The Merger (15 Sep. 1973)

Eaves-dropping on a conversation between Sir Geoffrey and Sir John Pollock,the head of Highcross, Duncan learns that St. Swithins is to be demolished to make way for a hotel and the staff ... See full summary »

Writers:

Graham Chapman, David Sherlock

Stars:

Robin Nedwell, Ernest Clark, Henry McGee

Cast

Episode cast overview:
Robin Nedwell	...	Dr. Duncan Waring
Ernest Clark	...	Professor Sir Geoffrey Loftus
Henry McGee	...	Sir John Pollock
George Layton	...	Dr. Paul Collier
Geoffrey Davies	...	Dr. Dick Stuart-Clark
Richard O'Sullivan	...	Dr. Lawrence Bingham
Peter Greene	...	Chaplain
Raymond Platt	...	Bannister
Robin Halstead	...	Roger Carter
Sally Stephens	...	Nurse Dottie Grace
Harold Bennett	...	Lord Wagstaff
Mary Denison	...	Racing Nurse

Storyline

Eaves-dropping on a conversation between Sir Geoffrey and Sir John Pollock,the head of Highcross, Duncan learns that St. Swithins is to be demolished to make way for a hotel and the staff moved into Highcross. Feelings run high as a result,leading to protests to suggest that the staff are all cavalier and incompetent. However,what really swings things is when the rugby team are made aware of the bad news.

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Genres:

Comedy

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Details

Release Date:

15 September 1973 (UK)

Company Credits

User Reviews

"Pollock? That Pillock!"

Duncan learns of plans to demolish St.Swithins and build a hotel in its place, while its doctors are moved to Highcross. Loftus is to become its new Professor of Surgery. He enlists the aid of Paul and Dick to try and stop the proposal. Bingham is not co-operative; in fact he has already applied for a job at the rival hospital. The others endeavour to make 'Sir John Pollock' ( Henry McGee ) and 'Lord Wagstaff' ( Harold Bennett ) think St.Swithins is the worst hospital in the world ( not too difficult! ). The V.I.P.'s are treated to the sight of doctors smoking and drinking in corridors, cuddling nurses, not bothering to wash after operations, running around with organs in buckets, and using patients in outdoor trolley races. But Bingham goes one step further - he tells the rugby team about the merger. Duncan must stop them before they commit murder...

This excellent Graham Chapman and David Sherlock scripted episode got the second season of 'Charge' off to a flying start. Henry McGee turns yellow at the end, but jaundice has nothing to with it. He gets covered in paint! Harold Bennett was previously seen as 'Mr.Reeves' in 'Doctor At Large'. The dripping spleen must have put people off their dinners in 1973.

What a great week for Richard O'Sullivan fans - three days earlier, he'd been seen as 'Robin Tripp' in the 'Its Only Money' episode of 'Man About The House'.

Funniest moment - Duncan using his stethoscope to eavesdrop on Loftus' office, only to be nearly deafened when Lofty bellows: "Get out!".

Second funniest moment - Bingham getting drenched by beer!