(cash register ringing)
♫ Ground floor perfumeries,
stationary and leather goods
♫ Wigs and haberdashery
♫ Kitchenware and food
♫ Going up
♫ First floor telephones,
gents ready made suits
♫ Shirts, socks shirts, suits, ties
♫ Hats, underwear, and shoes
If the shoes pinch
sir do bring them back.
That's right sir, you bring 'em back
and I'll give you the
name of my shuropody's.
Thank you Mr. Lucas.
I should be in my chair Mr.
Humphries if you require me.
That's right Mr. Grainger,
you go and have forty winks.
Yes and dream about the
great trouser sale in 1938.
So anyway I said look
mother, you come and stop
with me for a week and
perhaps me dad will have come
to his senses, see, well she
arrived and the first thing
she does is complain about
the sleeping arrangements.
You mean she didn't like the settee?
No, she took exception
to my canopied bed.
The cheek of it.
I know, the lace alone
cost a hundred pounds.
Then she wouldn't put her
teeth in the cut glass goblet.
And to cap everything as
soon as she'd done her bath
and put her curlers in
she insisted on sitting
behind the curtains,
lookin' at the neighbors.
And I bet they all thought it was you.
I shan't share my confidences with you
if you're going to mock me.
I had some very strange phone
calls, two heavy breathing
and a wrong number.
That's more than you usually get.
Especially on a Tuesday.
(phone buzzes)
Men's wear.
Oh hello mother,
it's her.
Yes dear, me sewing basket
is in the piano stool dear.
She's going to sew a button on my pajamas.
Now me pajamas are in me teddy bear.
Well it zips up the back.
She can't find me teddy bear.
It's in my canopied bed
peeping over the sheets.
Oh and listen if you're going
to put the stew in the oven
for goodness sake take me slippers out.
All right, bye, yes of
course I shall be a good boy.
That's a funny place to
keep you pajamas isn't it,
inside a teddy bear?
Well where do you keep yours?
Inside my basil brush.
No Mr. Rumbold, Captain
Peacock isn't here yet.
Yes I'll ask him to wait.
(knocking on the door)
Morning.
Good god,
I have a ten o'clock appointment
with Mr. Rumbold.
Oh yes, yes, he's expecting
you but he's been delayed
in the boardroom.
Apparently young Mr.
Grace has fallen asleep
and they're waiting for
him to wake up to adjourn
the board meeting.
You're new here aren't you?
Well I used to work on young
Mr. Grace's personal staff
but after his last heart att*ck well,
his doctor decided on a change.
I'm not surprised.
Well, you seem awfully
young to be a Captain.
Ah thank you, how old do you think I am?
Oh about 55?
You mad?
Well they didn't make
my father a ship's captain
until he was 60.
I was in the army, I'm
considerably younger than that.
Oh, you look much younger.
And besides I like your mustache,
it's very David Nivenish.
Yes it has been mentioned before.
♫ Lookin' for the sunsh...
Hello, am I interrupting anything?
Not a thing, I'm just
waiting to see Mr. Rumbold.
On the carpet are ya?
Certainly not.
What are you here for then?
That has nothing to do
with you now put that down
and get about your business.
You have no jurisdiction
over me, I am Manual
and Maintenance, you can
not tell me to get out
of this office, there is only
one person what can tell me
to get out of this office
and until the that person
tells me to get out of
this office, in this office
I will shall stay.
Mr. Harmon, get out.
Here, he's chatting up your bird.
Now Peacock, thank you for dropping in.
Shall I sit down sir?
No, no, no, I shan't keep you long.
This is FYEO meeting.
A what sir?
FYEO, for your ears only.
Now Peacock, Peacock?
Oh yes.
To put it in a nutshell, I'm going.
Oh congratulations sir and goodbye.
The rumor was Harrod's barbershop,
is there anything in it?
Will you let me finish my sentence?
I am going for one month on a
sales and managerial seminar
to Swansea and the reason
for the board meeting
was to decide who should
take over here which is why
I sent for you.
Well I shall of course endeavor
to give every satisfaction.
Are you taking your secretary with you?
No, I'm leaving her here.
Oh well she'll be able to
show me where everything is.
Why should she show
you where everything is?
When I take over the reigns.
But you're not taking
over the reigns, Peacock.
What am I standing here for then?
I sent for you to tell
you that Mr. Grainger
is taking over.
Mr. Grainger!
Don't get upset, you are
of course the natural heir
to the throne so to speak
and you will ultimately
take over in ten, fifteen
or twenty years time.
I must rush home and tell Mrs. Peacock.
But just for one month
we're putting Grainger here.
It'll qualify him for a higher pension
and there's absolutely nothing to do.
I know that.
Because I've done it all,
the point is, it will appear
as if he's being promoted
over your head which of course
is not the case.
Isn't it?
No you and I know the truth
but we can't tell anyone else.
Oh I understand, well he's
a very dear personal friend
of mine and so it'll be
something for him to look back on
in his declining years.
May I have the pleasure
of tell him myself?
No, I'm afraid you
can't, that would give
the whole show away.
No, no, I will tell him
and you will look suitably surprised.
Speaking personally,
I never have any trouble
in getting up in the morning.
My p*ssy's just like an alarm clock.
Every morning at 6:15, it
drops it's clockwork mouse
on me pillow and it
won't give over not until
I've wound it up and had
a game under the bed.
Mrs. Slocombe, Miss
Brahms, are you free?
At the moment Captain Peacock.
Come along Miss Brahms.
Mr. Humphries, Mr. Lucas are you free?
Yes we're free Captain Peacock.
Oh yes we are, yes we
are, we are, we are free
Mr. Humphries yes.
Mind you five minutes ago
we wouldn't have been free,
would we Mr. Humphries?
We would not have
been free, no Mr. Lucas.
But we are free now.
Mind you in two minutes I won't be free.
Why not Mr. Lucas?
Because it's my coffee break.
It will not be anybody's
coffee break until I say so.
Must be frightening
to have so much power
mustn't it Mr. Humphries?
Let's hope he uses it for good.
Now what I have to say concerns you all.
Excuse me sir, Mr. Grainger is not here.
Well where is he?
Good heaven, he's not asleep is he?
Of course he's not
asleep, is he Mr. Lucas?
No, indeed he is not.
He's carrying out an investigation.
We thought we had a bit of
woodworm and he's listening
to see if they're chewing
through his drawers.
The first crunch he'll leap into action.
Get him over here Mr. Humphries.
Mr. Grainger, are you free?
Uh yes, yes.
Mr. Lucas has been telling
us about the woodworm
in your drawers.
Impertinent monkey.
I have to announce that
I'm going away for one month
on a sales and management conference.
Are you sir, really, good gracious me,
what a surprise.
During my absence someone
will have to take over
my management function in
the office and there has been
board meeting this morning
to decide on who should be
my temporary successor.
Good gracious, how exciting,
I wonder who it can be?
You don't pretend you don't
know, it's bound to be you.
As a matter of fact it
is not Captain Peacock.
What?
It is in fact Mr. Ernest Grainger.
[All] No.
I wasn't asleep over there you know.
Congratulations.
On what, not being asleep?
No.
You're going to be the
manager, he's just said so.
What me?
The manager?
I must say it comes
as a complete surprise.
Well I think that's everything,
get all your things
together, pop into the office
and I'll put you into the picture.
Yes of course.
Let me be the first to
congratulate you Ernest.
Thank you Steven.
Well, go to the foot of our stairs.
It's discrimination, everyone knows
it should have been you.
Oh no, you have to have
one foot in the grave
before you move here.
- Well at least Mrs.
Slocombe your eligible.
If I was in that office
you wouldn't be out here
for five minutes.
Well I know you'd have me
inside there for a quick chat
and a cuddle wouldn't ya?
Now come on, off you go and don't forget
your spare teeth.
Will you take over while
I'm away please Mr. Humphries?
Be a pleasure Mr. Grainger.
Hey would you be kind enough
to telephone Mrs. Grainger
and break the news to her?
You can do that yourself,
you've got a phone
in your office.
Oh yes, of course, I've
got an office haven't I?
Yes, yes I can't quite get used to it.
Mr. Grainger,
you won't need that in there.
Oh no, would you care to use it
while I'm away Mr. Humphries?
A great honor Mr. Grainger,
just think of the thousands
of inside legs that that's done.
I'll see you later,
it's very exciting, isn't it?
Glass of water for Captain Peacock.
I do not require a glass of water.
But I do, it's been a great shock to me.
You know, I thought you'd
get anything that was going
in that office.
Especially that new secretary.
You're taking it so calm.
You know if it was me, I'd
be tearing me hair out.
Well that shouldn't take you long.
That thin bit at the back
is where the pillow rubs.
The rest is growing lush and rampant.
It may seem strange that
Mr. Grainger has been promoted
over my head but there is a reason why.
Oh can we all have a guess?
My lips are sealed.
We don't need to guess,
he wasn't up to the job
and he's trying to cover it up.
Oh yes, you men are all alike.
Mr. Slocombe was just the same.
Do you know every morning
at 9:30 prompt he went
out of the house with his
briefcase and his rolled umbrella
and he didn't even have a job.
I found him in the park feeding the ducks.
What did he say to you
when you questioned him?
He didn't say anything, he just went...
(cash register dinging in the background)
Hello, can I have a word
with Mr. Rumbold please?
- But he's not here Mr.
Grace, Mr. Grainger took over
before, before lunch.
Oh yes, yes, so he did, I remember now,
I'll speak to him then.
Oh he's still in the
chief accountants office,
Mr. Patel.
[Mr. Grace] Doing what?
Asking for a raise.
He's got the right idea then,
he'll be asking for
first class fares next.
He's already done that.
Aren't you the girl that
used to work in my office?
[Secretary] Yes I am Mr. Grace.
♫ Be lookin for the sunshine, everybody
[Captain Peacock] Mr. Harmon.
Hey,
How many times have I
told you not to walk across
the sales floor when the store is open?
I'm sorry Captain Peacock,
but we've run out of helium
in the cellar.
What's that got to do with it?
Well if I filled a balloon with it
I could have floated across the floor.
Because across the floor I have to go.
Wines and spirits are
on the ground floor.
This happens to be the
executive drinks trolley
and was ordered by the
new departmental head,
Mr. Ernest Grainger whose
already snapped me off once
for not delivering it before
lunch so if you'll excuse me.
♫ Rollin' round the
Ooh, say I heard that, I do
hope Mr. Grainger doesn't get
into trouble for ordering that.
Well perhaps he's gonna
hold a celebration party?
Oh it's quite in order
just one of the perks
of his position.
Captain Peacock I wonder if
I could have your permission
to leave the floor shortly?
I wish to ask Mr. Grainger
for some time off.
Me roots need doing.
I meant to mention that to ya.
Certainly Mrs. Slocombe
but after me, I too have one
or two things at home
that need my attention
and I may have to leave early.
Of course it's the
Chelsea-Fulholm replay
tonight isn't it?
I must say it's useful to
have a friend in the camp.
I've always found that to be the case.
- Well perhaps Mr.
Humphries and I could ask
for a temporary raise.
What for?
Well on account of the
fact there's only two of us
on that counter doing all the extra work.
Yes that's true but on the other hand,
you are sharing Mr. Grainger's
commission and therefore
it could be said that you're better off.
What commission, we've only
had two customers all day.
Ah yes, well I mean all
the same, there are two of us
pretending and looking
as though we're doing
the work of three.
Yes but I don't think
we ought to take advantage
of Mr. Grainger's good nature.
(phone buzzes)
Men's wear.
Oh hello Mr. Grainger, how
are you, it's Mr. Humphries.
Do you know we do miss
you, yes of course I will.
Captain Peacock would you go in please?
Good I told him I wanted
to see him after lunch.
All right don't drown me!
And get that skirt altered.
Oh how much longer Mr. Grainger?
Make it shorter.
(knocking on door)
See who that is.
It's Captain Peacock.
Oh wait a minute, wait
a minute, oh yes, yes,
I have an appointment with him.
All right send him in.
Mr. Grainger will see you now.
Ah Steven,
how've you been keeping?
Well Ernest since this
morning I haven't changed
very much.
Well don't stand on
ceremony Steven, do sit down.
[Captain Peacock] Thank you Ernest.
Do you smoke?
Yes indeed.
Have a cigarette.
I can't offer you a drink
because it's not allowed
for junior staff.
Now what can I do for you?
Well it's really very
trivial Ernest but there is
a slight domestic crisis and
so if it's all the same to you
I'll be leaving about
an hour early tonight.
An hour early, oh no, oh
no, oh no, no, no, no, no, no.
Do I take it you're refusing my request?
It isn't just me Steven, I have to think
of the whole of Grace
Brothers, time's are very hard.
Just pass the whiskey?
Yes, costs are going up
and margins are going down.
Yes, well half an hour early then?
No, I'd like to help
you if I could Steven
but I'm afraid not.
No, well, carry on with
the good work out to there.
We have a great appreciation of you here
at Grace Brother's you know.
Steven.
Yes Mr. Grainger.
Put that cigarette out
before you go on the floor.
(door slams shut)
Did you get the time off then?
No I suddenly remembered
that it wasn't this Tuesday.
Was it next Tuesday?
No, actually I don't need it
until Mr. Rumbold comes back.
Oh excuse me Captain
Peacock, may I go in now?
With pleasure Mrs. Slocombe.
No need to bother, he's
comin' out to see you.
Afternoon Mr. Grainger.
[Mr. Grainger] Good
afternoon Mr. Humphries.
- Good afternoon Mr.
Grainger, hey what's it like
at the top then hey?
May I see both your sales books please?
Our sales books?
Mr. Rumbold never asked
to see our sales books.
I am not Mr. Rumbold,
your sales books please.
Ernest, may I have a word
in your shell-like ear?
No, go back to your counter.
Don't you order me back to my counter.
Whether you go back to
your counter or go upstairs
for your cards is entirely
up to you Mrs. Slocombe.
I'll go back to my counter.
As long as you humor him, he
hasn't heard the last of this.
Down on your usual total Mr. Humphries.
Without your support
Mr. Grainger, it's only
to be expected.
Yes, Mr. Lucas.
So very messy,
figures not clear, handwriting bad,
must do better.
I'm sorry Mr. Grainger,
shall I take a hundred lines?
Mr. Lucas, you might be cheeky
to me when I was over there
but you will not be cheeky
to me when I'm standing here.
You wouldn't think that
moving from there to there
could change a man's personality?
I don't know.
You know, I was in the
Navy for a week or two.
One night I went ashore
wearing the Captain's cap.
You should have heard the
commotion that caused.
Did it fool anybody?
Well it would have
done if I'd been wearing
the trousers.
You wanted a word with me Mrs. Slocombe.
Oh yes Mr. Grainger, I
wondered could I have an hour off
in the morning for a
hairdressing appointment,
my roots need retouching.
I'm sorry Mrs. Slocombe,
but not in the firm's time.
Well it grows in the firm's time.
The answer is no Mrs. Slocombe.
Half an hour?
No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no!
Well when am I gonna get it
done then you silly old goat?
You will have plenty of
time next week, Mrs. Slocombe.
You're discharged.
Discharged?
Discharged, yes.
And the rest of you had
better be on the time
tomorrow morning or there
will be a few more vacancies.
Morning Mrs. Slocombe, I'm
surprised at you being early
considering you've been fired.
I only came in early
because I want a word
with young Mr. Grace.
I see he's frightened
you to coming in early
for a change.
Don't be ridiculous,
I have to get up early
otherwise the sparrows
peck at me gold top.
Well isn't anyone gonna
ask me why I'm early?
All right, why are you early?
I haven't been to bed yet.
We haven't signed the book.
Well I'm glad to see
that you are just on time
this morning.
Good morning Mr. Grainger.
Shall I take your coat Mr. Grainger?
And may I compliment you
on your executive bowler?
You may Mrs. Slocombe
it won't do you any good.
Will you keep your outdoor
shoes on Mr. Grainger
or would you like me to
crawl off and find you
a pair of slippers?
(panting)
Oh good morning Ernest, I
grabbed a quick cup of coffee
at Bepoe's.
You are late, in spite of
my warning, you are late.
It's a cue?
I shall make an adverse
report on you in your record.
Now all of you started very
badly with me yesterday
and you better pull your socks up today or
there's going to be some
fur flying, understand?
[All] Yes.
Who's this arriving late?
It's Mr. Rumbold.
[Miss Brahms] I thought he was away.
[Mr. Humphries] Morning Mr. Rumbold.
[Miss Brahms] Mr. Rumbold.
The main water t*nk burst
flooding the whole building
so they called off the
seminar and I've returned
to resume my normal
duties, carry on everybody.
Mr. Rumbold what about me?
Well carry on as normal,
behind the counter.
(audience laughing)
(audience clapping)
Now come on, blow.
(cash register ringing)
I've been a fool, I turned
my back on my lifelong friend.
Power went to my head you know.
Pass the sugar would you please?
I did mean it for the best you know?
I wouldn't have sacked you
Mrs. Slocombe, you know that.
Of course you do.
And I wouldn't have made
a report on you Steven,
not after all our years of companionship.
I'm not being sent to Coventry am I?
Oh I am.
Oh well,
coffee is bad for the heart anyway,
especially an empty, broken heart.
I can't stand it anymore.
We all agreed, but we all agreed he must
be taught a lesson.
But I feel so sorry for
him, the rotten old bastard.
Supposing something
dreadful happens to him
on the way downstairs and
none of us will have had
the chance to say we're sorry?
Well perhaps he has suffered enough.
Well I know I have.
I'll have to make it up to 'im.
You'll have a job making that hat up.
And that coat with the fur
collar he paid for that
out of his holiday money.
Don't make it worse, oh.
Your roots do need doing.
Oh let's all go and apologize.
Look we have nothing to apologize for,
he started it.
Look we all say that
we forgive him and that
we're all prepared to
let bygones be bygones.
Ah, glad I've caught you
all, I've just told Grainger
there's been another change of plan,
it seems they've found
a hotel in Edinburgh
so they're reconvening the seminar there.
So it's all as you were
with Mr. Grainger in charge.
(audience clapping)
You're late, you're five
minutes late all of you.
I'm sorry Mr. Grainger.
- We were talking to Mr.
Rumbold Mr. Grainger.
I don't want any
excuses, I want to see you
in my office right away,
understand, right away.
Well don't all look so
miserable, I was going
to offer you a drink.
(audience clapping)
(cash register ringing)
(store announcer)
♫ Ground floor perfumeries
♫ Stationary and leather goods
♫ Wigs, haberdashery
♫ Kitchenware and foods
♫ Going up ♫ First floor
telephones, gents ready made suits
♫ Shirts, suits, ties hats
♫ Underwear and shoes
♫ Going up
♫ Second floor carpets,
travel good and bedding
♫ Materials, soft furnishings,
restaurants and ties
♫ Going down
04x03 - Forward Mr. Grainger
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Set in London, the show follows the misadventures and mishaps of the staff of the retail ladies' and gentlemen's clothing departments in the flagship department store of a fictional chain called Grace Brothers.
Set in London, the show follows the misadventures and mishaps of the staff of the retail ladies' and gentlemen's clothing departments in the flagship department store of a fictional chain called Grace Brothers.