Of all the older BBC sitcoms that I use to watch, and still do when I have the chance, my most favorite has to be “Are You Being Served.”
It was primarily set on a floor of Grace Brothers department store and had a women’s department on one side and a men’s department on the other. The situations were great, the banter witty, and the innuendo was quite inventive.
You had Mrs. Slocombe in charge of the women’s department frequently talking about her pussy (referring to her cat), along with Miss. Brahms. On the men’s side was Captain Peacock leading the way with Mr. Lucas and Mr. Humphries. Of course there were various other cast members playing various parts…
Of them all, Mr. Humphries was the most memorable. Played by John Inman, Mr. Humphries was very quick witted, very acerbic in his responses at time, and about as “limp-wristed” as one could imagine – but never actually claiming anything. But his high pitched, “I’m free…!” rang out often. Where all of the cast were excellent in their roles, somehow, Mr. Humphries seems to bring everything together in the group.
Sadly, I saw today where John Inman has passed away at the age of 71.
A fond farewell to you, Mr. Wilberforce Clayborne Humphries…
2 comments:
I believe that I actually remember seeing this one a couple of times. I never watched alot of BBC shows mostly to lack of opertunity than anything else.
Bummer. That was a good show. Not my favorite britcom (Blackadder has to take that prize), but still a consistently fun time. As you said, fare-the-well, good man!
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