Episode #2.3 (9 Mar. 1979)

Ralph and Brian take a week-off and Ralph shows Brian the joys of 'swinging'.

Writers:

John Esmonde, Bob Larbey

Stars:

Richard Briers, Michael Gambon, Lally Bowers

Cast

Episode cast overview:
Richard Briers	...	Ralph Tanner
Michael Gambon	...	Brian Bryant
Lally Bowers	...	Mrs. Martin
Gordon Salkilld	...	Cap'n Morgan
Joe Iles	...	Disc jockey (as Joseph Iles)
Kate Lock	...	Stephanie

Storyline

Ralph and Brian take a week-off and Ralph shows Brian the joys of 'swinging'.

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Genres:

Comedy

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Details

Release Date:

9 March 1979 (UK)

Company Credits

User Reviews

The oldest swingers in town!

Our heroes arrive at the 'Hare & Hounds' country hotel, only to find that Ralph's secretary has forgotten to book any rooms, and there aren't any spare ones as there is an agricultural festival underway in the area. As Ralph observes bitterly: "why can't they hold them in London for a change?". They move into Mrs.Martin's ( Lally Bowers ) bed and breakfast which Ralph hates because it undermines his 'cool' image, but Brian finds rather homely. Ralph insists that they go out to top night-spots, such as 'Cap'n Morgan's Club' in which patrons ( mostly male ) are invited to unhook girls' underwear using fishing rods. After two nights of dancing and drinking, Brian decides he has had enough, and opts to stay in to watch television with Mrs.Martin, drink cocoa, eat chocolate spread, and have an early night...

Those of us who are middle-aged but still think of ourselves as 'young' will surely cringe at the spectacle of Ralph and Brian trying to 'pull birds' and dance the night away. When 'Cap'n Morgan' first appears on stage in a Long John Silver costume, one does a double-take as actor Gordon Salkilld bears a striking resemblance to Rolf Harris. When Brian rebels, Ralph goes out alone. There is a touching final scene as Mrs.Martin puts Ralph to bed while he explains he has had a rotten night, being barred from a disco for being too old and yobbos throwing curry at him. Another bit of his past is laid bare - he was jilted at the altar while his fiancée married his brother!

Funniest moment - Ralph doing a 'John Travolta' act!