Rent Bless This House: Series 1 (1971)
4.0 of 5 from 6 ratings
5h 0min
- General info
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- All series
- Synopsis:
All 12 episodes from the first series of the classic ITV sitcom, starring Sid James as stationery firm executive Sid Abbott.
1. The Generation Gap
Sid Abbott is a family man and he doesn't find it easy, especially with two teenage children growing up In a world whose values and attitudes he doesn't really understand. Luckily his wife is more "with it" (Sid doesn't understand that either) and guides him gently through most of the problems which are usually of his own making.
2. Mum's the WordIt wasn't that Sid was eavesdropping - and it wasn't that what he heard displeased him - in fact, once he had got used to the idea it pleased him very much. The trouble was that he only heard hall the conversation and put two and two together to make five...
3. Father's Day
The best laid plans of mice and men (and women) sometimes go astray and Jean and Dr. MacLaren should have known that when they planned a surprise for Sid on Father's Day. Things would have gone smoothly had there been no question of the ownership of an 'old red Morris'.
4. Be It Ever So Humble
Sid gets (or loses) more than he bargained for when he tells Mike to 'get a job' and 'spread his wings'. Mike does spread his wings and when everyone else has done their bit Sid is left with the budgie and, when a trip to Birmingham lands him in hot water, help comes tram a very unexpected source.
5. Another Fine Mess
...in which Sid involves everyone...including his boss. In fact, it all started with his boss - who asked Sid to do him a favour. When things got into a mess, Sally and Mike tried to persuade Sid to be honest with lean - but Sid decides there's a time and a place to be honest - and it isn't in the kitchen "with all these weapons lying about".
6. For Whom the Bells Toll
When a young couple marry - it is the bride's parents who foot the reception bill, and the groom's family have a 'do' on the house. But if the youngsters go off and get married secretly - someone misses out! And Sid Abbott doesn't miss out as easily as that.
7. A Woman's Place
Sid is convinced that a woman's place is in the home, or more precisely - "in the kitchen, facing the sink". Jean, however, feels the time has come for her to break out of her domestic prison and gel a job, and arranges for a woman to come in and 'do'.
8. The Day of Rest
Young Mike Abbott's latest piece of modern sculpture causes trouble when new neighbours move in next door.
9. Make Love...Not War
It all started with Sid trying to listen to Tchaikovsky. That is soon interrupted by a visitor from next door - and before long Sid himself is a visitor next door. 'Make Love...Not War' is an appropriate description of what happens next.
10. Charity Begins at Home
Sid's Saturday lie-in, and lazy weekend "with a big Sunday lunch and lots of telly" is doomed from the start. Sally is in love again, all Jean has to lose is her waistline and Mike embraces a new cause; all of which involves Sid in a challenge to his principles and willpower and visions of steak and blancmange.
11. If the Dog Collar Fits...Wear It!
If the dog collar fits - wear it! Although Sid feels that perhaps a zookeeper's bat would be more appropriate then they could open up each Sunday. When Sally, in do-gooder mode, provides Fred with shelter, Sid thinks it is time to ignore those big pleading eyes - Sally's and Fred's - and be master in his own home.
12. The Morning After the Night Before
It may well have been thirty years since Sid left the Boy Scouts but the annual get-together is always a night to remember - only this year Sid can't even remember where he's been. Jean produces souvenirs and mementoes to help remind him and Sid spends the rest of the day trying to get rid of the evidence.- Actors:
- Sidney James, Diana Coupland, Robin Stewart, Sally Geeson, Gay Soper, Anthony Jackson, David Rowlands, Margot Lister, Jean Aubrey, Terence Alexander, Peter Copley, Beryl Cooke, June Abbott, Vivienne Cohen, Glynn Edwards, Colin Jeavons, Arthur English, Clinton Morris, Janette Lynn, Lesley Goldie
- Directors:
- William G. Stewart
- Producers:
- William G. Stewart
- Creators:
- Harry Driver, Vince Powell
- Writers:
- Vince Powell, Harry Driver, Carla Lane, Myra Taylor, Dave Freeman, David Cumming, Derek Collyer
- Studio:
- Network
- Genres:
- British TV, TV Classics, TV Comedies, TV Sitcoms
