Bells
- Episode aired Jan 9, 1986
- TV-PG
- 30m
Blackadder develops feelings for a woman posing as his male servant.Blackadder develops feelings for a woman posing as his male servant.Blackadder develops feelings for a woman posing as his male servant.
- Minstrel
- (uncredited)
- Director
- Writers
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaRik Mayall's bizarre attire was designed by Mayall himself. The rest of the cast had never seen it prior to his entrance in the wedding scene and were falling about in fits of laughter while Mayall was being filmed.
- GoofsHalf way through the scene with the doctor, a microphone can be seen dropping in the top of the screen for a second.
- Quotes
Kate's Father: I'm sad because, my darling, our poverty has reached such extremes that I can no longer afford to keep us and must look to my own dear tiny darling to sustain me in my frail dotage.
Kate: But father surely...
Kate's Father: Yes, Kate. I want you to become a prostitute.
Kate: Never! Father.
Kate's Father: Do you defy me?
Kate: Indeed I do for tis better to die poor than to live in shame and ignominy.
Kate's Father: No it isn't.
Kate: I'm young and strong, clever, my nose is pretty. I shall find another way to earn a living.
Kate's Father: Oh please go on the game. It's a steady job and you'd be working from home.
- ConnectionsFeatured in Blackadder Exclusive: The Whole Rotten Saga (2008)
I thoroughly enjoyed this episode when I saw it many years ago and recently on a rewatch.
The story is a simple and effective comic farce where a deception spins out of control, but it ends on a quite unexpected note.
All the humour, which is mostly situational combined with razor sharp dialogue is excellent. Ben Elton and Richard Curtis started their writing partnership in style by reinventing the three central characters so the comedy dynamic works perfectly.
All performances are perfect with Rowan Atkinson, Tony Robinson, Tim McInnery, Stephen Fry, Miranda Richardson, Patsy Byrne and Rik Mayall all fantastic. Even other minor roles like the Wise Woman, peasant woman and doctor all add to the entertainment. Gabrielle Glaister plays the straight role well as the object of Blackadder's affection. Edward Jewesbury is very funny is his brief appearance as her father.
This is one of the classic episodes of the show, I would award 10/10 if not for a few minor technical flaws, but definitely a 9.5/10 and for IMDB as always I round upwards.
- snoozejonc
- Jan 24, 2021
Details
- Runtime30 minutes
- Color