Room Service, 1979
Looking at the lesser known works of some of our greatest comedy writers, this week it’s Jimmy Perry.
Alongside writing partner David Croft, Perry was responsible for some of our best loved sitcoms such as Dad’s Army, It Ain’t Half Hot Mum. Switching to ITV for his solo efforts this and his other solo work High Street Blues have been cited by many as “contenders for the title of worst British sitcom”.
Room Service ran for seven episodes in 1979, after an unscreened pilot episode that is included in the DVD release.
Summary
Set in a top London hotel, this short lived sitcom followed the hilarious complications and domestic disasters that beset a motley team of room-service waiters – from missing tips to vanishing brides, amorous dog owners to Triads.
Look out for an early television role for Matthew Kelly (Holding The Fort, Game For A Laugh and Stars In Their Eyes, alongside veteran character actor Bryan Pringle ,who plays the department’s formidable manager, Mr Spooner – a man who’s more than capable of a little skulduggery in order to save the reputation of his staff…
Clips
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Cast
Bryan Pringle – Charles Spooner
Freddie Earlle – Aldo de Vito
Chris Gannon – Horace Murphy
Jeillo Edwards – Mrs. McGregor
Matthew Kelly – Dick Sedgwick
Basil Lord – Mr. Morris
Judi Maynard – Freda
Penelope Nice – Marlene Barry
Michael Petrovitch – Fedros
Details
Channel: ITV
Written By: Jimmy Perry
Produced By: Thames Television for ITV
Original Transmission Dates: 2nd January – 13th February 1979