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Are You Being Served? Christmas Specials
Starring: Mollie Sugden , John Inman
Directed by: Ray Butt , Bob Spiers
Produced by: David Croft
Written by: Jeremy Lloyd , David Croft
The holidays drive some store workers to do some really funny things. That’s why there’s plenty of laughter in store as the unbelievably quirky Grace Brothers sales clerks make merry in four classic comic Christmas specials presented uncut and lovingly restored.
Item Number: 13494
- Format:
- DVD Fullscreen
- Region:
- 1 - More Details
- Run time:
- 2 Hours
- Number of Discs:
- 1
- Special Features:
On Set Interviews
Who's Who
Trailers
The holidays drive some store workers to do some really funny things. That's why there's plenty of laughter in store as the unbelievably quirky Grace Brothers sales clerks make merry in four classic comic Christmas specials presented uncut and lovingly restored. Includes Christmas Crackers, The Father Christmas Affair, Happy Returns and The Punch and Judy Affair. A great gift for the comedy lover in your life.
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.
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.
Christmas Crackers - The holidays are at hand and the staff dress up to try to boost sales. Mrs. Slocombe dresses as Robin Hood, which explains the funny quiver she has in back. The department is remodeled, and they enjoy their holiday dinner in the canteen.
The Father Christmas Affair - Everyone wants to play Father Christmas after a mechanical version flashes the staff and crushes a small boy. Who will finally be selected to personify the season?
Happy Returns - Today is Young Mr Grace's birthday and the staff do their best to plan a more festive event then the usual free lunch.
The Punch and Judy Affair - The floor staff enact a life-size Punch and Judy show to try to placate the rest of the Grace Brothers employees, whose picket lines they crossed.
The Father Christmas Affair - Everyone wants to play Father Christmas after a mechanical version flashes the staff and crushes a small boy. Who will finally be selected to personify the season?
Happy Returns - Today is Young Mr Grace's birthday and the staff do their best to plan a more festive event then the usual free lunch.
The Punch and Judy Affair - The floor staff enact a life-size Punch and Judy show to try to placate the rest of the Grace Brothers employees, whose picket lines they crossed.
| Mr. Humphries | --- | John Inman |
| Mrs. Slocombe | --- | Mollie Sugden |
| Captain Peacock | --- | Frank Thornton |
| Mr. Lucas | --- | Trevor Bannister |
| Miss Brahms | --- | Wendy Richard |
| Mr. Rumbold | --- | Nicholas Smith |
| Mr. Grainger | --- | Arthur Brough |
| Mr. Grace | --- | Harold Bennett |
| Mr. Harman | --- | Arthur English |
Produced by David Croft
Written by David Croft and Jeremy Lloyd
Directed by Ray Butt, Bob Spiers
