Orlando Harmon
Are You Being Served? is a British sitcom that first aired in 1972. Set in a department store, the comedy centres around the staff of the fictional Grace Brothers and their antics. In the seventh series, episode two, titled Strong Stuff This Insurance, Grace Brothers arranges a group insurance scheme for its staff, but they must first undergo physicals to pass their medical examinations. The episode first aired on 26 October 1979 and has been rated 8.2/10 by IMDb users.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Title | Strong Stuff This Insurance |
| Genre | Comedy |
| Series | 7 |
| Episode | 2 |
| Episode Number | 2 of 8 |
| Episode Length | 28/29 minutes |
| Air Date | 26 October 1979 |
| Plot | Grace Brothers arrange a group insurance scheme for staff, but they need to get fit for the medical examination |
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What You'll Learn
Grace Brothers' insurance scheme
In the seventh series of the British sitcom "Are You Being Served?", Grace Brothers introduces a group insurance scheme for its staff. The scheme, which is the focus of the second episode, "Strong Stuff, This Insurance", is dependent on the time left in an employee's service and their medical examination results. In preparation for the medical examination, the staff are forced to undergo physicals, which leads to a series of comedic events, including a memorable scene where the male staff members are undressing. The episode also features a ballet dancer, Amanda Barrie, and an attention-stealing outfit worn by Mollie Sugden's character.
The episode first aired on 26 October 1979 on BBC One London and has since been rebroadcast on other BBC channels. It has been well-received by viewers, with a rating of 8.2 out of 10 on IMDb and positive comments about the humour and performances. The episode's light-hearted and entertaining approach to the topic of insurance and medical examinations showcases the enduring appeal of the "Are You Being Served?" series, even in its seventh season.
The insurance scheme offered by Grace Brothers in the episode reflects a benefit that some employers may provide to their staff. Group insurance plans can offer employees peace of mind and financial protection in the event of unforeseen circumstances. However, as depicted in the episode, such schemes may also involve medical evaluations and other requirements that employees must fulfil to determine their eligibility and the extent of their coverage.
The specific details of insurance schemes can vary, and employees should familiarise themselves with the terms and conditions of any insurance plan offered by their employer. It is important to understand the benefits and limitations of such schemes and to ensure that one's personal needs are adequately addressed. While group insurance can be advantageous, individuals may also consider supplemental coverage to meet their unique circumstances and ensure comprehensive protection.
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Staff medical examinations
In the "Are You Being Served?" TV series, an episode called "Strong Stuff This Insurance" features the staff of Grace Brothers undergoing physicals for the company's group insurance scheme. The episode highlights the comedic aspects of the situation, including the staff's reactions to the medical examinations and their misunderstanding of the process.
In the context of staff medical examinations in the real world, the practice is often influenced by legal frameworks and organizational policies. For example, in the United States, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and its amendments (ADAAA) set guidelines for disability-related inquiries and medical examinations of employees. The ADA and ADAAA restrict employers from making disability-related inquiries or requiring medical exams at three stages of employment: pre-job offer, post-job offer, and during employment. However, there are specific circumstances where medical examinations may be warranted, such as when an employee requests reasonable accommodations or when there is a potential risk to health and safety.
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) provides enforcement guidance on disability-related inquiries and medical examinations during employment. They emphasize that such inquiries and examinations must be "'job-related and consistent with business necessity.'" This means that employers must have a valid reason based on the essential job functions and the specific medical condition in question. Additionally, any medical information obtained during these examinations should be maintained confidentially and not used to limit insurance eligibility or occupational advancement.
When conducting staff medical examinations, organizations should ensure compliance with applicable laws and ethical practices. Medical examinations should be tailored to the specific requirements of the position and conducted in accordance with local laws and medical practices. For example, pre-employment medical examinations may be required for certain positions with specific health and safety risks, or to assess an individual's ability to perform the essential functions of the job. During employment, medical examinations may be necessary for health and safety purposes, such as assessing exposure to contagious diseases or ensuring immunity through vaccinations.
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Mr Grace's Nurse
Mr. Grace's Nurse, played by Vivienne Johnson, was a supporting character in the British sitcom "Are You Being Served?" from 1978 to 1981. The show, which aired from 1972 to 1985, featured a memorable episode in 1979 titled "Strong Stuff This Insurance." In this episode, Grace Brothers, the department store where the sitcom is set, introduces a group insurance scheme for its staff. The scheme is based on the time left for each staff member to serve and their medical condition.
Mr. Grace, the owner of Grace Brothers, has a personal nurse, played by Vivienne Johnson, who appears in this episode. The nurse informs Mr. Grace about a surprise the staff has prepared for him, setting the tone for the episode's comedic events. The episode explores the staff's reactions to the insurance scheme and their attempts to get fit for the upcoming medical examinations.
One of the highlights of the episode is the medical scene, where the men undress and the staff members wait outside Mr. Grace's office, leading to misunderstandings and comedic moments. The episode also features a ballet dancer, Amanda Barrie, and a scene-stealing outfit by Mollie, adding to the entertainment.
Vivienne Johnson's portrayal of Mr. Grace's Nurse in "Are You Being Served?" is a memorable part of the show's legacy. Her character's interactions with Mr. Grace and the staff, especially around the insurance scheme, contributed to the sitcom's popularity and enduring charm. This particular episode, "Strong Stuff This Insurance," showcases the show's ability to blend humour with the everyday concerns of its characters, creating a beloved classic.
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Ballet dancer Amanda Barrie
Amanda Barrie, born Shirley Anne Broadbent, is an English actress and dancer known for her extensive career in television, film, and theatre. She made her debut at the age of three, playing a Christmas tree fairy at her family's theatre. As a child, she took ballet and singing lessons but was expelled from St. Anne's College for skipping classes to receive additional ballet training. At the age of thirteen, she appeared in a pantomime performance, where she danced off the stage and into the orchestra pit.
Barrie changed her name in 1958 and made her TV debut with Morecambe and Wise, accidentally losing her skirt on live television. She then set her sights on a career beyond dancing and transitioned into musical revue work, seeking comedic roles. She appeared in the revues "Six of One" (1963) with Dora Bryan and "See You Inside" (1963), showcasing her versatility.
In the 1960s, Barrie began to land notable film roles, including appearances in popular comedies such as "Operation Bullshine" (1959), "A Pair of Briefs" (1962), and "Doctor in Distress" (1963). She also joined the "'Carry On' film franchise, starring in "Carry On Cabby" (1963) and "Carry On Cleo" (1964). In 1965, she appeared in Billy Fury's film "I've Gotta Horse" and continued to build her television career throughout the 1970s.
One of her notable television appearances was in the BBC comedy series "Are You Being Served?" where she played a ballet mistress in the episode "Strong Stuff This Insurance." The episode, which aired in 1979 as part of the seventh series, centred around Grace Brothers' group insurance scheme for staff, requiring them to undergo physical examinations.
Barrie's career spanned various genres, including sitcoms, soap operas, and stage productions. She is particularly known for her long-running role as Alma Halliwell in the ITV soap opera "Coronation Street," which she played on and off for 20 years. She also took on diverse stage roles, including appearances in "Absurd Person Singular," "Stepping Out," "Blithe Spirit," and various pantomime productions.
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Mrs Slocombe and Mr Lucas
Mrs. Betty Slocombe, played by Mollie Sugden, is a fictional character from the BBC One comedy show, "Are You Being Served?". She is the Head of the Ladies' Department at Grace Brothers, a department store. Mrs. Slocombe is very vain about her age, often claiming to be much younger than she is. She frequently dyes her hair unusual colours such as lime green or orange. She is known for her flirtatious behaviour towards her male colleagues, particularly Mr. Humphries, and her frequent references to her missing cat. In one episode, she even believes that Mr. Humphries proposed marriage to her.
Mr. James/Dick Lucas, portrayed by Trevor Bannister, is a young, penniless, and womanizing junior member of the Grace Brothers staff. Not much else is known about his character or his interactions with Mrs. Slocombe. However, in one instance, Mrs. Slocombe compliments Mr. Lucas on his "very smooth hands".
In the episode "Strong Stuff This Insurance", Grace Brothers arranges a group insurance scheme for its staff, but they need to undergo physical examinations to qualify. The episode first aired on October 26, 1979, as part of the show's seventh series. It received positive reviews, with a rating of 8.2 out of 10 on IMDb.
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Frequently asked questions
The staff at Grace Brothers are forced to undergo physicals for an insurance scheme that Mr. Grace has arranged for them. The amount each staff member gets depends on the time left to serve and a medical.
The episode is a comedy.
The episode is 28-29 minutes long.
The episode has a rating of 8.2.
The episode was released on 26 October 1979.
