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Camp Mr. Humphries, Mrs. Slocombe's pussy and the ridiculous goings-on at Grace Bros. have kept audiences laughing since 1973. This tongue-in-cheek farce, by top writers Jeremy Lloyd and David Croft, is one of BBC's best-selling classic comedies, especially in America, where its success is phenomenal. A large, old-fashioned department store in London, Grace Bros. is still run on strictly hierarchical lines. Each member of staff knows their place -- in theory. In practice, they are all engaged in their own private wars with management and with each other: On the top floor is young Mr. Grace (Harold Bennett), a frail octogenarian with a dollybird on each arm. Take the lift down and you'll find Mr. Rumbold (Nicholas Smith), manager of the clothing department. In reality he leaves the day-to-day running of his floor to his snooty shop-walker, Captain Peacock ( Frank Thornton). Peacock's ambition is a seat in the executive restaurant, but meantime he has to mediate between Menswear and Ladies' Fashions. In Gentlemen's Ready-To-Wear, Senior Salesman, Mr. Grainger (Arthur Brough), is an obstinate old man prone to falling asleep. He is later replaced by Mr.Tebbs (James Hayter), then by Mr. Goldberg (Alfie Bass) , who served in the army with Captain Peacock. Under him is Mr. Humphries, played by John Inman, a very popular character with his camp mannerisms and jaunty readiness to measure an inside leg. Bottom of the pecking order comes randy Mr. Lucas (Trevor Bannister), who is later replaced by Mr. Spooner (Mike Berry). Ladies' Separates and Underwear is staffed by Senior Saleslady, Mrs Slocombe (Mollie Sugden), a rapacious widow with an astonishing range of fluorescent hair colors and malapropisms. Her main topic of conversation is her pussy. Junior Saleslady, Miss Brahms (Wendy Richard), is a sharp-tongued, buxom Cockney. And finally, down in the basement, (but usually up in the department), is the caretaker, Mr. Harman (Arthur English), who delights in making a nuisance of himself with his trade unionism and ridiculous display models.
http://www.phill.co.uk/comedy/aybs/index.html
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Upcoming Episodes
03:07 PM
Big Brother
Episode #110
Surveillance cameras are installed at Grace Brothers. Mr. Rumbold begins to carefully watch their every move. He counts Mrs. Slocombe's visits to the ladies' room, observes Miss Brahms adjusting her "stock", and catches Mr. Lucas smoking. (10) Rebroadcast
Monday , February, 01, 2010
MPT
03:06 PM
Hoorah for the Holiday
Episode #111
The staff must suddenly try to choose a group holiday package, as the store is being closed for renovations and they are ordered to take vacation. They are shown a selection of slides from a short list of the worst hotels to be found. (11) Rebroadcast
Tuesday , February, 02, 2010
MPT
03:06 PM
The Hand of Fate
Episode #112
Everyone on staff hopes the hand of fate is working for their own particular promotion. Mr. Humphries displays his talent for telling fortunes. (12) Rebroadcast
Wednesday , February, 03, 2010
MPT
03:06 PM
Coffee Morning
Episode #113
The staff protest the monitoring of their breaks and trips to the restroom, in the form of a signing in and out book. A union meeting is convened, and Mr. Grace finally arranges for the coffee to be brought to the staff to avoid them losing their break time in transit to the canteen. (13) Rebroadcast
Thursday , February, 04, 2010
MPT
03:06 PM
Up Captain Peacock
Episode #114
Captain Peacock, as a reward for his many years of service, gains privileges to the Executive Washroom and Dining Room, to the great consternation of Mr. Grainger. In the Executive Dining Room he is treated to "Le Shepard's Pie" and an "amusing" little wine. (14) Rebroadcast
Friday , February, 05, 2010
MPT
01:59 AM
No Sale
Episode #120
Mr. Rumbold tries an experiment -- opening the store earlier in the morning. Sales are good, but the staff are not pleased at having to come in so early. Through a variety of techniques they try not to sell anything to avoid the longer hours. (20) Rebroadcast
Sunday , February, 07, 2010
MPT
09:30 PM
Diamonds Are Man's Best Friend
Episode #106
A wealthy client loses a valuable diamond in the store. A reward is offered for the missing diamond, but at the same time a shipment of rhinestones is dropped in the store. The staff each finds a rhinestone, which they think is the missing diamond. (6) Rebroadcast
Sunday , February, 07, 2010
MPT2
09:30 PM
The Clock
Episode #107
Mr. Grainger fears he will be forcibly retired. At his going-away party, Mr. Grace misunderstands and accepts the clock that is Mr. Grainger's retirement present from Grace Brothers, and Mr. Grainger continues on in his old position. (7) Rebroadcast
Sunday , February, 14, 2010
MPT2
03:03 PM
Cold Store
Episode #115
Seasonal illnesses have most of the staff down. Mr. Lucas first feigns illness to get home to his girl. He next pretends to sprain his ankle, in an act of supreme frustration, but is sent to the hospital by Mr. Grace, spoiling his plans for the day. (15) Rebroadcast
Monday , February, 15, 2010
MPT
03:04 PM
Wedding Bells
Episode #116
Mrs. Slocombe is greatly disturbed to learn that she has no say in the garments she sells -- namely, knickers with slogans such as "In Case of Emergency, Pull Down". Young Mr. Grace says he is going to marry one of the staff. Could it be Mrs. Slocombe? (16) Rebroadcast
Tuesday , February, 16, 2010
MPT
03:05 PM
German Week
Episode #117
The staff try to promote the sale of their goods, by dressing up in German fashion. Mrs. Slocombe does her duty in sampling the German wine, gets drunk, and ends up fighting Captain Peacock during their dance. (17) Rebroadcast
Wednesday , February, 17, 2010
MPT
03:06 PM
Shoulder to Shoulder
Episode #118
The ladies' department temporarily move into the gentlemen's while their department is remodeled, and tensions run high. No one is more pleased than Mrs. Slocombe when the men learn that they now must move into the ladies' while their side is redone and she gets her chance at pay back. (18) Rebroadcast
Thursday , February, 18, 2010
MPT
03:06 PM
New Look
Episode #119
Ever on the look to improve their level of sales, the staff try a Twenties sales theme. The floor promotes the Great Gatsby style, complete with appropriate musical accompaniment. (19) Rebroadcast
Friday , February, 19, 2010
MPT
10:00 PM
Top Hats & Tails
Episode #121
A ballroom dance contest has the Grace Brothers staff at their elegant best. (21) Rebroadcast
Saturday , February, 20, 2010
MPT
02:00 AM
Top Hats & Tails
Episode #121
A ballroom dance contest has the Grace Brothers staff at their elegant best. (21) Rebroadcast
Sunday , February, 21, 2010
MPT
09:30 PM
Cold Comfort
Episode #108
The staff try to cope with a shortage of heat. Mr. Lucas creates a bewildering array of heating devices, ranging from two hairdryers to aim up one's pants to a new sales line -- "Novelty Foot Warmers. (8) Rebroadcast
Sunday , February, 21, 2010
MPT2
03:07 PM
No Sale
Episode #120
Mr. Rumbold tries an experiment -- opening the store earlier in the morning. Sales are good, but the staff are not pleased at having to come in so early. Through a variety of techniques they try not to sell anything to avoid the longer hours. (20) Rebroadcast
Monday , February, 22, 2010
MPT
03:06 PM
Top Hats & Tails
Episode #121
A ballroom dance contest has the Grace Brothers staff at their elegant best. (21) Rebroadcast
Tuesday , February, 23, 2010
MPT
03:07 PM
Forward Mr. Grainger
Episode #122
Mr. Grainger temporarily takes over Mr. Rumbold's position, to Captain Peacock's envy. The staff are no less amazed -- they were sure Captain Peacock would get anything going in that office, especially the new secretary. (22) Rebroadcast
Wednesday , February, 24, 2010
MPT
03:06 PM
Fire Practice
Episode #123
A surprise fire drill reveals a horrible lack of organization in the store's fire procedures. So panic measures are taken to turn the staff into expert escapists, anti-arsonists and paramedics. (23) Rebroadcast
Thursday , February, 25, 2010
MPT
03:08 PM
50 Years On
Episode #124
The staff celebrate Mrs. Slocombe's birthday. The major task is to confirm her age, which is finally determined by finding the age of her pussy, Tiddles. From the records they decide that she must be turning 50. But is that right? (24) Rebroadcast
Friday , February, 26, 2010
MPT
09:29 PM
The Think Tank
Episode #109
At Grace Brothers, all eyes are on the bottom line. When sales begin to slip in the Ladies' Lingerie and Gentlemen's Ready-Made departments, the staff are asked to pool their ideas for improving sales. (9) Rebroadcast
Sunday , February, 28, 2010
MPT2
03:07 PM
Oh What A Tangled Web
Episode #125
Captain Peacock appears to be having an affair with Miss Hazlewood, bringing Mrs. Peacock to Grace Brothers with the intention of determining the truth. It all comes out at the board of inquiry after Mr. Grainger is attacked by Miss Hazlewood's irate father. (25) Rebroadcast
Monday , March, 01, 2010
MPT
03:07 PM
Mrs. Slocombe Expects
Episode #126
The staff think Mrs. Slocombe has requested leave in order to have a baby, but they find that the expectant mother is her cat. Denied time off, Mrs. Slocombe smuggles Tiddles into work. (26) Rebroadcast
Tuesday , March, 02, 2010
MPT
03:08 PM
A Change Is As Good As A Rest
Episode #127
Mr. Grace likes to play musical chairs with his departments. He orders Ladies' and Gentlemen's Wear into the toy department where they start to slowly but surely warm to the change. (27) Rebroadcast
Wednesday , March, 03, 2010
MPT
03:08 PM
Founder's Day
Episode #128
The staff compile a retrospective for Mr. Grace's 80th birthday. After all, he is the creator of the Grace Brothers enterprise and deserves to be brought into full glory. (28) Rebroadcast
Thursday , March, 04, 2010
MPT
03:06 PM
The Old Order Changes
Episode #129
The staff dress in mod fashion as a sales gimmick, after Mr. Grace's visit to the States. Mr. Grace next goes to China and gives them his new sales proposal, described in his Little Red Book. (29) Rebroadcast
Friday , March, 05, 2010
MPT
09:29 PM
Big Brother
Episode #110
Surveillance cameras are installed at Grace Brothers. Mr. Rumbold begins to carefully watch their every move. He counts Mrs. Slocombe's visits to the ladies' room, observes Miss Brahms adjusting her "stock", and catches Mr. Lucas smoking. (10) Rebroadcast
Sunday , March, 07, 2010
MPT2
09:31 PM
Hoorah for the Holiday
Episode #111
The staff must suddenly try to choose a group holiday package, as the store is being closed for renovations and they are ordered to take vacation. They are shown a selection of slides from a short list of the worst hotels to be found. (11) Rebroadcast
Sunday , March, 14, 2010
MPT2
09:30 PM
The Hand of Fate
Episode #112
Everyone on staff hopes the hand of fate is working for their own particular promotion. Mr. Humphries displays his talent for telling fortunes. (12) Rebroadcast
Sunday , March, 21, 2010
MPT2
03:03 PM
Takeover
Episode #130
The staff prevent another firm's hostile takeover of Grace Brothers by impersonating the shareholders. Mr. Harman gives a rousing speech, and Grace Brothers is saved. (30) Rebroadcast
Monday , March, 22, 2010
MPT
03:03 PM
Goodbye Mr. Grainger
Episode #131
Mr. Grainger's temper as become extremely short. The staff, in a private meeting with Mr. Rumbold, decide he must go. However, when he wins the lottery, his bad mood vanishes and he makes his peace with the staff and stays on. (31) Rebroadcast
Tuesday , March, 23, 2010
MPT
03:03 PM
It Pays to Advertise
Episode #132
The staff star in a TV commercial for Grace Brothers, produced by Mr. Humphries. Could Mr. Grace's cheapness be the reason for using his staff in such fashion? (32) Rebroadcast
Wednesday , March, 24, 2010
MPT
03:03 PM
By Appointment
Episode #133
The staff prepare for a visit by the Queen. The visit is abruptly ended when Mrs. Slocombe accidentally pushes a flower pot out the window, nearly hitting the Royal Couple. (33) Rebroadcast
Thursday , March, 25, 2010
MPT
03:03 PM
The Club
Episode #134
Young Mr. Grace invites his workers to form a social club - in a dismal cellar badly in need of decoration. Undeterred, the staff tackle the paint and paper job with vigor. (34) Rebroadcast
Friday , March, 26, 2010
MPT
10:00 PM
Forward Mr. Grainger
Episode #122
Mr. Grainger temporarily takes over Mr. Rumbold's position, to Captain Peacock's envy. The staff are no less amazed -- they were sure Captain Peacock would get anything going in that office, especially the new secretary. (22) Rebroadcast
Saturday , March, 27, 2010
MPT
02:10 AM
Forward Mr. Grainger
Episode #122
Mr. Grainger temporarily takes over Mr. Rumbold's position, to Captain Peacock's envy. The staff are no less amazed -- they were sure Captain Peacock would get anything going in that office, especially the new secretary. (22) Rebroadcast
Sunday , March, 28, 2010
MPT
09:30 PM
Coffee Morning
Episode #113
The staff protest the monitoring of their breaks and trips to the restroom, in the form of a signing in and out book. A union meeting is convened, and Mr. Grace finally arranges for the coffee to be brought to the staff to avoid them losing their break time in transit to the canteen. (13) Rebroadcast
Sunday , March, 28, 2010
MPT2
03:03 PM
Do You Take This Man?
Episode #135
Mrs. Slocombe has fallen for a bouzouki player in a Greek restaurant. When he returns home to his wife, Mrs. Slocombe stages a wedding for her wealthy uncle so she can get the house promised her if she marries a Greek. (35) Rebroadcast
Monday , March, 29, 2010
MPT
03:03 PM
Shedding The Load
Episode #136
Sales figures are down; profits are low. Young Mr. Grace is forced to make some economies. The threat of redundancies is looming. Someone is going to have to go - but who is it to be? (36) Rebroadcast
Tuesday , March, 30, 2010
MPT
03:03 PM
A Bliss Girl
Episode #137
A new display of perfume arrives from Bliss, but there is no Bliss Girl to man the counter. Mrs. Slocombe refuses the position, so Mr. Humphries becomes the Bliss Girl for the day. (37) Rebroadcast
Wednesday , March, 31, 2010
MPT
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Previous Episodes (Shows that would have been aired by March 16, 2010) |
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