You Rang, M'Lord?
You Rang, M'Lord? is a British comedy series written by Jimmy Perry and David Croft, the creators of Dad's Army, It Ain't Half Hot Mum and Hi-de-Hi! It was broadcast between 1990 and 1993 on the BBC. The show was a comedy set in the house of an aristocratic family in the 1920s, contrasting the upper-class family and their servants in a house in London, along the same lines as the popular drama Upstairs, Downstairs. The series featured many actors who had also appeared in their earlier series, notably Paul Shane, Jeffrey Holland and Su Pollard, all of whom had previously been in Perry and Croft's holiday camp sitcom, Hi-de-Hi!. Also featured were Donald Hewlett and Michael Knowles from Perry and Croft's It Ain't Half Hot Mum, and Bill Pertwee and occasionally Frank Williams from Dad's Army. The memorable 1920s-style theme tune was sung by Bob Monkhouse.
Insights
Plot Summary
Set between 1927 and 1937, 'You Rang, M'Lord?' is a British sitcom that chronicles the lives of the Cokery family and their eccentric staff. The show humorously depicts the class divides and social interactions of the era, focusing on the interactions between the aristocratic Cokery family and their devoted, yet often incompetent, domestic servants. Amidst the comedic mishaps, the series explores the changing social landscape of Britain in the interwar period.
Critical Reception
While 'You Rang, M'Lord?' garnered a dedicated following and was a ratings success for the BBC during its original run, critical reception was often mixed. Some critics praised its nostalgic portrayal of a bygone era and its slapstick humor, while others found its reliance on caricature and dated comedic tropes to be less appealing. Despite this, the show remains a fondly remembered part of British television history for many.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its charming period setting and nostalgic humor.
- Criticized by some for relying on broad stereotypes and predictable gags.
- Found to be a lighthearted and generally inoffensive comedy.
Google audience: Audience feedback for 'You Rang, M'Lord?' is generally positive among fans of classic British sitcoms. Viewers often highlight the show's whimsical characters, particularly the over-the-top performances and the lighthearted, family-friendly humor. Some mention that while the comedy might seem dated to a modern audience, its charm lies in its unpretentious nature and its successful evocation of a specific time period.
Fun Fact
The distinctive Cokery family motto, 'It's All Been A Bit of a Bother, Hasn't It?', was often uttered by Alfred Cokery (played by Paul Shane) and became a memorable catchphrase associated with the series.
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