Are You Being Served?(1972)
This comedy series, which follows the exploits of employees at London's fictional "Grace Brothers" department store, is full of sexual innuendo, slapstick, visual gags, and double entendres. Much of the show's humor parodies Britain's class system, and many of the show's characters are based on stereotypes of the period, including the effeminate Mr. Humphries and the rich, but stingy, store owner.
- Created by:
- David Croft, Jeremy Lloyd
- First aired:
- 1972-09-08
- Country:
- GB
- Network:
- BBC One
Episodes
1. The Clock
1974-03-14 · 30m
It's Mr. Grainger's 37th anniversary at Grace Brothers and the Department hosts a celebration dinner for him. It's a time of happiness, and dread, for if he receives a cuckoo clock then it means he's to be retired.
2. Cold Comfort
1974-03-21 · 30m
A fuel shortage grips the country and Grace Brothers, so the stores furnaces are shut down for the day. The staff are freezing and soon develop unique ways to keep warm.
3. The Think Tank
★ 7.01974-03-28 · 30m
Sales are falling once again and so Mr. Rumbold calls together a "think tank", a suggestion he "borrowed" from Captain Peacock. The staff decide that a fashion show would be the answer, but when Young Mr. Grace won't cough up the dough to hire proper models, the staff are forced to put on the show themselves.
4. Big Brother
★ 8.01974-04-04 · 30m
There's trouble afoot at Grace Brothers! Someone's been lifting Mrs. Slocombe's skirts and putting their hands in Mr. Grainger's drawers. Shoplifting has struck the store and Mr. Rumbold installs a store detective and a video surveillance system. It goes off track for awhile, as Mr. Rumbold turns into a voyeur and the staff act like they're on television. Ultimately, the staff decide to do in the scheme and prey on Mr. Rumbolds hypochondria to accomplish it.
5. Hoorah for the Holidays
1974-04-11 · 30m
The Store's redecoration plans threaten to interfere in the staffs vacations. Everyone is now expected to take the same two weeks off and there's disagreements on how to handle it. Grace Brother's Tour Group Company offers some package deals, but they are far from First Class.
Where to watch
Availability for United States, provided by JustWatch via TMDB. Links open the provider's own listing.
Cast
Frank Thornton
Captain Peacock
John Inman
Mr. Humphries
Mollie Sugden
Mrs. Slocombe
Wendy Richard
Miss Brahms
Nicholas Smith
Mr. Rumbold
Mike Berry
Mr. Spooner
Arthur English
Mr. Harman
Candy Davis
Miss Belfridge
