lol: :lol:

[Melchett]

:lol:

[Dean]

I guess given the title of this thread whatever Melchett heard about Greg must be unbelievable! :lol:

[sonosun]

:lol: :lol:

[Greg WibblyWobbly]

I guess given the title of this thread whatever Melchett heard about Greg must be unbelievable! :lol:

Hell even I don't know what he's heard about me but I'll go along with it ... whatever it is. ;)

[Melchett]

Don't look at me... I didn't understand a word of it!

[Tim]

It's part of the magic of make believe, that the characters take on a life of their own, and it's all such jolly good fun that after a few seasons who can blame the writers and actors for wanting a pretext to arrive at a desirable predicament.

I was a BIG fan of Prison Break here, and in just four seasons they "jumped the shark" until it became a habit. The Austin Powers movies did not take long to lapse into a delightfully absurd self-parody. Just imagine how miffed we would be if AYBS had gone that far!

[Greg WibblyWobbly]

One thing I find "unbelievable" is from "Hand of Fate" when the customer is going on about the "Princess Anne" hats saying " Four pounds ?? That's quite reasonable according to todays standards."
Did she take one too many Prozac's when she left this morning ?? :shrug:

Who the Hell thinks this stuff up ?? :emotlol:

[blakey]

I find it unbelivable how anyone could read miss brahms writing!
So scruffy, it dont half read dead common :lol:

[Lady Stableforth]

i found it hard to believe there was a moth hole on mr. humphries trousers, you don't even see it when he takes his gloves off behind the counter. this is from the episode By Appointment
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[cpl.er...Capt. Joe]

I always hated the dancing robots from "Top Hat & Tails." :curse5: That is just too unbelievable even with today's technology. It was just rediculous in the '70.

[Greg WibblyWobbly]

I find it unbelivable how anyone could read miss brahms writing!
So scruffy, it dont half read dead common :lol:

I put this one up in "Bloopers" years ago. She doesn't even have 40p written on the damned sign. :lol:

http://lordgreg.minki.net/hofblooper.jpg

[Red Shadow]

I always hated the dancing robots from "Top Hat & Tails."

'ere 'ere! I agree!!!

[Lady Stableforth]

i found it hard to believe mr. lucas burned his feet, they looked alright to me when he came down the stairs in his sandals and then was able to jump down on the carpet when captain peacock and mrs. slocombe were the royal couple.

[Melchett]

One thing I find "unbelievable" is from "Hand of Fate" when the customer is going on about the "Princess Anne" hats saying " Four pounds ?? That's quite reasonable according to todays standards."
Did she take one too many Prozac's when she left this morning ?? :shrug:

Who the Hell thinks this stuff up ?? :emotlol:

"I didn't think people talked like this anymore!"

[larsen525]

One thing I find "unbelievable" is from "Hand of Fate" when the customer is going on about the "Princess Anne" hats saying " Four pounds ?? That's quite reasonable according to todays standards."
Did she take one too many Prozac's when she left this morning ?? :shrug:

Who the Hell thinks this stuff up ?? :emotlol:

The customer might have attended the same elocution school that Miss Brahms did. :)

- Erik

[Greg WibblyWobbly]

:lol:

[Melchett]

In A Bliss Girl, when Harmon is being told to take that counter away, he's only about 3 feet away from Mrs. Slocombe, who acts surprised when the two men go to lift the counter! Surely she heard the whole conversation!

[Lady Stableforth]

and blind as well she must have seen captain peacock motioning to mr. harman to take it away as well

[Lady Stableforth]

In "Do You Take this Man?" one of the greek band member is given a screen credit, he didn't say anything except laugh at the ceremony and mr. tebbs funny language.

[Greg WibblyWobbly]

and blind as well she must have seen captain peacock motioning to mr. harman to take it away as well


:slochead:"True"

[Greg WibblyWobbly]

In "Do You Take this Man?" one of the greek band member is given a screen credit, he didn't say anything except laugh at the ceremony and mr. tebbs funny language.

It's because he's actually playing his bazooki during the dance.

[Lady Stableforth]

:worship:

[Dean]

The thread seems to be heading more into bloopers, which is a tad different than the original idea. My thought was around the whole story and basic plot concept being unbelievable. It doesn't matter hugely of course and feel free to post bloopers, or anything else - recipes, shopping lists, poems about my beauty - in here. But there is of course a bloopers thread nearby...

[Greg WibblyWobbly]

The thread seems to be heading more into bloopers, which is a tad different than the original idea. My thought was around the whole story and basic plot concept being unbelievable. It doesn't matter hugely of course and feel free to post bloopers, or anything else - recipes, shopping lists, poems about my beauty - in here. But there is of course a bloopers thread nearby...

I agree with the fact that we got totally off topic on this one. :yes:
Please keep this thread for the "Unbelievable" story lines.

[Lady Stableforth]

did anyone besides me notice in the episode "A Bliss Girl" at the end mr. lucas come in out breath? must have a long coffee break.

[Lady Stableforth]

why didn't we hear or see mr. lucas introduce the other guests for dinner in the episode "Takeover"?

[Bionic Grainger]

Okay - here's one.......Did I miss something in the 70's? What women actually walked around with green, pink and purple hair on purpose. I find it hard to believe that any woman would do that especially one looking for a man and working in retail.

[Dean]

Okay - here's one.......Did I miss something in the 70's? What women actually walked around with green, pink and purple hair on purpose. I find it hard to believe that any woman would do that especially one looking for a man and working in retail.

Of course the show wasn't attempting to portray real life in any real sense. Personality points were exaggerated.

But just as I said above that people did use to refer to workmates by honorifics, people did use to wear coloured wigs. Not everyone of course, but it was not unusual for a middle-aged middle-class woman to think of it as a relatively easy way to "improve" their appearance. My grandmother used to do it back in the 70s. These days women dye their hair but wigs used to be much more popular - not sure if the hair products were not as good then but if I recall correctly, there was a fear that putting dye in your hair was bad for it. (Indeed wasn't that Mollie Sugdens' experience? She started out dyeing her hair but it wasn't good for her hair so she switched to wigs.)

As for the colours, of course they are exaggerated. But I can remember women with blue hair, bright yellow hair, green hair. Not the multi-coloured one perhaps - but these days they call that streaks, don't they.

These days I'd be happy just to have some hair to dye :(

It is amazing how times change isn't it. If even 15 years ago you'd told me that one day I'd be sitting at a computer writing nonsense abt Are You Being Served with friends I've never seen around the world.... well... I'd have suggested you seek psychiatric advice... :)

[Greg WibblyWobbly]

As a kid I remember older ladies walking around with funky coloured hair. I just took it as it being the 70's ?? I agree with Dean though.

[Melchett]

It is amazing how times change isn't it. If even 15 years ago you'd told me that one day I'd be sitting at a computer writing nonsense abt Are You Being Served with friends I've never seen around the world.... well... I'd have suggested you seek psychiatric advice... :)

That probably sums it up for all of us... :lol:

[Greg WibblyWobbly]

It is amazing how times change isn't it. If even 15 years ago you'd told me that one day I'd be sitting at a computer writing nonsense abt Are You Being Served with friends I've never seen around the world.... well... I'd have suggested you seek psychiatric advice... :) That probably sums it up for all of us... :lol:

:slochead:"True"

[Lady Stableforth]

i wonder if there was a rule in that store that you had to bow to mr. grace everytime he said - :verywell:

[Melchett]

i wonder if there was a rule in that store that you had to bow to mr. grace everytime he said - :verywell:

Not so much a rule, but certainly a sign of respect.

[Lady Stableforth]

maybe but the way they were all bowing to him you would have thought he was royalty.

[Miss Humphries]

In Grounds for Divorce....Peacock thinking his wife and Rumbold had a thing going on was bad enough, but then Peacock and Mrs. Solcumbe out on the window ledge trying to get proof??

In Dear Sexy Knickers why didn't Lucas just call Miss Brahms?

In Mrs. Slocumbe, Senior Person, why would Rumbold have been out for a couple of weeks with food poisoning?

The biggest "unbelievable" of all was that people though Mr. Humphries was straight!

[Dean]

In Grounds for Divorce....Peacock thinking his wife and Rumbold had a thing going on was bad enough, but then Peacock and Mrs. Solcumbe out on the window ledge trying to get proof??

In Dear Sexy Knickers why didn't Lucas just call Miss Brahms?

In Mrs. Slocumbe, Senior Person, why would Rumbold have been out for a couple of weeks with food poisoning?

The biggest "unbelievable" of all was that people though Mr. Humphries was straight!

These are all good points :lol:

[Lady Stableforth]

why? how long does it take to recover from food poisoning?

[Melchett]

why? how long does it take to recover from food poisoning?

Long enough to temporarily promote Mrs. Slocombe.

[Lady Stableforth]

:slochead:"True"

[Red Shadow]

how long does it take to recover from food poisoning?

That would depend on a couple of things: how serious of a case Mr. Rumbold caught and the length of time he could con his doctor into giving him time off from work.

Of course, medical treatment was longer back then. Look at Mrs. Slocombe's experience getting her ingrown toenail removed: she was in the hospital for 3 days. When I've had them removed, I went to work that morning, went to the doctor's office that afternoon, and went back to work the next day.

[Miss Humphries]

The one time I had food poisoning, I threw up for 24 hours, felt like a wet dish rag the next day and was back at work on day 3!

I love what RS said about how much time off Rumbold could con from his doctors...he always did seem like a hypochondriac to me...like in Big Brother!

[Dean]

I suppose it coule be severe, but two weeks does seem a long time. Usually it's all over in 24 hours.

[Bionic Grainger]

Did anyone else find it unbelievable that they thought the "Mrs. Slocombe" mannequin actually looked like Mrs. Slocombe? I didn't think it was a good likeness at all.

[Greg WibblyWobbly]

The biggest "unbelievable" of all was that people though Mr. Humphries was straight!

:emotlol: This has to get the "Wibbly Award" for the best answer yet. http://lordgreg.minki.net/Wib.jpg

[Greg WibblyWobbly]

Did anyone else find it unbelievable that they thought the "Mrs. Slocombe" mannequin actually looked like Mrs. Slocombe? I didn't think it was a good likeness at all.

Looked something like her but nothing like her. Does that make sense ??

[Red Shadow]

Yeah, it looked like her to a modest degree. When she was standing next to it, you could see the resemblence, but if you were to see that mannequin in a department store somewhere else, you might not think of Mrs. Slocombe.

Along the same lines (and in the same episode), I find it hard to believe that Captain Peacock and Mr. Rumbold couldn't tell it was really Mr. Humphries instead of his look-alike mannequin standing on that podium.

[Melchett]

Yeah, it looked like her to a modest degree. When she was standing next to it, you could see the resemblence, but if you were to see that mannequin in a department store somewhere else, you might not think of Mrs. Slocombe.

Along the same lines (and in the same episode), I find it hard to believe that Captain Peacock and Mr. Rumbold couldn't tell it was really Mr. Humphries instead of his look-alike mannequin standing on that podium.

Yeah, talk about artistic license for the sake of comedy... and of course the scene ends with Humphries wimpering. How are we supposed to believe it ended?

[Greg WibblyWobbly]

:slochead:"True"

[Lady Stableforth]

Did you ever notice in the episode "Roots" when they are rehearsing the song for Old Mr. Grace that Mr. Spooner was ready to put his pic ax up between John's Legs?

[Greg WibblyWobbly]

Did you ever notice in the episode "Roots" when they are rehearsing the song for Old Mr. Grace that Mr. Spooner was ready to put his pic ax up between John's Legs?

:yes:

[Miss Humphries]

I cannot believe that a major department store would have a fire practice while the store was open for business. I know the fire alarm would have scared the hell out of me as a shopper and may cause a public panic.

[Greg WibblyWobbly]

I cannot believe that a major department store would have a fire practice while the store was open for business. I know the fire alarm would have scared the hell out of me as a shopper and may cause a public panic.

:lol: :lol: I never thought of this one. How right you are MH. Then the law suits to follow because of pain and suffering because people could no longer go into a store without having panic attacks. :lol:

[Red Shadow]

Think of how many people would head for the doors while forgetting they're holding merchandise. And think of how many would claim to have forgotten they were still holding merchandise....

[Greg WibblyWobbly]

Think of how many people would head for the doors while forgetting they're holding merchandise. And think of how many would claim to have forgotten they were still holding merchandise....

I hate it when that happens. :lol:

[blakey]

I cannot believe that a major department store would have a fire practice while the store was open for business. I know the fire alarm would have scared the hell out of me as a shopper and may cause a public panic.

Stores try and hide this from customers..
A certain chain who we shall call 'Lewis John', announce 'sprinkler test' over the tannoy to alert staff that there is a fire without scaring customers. 'Timecheck' is used when there is a bombscare.

[Lady Stableforth]

what i wonder about is the "German Week" episode - both mr. humphries and ms. brahms are wearing tight shorts, he should have been wearing the kind mr. lucas was wearing. what was up with that?

[Greg WibblyWobbly]

what i wonder about is the "German Week" episode - both mr. humphries and ms. brahms are wearing tight shorts, he should have been wearing the kind mr. lucas was wearing. what was up with that?

Use your imagination on this one ....;)

[Lady Stableforth]

:cheekydevil::brow:

[Melchett]

Use your imagination on this one ....;)

To make his eyes water!

[Greg WibblyWobbly]

:lol:

[Sienna]

It was probably just to show off John's legs :lol: And it was the sort of silly costume you'd expect Mr Humphries to end up in.

[Melchett]

It was probably just to show off John's legs :lol: And it was the sort of silly costume you'd expect Mr Humphries to end up in.

And yet I don't recall anyone commenting on HIS knees!

[Bionic Grainger]

And yet I don't recall anyone commenting on HIS knees!

Maybe that's because it is Mr. Rumbold that has terribly sexy knees. :D

[Dean]

Maybe that's because it is Mr. Rumbold that has terribly sexy knees. :D

well they say everyone has something appealing about them... lucky Mrs Rumbold eh... must be magic married to Cuthbert... he shows a bit of knee and she falls in love all over again...

in all seriousness though, wasn't Rumbold brilliantly acted by Nicholas Smith. A wonderful character.

[Greg WibblyWobbly]

It was probably just to show off John's legs :lol: And it was the sort of silly costume you'd expect Mr Humphries to end up in.

No actually the type of costume I'd honestly expect to see Humphries in would be assless chaps.

[sonosun]

Chaps (pronounced /ˈʃæps/ (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:IPA_for_English) or /ˈtʃæps/ (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:IPA_for_English)) are sturdy coverings for the legs (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leg) consisting of leggings and a belt. They are buckled on over trousers (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trousers) with the chaps' integrated belt, but unlike trousers they have no seat and are not joined at the crotch. They are designed to provide protection for the legs and are usually made of leather (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leather) or a leather-like material. They are most commonly associated with the cowboy (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cowboy) culture of the American west .

No seat in 'em partner.:lol:

[Greg WibblyWobbly]

No seat in 'em partner.:lol:

I know that buddy but it sounds so much funnier when you say it my way.

[Melchett]

No actually the type of costume I'd honestly expect to see Humphries in would be assless chaps.

Assless chaps. That could be the gimmick we're looking for! :lucas01:

[Greg WibblyWobbly]

ROTFLMAO !!! :emotlol:

[Melchett]

Assless chaps.




I don't have anything else to contribute, I just wanted another excuse to say assless chaps.

[Sienna]

:lol: We understand Melchett!

[sonosun]

Assless chaps.




I don't have anything else to contribute, I just wanted another excuse to say assless chaps.

I wonder what Melchett sees in Assless Chaps.:shrug:

[Greg WibblyWobbly]

Assless chaps.




I don't have anything else to contribute, I just wanted another excuse to say assless chaps.

ROTFLMAO !! :emotlol:

[Melchett]

I wonder what Melchett sees in Assless Chaps.:shrug:

According to you, they leave little to the imagination. So I guess I see just about everything in assless chaps.

[Dean]

Only if you look Melchett, only if you look :lol:

[sonosun]

Only if you look Melchett, only if you look :lol:

We'd all have a look.Some longer than others.

[Greg WibblyWobbly]

We'd all have a look.Some longer than others.

:yes:

[Melchett]

:yes:

Greg always looks.

[sonosun]

Greg always looks.

:lol: :lol:

[Greg WibblyWobbly]

Greg always looks.

But you look so cute in them Melchy. :lol: And you do have the legs for them.

[Red Shadow]

But you look so cute in them Melchy. And you do have the legs for them.

:humphappy: "Is there something I've missed?"

[cpl.er...Capt. Joe]

I can't help but imagine John Wayne walking into Grace Brothers, going up to Mr. Humphries and asking, "Can I get some new chaps, fella?"
:humphappy:"The rail, Mr. Lucas!"
:lucas01:"One rail, Mr. Humphries!"
:humphappy:"Would you prefer assless or with-ass?"

[cpl.er...Capt. Joe]

:gambling:I guess you really do have to worry about chaps riding up with wear!

[Greg WibblyWobbly]

:eek: OMG has this gotten totally off topic or what ?? :emotlol:

:lol: Funny but off topic ...

[Dean]

oh well it was a bad topic anyway - what idiot suggested it? :lol:

[cpl.er...Capt. Joe]

:emotlol::clap:Nice one, Dean!

BTW, it's a good thing Wib's threads never stray!:lol:

[Dean]

Never! :emotlol:

[Greg WibblyWobbly]

:lol: :lol:

[Sienna]

"Whose silly idea was that??"
:rumboldthink: "It was mine!"

[Pamela]

Assless chaps.




I don't have anything else to contribute, I just wanted another excuse to say assless chaps.

can I say it too?


Assless chaps.

yep, that'll help me through the day! :D

[Xymers]

In "Takeover" why can't Mr. Lucas and Captain Peacock find black pants to fit them? I can understand there not necessarily being tuxedos available in their sizes, but why couldn't they just wear regular black pants? They do work in the ladies/gentlemen's clothing department after all.

[Greg WibblyWobbly]

In "Takeover" why can't Mr. Lucas and Captain Peacock find black pants to fit them? I can understand there not necessarily being tuxedos available in their sizes, but why couldn't they just wear regular black pants? They do work in the ladies/gentlemen's clothing department after all.

This is what I call sacrificing intelligence for comedy. :lol:

[Melchett]

This is what I call sacrificing intelligence for comedy. :lol:

At least we're no longer discussing assless chaps.

Oops, I did it again!

[Dean]

You do seem to have a particular interest in the subject http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/smiley-rolleyes008.gif (http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys.php)

[Melchett]

You do seem to have a particular interest in the subject http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/smiley-rolleyes008.gif (http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys.php)

Some things just make one laugh for absolutely no reason. ;)

[Red Shadow]

In an attempt to turn the subject away from chaps, assless or not...I thought of something from "Monkey Business" that I could never believe: that some of the staff made it to work by skiing through snow-covered London. I mean really. Stay home!

[Mr. Rust of Audio-Visuals]

The show definitely leaned a little heavy on the "going through extreme measures to get to work" trope in the later years.

[Greg WibblyWobbly]

In an attempt to turn the subject away from chaps, assless or not...I thought of something from "Monkey Business" that I could never believe: that some of the staff made it to work by skiing through snow-covered London. I mean really. Stay home!

Now that idea was just stupid, plain stupid. All the lines of Humphries having to get to work in a packing crate or Slocombe and Brahms on the two seater bike. :roll:
I just had an idea for a "Vote Off".

[Red Shadow]

I just had an idea for a "Vote Off". :thumbup:

[Melchett]

Sounds good!

[Sienna]

What was most unbelievable about Monkey Business was that the staff actually made it into 10 Downing Street.

[Dean]

Yes they always let visitors hang about in the Cabinet Room - just as in the US anyone can just hang out in the Oval Office without Obama or anyone else being there...

oh well if it was all realistic it would be a very boring programme, wouldn't it!

[Miss Humphries]

:gambling:I guess you really do have to worry about chaps riding up with wear!

OMG. is this hilarious!

Imagine Mr. Humphries taking John Wayne's inside leg..."Just exactly what are you doin' with that measuring tape, pilgrim?" :lol:

Or Clint Eastwood, "Well, do you feel lucky? Do ya, punk?" (LMAO)

[Tim]

Much of the later series is pretty much "tongue-in-cheek", a real transformation from when it was busy earning its share of the audience. After it was a recognized success, there was a budget and license to have some fun.

Another thing throughout that I find incredible is the worth of money, I know that with inflation things have really gone up in over 30 years, (hey, I teach math) but even so, with the pound having been in the ballpark of $1.50, over $1 but under $2 in any case, the clothing prices are credible, but the food prices are unbelievably low. Pay packets were supposed to be low, but they are the height of nonsense.

The preceding paragraphs are an attempt to mask the following thoughts:
The phrase "assless chaps" is quite appealing, even though redundant. What it makes me think of is Siamese Twins joined at the backside, like Dr. Doolittle's Pushmi-Pullyu, who have the distinction of never being able to get a boil on their bum. Imagine:

"Aye, them boys be down at the corner pub, swillin' some scrumpy."
"Who?"
"You know, them assless chaps. Drinkin is easy for 'em. Goin' for a Snake's ain't nothin what it takes to do a Betty Boo"

[Greg WibblyWobbly]

Much of the later series is pretty much "tongue-in-cheek", a real transformation from when it was busy earning its share of the audience. After it was a recognized success, there was a budget and license to have some fun.

Another thing throughout that I find incredible is the worth of money, I know that with inflation things have really gone up in over 30 years, (hey, I teach math) but even so, with the pound having been in the ballpark of $1.50, over $1 but under $2 in any case, the clothing prices are credible, but the food prices are unbelievably low. Pay packets were supposed to be low, but they are the height of nonsense.



I think you've hit the nail on the head Tim about the show. Most shows are like this. Get the audience and then you have the freedom to do what you want because the audience will believe anything once you're established.

[Greg WibblyWobbly]

I find it unbelievable that the Emir from "Fire Practice" is only 25 years old. If that's the case then I'm still an ovum.

[Sienna]

Well, 'What do you mean children, I'm only fifty!' wouldn't have gone down so well I suppose...

[Greg WibblyWobbly]

:lol:

[cpl.er...Capt. Joe]

Well, 'What do you mean children, I'm only fifty!' wouldn't have gone down so well I suppose...

No matter what the age, with that many wives, I'm sure he "gets down" very well!

[Greg WibblyWobbly]

:lol:

[Sienna]

:lol: That wasn't exactly what I meant but still :lol:

[Melchett]

Good thing Emir didn't go to Grace Brothers looking for assless chaps.

[Sienna]

This conversation is doomed to be about assless chaps for eternity.

:lol:

[Xymers]

This conversation is doomed to be about assless chaps for eternity.

:lol:


:lol:You bet your assless chaps it is! That phrase just rolls off the tongue so well.

[Melchett]

:lol:You bet your assless chaps it is! That phrase just rolls off the tongue so well.

I try to incorporate it in my everyday speech now.

[Xymers]

I try to incorporate it in my everyday speech now.
:D ROTFLMAO just thinking about how that would go over with others!

[sonosun]

:lol:You bet your assless chaps it is! That phrase just rolls off the tongue so well.

Good for the tongue, but for the lips would it be Chapstick ?

[Xymers]

Good for the tongue, but for the lips would it be Chapstick ?
:lol::lol:

[cpl.er...Capt. Joe]

Posting on this thread about assless chaps has destroyed any chance I had at being nominated to the Supreme Court one day! My political future is over!:(

Who thought assless chaps would be such a hot button topic!:lol:

[Bionic Grainger]

Who thought assless chaps would be such a hot button topic!:lol:[/QUOTE]

:lol::lol: Sounds like something Mr. Rumbold would come up with. You and Cuthbert are such funny chaps.

[Tim]

Like they said in The Hero,
I wouldn't be so cheeky,
I guess we'll never get to the bottom of it.
Oh I suppose we will, in the end.

[sonosun]

Like they said in The Hero,
I wouldn't be so cheeky,
I guess we'll never get to the bottom of it.
Oh I suppose we will, in the end.

Certainly! We'll just bring it to the Boil.

[Melchett]

I'm not going to take this sitting down!

[sonosun]

An odd thing just happened to me. I had a thought. What if on next Memorial Day they have a drive to collect money for War Veteran's who were wounded in one particular part of their bodies. That's right. a Marathon for Assless Chaps! :D

[Dean]

there doesn't seem to be a way of amending the thread title once started. But if there was, I'd change this title now to "assless chaps" :emotlol:

[Sienna]

Yes Dean, that title does seem to describe what this thread has been about lately much better :lol:

[Lady Stableforth]

what i still want to know is why in the episode "Take-over" didn't we see the other guests being announced?

[Greg WibblyWobbly]

I think we were back in the kitchen at the time those guest arrived.

[Melchett]

I think we were back in the kitchen at the time those guest arrived.

... discussing assless chaps.

[sonosun]

:lol: :lol: :lol:

[Greg WibblyWobbly]

Can we please stop it with the assless chaps ? :no:

[Melchett]

You started it.

[Greg WibblyWobbly]

I know that's what bothers me the most. I've created a monster. :lol:

[sonosun]

I know that's what bothers me the most. I've created a monster. :lol:

The next time you say assless chaps Greg. Don't say it or something like that.

[larsen525]

:slochead:: "Can we knock it off, please?"

:lucas01: : "She even remembers what she said!"

- E.

[Melchett]

The next time you say assless chaps Greg. Don't say it or something like that.

I'm trying my darndest to understand what Sonosun means here, but I have no clue what he's saying!!

[sonosun]

It really means Greg shouldn't have started this whole Assless Chaps thing. :duck: