The V. I. P. (9 Jun. 1974)

Duncan is dismissive of Mr. McArthur in front of fellow passenger Polly Roberts,an undercover journalist writing an article on the cruise. She complains about him to the captain,who tells ... See full summary »

Director:

David Askey

Writers:

George Layton, Jonathan Lynn

Stars:

Robin Nedwell, Geoffrey Davies, Bridget Brice

Cast

Episode cast overview:
Robin Nedwell	...	Dr. Duncan Waring
Geoffrey Davies	...	Dr. Dick Stuart-Clark
Bridget Brice	...	Polly Roberts
Geoffrey Lumsden	...	Mr. MacArther
John Grieve	...	Purser
Ernest Clark	...	Captain Norman Loftus
John Drake	...	Chief Officer
Desmond Stokes	...	Chief Radio Officer
Peter Jolly	...	Head Waiter (as Peter Jolley)
Edward Malin	...	Old Gent (as Eddie Malin)
Tony Cornford	...	Fisherman

Storyline

Duncan is dismissive of Mr. McArthur in front of fellow passenger Polly Roberts,an undercover journalist writing an article on the cruise. She complains about him to the captain,who tells him a Very Special Passenger has found fault with him. Duncan assumes this is McArthur and keeps out of his way. When Polly gets food poisoning,thanks to dodgy squid Dick bought for the captain's table,she is charmed by Duncan's concern and they bury the hatchet. Knowing she is the undercover journalist he is again rude to Mr. McArthur - who turns out to own the ship.

---

Genres:

Comedy

---

Details

Release Date:

9 June 1974 (UK)

Company Credits

User Reviews

Dick becomes The Squid Kid!

Duncan tells Dick how bored he is on the M.S. Begonia. No crumpet, in other words. By sheer luck who should happen along a few minutes later but the ravishing Polly Roberts ( Bridget Brice ). Their chat is interrupted by Mr.MacArther ( Geoffrey Lumsden ), a passenger complaining of stomach trouble. Duncan tells him to go and find Stuart-Clark. Angered by his rudeness, Polly storms off. On learning she is a reporter, Duncan tries to make amends, fearing she might give the company a bad name in the press. His efforts are undermined by Dick feeding dodgy squid that night to everyone at the Captain's table...

A classic example of a not-too good script being redeemed by an above-average cast. Bridget Brice later played 'Pippa' - the lady who liberated Ronnie Corbett's 'Timothy' from his awful mother in the final episode of 'Sorry'. Geoffrey Lumsden was known to 'Dad's Army' fans as that dreadful bore 'Captain Square'. On a sad note, this episode marked the final television appearance of Edward Malin - the incontinent 'Walter' from 'Nearest & Dearest' - who died in 1977.

Funniest moment - having offended Polly, a narked Duncan lets off steam by shouting at some seagulls. He then has to dive out of the way as they defecate on him!