"Man About the House" While the Cat's Away (1974)

Director:

Peter Frazer-Jones

Writers:

Brian Cooke (written by)
Johnnie Mortimer (written by)

TV Series:

"Man About the House" (1973)

Original Air Date:

9 January 1974 (Season 2, Episode 1)

Genre:

Comedy

Plot:

Plot Keywords:

Evil Landowner

Cast

Richard O'Sullivan	...	Robin Tripp
Paula Wilcox	...	Chrissy
Sally Thomsett	...	Jo
Yootha Joyce	...	Mrs. Roper
Brian Murphy	...	Mr. Roper
rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Jeffrey Gardiner	...	Maurice
Jenny Hanley	...	Liz
Ian Lavender	...	Mark
Colin McCormack	...	Henry
Michael Segal	...	Jim

"the mice will play!"

*** This comment may contain spoilers ***

Season 1 of 'Man About The House' ended on 26/9/73. Fans would only have to wait three months for Season 2 ( it commenced on 9/1/74 ). Inbetween there was a special sketch on that year's 'All Star Comedy Carnival' in which Robin, Chrissy and Jo accept an invite to join the Ropers downstairs on Christmas Day, only to be bored out of their minds ( the same show also featured Richard O'Sullivan as 'Bingham' in a 'Doctor In Charge' item ).

As the result of the show's success, O'Sullivan handed in his stethoscope at St. Swithins, to concentrate full time on his new role as would-be swinger 'Robin Tripp'.

The first episode of Season 2 opens with a bored Robin, Chrissy ( Paula Wilcox ) and Jo ( Sally Thomsett ) watching 'The Lone Ranger' on television. They want to throw a party, but there is a fly in the ointment - their landlord George Roper ( Brian Murphy ).

Luckily for them, the Ropers are planning on spending a night at Mildred's sister's. George does not want to go as his in-laws are always showing-off. "The last time it was their new garage door. We had to stand in the pouring rain watching the thing go up and down!". But when Mildred tells him that her sister's husband has been found guilty of drunk driving, he senses an opportunity to turn the tables.

The party gets underway the following night. All the booze is put on the slate at 'The Mucky Duck' pub. Robin hopes to get off with the lovely Liz ( Jenny Hanley ) while Chrissy has her eye on actor Mark ( Ian Lavender ), star of a deodorant commercial. But as the evening progresses, Liz and Mark become attracted to one another.

Robin and Chrissy have an even bigger problem to contend with - the Ropers have come home unexpectedly early...

A good start to Season 2. Robin's naughty apron ( depicting bra and frilly knickers ) makes its debut here. Mail order firms started selling these to cash in on the success of the show.

Ian Lavender, on leave from 'Dad's Army', sports a 'page boy' hairstyle of the kind in fashion at that time. Jenny Hanley appeared in the Bond movie 'On Her Majesty's Secret Service' and Hammer's 'Scars Of Dracula' before going on to the I.T.V. children's show 'Magpie' ( also made by Thames ).

Things To Listen Out For - as Chrissy seethes with rage at Mark's interest in Liz, Jo quips: "He's got big ears anyway!". It gets a big laugh from the audience, who would have recognised it as the punchline to a famous Bovril commercial. The star of said commercial was none other than Sally Thomsett.

Funniest moment - an angry George and Mildred returning home. "No wonder we were asked to leave!", storms the latter. "I did not know where to look when you rinsed your teeth in their bidet!".