Comedy Playhouse, From Pilot To Series , Part 4

Are You Being Served? – Comedy Playhouse – 1972

Classic sitcom, Are You Being Served ran for a marathon ten series between 1973 and 1984, there was even a big screen spin off film.  despite all of this, many people forget that Are You Being Served? actually started life in 1972 as a one off in the popular BBC series Comedy Playhouse.

Since it’s original transmission it’s never been included in repeat showings of the series.  In fact up until 2010, only a Black and White copy of this episode survived in the BBC archive, but using the miracle of modern technology it was restored to full colour for a screening in the BBC’s New Year 2010 schedules.  This was the first time it had been seen in colour since the early 1970’s.

Summary

When the Grace Brothers department store has a reorganisation, the Ladies’ Wear department is forced to relocate to the floor occupied by the Men’s Wear department.

Neither heads of department ( Mrs. Slocombe, Ladies and Mr. Grainger, Mens) are happy with the new arrangements, and both make their discontent known loudly, especially when there is an argument over the centre display stand.

Clips

 

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Cast

Mollie Sugden
John Inman
Trevor Bannister
Frank Thornton
Arthur Brough
Wendy Richard
Nicholas Smith
Michael Knowles

Details

Channel: BBC1
Written By: David Croft and Jeremy Lloyd
Original Transmission Date: 8th September 1972