Cuckoo in the Nest (9 Oct. 1974)

Larry has moved into the flat but his slovenly ways and habit of nicking the others' food are not exactly endearing him as a house-mate. Then Mildred comes up with an excellent idea. Clear ... See full summary »

Director:

Peter Frazer-Jones

Writers:

Johnnie Mortimer, Brian Cooke

Stars:

Richard O'Sullivan, Paula Wilcox, Sally Thomsett

Cast

Episode complete credited cast:
Richard O'Sullivan	...	Robin
Paula Wilcox	...	Chrissy
Sally Thomsett	...	Jo
Yootha Joyce	...	Mrs. Roper
Brian Murphy	...	Roper
Doug Fisher	...	Larry
Norman Chappell	...	Mr. Morris

Storyline

Larry has moved into the flat but his slovenly ways and habit of nicking the others' food are not exactly endearing him as a house-mate. Then Mildred comes up with an excellent idea. Clear out the attic and let him take it as his room. George was spending too much time up there anyway.

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Genres:

Comedy

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Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

9 October 1974 (UK)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Thames Television

Technical Specs

Color:

Color

User Reviews

The Larry problem

The first episode of the third season begins where the second left off. Larry has moved into Robin, Chrissy and Jo's flat, where he makes such a nuisance of himself that everyone cannot wait for him to go. He eats their food, uses their hot water, and behaves in a generally slovenly manner.

When Mrs.Roper tells Chrissy that her husband spends too much time in the attic ( mainly to get away from his nagging wife ), an idea occurs to her. Clean it up and put Larry there.

The room is filthy and full of rubbish. Larry is not particularly keen to move in, but eventually agrees to take it. Clearing it out, Robin and the girls discover what appears to be old love letters written by Mr.Roper to his future wife...

A new set of titles was used. The show now opened with Robin, Chrissy and Jo in a vintage car ( borrowed one presumes ) heading for London Zoo.

The arrival of Doug Fisher's Cockney wide-boy 'Larry' signalled, for me at any rate, the elevation of this sitcom from merely good to great. He was like 'Oz' from 'Auf Wiedershen Pet' inasmuch as he too could not see how truly appalling he was. Birds, booze and fags were his three main hobbies. It was good to see Robin able to talk to someone other than the girls and the Ropers. The title really should have been changed to 'Men About The House', but it would always remain singular.

Just what does George get up to in the attic? The beer and dirty magazines might provide a clue. When caught unexpectedly, he explains he is "polishing!". Never heard it called that before...

In one of the best scenes, Roper invites antiques dealer Mr.Morris ( the excellent Norman Chappell ) to the attic. Holding up a stack of 'Dandy' and 'Beano' comics, George says: "These could be valuable!". "Pre-war?", enquires Mr.Morris. "Actually, no. They're last year's!".

Funniest moment - that naughty gag in the closing credits ( you can see it above the producer's name ). How on Earth did they get away with it?