Jeffrey Wade
In the seventh series of the classic British comedy Are You Being Served?, the staff of Grace Brothers undergo physicals for the store's insurance scheme. The episode, titled Strong Stuff This Insurance, first aired in 1979 and sees the staff call on the help of a ballet dancer, played by Amanda Barrie. The magic is still there in this long-running series, with Mollie stealing the scene in her outfit, and the staff misunderstanding what's happening during the medical examination.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Title | Strong Stuff This Insurance |
| TV Show | Are You Being Served? |
| Episode Number | 2 |
| Series Number | 7 |
| Genre | Comedy |
| Release Date | 26 October 1979 |
| Length | 28 minutes |
| Rating | TV-G |
| IMDb Rating | 8.2 |
| Plot | The staff at Grace Brothers undergo physicals for an insurance scheme |
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What You'll Learn
Mr Grace's insurance scheme
Mr Grace has a generous insurance scheme in place for the staff at Grace Brothers. The scheme pays out an amount to each staff member based on the time left until they need to claim. To determine this amount, staff members must undergo a physical examination and complete a medical. The staff find the process undignified and embarrassing, particularly the scene where the male staff members are forced to undress. They also find it confusing, as they are left sitting outside Mr Grace's office, misunderstanding what is happening. The insurance scheme episode is from the seventh series of Are You Being Served? and also features a scene-stealing performance from Mollie and a ballet dancer, Amanda Barrie.
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Ballet dancer Amanda Barrie
In the 1979 episode "Strong Stuff This Insurance" of the TV show "Are You Being Served?", the Grace Brothers staff are treated to a generous insurance scheme by Mr Grace, with payouts depending on the time left to serve and a medical. The episode features a ballet dancer, played by Amanda Barrie, whose dance training is evident in her moves.
Barrie's character is brought in to help the team, and her role adds to the comedic tone of the episode. This is particularly evident in the medical scene, where the men are undressing, and the staff are left waiting outside Mr Grace's office, misunderstanding what is happening.
The episode also stars Trevor Bannister, Alfie Bass, John Inman, Wendy Richard, Nicholas Smith, Mollie Sugden, and Frank Thornton. It is the first of two appearances by Jennifer Guy, who later plays Miss Hurst in the 1981 episode "Front Page Story".
"Strong Stuff This Insurance" is part of the seventh series of "Are You Being Served?", which first aired in 1972. The episode maintains the magic of the show's earlier years, with physical comedy centred around a large chest that once belonged to soldiers and now has rising damp.
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A funny medical scene
In the "Strong Stuff This Insurance" episode of the iconic British comedy "Are You Being Served?", the staff of Grace Brothers find themselves in a bit of a pickle when they are forced to undergo physical examinations as part of the company's insurance scheme. The scene sets the tone for a hilarious sequence of events that showcases the cast's impeccable comedic timing and delivers nonstop laughs.
As the staff members reluctantly disrobe for their medical examinations, the atmosphere is already tense with anticipation. The men's changing room provides the first dose of humour as the male staff members awkwardly undress, displaying a range of interesting underwear choices and a clear discomfort with the entire process. Their attempts to preserve some modicum of dignity in front of their colleagues are both relatable and amusing.
The hilarity continues as the staff, fully clothed or not, assemble outside Mr. Grace's office, unaware of the purpose of their gathering. Their confusion and speculation about what is transpiring adds to the comedic chaos. The scene is a masterpiece of physical comedy and brilliant acting, with each character's unique personality shining through, from the bewildered to the downright absurd.
However, it is Mollie who steals the show with her outfit choice. Her ensemble is a sight to behold, and her presence adds an extra layer of humour to the already chaotic scene. The staff's reactions to her outfit, as well as their own attempts to maintain composure, provide a perfect blend of visual and verbal comedy.
The "Strong Stuff This Insurance" episode is a testament to the enduring appeal of "Are You Being Served?". Even in its seventh series, the show maintained its magic, delivering fresh and hilarious content. This particular episode, with its memorable medical scene, remains a standout moment in the show's history, reminding viewers of the importance of laughter in even the most mundane of situations, such as insurance physicals.
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Staff outside Mr Grace's office
In the "Strong Stuff This Insurance" episode of the comedy series "Are You Being Served?", the staff at Grace Brothers are enrolled in Mr Grace's generous insurance scheme. However, the payout each staff member receives depends on the time left till their retirement and the results of a medical examination.
The episode features a memorable scene where the staff members are seated outside Mr Grace's office, awaiting their medical examinations. The staff members comically misunderstand the situation, adding a layer of humour to the scene. This scene is considered a highlight of the episode, along with the appearance of a ballet dancer, Amanda Barrie, and Mollie's scene-stealing outfit.
The insurance scheme and the subsequent medical examinations create a unique dynamic among the staff, providing an opportunity for comedic interactions and misunderstandings. The staff's reactions to the insurance scheme and their experiences during the medical examinations likely vary, with some approaching the situation with humour, while others may have concerns or anxieties about their health or the potential payout.
As the staff wait outside Mr Grace's office, they may engage in small talk, share nervous laughter, or even attempt to guess what is happening inside the office. The atmosphere could range from light-hearted banter to palpable tension, depending on the staff members' personalities and their relationships with one another. Some staff members might try to reassure or comfort those who are particularly anxious about the medical examinations or the potential outcome of their insurance claims.
Overall, the scene outside Mr Grace's office captures the staff's unique dynamics and their reactions to the insurance scheme, adding a layer of depth and humour to the episode. It showcases their camaraderie, personalities, and ability to find comedy in the most unexpected situations, contributing to the enduring appeal of "Are You Being Served?".
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Mollie's outfit
In the 1979 episode of "Are You Being Served?", "Strong Stuff This Insurance", Mollie Sugden's character Mollie steals the scene with her outfit. Unfortunately, that is all the information I could find about Mollie's outfit in this episode.
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Frequently asked questions
The staff at Grace Brothers are forced to undergo physicals for the store's insurance scheme. The amount each staff member gets depends on the time left to serve and a medical.
The episode has a rating of 8.2/10 on IMDb.
The episode features a scene where the male staff members are undressing, as well as a funny scene where the staff are seated outside Mr Grace's office and misunderstand what's happening.
The episode features Amanda Barrie, a ballet dancer, as well as Jennifer Guy, who would later play Miss Hurst in the 1981 episode "Front Page Story".
The episode was released on 26 October 1979.
