Random Comments

[Bionic Grainger]

We have a place for "Random Quotes" and "The Wibster Wonders" for random questions about AYBS? Have you ever wanted to post just a simple comment about something concerning the show that doesn't warrant a whole new thread? If so, this is the place.............


My 1st random comment is: IMO - The red backless dress that Miss Brahm's wore in The Clock was a wardrobe misfire - It didn't suit her.

[Greg WibblyWobbly]

Even though I personally like my women with a bit of meat on their bones and not looking like they've thrown up everything everything they've eaten their whole lives, I do agree that Miss Brahms looks a bit like boneless ham in that dress.

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

[Bionic Grainger]

:lol: :lol:

[coldtap]

I'm still shocked when I see that episode at how little there is of that dress. (When she sits down, there's no skirt to sit on!) In terms of it suiting her, it's okay, I think, but she could have looked better. Now Mrs Slocombe, she looked all right! Tasteful, colour suited her etc.

[cpl.er...Capt. Joe]

The lifts have always bugged me, but not enough to have started a thread about it.

I know it is because it was a TV/Movie set that the fake lifts had to be built on a platform so that they could fake move up and down and miss the floor, but no building would ever have been built so that the lifts opened out to a staircase!

They didn't do all that many "lift doesn't match the floor level" gags to warrant that complicated setup. For those gags, they could have always missed the floor above and still had the lift opening on the department floor instead of on top of stairs. The only gag that wouldn't have worked was the Rumbold's odd socks gag. Even then, Rumbold could have been the one stuck on the elevator, leaving YMG to see his socks at eye level. Better yet, have YMG faint to the floor and see Rumbold's socks there.

You could also have had a running gag where the lift always over-shot and Peacock would run to the lifts, not really to help the lady customers out, but to have a peek up their skirts.

But the thing that bugged me the most was --- how were they ever to convert that to handicap accessible? I think could have been another reason why the store closed. It was too expensive to convert the store to ramps with every lift stopping at stairs!

[cpl.er...Capt. Joe]

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

Speaking as a man... (Low voice) "How do you ladies reach around to tie up those dresses, anyway?" :?

[cpl.er...Capt. Joe]

Every time I see one of those Dos Equis "The Most Interesting Man in the World" commercials, I expect to see Mr. Humphries instead.

[sonosun]

Even though I personally like my women with a bit of meat on their bones and not looking like they've thrown up everything everything they've eaten their whole lives, I do agree that Miss Brahms looks a bit like boneless ham in that dress.

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

I think that is a fine dress. Miss Brahms was just too 'big' for it.

[Sienna]

Speaking as a man... (Low voice) "How do you ladies reach around to tie up those dresses, anyway?" :?

We don't. We have someone else do it. :lol:

[Greg WibblyWobbly]

The lifts have always bugged me, but not enough to have started a thread about it.

I know it is because it was a TV/Movie set that the fake lifts had to be built on a platform so that they could fake move up and down and miss the floor, but no building would ever have been built so that the lifts opened out to a staircase!

They didn't do all that many "lift doesn't match the floor level" gags to warrant that complicated setup. For those gags, they could have always missed the floor above and still had the lift opening on the department floor instead of on top of stairs. The only gag that wouldn't have worked was the Rumbold's odd socks gag. Even then, Rumbold could have been the one stuck on the elevator, leaving YMG to see his socks at eye level. Better yet, have YMG faint to the floor and see Rumbold's socks there.

You could also have had a running gag where the lift always over-shot and Peacock would run to the lifts, not really to help the lady customers out, but to have a peek up their skirts.

But the thing that bugged me the most was --- how were they ever to convert that to handicap accessible? I think could have been another reason why the store closed. It was too expensive to convert the store to ramps with every lift stopping at stairs!

I like the idea of the lifts stopping up in the air, the doors opening and Peacock saying he'd get help "in due time" after having a peek. :lol:

Every time I see one of those Dos Equis "The Most Interesting Man in the World" commercials, I expect to see Mr. Humphries instead.

:emotlol: Wrestling a crocodile, hot air balloning in the nude with panda bears and finally kissing George Clooney before taking a sip. Then the print ads could have him sitting on a throne, holding a glass in his hand looking at the camera smiling with his gap tooth grin while a pile of naked, oiled Rugby players are slithering around his feet.

:humphries01: "All of a sudden I feel faint ...."

[gracegirl1974]

:emotlol: Wrestling a crocodile, hot air balloning in the nude with panda bears and finally kissing George Clooney before taking a sip. Then the print ads could have him sitting on a throne, holding a glass in his hand looking at the camera smiling with his gap tooth grin while a pile of naked, oiled Rugby players are slithering around his feet.

:humphries01: "All of a sudden I feel faint ...." :emotlol:

[coldtap]

The lifts have always bugged me, but not enough to have started a thread about it.

I know it is because it was a TV/Movie set that the fake lifts had to be built on a platform so that they could fake move up and down and miss the floor, but no building would ever have been built so that the lifts opened out to a staircase!



You know, I'm not entirely sure that I haven't been to a dept store where the lift opened onto 3 or 4 steps, and at the sides the steps were made into ramps, so you could wheel a wheelchair up that way to the lift...I could be imagining it, but I don't know why I would...

They had to have the staircase to make all their entrances on. Would you have got rid of the lifts entirely, and implied they were over at the side somewhere?

[coldtap]

I think that is a fine dress. Miss Brahms was just too 'big' for it.

It's funny that it's the most revealing thing she ever wore and it's the one thing Peacock never ogles at. He ogles over the red and white number in By Appointment, and the bridesmaid dress in Do You Take This Man, but here where he could get a real eyeful he doesn't notice at all.:shrug:

[Sienna]

It's funny that it's the most revealing thing she ever wore and it's the one thing Peacock never ogles at. He ogles over the red and white number in By Appointment, and the bridesmaid dress in Do You Take This Man, but here where he could get a real eyeful he doesn't notice at all.:shrug:

I think that at this early time in the show the focus was more on Lucas/Brahms and a bit of Peacock/Slocombe :shrug:

[cpl.er...Capt. Joe]

They had to have the staircase to make all their entrances on. Would you have got rid of the lifts entirely, and implied they were over at the side somewhere?

As long as Peacock wasn't currently standing in the middle of the floor or a central display in the way, all the entrances would have worked the same. There is no rule the camera has to film from stage center anyway. Also, two lifts weren't necessary for a studio set. One lift right in the middle of the stairs would have been fine. You could still have the stairs and the raised walkway too, but how do you have the lifts not stop on the actual floor?

[Lily the Tea Girl]

Every time I see one of those Dos Equis "The Most Interesting Man in the World" commercials, I expect to see Mr. Humphries instead.
Mr. Humphries is the most interesting man in the world, in my opinion.

[gracegirl1974]

Mr. Humphries is the most interesting man in the world, in my opinion. :yes:

[Lily the Tea Girl]

I like to think that the show takes place in the same universe as "Harry Potter" and that Mr. Humphries is a wizard and Mrs. Slocombe is a witch. In fact, I like to think that Mrs. Slocombe is an auror like Nymphadora Tonks. It explains the hair colors.

[coldtap]

As long as Peacock wasn't currently standing in the middle of the floor or a central display in the way, all the entrances would have worked the same. There is no rule the camera has to film from stage center anyway. Also, two lifts weren't necessary for a studio set. One lift right in the middle of the stairs would have been fine. You could still have the stairs and the raised walkway too, but how do you have the lifts not stop on the actual floor?

Oh, I get what you're saying...belatedly :)

All I can say is that it was a rather "stagey" show, more so than its contemporaries like On the Buses. Maybe Croft and Lloyd, as they hired stage types for the cast, got a stage type to do the set design, and this is how it worked out. I understand now that it defies the laws of architecture or whatever, but you must admit it has maximum impact from a stagey point of view. I think... :shrug:

[Cat_Lover]

I like to think that the show takes place in the same universe as "Harry Potter" and that Mr. Humphries is a wizard and Mrs. Slocombe is a witch. In fact, I like to think that Mrs. Slocombe is an auror like Nymphadora Tonks. It explains the hair colors.

I love that explanation. :lol:

[girlfriendofmrlucas]

I like to think that the show takes place in the same universe as "Harry Potter" and that Mr. Humphries is a wizard and Mrs. Slocombe is a witch. In fact, I like to think that Mrs. Slocombe is an auror like Nymphadora Tonks. It explains the hair colors.

Right on! :lol:

Kenneth Waller's hair and makeup- Um. Awful. :shrug:

[AYBSgirl]

Mr. Humphries is the most interesting man in the world, in my opinion.

:yes::yes:

[Bionic Grainger]

Right on! :lol:

Kenneth Waller's hair and makeup- Um. Awful. :shrug:


I agree awful and "unbelievable". You can't tell me that there wasn't an actor of an advanced age in England that was willing to play the part. It's not like they were on every episode and had a lot of lines to learn.

[One-Legged Tapdancer]

I really wish they'd cast Tony Sympson in the role. He played Mr. Wagstaff in "Conduct Unbecoming" and made a couple of other appearances. He appeared at least as old as Bennett and had a huge white beard. Unfortunately, I think he died sometime in 1983 so we'd have been Grace-less again for Series 10, but he still would've been a lot better than Kenneth Waller.

[anglophile31]

I really wish they'd cast Tony Sympson in the role. He played Mr. Wagstaff in "Conduct Unbecoming" and made a couple of other appearances. He appeared at least as old as Bennett and had a huge white beard. Unfortunately, I think he died sometime in 1983 so we'd have been Grace-less again for Series 10, but he still would've been a lot better than Kenneth Waller.

Actually...that would have been awesome. :yes: I'd always pictured OMG as so "past it" that he was continually confused and senile, similar to Tony Simpson's role as Mr. Wagstaff. Kenneth Waller just came across as a creepy old man and was totally unconvincing as an elderly man.

[Greg WibblyWobbly]

I don't know. You have to have someone to "out perv" Young Mr. Grace (who was a bit of a perv but in a good way) and I agree with Unanimous In That in another thread that it might have been better if the OMG character was never seen (sort of like they did in the last 2 series).
Tony Simpson was a loveable character. I swear I would take him home and keep him as a pet. I can't see him playing the tight wad, nasty perv type.

[Lily the Tea Girl]

I really wish they'd cast Tony Sympson in the role. He played Mr. Wagstaff in "Conduct Unbecoming" and made a couple of other appearances. He appeared at least as old as Bennett and had a huge white beard. Unfortunately, I think he died sometime in 1983 so we'd have been Grace-less again for Series 10, but he still would've been a lot better than Kenneth Waller.
I would love to see that.

[coldtap]

In "The Clock", Mr Mash wears a lot of medals. I reckon they're his, and he actually saw real action in the war, which is one of the reasons why he so disrespects Peacock.

[Greg WibblyWobbly]

In "The Clock", Mr Mash wears a lot of medals. I reckon they're his, and he actually saw real action in the war, which is one of the reasons why he so disrespects Peacock.

Mash did fight in the war except for "D Day". That when he put the soap in his mouth and an onion under his arm to get out of it.

:lol:

[girlfriendofmrlucas]

I've always wanted to see that episode of the Christmas party. Especially, Peacock and his blow tickler...

[anglophile31]

I don't know. You have to have someone to "out perv" Young Mr. Grace (who was a bit of a perv but in a good way) and I agree with Unanimous In That in another thread that it might have been better if the OMG character was never seen (sort of like they did in the last 2 series).
Tony Simpson was a loveable character. I swear I would take him home and keep him as a pet. I can't see him playing the tight wad, nasty perv type.

Why on earth did we need someone to "out perv" YMG? :? I don't see why OMG couldn't have been less creepy and more Tony Simpson-like. But maybe that's just me.

[anglophile31]

I've always wanted to see that episode of the Christmas party. Especially, Peacock and his blow tickler...

:yes::yes::yes:

[BasilBJr]

Are You Being Served? The show Nostradomus never saw coming.

[Sienna]

Are You Being Served? The show Nostradomus never saw coming.

:emotlol::emotlol:

[Bionic Grainger]

I just saw the gargoyle that Capt. Peacock was tied to in "A Personal Problem" wiggle a little bit- made me dizzy - I hate heights, even fake heights

[girlfriendofmrlucas]

I just saw the gargoyle that Capt. Peacock was tied to in "A Personal Problem" wiggle a little bit- made me dizzy - I hate heights, even fake heights

:lol:

[Greg WibblyWobbly]

Why on earth did we need someone to "out perv" YMG? :? I don't see why OMG couldn't have been less creepy and more Tony Simpson-like. But maybe that's just me.

Simple it was television and it was the 80's. Back then sex sold.

Who wants to see a nice boss anyways ? Most people like that authoritative figure you can hate and get angry about not kiss and cuddle.

[Greg WibblyWobbly]

I just saw the gargoyle that Capt. Peacock was tied to in "A Personal Problem" wiggle a little bit- made me dizzy - I hate heights, even fake heights

I want one of those gargoyles for the side of the house. :lol:

[Sienna]

Simple it was television and it was the 80's. Back then sex sold.


Are you saying it doesn't anymore? :?

[coldtap]

Old Mr Grace could have been completely puritanical, maybe he'd spent some years as a missionary, could have been completely strict about window displays, nude mannequins etc, and had a secretary to match. Or his secretary could always have been trying to flash a bit of thigh to curry favour, and getting rejected (that way you get your "sex" without him having to be a perv). He'd thoroughly approve of Mrs Slocombe now she's in her matronly years, but she'd hate that with a passion.

[Red Shadow]

Who wants to see a nice boss anyways ? Most people like that authoritative figure you can hate and get angry about not kiss and cuddle.


Having characters that are unique, over the top, or unlikeable is part of good comedy. OMG may not have been the best at this, but as a blanket statement, I think it applies.

[cpl.er...Capt. Joe]

I think they could have gone with an OMG more like Fr. Jack from Father Ted. Just have a guy pushed along in a wheelchair either passed out drunk or yelling incoherently for girls and drink. You couldn't do much with him, but that would be a plus. The YMG used up all the good dirty old man jokes.

With a dotard at the helm, it would have given Rumbold and the whole staff a reason to pull together more to save the sinking, doomed store. That would have made the sillier plot lines more believable.

[cpl.er...Capt. Joe]

It looks like we can no longer take Mr. Harman's advice -- "You should read the News of the World !" At least we still have page 3 of the Sun. :lol:

[Bionic Grainger]

It looks like we can no longer take Mr. Harman's advice -- "You should read the News of the World !" At least we still have page 3 of the Sun. :lol:

Good one Joe - I never made the AYBS? connection to that paper.

[Greg WibblyWobbly]

I think they could have gone with an OMG more like Fr. Jack from Father Ted. Just have a guy pushed along in a wheelchair either passed out drunk or yelling incoherently for girls and drink. You couldn't do much with him, but that would be a plus. The YMG used up all the good dirty old man jokes.

With a dotard at the helm, it would have given Rumbold and the whole staff a reason to pull together more to save the sinking, doomed store. That would have made the sillier plot lines more believable.

Father Jack was likeable but I do like the idea of OMG being wheelchair bound and drunk all the time. I really do like where you could go with that thought CJ. :yes:

[Lily the Tea Girl]

It looks like we can no longer take Mr. Harman's advice -- "You should read the News of the World !" At least we still have page 3 of the Sun. :lol:
This is more Beatles related, but...What paper will Polythene Pam be in now?

[coldtap]

The first time we see the staff in the canteen is in "The Hand of Fate". They're all squished up against a back wall. After that episode they always get a more central table, so we can see other staff behind them. This is one change in the show I approve of!

[Greg WibblyWobbly]

I actually like their placement in the back of the canteen but was happy to see they moved up front.

[Lily the Tea Girl]

In "Shoulder to Shoulder" you can see the construction crew in the background in the canteen.

[Lily the Tea Girl]

To expand on my "Harry Potter" theory--Mr. Humphries is an old friend of Sybil Trelawney and they like to discuss fortune telling. Dolores Umbridge is Mrs. Slocombe's evil cousin. And Harry, Hermione, and Ron show up at Millstone Manor looking for a horcrux.

[BasilBJr]

To expand on my "Harry Potter" theory--Mr. Humphries is an old friend of Sybil Trelawney and they like to discuss fortune telling. Dolores Umbridge is Mrs. Slocombe's evil cousin. And Harry, Hermione, and Ron show up at Millstone Manor looking for a horcrux.

Hermione is Mr Granger's grand-neice, and the great grand-daughter of OMG and Annie Granger. They had a son who kept the name Granger.

[Lily the Tea Girl]

Hermione is Mr Granger's grand-neice, and the great grand-daughter of OMG and Annie Granger. They had a son who kept the name Granger.
:thumbup:

[Bionic Grainger]

I love seeing Mr Grainger holding one of Tiddles baby kittens at the end of "Mrs. Slocombe Expects"

[Greg WibblyWobbly]

I love seeing Mr Grainger holding one of Tiddles baby kittens at the end of "Mrs. Slocombe Expects"


:yes: Even Peacock sems to be happy holding one. I should make a wallie out those pictures.

[Lucas The Tucas]

O'Wibby wrote ....... :yes: Even Peacock sems to be happy holding one. I should make a wallie out those pictures.



:eat: :goldberg: :eat:

[Aidan Phoenix]

:yes: Even Peacock sems to be happy holding one. I should make a wallie out those pictures.
Please do! I love that episode just for that bit.

[coldtap]

I love seeing Mr Grainger holding one of Tiddles baby kittens at the end of "Mrs. Slocombe Expects"

Me too! And Mr Lucas. Not Humphries, he has to make a joke of it. :roll:

[Lily the Tea Girl]

More "Harry Potter" theories: Mr. Humphries friend Roger with the long blond hair is a Malfoy relative, and Lily the tea girl, (not me of course, the one mentioned in "The Hand of Fate") has red hair and a boyfriend who wears glasses...

[sonosun]

:yes: Even Peacock sems to be happy holding one. I should make a wallie out those pictures.


Doesn't everyone enjoy having a little pussy in their hands?

[Bionic Grainger]

Doesn't everyone enjoy having a little pussy in their hands?


Spit my coffee out all over my computer screen on this one! One of these days I'm going to get electrocuted!

[Bionic Grainger]

Mr. Harman needed a haircut.

[coldtap]

Didn't he just! <shudder>

[coldtap]

But I'm thinking, was it a wig? Cos he always needed a haircut! Never ever looked neat and tidy.

[coldtap]

I like the red carpet down the stairs better than the brown.

[Bionic Grainger]

I love Mr. Humphries ties!

[coldtap]

I bet there was a Staff Rule about ties, and I bet his were too "flamboyant". Probably only stripes or plain allowed.

[cpl.er...Capt. Joe]

Being American, I've had a hard time with one particularly overused British phrase: "...I don't half _______ ..." I have always found it an awkward saying. It is a wimpy version of a double negative. Just have the guts to say what you do like!

[cpl.er...Capt. Joe]

I'm also disappointed that there was no J. R. R. Tolkien, The Hobbit, or Lord of the Rings references anywhere in Are You Being Served? The books have been very popular for generations; including during the 1970's. If Basil Brush, Peter Pan, the Fairy Prince, Ali Baba, and Doctor Who can all be joke fodder, coundn't one Gollum joke have snuck in?

[Lily the Tea Girl]

Am I the only one who noticed that Mr. Lucas sometimes wears a tie with a similar pattern to the wallpaper from "The Club"?

[Bionic Grainger]

Am I the only one who noticed that Mr. Lucas sometimes wears a tie with a similar pattern to the wallpaper from "The Club"?


I haven't ever noticed - but thanks for the observation. I'm going to start watching for it tonight!

[BasilBJr]

I'm also disappointed that there was no J. R. R. Tolkien, The Hobbit, or Lord of the Rings references anywhere in Are You Being Served? The books have been very popular for generations; including during the 1970's. If Basil Brush, Peter Pan, the Fairy Prince, Ali Baba, and Doctor Who can all be joke fodder, coundn't one Gollum joke have snuck in?

I think LOTR would have gone good in G&F. The hills and woods in the area could have held a relic population of Hobbits

[coldtap]

Mrs Slocombe's blouse in Big Brother is particularly flattering to her.

[coldtap]

I'm also disappointed that there was no J. R. R. Tolkien, The Hobbit, or Lord of the Rings references anywhere in Are You Being Served? The books have been very popular for generations; including during the 1970's. If Basil Brush, Peter Pan, the Fairy Prince, Ali Baba, and Doctor Who can all be joke fodder, coundn't one Gollum joke have snuck in?

Because half of those you mention are popular TV shows, and the other half are pantomime stories/characters. Both accessible by the popular audience. Tolkien fits in neither category.:)

[Lily the Tea Girl]

I'm also disappointed that there was no J. R. R. Tolkien, The Hobbit, or Lord of the Rings references anywhere in Are You Being Served? The books have been very popular for generations; including during the 1970's. If Basil Brush, Peter Pan, the Fairy Prince, Ali Baba, and Doctor Who can all be joke fodder, coundn't one Gollum joke have snuck in?
I would have liked it if someone had said "My precious" in "Diamonds are a Man's Best Friend".

[gracegirl1974]

I would have liked it if someone had said "My precious" in "Diamonds are a Man's Best Friend". That would have been great! :lol:

[Aidan Phoenix]

I was watching Conduct Unbecoming last night and noticed when Humphries got up to empty his pockets, it looks like he threw his cigarette into the coffee Spooner had just given him. Has anyone else noticed this? Or am I just sleep-deprived and imagining things?

[anglophile31]

I was watching Conduct Unbecoming last night and noticed when Humphries got up to empty his pockets, it looks like he threw his cigarette into the coffee Spooner had just given him. Has anyone else noticed this? Or am I just sleep-deprived and imagining things?

I seem to recall seeing that. I thought it was a bit odd, because it seemed like Mr. Humphries was badly in need of that cup of coffee.

[anglophile31]

I'm with BG - Mr. Humphries has the best ties!

I bet there was a Staff Rule about ties, and I bet his were too "flamboyant". Probably only stripes or plain allowed.

You'd think there would be, but if there wasn't a rule against Mrs. Slocombe's wild hair colors, I doubt anyone would have made a huge fuss over Humphries' ties. But that's Grace Brothers for you. Wearing a pink carnation is a huge no-no, but bright blue hair is perfectly acceptable. :shrug: :dont:

Being American, I've had a hard time with one particularly overused British phrase: "...I don't half _______ ..." I have always found it an awkward saying. It is a wimpy version of a double negative. Just have the guts to say what you do like!

I don't like that phrase either.

[coldtap]

Watching "The Clock" I noticed Mrs Slocombe has quite lovely hands.

[Glass of Water]

I noticed while watching "The Clock" that as Mrs. Slocombe is stumbling down the steps in her sleeveless dress one of her arms is raised and it looks like she has some hairy arm pits. I could have seen this wrong, but that's what it looked like to me.

I also noticed in this episode that for the first few series she had some moments where she was quite attractive. I think the made her up sometimes to look bigger and older than she really was.

[gracegirl1974]

I noticed while watching "The Clock" that as Mrs. Slocombe is stumbling down the steps in her sleeveless dress one of her arms is raised and it looks like she has some hairy arm pits. I could have seen this wrong, but that's what it looked like to me.

I also noticed in this episode that for the first few series she had some moments where she was quite attractive. I think the made her up sometimes to look bigger and older than she really was. Well I don't know about the pit hair :lol:, but I agree she does look pretty nice and slim in this episode.

[Xymers]

Being American, I've had a hard time with one particularly overused British phrase: "...I don't half _______ ..." I have always found it an awkward saying. It is a wimpy version of a double negative. Just have the guts to say what you do like!

I used that expression in a recent post and later learned I had used it wrong, having misunderstood what it meant. I thought it meant you didn't like something at all. The hubby set me straight.

[sonosun]

Xymers is right .I don't half like whatever. Meaning I like it more than half .I like it all the way.

[coldtap]

In season 5, the hem of Miss Brahms' uniform dress is just on the knee. Much longer than usual, and a bit dowdy-looking.

[coldtap]

I like Miss Brahms' flattened-down hair in A Change Is As Good As A Rest. I think it's the only time she wears it in this style.

[Bionic Grainger]

I think Miss Brahms hair looks best when it is swept up in an updo like in the episode "What a Tangled Web".

[Lady Stableforth]

i liked her outfit in the episode - "Anything You Can Do" when she is in the kitchen preparing the dessert.

[AYBSgirl]

Anyone else notice how in "Fifty Years On," especially at the beginning, there's some little kid wailing in the audience?

[coldtap]

No, but I notice a woman laughing like Woody Woodpecker at the beginning of (I think it is) Hoorah For The Holidays. When they're fitting the made-to-measure suit.

[sonosun]

No, but I notice a woman laughing like Woody Woodpecker at the beginning of (I think it is) Hoorah For The Holidays. When they're fitting the made-to-measure suit.

:yes:

[sonosun]

Anyone else notice how in "Fifty Years On," especially at the beginning, there's some little kid wailing in the audience?

I can't say that I have. Now I'll have to watch Fifrrrrrty Years On, Oh woe!

[AYBSgirl]

It's at the beginning, when Mr Humphries says he's free and comes out of the fitting room.

[Signor Barolli]

In The Junior, did everybody just come back from a week at the beach? They're all quite bronzed. With the green hair, Mrs Slocombe looks like an Oompa Loompa. And Mr Humphries appears to have had his eyebrows drawn in.

[coldtap]

In "The Old Order Changes" Miss Brahms' gold top is unflattering. Makes her look pregnant, which would be all right if she was pregnant, but she's not. Mind you, she's sort of slouchy in that episode, too, so the bad posture contributes to the bad look.

And Mr Lucas - I know they wanted casual wear, but I don't think they would have condoned an actual bare chest! His outfit ain't too flattering either.

[Lily the Tea Girl]

In "Grounds For Divorce", Mr. Spooner wears a pair of heart-shaped glasses, drops them, and is suddenly wearing a different pair of heart-shaped glasses. Also, there's an episode of Red Dwarf with a younger version of Lister who wears a pair of glasses that look just like the second pair Spooner wears. I always wondered if they were the same ones.

[Bionic Grainger]

:thumbup: Lily - you are one observant tea girl

[coldtap]

In series 8-10 they pretty much completely lose the "I'm free" joke.

They also lose the cleaners.

And, of course, with the introduction of Old Mr Grace they lose the "Old Mr Grace doesn't get around much" joke.

[MarkSentMe]

OK...here's my brain rattling around on these wonderments:
Since my fave character is Captain Peacock (my numero uno is Mrs. Slocombe, by Stephen's my male edition of Hyacinth Bouquet!)

OK..in several episodes, I've noticed some regalia and wondered if it's just stuff from props or if there's more to it:

* In "German Week", Captain Peacock's lederhosen braces have gold medals on them. I was wondering if those are some kind of ranking or if he had just entered an awful lot of Volksmarches!

* In "Roots", his Scottish gear looks to be legit and he seems to know how to "work" it.

There was also a scene (and for the life of me, searching You Tube for the past 2 hours, haven't found it) where Captain Peacock is in a military-type uniform and Mrs. Slocombe has either really dark blue or purple hair. I watch a bunch of clips, so there's no telling where i saw it.

[MarkSentMe]

In series 8-10 they pretty much completely lose the "I'm free" joke.

They also lose the cleaners.

And, of course, with the introduction of Old Mr Grace they lose the "Old Mr Grace doesn't get around much" joke.


It's hard to watch the "newer" episodes. They're not really selling clothes, Mr. Klein is awful- not funny...just makes me wonder if there was a shortage of British actors. And don't get me started on Spooner and Old Mr. Grace... :roll: The WTF? Factor just goes right off the scale. I can see why Trevor Bannister jumped ship.

[Glass of Water]

OK...here's my brain rattling around on these wonderments:


There was also a scene (and for the life of me, searching You Tube for the past 2 hours, haven't found it) where Captain Peacock is in a military-type uniform and Mrs. Slocombe has either really dark blue or purple hair. I watch a bunch of clips, so there's no telling where i saw it.

I think you are thinking of the episode where Mrs. Slocombe and Captain Peacock are pretending to be The Queen and Prince Phillip visiting the store. I can't remember the name of the episode. It's the only time I can remember Peacock in a military uniform.:confused:

[AYBSgirl]

By Appointment maybe??

[MarkSentMe]

I think you are thinking of the episode where Mrs. Slocombe and Captain Peacock are pretending to be The Queen and Prince Phillip visiting the store. I can't remember the name of the episode. It's the only time I can remember Peacock in a military uniform.:confused:

I think that's it...haven't found it yet...;)

[MarkSentMe]

I wonder how much of what Mr. Lucas said was improv. Some of the others' reactions to his little comments seem as if they actually were surprised!

[Greg WibblyWobbly]

By Appointment maybe??

That's the eppy. :yes:

I wonder how much of what Mr. Lucas said was improv. Some of the others' reactions to his little comments seem as if they actually were surprised!

It was once said that what the actors read was in the script but I do agree 100% with you and I honestly think that Trevor improvised quite a bit.

[MarkSentMe]

That's the eppy. :yes:



It was once said that what the actors read was in the script but I do agree 100% with you and I honestly think that Trevor improvised quite a bit.

In the episode with the ripped trousers scene, when Mr. Grainger is measuring the customer's inside leg and the man coughs, Mr. Lucas is behind him and says,"Failed!" The customer's reaction made me think it wasn't in the script!

[MarkSentMe]

Captain Peacock and Mr. Humphries both wear the same type of pinky ring on their left hands... :oops2:

[coldtap]

In the episode with the ripped trousers scene, when Mr. Grainger is measuring the customer's inside leg and the man coughs, Mr. Lucas is behind him and says,"Failed!" The customer's reaction made me think it wasn't in the script!

But the man coughs first - Lucas couldn't make the joke unless he had coughed. I think the man's reaction is good acting. Unless you are suggesting the cough is a blooper?

[Dean]

I wonder how much of what Mr. Lucas said was improv. Some of the others' reactions to his little comments seem as if they actually were surprised!

none of it. The programme was well-written and well-acted. It looks spontaneous, but it wasn't.

[Bionic Grainger]

Captain Peacock and Mr. Humphries both wear the same type of pinky ring on their left hands... :oops2:

I never noticed that before --- Captain Peacock doesn't strike me as someone who would wear anything but a wedding ring - and only then when a young attractive woman is nowhere to be seen.

[gracegirl1974]

I never noticed that before --- Captain Peacock doesn't strike me as someone who would wear anything but a wedding ring - and only then when a young attractive woman is nowhere to be seen. :yes:

[MarkSentMe]

But the man coughs first - Lucas couldn't make the joke unless he had coughed. I think the man's reaction is good acting. Unless you are suggesting the cough is a blooper?

I was thinking the actor coughed and Trevor Bannister just went with it. The reaction of the actor was what made me think it wasn't in the script.

[Glass of Water]

Does anyone know the name of the dark haired lift girl that was in the background throughout the series?

[sonosun]

Remember she's over 30 years older now than she was then. Do you mean the one who folds counter covers or an actual lift girl?

[BasilBJr]

Does anyone know the name of the dark haired lift girl that was in the background throughout the series?

Belinda Lee

[Glass of Water]

Belinda Lee

Thanks! She is the one I'm talking about. Wish she would have been featured more.

[BasilBJr]

Thanks! She is the one I'm talking about. Wish she would have been featured more.

She just had a brief line in "Anything You Can Do."

[Signor Barolli]

I was just browsing Reddit, and this was one of the entries:

http://28.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lsllknfr6A1qjns98o1_500.gif

Casual, but smart! (One person in the comments did mention AYBS)

[sonosun]

Thanks! She is the one I'm talking about. Wish she would have been featured more.

If you look you'll find her in many episodes . Greg swears that Belinda Lee is in every episode. :yes:

[Greg WibblyWobbly]

If you look you'll find her in many episodes . Greg swears that Belinda Lee is in every episode. :yes:

No Greg will tell you that Sue Bishop was in almost every eppy but is rarely credited with that fact. Belinda Lee is in the latter series and gets a mention in the book (25th Anniversary) but you don't hear anything about Sue.

[BasilBJr]

Belinda Lee was in most of the episodes as a lift girl. There was oe where she appeared as a customer.

[MarkSentMe]

none of it. The programme was well-written and well-acted. It looks spontaneous, but it wasn't.

Watch'yer feet...I don't wanna step on yer toes, Dear...BUT WHY is Mr. Lucas funny and Mr. Spooner not. Same writers, no? The actors are from different areas of England and their accents prove so. It would also stand to reason that each brings something unique in their colloquialisms to the table. After Mr. Lucas left, rarely was the exclamation "COR!" heard. BTW, I love COR! it sounds so much more dramatic that saying "SNAP!" at work...
But, you know..I am pretty biased towards Mr. Lucas.

[coldtap]

Mike Berry is always conscious that he's acting, Trevor Bannister was just "there", in the scene. If you look at the good actors on the show (pretty much all of them) they are entirely present in every scene, even when their character is only in the background. A good example of this is in Big Brother when they're discussing the shoplifter and Mrs Slocombe is standing back between Lucas and Peacock, just listening.

You can notice it with Miss Brahms as the early seasons go by - she loosens up and is less self-conscious, therefore is more in character.

[coldtap]

And further to this - Spooner sounds more rehearsed and less spontaneous so his comments have a nasty ring to them that Lucas' don't.

Plus he doesn't have the Lucas "naughty" personality, and the writers don't really adapt to whatever it was Mike Berry might have had to give, personality-wise.

[MarkSentMe]

A few interviews I've watched the actors talked about some freedoms they had...ie: John Inman adding that little flounce to Mr. Humphries' walk or Mollie Sugden coloring her hair every week. Basically the actors made those characters personal and therefore believable.

[Glass of Water]

Grace Brothers unfair to sells persons!

[Xymers]

Grace Brothers unfair to sells persons!


Even silently reading it, I'm reading it in the cadence they used! With the hand motions!

[Glass of Water]

Plate, please!

[Cat_Lover]

Even silently reading it, I'm reading it in the cadence they used! With the hand motions!

lol. Me too.

[Glass of Water]

After watching Conduct Unbecoming I have to nominate this episode for the worse of the series. Is there a worst episode thread? I couldnt find one.

[sonosun]

After watching Conduct Unbecoming I have to nominate this episode for the worse of the series. Is there a worst episode thread? I couldnt find one.

We have had to move some threads to make way for new ones.We may have had a worst episode thread. Why don't you start one?
P.S. only Wibby does Vote Offs.

[Lily the Tea Girl]

To me, Mr. Spooner always seemed stupider than Mr. Lucas.

[Signor Barolli]

Any of you who are Kal Penn fans will be pleased to note the following Tweet:

http://i.imgur.com/4Jyi0.jpg

Of course I re-tweeted. :yes:

[coldtap]

To me, Mr. Spooner always seemed stupider than Mr. Lucas.

Yes, much more stupid and a lot less handsome.
:D

[MarkSentMe]

After watching Conduct Unbecoming I have to nominate this episode for the worse of the series. Is there a worst episode thread? I couldnt find one.

Grounds for Divorce...PAINFUL to watch. I can't get my brain around it. The only saving grace of this episode is Captain Peacock's sexy-a** legs at the end...Glass of water for MarkSentMe!

[Glass of Water]

Grounds for Divorce...PAINFUL to watch. I can't get my brain around it. The only saving grace of this episode is Captain Peacock's sexy-a** legs at the end...Glass of water for MarkSentMe!

So did you like Captain Peacock in his German outfit in German Week? He shows a lot of leg in that one.

[Greg WibblyWobbly]

So did you like Captain Peacock in his German outfit in German Week? He shows a lot of leg in that one.

Look at Peacock in "Camping In". Those shorts show off more than I'd like to see of him. :shock:

[Lily the Tea Girl]

So did you like Captain Peacock in his German outfit in German Week? He shows a lot of leg in that one.
He had a lot of air and very little authority.

[Lily the Tea Girl]

"Fifty Years On" and "Oh What A Tangled Web" are right in a row. Both episodes have an obviously fake cake in them.

[Glass of Water]

Look at Peacock in "Camping In". Those shorts show off more than I'd like to see of him. :shock:

Oh yeah, I forgot about those shorts! And I agree, I could've lived without seeing that.:p

[MarkSentMe]

Look at Peacock in "Camping In". Those shorts show off more than I'd like to see of him. :shock:


I remain silent on the grounds of incrimination!!

[coldtap]

Early in series 8 Mrs Slocombe's hair is slightly different. It's sort of brushed out at the sides and down on the top and back off the foorehead, giving her a less attractive and more comical appearance. I wonder if it was just a different stylist at work, or if it was deliberate? It goes back to being nicer later on, in seasons 9 and 10.

[MarkSentMe]

Plate, please!

I reran that back like 4 times the other night! LMAO every time...:lol:

[One-Legged Tapdancer]

Re: Lucas vs Spooner

For a long time now, my feeling has been that Spooner was meant to be little more than a background figure (which Lucas's character was quickly turning into anyway), so they cast someone who wouldn't steal the scene from John Inman or Mollie Sugden. Mike Berry does competently enough, but he's a lot more reserved than Trevor Bannister and his lines just don't "pop" in the same way.

[Glass of Water]

Re: Lucas vs Spooner

For a long time now, my feeling has been that Spooner was meant to be little more than a background figure (which Lucas's character was quickly turning into anyway), so they cast someone who wouldn't steal the scene from John Inman or Mollie Sugden. Mike Berry does competently enough, but he's a lot more reserved than Trevor Bannister and his lines just don't "pop" in the same way.

I agree. Mr. Spooner was never developed like what Mr. Lucas was. He essentially is just there to insult Mrs. Slocombe or give Mr. Humphries someone to talk to. I don't hate Mr. Spooner, I think Mike Berry does a good job at what he is there for, it's just that Mr. Lucas is what we are used to over 40 plus episodes. Also, you can't replace Trevor Bannister! They never should have tried to replace Mr. Grainger, IMO.

[Greg WibblyWobbly]

Just think that the Lucas character would have ended up exactly as the Spooner character was if Trevor would have stayed on. With the Humphries and Slocombe characters hogging the storylines, there was little else to do with him.

[MarkSentMe]

Early in series 8 Mrs Slocombe's hair is slightly different. It's sort of brushed out at the sides and down on the top and back off the foorehead, giving her a less attractive and more comical appearance. I wonder if it was just a different stylist at work, or if it was deliberate? It goes back to being nicer later on, in seasons 9 and 10.


She wore wigs. Maybe she was trying out those awful Shirley Jones wigs they used to advertise in the Sunday coupon section of the newspaper here in the U.S.!! :slocombehair:

[coldtap]

Just think that the Lucas character would have ended up exactly as the Spooner character was if Trevor would have stayed on. With the Humphries and Slocombe characters hogging the storylines, there was little else to do with him.

It's a bit chicken-and-egg, isn't it? Did Humphries and Slocombe have to take up more space cos there was no Grainger and Lucas, or the other way around?

One thing I hate hate hate is the loss of the lovely friendship between Humphries and Lucas, with the teasing etc. Spooner makes fun of Humphries' effeminacy whereas Lucas was more likely to support him, copy him, laugh with him.

[coldtap]

She wore wigs. Maybe she was trying out those awful Shirley Jones wigs they used to advertise in the Sunday coupon section of the newspaper here in the U.S.!! :slocombehair:

I know she wore wigs but someone in the makeup dept had to style them, right?

[MarkSentMe]

It's a bit chicken-and-egg, isn't it? Did Humphries and Slocombe have to take up more space cos there was no Grainger and Lucas, or the other way around?

One thing I hate hate hate is the loss of the lovely friendship between Humphries and Lucas, with the teasing etc. Spooner makes fun of Humphries' effeminacy whereas Lucas was more likely to support him, copy him, laugh with him.

:( I miss that, too.

I know she wore wigs but someone in the makeup dept had to style them, right?

Maybe she just went down to Women's Ready-Made wigs on the Ground Floor!!

[One-Legged Tapdancer]

It's a bit chicken-and-egg, isn't it? Did Humphries and Slocombe have to take up more space cos there was no Grainger and Lucas, or the other way around?


If you watch some 7th season episodes (and the 6th, too), you can see that Mr. Lucas's role was being drastically reduced. "The Agent" in particular stands out as one where he has barely any lines, but Mrs. Slocombe and Mr. Humphries, on the other hand, get most of the gags and are front and center in every scene. "Mrs. Slocombe, Senior Person" is like that, too...there's even a scene in Rumbold's office where the two of them kick Mr. Lucas out and finish the scene on their own. Lucas never becomes quite as inconsequential as Spooner was, but he got pushed out of the foreground.

[Glass of Water]

If you watch some 7th season episodes (and the 6th, too), you can see that Mr. Lucas's role was being drastically reduced. "The Agent" in particular stands out as one where he has barely any lines, but Mrs. Slocombe and Mr. Humphries, on the other hand, get most of the gags and are front and center in every scene. "Mrs. Slocombe, Senior Person" is like that, too...there's even a scene in Rumbold's office where the two of them kick Mr. Lucas out and finish the scene on their own. Lucas never becomes quite as inconsequential as Spooner was, but he got pushed out of the foreground.

Both of these are good examples showing how Lucas was being reduced as a character. It's hard for me to watch the agent because of this, and the fact that I realllllly dislike Mr. Goldberg's character. But . . . Lucas was front-and-center in The Punch and Judy Affair and Strong Stuff, This Insurance, which I think are from the same season. I just have to wonder what was going on behind the scenes. Why would they reduce such a well developed and well liked character to just a few lines? :shrug:

[MarkSentMe]

Both of these are good examples showing how Lucas was being reduced as a character. It's hard for me to watch the agent because of this, and the fact that I realllllly dislike Mr. Goldberg's character. But . . . Lucas was front-and-center in The Punch and Judy Affair and Strong Stuff, This Insurance, which I think are from the same season. I just have to wonder what was going on behind the scenes. Why would they reduce such a well developed and well liked character to just a few lines? :shrug:

Maybe because they knew he wasn't coming back, they tried to fade or phase him out...It's kind of difficult switching gears from everyone having equal footing to the preposterous story line of Mrs. Slocombe and Mr. Humphries getting the hook-up.

And how-in-the-world did they justify how, in a department with 5 men, the only one getting any play is the one with the brooding mad look all the time? Now back in my young, single and stupid days, I'da only got with that to break it!!! :stretcher:

[MarkSentMe]

A really lovely dedication to Mollie Sugden. It's one dedication in 2 parts. Fun to watch...Enjoy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zB5vyTbANs0&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZnW-g8nQ-Us

[One-Legged Tapdancer]

Re: Lucas being marginalized; I think it's sort of a normal thing to have happen in ensemble sitcoms...the "normal" character is prominent in the earliest episodes, but gradually gets outshined by the more eccentric and flambouyant characters. It's unfortunate, but the crazier characters are the ones who usually give the writers the most ideas, and the ones viewers tune in to see. (See also "WKRP in Cincinnati", where top-billed Andy Travis gets most of the attention for the first half-dozen episodes and afterwards is no more prominent than any other character.)

[MarkSentMe]

Why does Trevor Bannister "vibrate" in the later episodes?
Looking closely at many of the episodes from the 1979 season will show you that Trevor has a case of the "shakes." It has never been formally stated that Trevor has a health problem or whatever, but it is obvious that he shakes more than most people. The best guess is that he has a mild case of whatever it is that Katharine Hepburn experiences. ^_^



This is from Jeddy's website...now I'll have to look at the episodes more closely. It kind of explains what I observed in KUA episode "Angel Gabriel Blue".

[Glass of Water]

Why does Trevor Bannister "vibrate" in the later episodes?
Looking closely at many of the episodes from the 1979 season will show you that Trevor has a case of the "shakes." It has never been formally stated that Trevor has a health problem or whatever, but it is obvious that he shakes more than most people. The best guess is that he has a mild case of whatever it is that Katharine Hepburn experiences. ^_^



This is from Jeddy's website...now I'll have to look at the episodes more closely. It kind of explains what I observed in KUA episode "Angel Gabriel Blue".

I noticed this too. He was doing it since the beginning of the show, not just the 1979 season. I always just attributed it to his acting. The only time I notice it is when he is making a goofy face, so I thought he was doing it to add to that.

[BasilBJr]

When Mr Tebbs says he wanted to take his wife back to her birthplace, Bangor (a small town in north Wales) it almost sounds like he is saying "to bang her" even though a gentleman like Mr Tebbs would never use such crude language. It wasn't until I saw computer closed captioning that I saw what he really said.

[MarkSentMe]

LOL...the double entendre strikes again!! Went to Fort Devens, Massachusetts for JROTC summer camp when I was in H.S. We befriended a kid from Bangor, Maine...that was the punch line of many jokes those 2 weeks!

[sonosun]

When Mr Tebbs says he wanted to take his wife back to her birthplace, Bangor (a small town in north Wales) it almost sounds like he is saying "to bang her" even though a gentleman like Mr Tebbs would never use such crude language. It wasn't until I saw computer closed captioning that I saw what he really said.

This line was the only one actually documented in the 25 year Book. James Hayter added it in rehearsal and they went with it in production.

[coldtap]

I now believe that Miss Belfridge was a good addition to the cast. I also like that Peacock's infidelity was developed into more than flirting over the course of several episodes, not just in one episode of its own.

[Greg WibblyWobbly]

I honestly like the Miss Belfridge character myself. Gave Peacock more to do and gave some fodder for Brahms and Slocombe and well let's face it ... she was very easy on the eyes.

[coldtap]

I honestly like the Miss Belfridge character myself. Gave Peacock more to do and gave some fodder for Brahms and Slocombe and well let's face it ... she was very easy on the eyes.

Have you ever had a vote on "Best Belfridge outfit"? You'd have to make it just the dresses otherwise the bikinis would win automatically.

[Lucas The Tucas]

Candy is Dandy ! :D

[MarkSentMe]

He's hot in a Dick Dastardly sort of way...LOL :lol: :D

[Greg WibblyWobbly]

Have you ever had a vote on "Best Belfridge outfit"? You'd have to make it just the dresses otherwise the bikinis would win automatically.

:lol: :yes:

[Signor Barolli]

Have you ever had a vote on "Best Belfridge outfit"? You'd have to make it just the dresses otherwise the bikinis would win automatically.

In that case I vote for the yellow outfit from the beginning of "Friends and Neighbours". Even her umbrella matched!

[Signor Barolli]

I just had a situation today that was very much like "Goodbye Mr Grainger". My co-manager even called it "The Night of the Long Knives". (I should ask him if he's an AYBS fan.)

[Greg WibblyWobbly]

I just had a situation today that was very much like "Goodbye Mr Grainger". My co-manager even called it "The Night of the Long Knives". (I should ask him if he's an AYBS fan.)

Hopefully you weren't the recipient of the knives.

[Signor Barolli]

Hopefully you weren't the recipient of the knives.

No, I was wielding one of the knives. To be fair though, I originally suggested a demotion to lift operator.

[coldtap]

In that case I vote for the yellow outfit from the beginning of "Friends and Neighbours". Even her umbrella matched!

I like the pink dress in Monkey Business - that pale pink makes her skin glow. And she has matching fluffy feather earrings.

[BasilBJr]

I've worked something out. Some time ago there was speculation as to whether they ever got the health pension bonus mentioned in "Strong Stuff The Insurance." I would say that they did not. The bonus was to be paid upon retirement. They did not retire. For all intents and purposes when Grace Brothers closed, they were made redundant, which means no bonus payout. Millstone Manor was an entirely separate entity from Grace Brothers.

[MarkSentMe]

I've worked something out. Some time ago there was speculation as to whether they ever got the health pension bonus mentioned in "Strong Stuff The Insurance." I would say that they did not. The bonus was to be paid upon retirement. They did not retire. For all intents and purposes when Grace Brothers closed, they were made redundant, which means no bonus payout. Millstone Manor was an entirely separate entity from Grace Brothers.

I was wondering if they ever got their money...

[Lily the Tea Girl]

Miss Belfridge always seemed like Barbie to me. Not just the way she looks, but her taste in clothes. Her outfits could fit in with my old Barbie outfits.

[Greg WibblyWobbly]

Miss Belfridge always seemed like Barbie to me. Not just the way she looks, but her taste in clothes. Her outfits could fit in with my old Barbie outfits.

Some of her outfits could fit your old Barbie. :emotlol:

[Bionic Grainger]

I like the pink dress in Monkey Business - that pale pink makes her skin glow. And she has matching fluffy feather earrings.

I agree that this was her absolute best outfit. Why oh why couldn't I have been born looking like that :?

[coldtap]

Some of her outfits could fit your old Barbie. :emotlol:


Like that sprayed-on leopard print number at the start of Calling All Customers. :|

[Glass of Water]

I love how in The Hand of Fate there is a sign in the canteen that says "Too much booze, you loose!". I'm assuming this means there is an acceptable amount of drinking you could do on the job, just not too much. In some ways, those were better times.

[Glass of Water]

I'd be surprised if this hasn't been mentioned before, but has anyone noticed in one of the early episodes (I can't think of the episode name) one of the cleaning ladies says something that is bleeped out? It looks like she says "Balls!" or something like that. The look on Mrs. Slocombe face is like she's a little surprised and it wasn't supposed to happen. Pretty funny stuff.

[coldtap]

I love how in The Hand of Fate there is a sign in the canteen that says "Too much booze, you loose!". I'm assuming this means there is an acceptable amount of drinking you could do on the job, just not too much. In some ways, those were better times.

I think it was probably meant as a social warning too.

I've often wondered why they didn't go down to the pub for a meal some lunchtimes, rather than eat the canteen swill. Yes, I know, there'd be no story then, but they never even mention it, except a couple of times when Slocombe and Humphries do it, and that's for the booze, not the food.

And they could bring lunch from home and still have canteen scenes.

[coldtap]

The Sweet Smell of Success could have been a Miss Brahms episode. Keep Slocombe in the "handsome stranger" scene, but give all the rest to Brahms.

[Bionic Grainger]

I think it was probably meant as a social warning too.

I've often wondered why they didn't go down to the pub for a meal some lunchtimes, rather than eat the canteen swill. Yes, I know, there'd be no story then, but they never even mention it, except a couple of times when Slocombe and Humphries do it, and that's for the booze, not the food.

And they could bring lunch from home and still have canteen scenes.

I think there could have been some hilarious scenes with them all lunching in a pub. Oh, to go back in time and be a writer for the show.

[Aidan Phoenix]

I always thought that was crap, only giving Brahms ONE episode, and it wasn't entirely hers. Slocombe's name was actually in FOUR episode titles; Mrs Slocombe Expects, Mrs Slocombe, Senior Person, The Erotic Dreams of Mrs Slocombe, and Goodbye Mrs Slocombe. The honourable mentions are: Up Captain Peacock, Goodbye Mr Grainger, and Forward Mr Grainger.

[BasilBJr]

I always thought that was crap, only giving Brahms ONE episode, and it wasn't entirely hers. Slocombe's name was actually in FOUR episode titles; Mrs Slocombe Expects, Mrs Slocombe, Senior Person, The Erotic Dreams of Mrs Slocombe, and Goodbye Mrs Slocombe. The honourable mentions are: Up Captain Peacock, Goodbye Mr Grainger, and Forward Mr Grainger.

And Rumbold didn't have any episodes. He had moments "The Hand of Fate." but it was rally more of a Humphries episode. The closest thing to a Rumbold episode was "The Not So Great Raid" in G&F.

[MarkSentMe]

In G&F, neither Captain Peacock nor Mr. Rumbold's wives are there. What if Captain Peacock told his old lady he was going with the staff to check out This Old House...and just never came back!

[coldtap]

I always thought that was crap, only giving Brahms ONE episode, and it wasn't entirely hers. Slocombe's name was actually in FOUR episode titles; Mrs Slocombe Expects, Mrs Slocombe, Senior Person, The Erotic Dreams of Mrs Slocombe, and Goodbye Mrs Slocombe. The honourable mentions are: Up Captain Peacock, Goodbye Mr Grainger, and Forward Mr Grainger.

Peacock did get a lot of time with his infidelity episodes, though.

It's a shame Rumbold never got one where he was promoted to the Board and then (for some reason) was desperate to get back to his old job, so wacky hi-jinx ensue when the staff try to help him.

And Brahms, after the first couple of seasons when her acting got better could definitely have carried one or two of her own. The later years practically beg for it, in fact!

[Lily the Tea Girl]

In G&F, neither Captain Peacock nor Mr. Rumbold's wives are there. What if Captain Peacock told his old lady he was going with the staff to check out This Old House...and just never came back!
:lol: And what if she showed up looking for him?

[coldtap]

I doubt his marriage lasted long after Miss Belfridge. He'd already wanted a divorce during the Bagnold affair, and after realising he could bag a prime piece like Belfridge he'd do everything he could to get away from his wife.

[MarkSentMe]

If they would have brought Miss Belfridge to Millstone Manor OOOOHHHH the fun that would have ensued with Captain Peacock and Mr. Rumbold vying for her. They would have daily square-offs! G&F would have turned into the Frank and Nick show the way AYBS? turned into the Mollie and John show!

[coldtap]

I haven't resolved my issues with Spooner, but I think I've made peace with them. He's no Lucas and could never fill the gaping hole left by Lucas, but he becomes less rude and stupid in seasons 9 and 10, I think.

I do still get a bit sad when i think how much better Friends and Neighbours could have been with Lucas in it, though.

[coldtap]

Miss Belfridge wiggles a lot. Have you ever seen anyone do that in real life?

[BasilBJr]

Miss Belfridge wiggles a lot. Have you ever seen anyone do that in real life?

I have, usually by women who want something (material or labor intensive) and are looking for someone fool enogh to give it to them.

[amy2005]

I do still get a bit sad when i think how much better Friends and Neighbours could have been with Lucas in it, though.

I agree, there are times when I've wondered how different that episode would've been. I definitely think he would've been in the apartment scenes, the way that Mr Spooner wasn't.

That being said, if Mr Spooner had never come into it, and Mr Lucas was always there, what would the plot of the final episode been? Would it still have been the same, or something totally different...

[MarkSentMe]

That being said, if Mr Spooner had never come into it, and Mr Lucas was always there, what would the plot of the final episode been? Would it still have been the same, or something totally different...

The series probably would have ended funnier. Some of the later episodes are grueling to watch; I don't belly laugh like I do watching the earlier episodes.

[BasilBJr]

In "Punch and Judy Affair" Rumbold said to Peacock "I thought your people were coming in early..." As department manager, weren't they just as much his people? And since Peacock had only just came in with his bissle, how did he know who was in?

[coldtap]

[QUOTE=amy2005;246035

That being said, if Mr Spooner had never come into it, and Mr Lucas was always there, what would the plot of the final episode been? Would it still have been the same, or something totally different...[/QUOTE]


I think the The Pop Star wouldn't have happened at all - it was probably only Mike Berry's alleged singing talent that inspired it. I think, if they were deliberately writing a final episode (which I'm not sure they were - others will know this) they wouldn't have broken up the gang had Mr Lucas still been there. It was okay to send Spooner off to other things because he wasn't an original. But if people had watched it with the same characters, all except Grainger, for all those years, they would have wanted an ending that saw them still together. Well, I would have wanted that... They might have done something like hinting the store was closing down at last, however, and that would have been sad too.

The best ending would have seen them just carrying on as usual.
:)

[MarkSentMe]

In "Our Figures Are Slipping" the meeting scene is a riot! From Captain Peacock's "boardinghouse reach", talking with his mouth full, and the pouring of the cocoa, Mr. Grainger sampling every bun and Mr. Humphries squeezing them, I'm in stitches. When Mr. Lucas says,"..and a Satisfied Virgin is a virgin no longer..." you can hear Captain Peacock laughing off-camera!

[Bionic Grainger]

I just noticed when watching "The Clock" last night that the elevator doors look like a chess board. You don't want me witnessing a crime if you need a reliable witness!

[Greg WibblyWobbly]

In "Our Figures Are Slipping" the meeting scene is a riot! From Captain Peacock's "boardinghouse reach", talking with his mouth full, and the pouring of the cocoa, Mr. Grainger sampling every bun and Mr. Humphries squeezing them, I'm in stitches. When Mr. Lucas says,"..and a Satisfied Virgin is a virgin no longer..." you can hear Captain Peacock laughing off-camera!

I love that eppy. :yes:

I just noticed when watching "The Clock" last night that the elevator doors look like a chess board. You don't want me witnessing a crime if you need a reliable witness!

:lol:

[Signor Barolli]

On a sad note, Jimmy Savile (Jim'll Fix It) passed away today: http://news.sky.com/home/uk-news/article/16099015.

[sonosun]

I think the The Pop Star wouldn't have happened at all - it was probably only Mike Berry's alleged singing talent that inspired it. I think, if they were deliberately writing a final episode (which I'm not sure they were - others will know this) they wouldn't have broken up the gang had Mr Lucas still been there. It was okay to send Spooner off to other things because he wasn't an original. But if people had watched it with the same characters, all except Grainger, for all those years, they would have wanted an ending that saw them still together. Well, I would have wanted that... They might have done something like hinting the store was closing down at last, however, and that would have been sad too.

The best ending would have seen them just carrying on as usual.
:)


The last episode 'made' was Good-Bye Mrs Slocombe. In which the staff was carrrying on as usual. They did not know that there would be no more. At the end of every series they were in the dark about the next one. The episode was shown out of order for whatever reason.

[MarkSentMe]

I doubt his marriage lasted long after Miss Belfridge. He'd already wanted a divorce during the Bagnold affair, and after realising he could bag a prime piece like Belfridge he'd do everything he could to get away from his wife.

In the episode "Grounds for Divorce" Peacock got more play than he did the entire series. When Miss Bagnold plants a lip-lock on him in the canteen, he slips her some tongue. I rewound that like 50 times to make sure I saw it right! THEN in Rumbold's office when Miss Belfridge walks up and hugs him, he kisses her! Twice! What a hoe-dog! :lol:

[sonosun]

Strange and or odd or otherwise not cool people know how to do it too. :yes:

[larsen525]

Strange and or odd or otherwise not cool people know how to do it too. :yes:

:graingerhead: : "You think you invented it?"

- E.

[coldtap]

If you compare the early Doremy Vernon (canteen manageress) to the later one, it seems she gets better looking. Quite a change in the face from, say, Christmas Crackers to The Sweet Smell of Success. Like she's had her eyes done or something. ???

[Bionic Grainger]

If you compare the early Doremy Vernon (canteen manageress) to the later one, it seems she gets better looking. Quite a change in the face from, say, Christmas Crackers to The Sweet Smell of Success. Like she's had her eyes done or something. ???

Maybe she borrowed some Donnie Osmond cream from Mr. Humphries :D

[coldtap]

Maybe she borrowed some Donnie Osmond cream from Mr. Humphries :D


:lol:Hadn't thought of that!

[sonosun]

If you compare the early Doremy Vernon (canteen manageress) to the later one, it seems she gets better looking. Quite a change in the face from, say, Christmas Crackers to The Sweet Smell of Success. Like she's had her eyes done or something. ???

Doremy Vernon was just plain sexy. She only got sexier as time passed. :yes:

[Greg WibblyWobbly]

If you compare the early Doremy Vernon (canteen manageress) to the later one, it seems she gets better looking. Quite a change in the face from, say, Christmas Crackers to The Sweet Smell of Success. Like she's had her eyes done or something. ???

I find it hard to think it's the same woman honestly. Two totally different looking people.

[MarkSentMe]

I find it hard to think it's the same woman honestly. Two totally different looking people.


Eh, once she stopped giving a hoot what the staff thought, her stress levels dropped and she started enjoying her job! Nothing will erase years of crow's feet and wrinkles like the confidence of knowing that if folks start acting dumb, you can put a few Ex-Lax capsules in the chocolate pudding!!

[Greg WibblyWobbly]

:lol:

[Lily the Tea Girl]

I'd like to join an Occupy Wall Street demonstration with a sign that says "Grace Brothers Unfair to Salespersons".

[Greg WibblyWobbly]

:lol:

[Red Shadow]

I'd like to join an Occupy Wall Street demonstration with a sign that says "Grace Brothers Unfair to Salespersons".

Too funny! I've always wanted to carry a sign into a protest that has nothing to do with the protest at hand just to see if I can get on the news. I say go for it, Lily!

[Signor Barolli]

I'd like to join an Occupy Wall Street demonstration with a sign that says "Grace Brothers Unfair to Salespersons".

DO IT

[Glass of Water]

Anyone notice the band playing for Mr. Grainger's dinner in "The Clock" sounds a little out of tune?

[MarkSentMe]

Anyone notice the band playing for Mr. Grainger's dinner in "The Clock" sounds a little out of tune?

Mr. Mash said there was beer for the band behind the piano!! :lol: Maybe they hit it before they started their set!

[MarkSentMe]

OH, SHAZAM!!!
When i graduated H.S., I worked for a company "Herman's World of Sporting Goods" in NJ. This is freaky...From Wiki...

Herman's World Of Sporting Goods was a sporting goods retailer in the United States. It was founded by Herman Steinlauf in 1916 as a music store.[ (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herman%27s_World_of_Sporting_Goods#cite_note-NYT1993-0)

The company was purchased by W. R. Grace and Company (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/W._R._Grace_and_Company) in 1970, as part of Grace's retail division, which sold it to the Dee Corporation, of England, in 1986.<sup id="cite_ref-NYT1993_0-1" class="reference">[1] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herman%27s_World_of_Sporting_Goods#cite_note-NYT1993-0)</sup> Later, it was sold to a Dutch firm.

We had some characters at Herman's. That was one of the craziest jobs I ever had. I also worked for commission on certain things, like butt-fugly tennis shoes. They would pay the commission every quarter and I had once racked up over $100 in commission. I had left for the Army and my mother went to pick up my check. I told her I had about $100 in commission; they told my mother they discontinued the commission. Yeah, right! My mother went in it like a G-String. I got my commission!!
We had a manager who would drink our coffee (that the sales staff paid for out of our own money) and he refused to put any money in the collection can. Truth is stranger than fiction!

[coldtap]

In Memories Are Made Of This in the scene where Mrs Slocombe drives the golf cart throught the office wall, I worry for Miss Belfridge's safety! Rumbold has stood up, and back, before he starts his speech, but Miss Belfridge is just sitting there, behind the desk. She actually has to scoot her chair back to avoid having the desk pushed into her. And with the show's budget I doubt they rehearsed that part of the scene. So she's just sitting there, waiting for whatever might happen...

[Bionic Grainger]

In Memories Are Made Of This in the scene where Mrs Slocombe drives the golf cart throught the office wall, I worry for Miss Belfridge's safety! Rumbold has stood up, and back, before he starts his speech, but Miss Belfridge is just sitting there, behind the desk. She actually has to scoot her chair back to avoid having the desk pushed into her. And with the show's budget I doubt they rehearsed that part of the scene. So she's just sitting there, waiting for whatever might happen...


You can see at the end of the scene Mollie say, "Are you alright?" I think I read somewhere where it pushed the desk into her leg and she had a bad bruise. Who would have thought that they needed stunt doubles on AYBS?

[sonosun]

OH, SHAZAM!!!
When i graduated H.S., I worked for a company "Herman's World of Sporting Goods" in NJ. This is freaky...From Wiki...

Herman's World Of Sporting Goods was a sporting goods retailer in the United States. It was founded by Herman Steinlauf in 1916 as a music store.[ (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herman%27s_World_of_Sporting_Goods#cite_note-NYT1993-0)

The company was purchased by W. R. Grace and Company (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/W._R._Grace_and_Company) in 1970, as part of Grace's retail division, which sold it to the Dee Corporation, of England, in 1986.<SUP id=cite_ref-NYT1993_0-1 class=reference>[1] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herman%27s_World_of_Sporting_Goods#cite_note-NYT1993-0)</SUP> Later, it was sold to a Dutch firm.

We had some characters at Herman's. That was one of the craziest jobs I ever had. I also worked for commission on certain things, like butt-fugly tennis shoes. They would pay the commission every quarter and I had once racked up over $100 in commission. I had left for the Army and my mother went to pick up my check. I told her I had about $100 in commission; they told my mother they discontinued the commission. Yeah, right! My mother went in it like a G-String. I got my commission!!
We had a manager who would drink our coffee (that the sales staff paid for out of our own money) and he refused to put any money in the collection can. Truth is stranger than fiction!


W.R.Grace is/was a chain of home improvement stores.

I would have broken that Managers Mug and his cup too. :yes:

[Signor Barolli]

I would have broken that Managers Mug and his cup too. :yes:

Haha, I see what you did there. ;)

[MarkSentMe]

You can see at the end of the scene Mollie say, "Are you alright?" I think I read somewhere where it pushed the desk into her leg and she had a bad bruise. Who would have thought that they needed stunt doubles on AYBS?

Those walls weren't very structurally sound! I watch for the flimsiness of it, like when someone walks in and shuts the door and the whole wall shakes. Or you can see through the seams/cracks when someone walks up. It all adds up to the character of the show and the low-budget of it. But, yeah, home girl about bought the farm there, didn't she?

[ElectroWilberforce]

Look at Peacock in "Camping In". Those shorts show off more than I'd like to see of him. :shock:

IKR!!!!!!!!!:(

[MarkSentMe]

Cuing up "Camping In" on You Tube....going full screen...

[Glass of Water]

I wish I lived in the Aybs? world. Real life suuuux.

[Greg WibblyWobbly]

I wish I lived in the Aybs? world. Real life suuuux.

:yes: But then if we were there we would think that life sucked and want to come back to our sad and mundane existences.

[Aidan Phoenix]

The grass is always greener on the other side of the septic tank.

[Glass of Water]

Both of you might be right, but right now any alternative sounds good. Ugh my life.

[MarkSentMe]

The grass is always greener on the other side of the septic tank.

au contraire The grass is always greener on top of the septic tank!!

Both of you might be right, but right now any alternative sounds good. Ugh my life.

This. Too. Shall. Pass.

[gracegirl1974]

The grass is always greener on the other side of the septic tank. :lol:

[Glass of Water]

Has anyone ever noticed that Mr. Lucas's and Ewan McGregor's voices sound similar at times?

[coldtap]

Captain Peacock only begins his campaign for Miss Belfridge's affections after he sees her bikini photo in the Senior Staff Magazine. Did the photo tip him over the edge? Or didn't he think she was hot with her clothes on?

[MarkSentMe]

Captain Peacock only begins his campaign for Miss Belfridge's affections after he sees her bikini photo in the Senior Staff Magazine. Did the photo tip him over the edge? Or didn't he think she was hot with her clothes on?

Was the picture before or after he picked her up at the bus stop and took her to the Ritz for breakfast?

[coldtap]

Before. His first move is "I won't tell Rumbold you're late, it shall be our little secret." Creepy. And worth a lawsuit these days. Then there's the whole perfume episode, then at the beginning of Conduct Unbecoming he lurks at the bus stop and takes her to the Ritz.

[sonosun]

it was a mistake of the staff somehow thinking HUmphries fiddled the money. I mean a complete mistake. It's clear to me that Peacock took it to impress Miss Belfridge and the staff midcounted the money at the end. Pecock with the marked money. :yes:

[gracegirl1974]

it was a mistake of the staff somehow thinking HUmphries fiddled the money. I mean a complete mistake. It's clear to me that Peacock took it to impress Miss Belfridge and the staff midcounted the money at the end. Pecock with the marked money. :yes: I agree :yes:

[MarkSentMe]

Before. His first move is "I won't tell Rumbold you're late, it shall be our little secret." Creepy. And worth a lawsuit these days. Then there's the whole perfume episode, then at the beginning of Conduct Unbecoming he lurks at the bus stop and takes her to the Ritz.

He's not in charge of the secretaries. He just straight up took advantage of her ignorance...what a Player!

[gracegirl1974]

He's not in charge of the secretaries. He just straight up took advantage of her ignorance...what a Player! :yes:

[Lily the Tea Girl]

I wish I lived in the Aybs? world. Real life suuuux.
Personally, I think there's another universe where I'm a fictional character and Mr. Humphries likes to watch me.

[girlfriendofmrlucas]

Personally, I think there's another universe where I'm a fictional character and Mr. Humphries likes to watch me.

Me too. Lucas and I could be sneaking around the whole store

[Bionic Grainger]

Me too. Lucas and I could be sneaking around the whole store

Not if I got there first! ;)

[coldtap]

i like a lot of the bloopers, where they stumble over names etc. It shows how profesional they were, being able to move on with the scene, not stop and giggle.

[Glass of Water]

Has anyone ever notice that in Mr. Lucas's last season he wore a horrible grey suit in every episode. No wonder he left the show.

[coldtap]

Has anyone ever notice that in Mr. Lucas's last season he wore a horrible grey suit in every episode. No wonder he left the show.

Most of his suits were horrible. I think they were meant to look cheap and ill-made to show he didn't care what he wore to work.

I personally think he looked best in the three-piece suits of the early years - they held his gut in.
:D

[Bionic Grainger]

I was watching Cold Store last night and it suddenly hit me what a little schmuck Mr. Mash could be. He bribes Mr. Rumbold into buying a bottle of Scotch or he will tell the staff he has an electric fire and then when he gets angry because Humphries and Lucas won't pay 10 pence for the cocca he throws Rumbold under the bus. Swinehunt!!!!

[Lucas The Tucas]

:? I guess that you're worshiping Lord Rumbold ? :shrug:

And his ........ electric fire.

[Bionic Grainger]

:? I guess that you're worshiping Lord Rumbold ? :shrug:

And his ........

I'm not particularly fond of Rumbold, just less fond of Mash :)

[Lily the Tea Girl]

Anyone else notice that Mr. Lucas and Mr. Humphries sometimes wore the same tie? (But not at the same time.) It was black with yellow and white dots.

[coldtap]

In series 9 Humphries wears the scarf Rumbold stole in "Big Brother".

[coldtap]

In the later years that counter behind the Ladies dept (the one with other staff) has things hanging in brown paper wrappers. I think this indicates that it really is Ladies Bespoke and not part of Mrs Slocombe's domain.