British Comedy: The Fall & Rise of Reginald Perrin

Years: 1976-1979
Broadcaster: BBC
Genre: Sitcom
Written by: David Nobbs
Stars: Leonard Rossiter, Pauline Yates
Episodes: 21
Episode Average: 7.429

BEST EPISODES:
Series 3, Episode 7 (1979), Series 1, Episode 5 (1976)

SERIES ONE

(1976)
7 episodes
Series Score: 60
Episode Average: 8.57
Perfect 10's: 1

S1E1

EPISODE 1

Originally broadcast: 8 September 1976
Directed by: John Howard Davies
Written by: David Nobbs

Elizabeth isn't happy when her mother is referred to as a hippopotamus, Reggie complains of feeling odd when he visits the company doctor, and a tasting for a new line of exotic ices yields some surprising results

"I don't know. How about something like, just off the top of my head, of course, 'I like to stroke my nipple with Raspberry and Lychee Ripple'?"

HOLY GODIVA 4 - ONION JACK 4
TOTAL: 8

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S1E2

EPISODE 2

Originally broadcast: 15 September 1976
Directed by: Gareth Gwenlan
Written by: David Nobbs

Reggie takes the advice of his wife and asks for some time off, Elizabeth's brother calls by to scrounge most of the food in the house, and ideas of a quiet weekend are spoilt when the family insist on a trip to a safari park.

"Your complaints about late delay are not only completely unjustified, but also ungrammatical. The fault lies in your inability to fill in an order form correctly. You are in effect, a pompous, illiterate baboon. Your faithfully, Reginald I. Perrin"

HOLY GODIVA 5 - ONION JACK 4
TOTAL: 9

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S1E3

EPISODE 3

Originally broadcast: 22 September 1976
Directed by: Gareth Gwenlan
Written by: David Nobbs

Reggie decides to have some fun with his secretary while his wife's away, Joan wonders why it's taken so long and throws herself at him, and the sound of the doorbell ringing comes just in time for the flustered host.

"I that 24-hour emergency maintenance service?
Look I'm... Gone home. I see."

HOLY GODIVA 4 - ONION JACK 4
TOTAL: 8

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S1E4

EPISODE 4

Originally broadcast: 29 September 1976
Directed by: Gareth Gwenlan
Written by: David Nobbs

Elizabeth phones to say that she won't be home because her mother's ill, C.J. wants Reggie to make a speech at the British Fruit Association seminar, and a dinner party goes ahead despite there being no food.

"Thank heavens for small-bores, for small bores get bigger every day."

HOLY GODIVA 4 - ONION JACK 4
TOTAL: 8

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S1E5

EPISODE 5

Originally broadcast: 6 October 1976
Directed by: Gareth Gwenlan
Written by: David Nobbs

Reggie goes to see the doctor in an effort to calm his nerves, mixing alcohol with sedatives leads to a speech filled with insults and rambling, and C.J. receives a rather bizarre note telling him that blood will flow.

"Baldy Hump, here, old baldy Hump. You know why he's bald, don't you? Made a right cock-up. He put pesticide on his hair, hair-restorer on his plums, now he's as bald as a coot, got a garden full of hairy plums!"

HOLY GODIVA 5 - ONION JACK 5
TOTAL: 10

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S1E6

EPISODE 6

Originally broadcast: 13 October 1976
Directed by: Gareth Gwenlan
Written by: David Nobbs

Reggie tries to find the right personality to help him start a new life, the attentions of a beautiful lady remind him how much he misses Elizabeth, and hopes of working in the fresh air are dashed when he gets a new job.

"Yes, it's all coming back to me now. There was another girl... No, no, I can't remember her name. Always riding her blasted horse. Large, nervous, highly strung, shaggy, bad-tempered creature. I can't remember what the horse was like."

HOLY GODIVA 4 - ONION JACK 5
TOTAL: 9

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S1E7

EPISODE 7

Originally broadcast: 20 October 1976
Directed by: Gareth Gwenlan
Written by: David Nobbs

Reggie attends his own memorial service disguised as an old friend, Elizabeth calls off her engagement to Henry when she realises the truth, and C.J. takes on a new man to head a new employee morale initiative.

"Well, what about your mother? She shouldn't be falling in love with me so soon after my death."

HOLY GODIVA 4 - ONION JACK 4
TOTAL: 8

SERIES TWO

(1977)
7 episodes
Series Score: 53
Episode Average: 7.57
Perfect 10's: 1

S2E1

EPISODE 1

Originally broadcast: 21 September 1977
Directed by: John Howard Davies
Written by: David Nobbs

Reggie begins to hate living his life as Martin Wellbourne, C.J. announces that he's decided to give Doc Morrissey his job back, and Linda warns her mother to act surprised after persuading her dad to come clean.

"Seventeen minutes late, water seeping through the cables of Effingham Junction. There was a lot of Effingham and a good deal of Blindingham."

HOLY GODIVA 3 - ONION JACK 3
TOTAL: 6

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S2E2

EPISODE 2

Originally broadcast: 28 September 1977
Directed by: Gareth Gwenlan
Written by: David Nobbs

Reggie's goes back in disguise to work on a pig farm after being sacked, Elizabeth hides the truth when she gets a job at Sunshine Desserts, and Tom soon regrets taking on a new estate agent when he loses a sale.

"Then don't tell him. What the eye doesn't see is goose for the gander."

HOLY GODIVA 3 - ONION JACK 3
TOTAL: 6

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S2E3

EPISODE 3

Originally broadcast: 5 October 1977
Directed by: Gareth Gwenlan
Written by: David Nobbs

C.J. diverts attention elsewhere when he's accused of having an affair, Reggie loses his job at the pig farm when his boss checks his background, and Elizabeth suggests opening a shop after being deemed too truthful.

"I was the Florence Nightingale of the swill, Mr. Pelham."

HOLY GODIVA 3 - ONION JACK 3
TOTAL: 6

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S2E4

EPISODE 4

Originally broadcast: 12 October 1977
Directed by: Gareth Gwenlan
Written by: David Nobbs

C.J. pays £30,000 when he mistakenly thinks he's being blackmailed, Tom's not too happy when he spots his wine being sold as awful, and Reggie makes his fortune by selling a whole range of absolute rubbish.

"Have you ever tasted weasel spit strained through a mouldy balaclava? "

HOLY GODIVA 4 - ONION JACK 5
TOTAL: 9

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S2E5

EPISODE 5

Originally broadcast: 19 October 1977
Directed by: Gareth Gwenlan
Written by: David Nobbs

Elizabeth is unhappy at not being found a job in the growing company, Reggie offers jobs to his old colleagues when Sunshine Desserts goes bust, and Joan gets carried away while trying to make Tony jealous.

"Would you order me a Flexisit executive armchair from Flexifirm furnishings at Farnborough? I want it by Friday the 4th at free... three."

HOLY GODIVA 5 - ONION JACK 5
TOTAL: 10

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S2E6

EPISODE 6

Originally broadcast: 26 October 1977
Directed by: Gareth Gwenlan
Written by: David Nobbs

Reggie decides that it's time to destroy the Grot monster he's created, plans for a relaxing holiday on the beach are again spoilt by the family, and an idea to appoint incompetent idiots backfires spectacularly.

"Yes, but you must have become one at some stage. I mean, the midwife didn't take a look at you and tell your proud father, 'It's an estate agent'."

HOLY GODIVA 4 - ONION JACK 4
TOTAL: 8

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S2E7

EPISODE 7

Originally broadcast: 2 November 1977
Directed by: Gareth Gwenlan
Written by: David Nobbs

Reggie decides to appear exclusively on a number of different chat shows, attempts to shock people with eccentric behaviour are seen as normal, and the Perrins decide to invite their family to a hello party.

"Interesting chaps, flowers. If Hitler had bred pansies, there wouldn't have been a war."

HOLY GODIVA 4 - ONION JACK 4
TOTAL: 8

SERIES THREE

(1978-1979)
7 episodes
Series Score: 43
Episode Average: 6.14
Perfect 10's: 1

S3E1

EPISODE 1

Originally broadcast: 29 November 1978
Directed by: John Howard Davies
Written by: David Nobbs

The Perrins sell Grot when they quickly tire of life as different people, Reggie suggests setting up a community after witnessing a pointless argument, and a need for staff brings the old team back together again.

"Come on, darling, let's try the dining room. If it isn't an intimate, yet surprisingly spacious setting for formal and informal dining then I'm the queen of Sheba's surprisingly spacious left tit."

HOLY GODIVA 3 - ONION JACK 3
TOTAL: 6

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S3E2

EPISODE 2

Originally broadcast: 6 December 1978
Directed by: Gareth Gwenlan
Written by: David Nobbs

Elizabeth begs Reggie to offer her brother a place on the staff, the next-door neighbours complain about parking problems and noise, and the first and only guest arrives in the shape of a very nervous undertaker.

"As there's no opposition, Joan, why don't we change shirts, hmm?"

HOLY GODIVA 2 - ONION JACK 2
TOTAL: 4

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S3E3

EPISODE 3

Originally broadcast: 20 December 1978
Directed by: Gareth Gwenlan
Written by: David Nobbs

More guests start to arrive after an advertising campaign, love and peace seem in short supply when the staff start bickering, and Reggie decides to drop in on the activity sessions to see how things are going.

"We're planning a new series about a happy-go-lucky taxidermist. It's called 'Get Stuffed'."

HOLY GODIVA 2 - ONION JACK 3
TOTAL: 5

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S3E4

EPISODE 4

Originally broadcast: 27 December 1978
Directed by: Gareth Gwenlan
Written by: David Nobbs

Space is short despite Perrins now owning five houses in the street, the local council investigate the running of a business in a residential area, and Reggie finds himself having to fill in as group psychologist.

"Now, I realise you'll be doing things in your bedrooms you wouldn't normally be do in your bedrooms. I mean, Tony, culture, Linda, art, David, sex."

HOLY GODIVA 3 - ONION JACK 3
TOTAL: 6

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S3E5

EPISODE 5

Originally broadcast: 3 January 1979
Directed by: Gareth Gwenlan
Written by: David Nobbs

A second appearance on Pillock Talk does wonders for business, the arrival of Jimmy's old business partner coincides with a spate of thefts, and a nymphomaniac guest tries to seduce all of the male staff.

"I didn't gurgle when I am todurgle without recognising a murgul that looks like snow when I see one."

HOLY GODIVA 3 - ONION JACK 3
TOTAL: 6

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S3E6

EPISODE 6

Originally broadcast: 17 January 1979
Directed by: Gareth Gwenlan
Written by: David Nobbs

Reggie doesn't take too kindly to being presented with a local petition, Doc Morrissey encourages staff to try out his new wonder invention, and Jimmy's peace-keeping army attracts the attention of the local thugs.

"I've just given a piece of my mind to the landlord of the George & Dragon, the miserable, men, boring, petty-minded twit. And I've also given another piece of the same mind to that miserable cow, Mrs Blythe-Erpingham. I'm a master of giving people pieces of my mind. There's hardly any of my mind left to give."

HOLY GODIVA 3 - ONION JACK 3
TOTAL: 6

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S3E7

EPISODE 7

Originally broadcast: 24 January 1979
Directed by: Gareth Gwenlan
Written by: David Nobbs

The closure of Perrins sees the staff head back out into the real world, Reggie receives a letter inviting him to an interview at Amalgamated Aerosols, and life behind the desk soon proves to be as drab as ever.

"Mustn't arrive for the smelling smelling. Ha ha ha. Roll on deodorants."

HOLY GODIVA 5 - ONION JACK 5
TOTAL: 10

SPECIAL

(1982)

SPECIAL

THE FUNNY SIDE OF CHRISTMAS:
REGGIE PERRIN

Originally broadcast: 26 December 1982

Reggie finds his quiet Christmas ruined by friends and family.

SERIES ONE

(1996)
7 episodes
Series Score: 32
Episode Average: 4.57
Perfect 10's: 0

S1E1

EPISODE 1

Originally broadcast: 22 September 1996
Directed by: Gareth Gwenlan
Written by: David Nobbs

Reggie's family and friends gather after he is killed by a falling advertising billboard, not everyone is happy to see each other for the reading of the will, and news of inheritance comes with an absurd twist.

"Sorry I asked. Cock-up on the conversation front."

HOLY GODIVA 3 - ONION JACK 3
TOTAL: 6

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S1E2

EPISODE 2

Originally broadcast: 29 September 1996
Directed by: Gareth Gwenlan
Written by: David Nobbs

Miss Hackstraw finds herself the target of more than one marriage proposal, Elizabeth criticises the pathetic attempts at being absurd, and David manages to comes up with an idea to take over the government.

"Can one not be sensible about being absurd?"

HOLY GODIVA 3 - ONION JACK 3
TOTAL: 6

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S1E3

EPISODE 3

Originally broadcast: 6 October 1996
Directed by: Gareth Gwenlan
Written by: David Nobbs

The group vote on whether to let Joan's toyboy join the committee, C.J. and Doc have words about who has the right to make a move on Miss Hackstraw, and efforts are made to drum up support for the campaign.

"Precisely. The person that you love and adore and worship is you. So I suggest you go home, ask yourself to go to bed with yourself, play hard to get for about half an hour and then submit. You could have a wonderful night."

HOLY GODIVA 2 - ONION JACK 1
TOTAL: 3

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S1E4

EPISODE 4

Originally broadcast: 13 October 1996
Directed by: Gareth Gwenlan
Written by: David Nobbs

Tom and Linda find themselves getting close again after going out to dinner, Jimmy's furious when everyone turns up late for a meeting, and Doc comes up with ideas already thought of by someone else.

"I didn't get where I am today without knowing a monster when I see one."

HOLY GODIVA 2 - ONION JACK 2
TOTAL: 4

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S1E5

EPISODE 5

Originally broadcast: 20 October 1996
Directed by: Gareth Gwenlan
Written by: David Nobbs

C.J. is seen talking to journalists by the surveillance team of David and Tom, Miss Hackstraw drops in to check on the levels of absurdity, and Joan and Hank decide to make Linda's wedding day a double celebration.

"He's probably just getting petrol. He doesn't expect to be followed, especially by the car in front of him."

HOLY GODIVA 3 - ONION JACK 2
TOTAL: 5

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S1E6

EPISODE 6

Originally broadcast: 27 October 1996
Directed by: Gareth Gwenlan
Written by: David Nobbs

A slip of the tongue from David turns out to be beneficial to the cause, Jimmy suggests that the hiring of coaches should come before recruiting, and Doc and C.J. get a shock after a cock-up on the alarm front.

"Custer didn't say, 'I have a dreadful feeling my last stand is gonna clash with a car-boot sale, and no-one will come'."

HOLY GODIVA 2 - ONION JACK 2
TOTAL: 4

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S1E7

EPISODE 7

Originally broadcast: 31 October 1996
Directed by: Gareth Gwenlan
Written by: David Nobbs

Coaches filled with protesters are diverted to the big event in London, a reporter recovering in hospital suddenly recalls an earlier conversation, and a television appearance leaves Jimmy apologising to Angela Rippon.

"I think I may have ruined my Welsh heritage."

HOLY GODIVA 2 - ONION JACK 2
TOTAL: 4

REGINALD PERRIN

Played by Leonard Rossiter

THE FALL AND RISE
OF REGINALD PERRIN
21 Episodes
(1976-1979)

ELIZABETH PERRIN

Played by Pauline Yates

THE FALL AND RISE
OF REGINALD PERRIN
21 Episodes
(1976-1979)

THE LEGACY OF
REGINALD PERRIN
7 Episodes
(1996)

C.J.

Played by John Barron

THE FALL AND RISE
OF REGINALD PERRIN
20 Episodes
(1976-1979)

THE LEGACY OF
REGINALD PERRIN
7 Episodes
(1996)

JOAN GREENGROSS

Played by Sue Nicholls

THE FALL AND RISE
OF REGINALD PERRIN
20 Episodes
(1976-1979)

THE LEGACY OF
REGINALD PERRIN
4 Episodes
(1996)

TONY WEBSTER

Played by Trevor Adams

THE FALL AND RISE
OF REGINALD PERRIN
20 Episodes
(1976-1979)

DAVID HARRIS-JONES

Played by Bruce Bould

THE FALL AND RISE
OF REGINALD PERRIN
20 Episodes
(1976-1979)

THE LEGACY OF
REGINALD PERRIN
4 Episodes
(1996)

LINDA PATTERSON/PERRIN

Played by Sally-Jane Spencer

THE FALL AND RISE
OF REGINALD PERRIN
16 Episodes
(1976-1979)

THE LEGACY OF
REGINALD PERRIN
7 Episodes
(1996)

TOM PATTERSON

Played by Tim Preece/Leslie Schofield

THE FALL AND RISE
OF REGINALD PERRIN
9 Episodes
(1976-1977)

THE FALL AND RISE
OF REGINALD PERRIN
7 Episodes
(1978-1979)

THE LEGACY OF
REGINALD PERRIN
7 Episodes
(1996)

DOC MORRISSEY

Played by John Horsley

THE FALL AND RISE
OF REGINALD PERRIN
14 Episodes
(1976-1979)

THE LEGACY OF
REGINALD PERRIN
7 Episodes
(1996)

JIMMY ANDERSON

Played by Geoffrey Palmer

THE FALL AND RISE
OF REGINALD PERRIN
13 Episodes
(1976-1979)

THE LEGACY OF
REGINALD PERRIN
7 Episodes
(1996)

PRUE HARRIS-JONES

Played by Theresa Watson

THE FALL AND RISE
OF REGINALD PERRIN
7 Episodes
(1978-1979)

THE LEGACY OF
REGINALD PERRIN
7 Episodes
(1996)

GERALDINE HACKSTRAW

Played by Patricia Hodge

THE LEGACY OF
REGINALD PERRIN
7 Episodes
(1996)

PETER CARTWRIGHT

Played by Terence Conoley

THE FALL AND RISE
OF REGINALD PERRIN
6 Episodes
(1976-1977)

McBLANE

Played by Joseph Brady

THE FALL AND RISE
OF REGINALD PERRIN
5 Episodes
(1978-1979)

MR. PELHAM

Played by Glynn Edwards

THE FALL AND RISE
OF REGINALD PERRIN
3 Episodes
(1977-1978)

HANK MILLBECK

Played by Michael Fenton Stevens

THE LEGACY OF
REGINALD PERRIN
5 Episodes
(1996)

WELTON ORMSBY

Played by David Ryall

THE LEGACY OF
REGINALD PERRIN
5 Episodes
(1996)

SEAMUS FINNEGAN

Played by Derry Power

THE FALL AND RISE
OF REGINALD PERRIN
2 Episodes
(1977-1979)

MARK PERRIN

Played by David Warwick

THE FALL AND RISE
OF REGINALD PERRIN
2 Episodes
(1976)