Rating: 
Summary: This book will ride up with wear!
Review: "Are You Being Served" is a mainstay at most PBS stations, and for good reason--it is one of their most popular shows! Even though it has been a decade since the show ended, "Are You Being Served?" still leaves people howling with laughter in front of their tellies. This book is the must-have companion to the series, if you are at all interested in the stories behind each episode, the backgrounds of the cast and crew, and a "where are they now?" piece on everyone. The book also includes information on the less successful spinoffs and the feature film. Has that British lingo got you confused? Not to worry--this book also features a glossary of British words and phrases which will help you enjoy the badinage between the characters even more. By the way, some PBS stations are giving this book away as their free gift to you when you donate money to them, and they have claimed that this book is not available anywhere else! Well, it's available at amazon.com (what isn't?)..
Rating:
Summary: Very Excellent
Review: 'AYBS?' has many of the distinctions that make it a notable TV show. It boasts both a black-and-white episode (the pilot) and a 'lost' episode. It's been made into a feature film and a stage play. There's a spinoff series, 'Are You Being Served? Again', known as 'Grace and Favour' in the UK. An Australian version of the series was produced, as well as a pilot for an American rendition that never saw release. These little factoids and many other things are in the book for the fan's reference. Also given are very brief synopses of the episodes, as well as mini-bios of the show's main characters and the actors who portray them. There's Mrs. Slocombe's (Molly Sugden) discussions about her... pet cat, Capt. Peacock's (Frank Thornton) marital woes, the biting wit of Mr. Lucas (Trevor Bannister), and other details. Then there's John Inman and his effeminate and flamboyant portrayal of Mr. Humphries, the quintessential "campy over-the-top allegedly gay" character. A good portion of Inman's bio talks about the controversy regarding Humphries's implied homosexuality. As for Mr. Humphries himself, he has stated many times on the show that he's "neither one way nor the other"... Another neat addition is the glossary of British terms- the slang and vernacular commonly heard on the show. It's good to have when you're watching the show on the west end of the pond and you're not quite sure what a "till", an "electric fire", or "sacking" is. Unfortunately, not all of the various terms heard on the show are defined. I'm still trying to figure out what an "argybargy" (I think that's how it's spelled) is. And just what is a "bloody palaver" (spelling again) anyway? Can anybody help me out on these ones?
Rating:
Summary: No one does comedy like the Brits!
Review: No one does television comedy as well as the Brits, and this series was (is) one of the longest running and the best. The characters become your personal acquaintances, and you can watch their antics over and over in reruns without tiring of them. This book is replete with photographs, many in full color, and behind the scenes introductions to the actors and their characters, and a synopsis of each of the shows, as well as a section devoted to trivia questions about the show for aficionados. The show, it says, never used canned laughter. They didn't have to. A great book about a great comedy television series that is still going on American public television, and we hope will continue indefinitely. Joseph H Pierre
Rating: 
Summary: Are you free, Mister Humphries?
Review: Although Monty Python's Flying Circus is still the most celebrated British comedy TV series to hit the states, I've yet to see any other BBC show match 'Are You Being Served?' as the funniest. The 'Inside Story' companion book is a helpful guide for American fans of this landmark BBC sitcom.
'AYBS?' has many of the distinctions that make it a notable TV show. It boasts both a black-and-white episode (the pilot) and a 'lost' episode. It's been made into a feature film and a stage play. There's a spinoff series, 'Are You Being Served? Again', known as 'Grace and Favour' in the UK. An Australian version of the series was produced, as well as a pilot for an American rendition that never saw release. These little factoids and many other things are in the book for the fan's reference. Also given are very brief synopses of the episodes, as well as mini-bios of the show's main characters and the actors who portray them. There's Mrs. Slocombe's (Molly Sugden) discussions about her... pet cat, Capt. Peacock's (Frank Thornton) marital woes, the biting wit of Mr. Lucas (Trevor Bannister), and other details. Then there's John Inman and his effeminate and flamboyant portrayal of Mr. Humphries, the quintessential "campy over-the-top allegedly gay" character. A good portion of Inman's bio talks about the controversy regarding Humphries's implied homosexuality. As for Mr. Humphries himself, he has stated many times on the show that he's "neither one way nor the other"... Another neat addition is the glossary of British terms- the slang and vernacular commonly heard on the show. It's good to have when you're watching the show on the west end of the pond and you're not quite sure what a "till", an "electric fire", or "sacking" is. Unfortunately, not all of the various terms heard on the show are defined. I'm still trying to figure out what an "argybargy" (I think that's how it's spelled) is. And just what is a "bloody palaver" (spelling again) anyway? Can anybody help me out on these ones? 'Late!
Rating:
Summary: You Would Be Well Served If You Got This Book!!
Review: Are You Being Served was one of the first, and for my money, probably the very best Britcom shown on PBS. Pre-Monty Python, the humor relied on timeless British wit rather than on the physical comedy which has predominated in the 30 years since it's debut. What a joy to see fabulous British actors doing what they do best---speaking the Queen's English with unmatched ability, the better to show that great use of language allied with a wonderful sense of humor makes for unparalleled entertainment. This book traces the history of the show, reviews and rates each episode, profiles the cast and director, and, in the most enjoyable chapter of all, reveal the actual processes by which episodes were made at Sheppard's Bush studios. Since this book seems very much aimed at an American audience, it would be nice if the author spent some time discussing the differences between British and American television: How much are British actors paid, why so few episodes were made per season, etc. Still, it is wonderful to see actors who care more about "mucking in" and helping each other out rather than screaming about lack of pay, etc. In the British system, the play (or sitcom) is the thing, and I, for one, appreciate the difference (not to mention a much higher level of talent overall!). In sum, an excellent book and a great companion for your next Are You Being Served watching party, where hopefully, the partygoers get to dress as their favorite characters! Just be sure to plan carefully; we wouldn't want a party where everyone would come dressed as Mrs. Slocombe and Mr. Humphries, now would we?? On second thought, it might be more fun that way!!!
Rating:
Summary: Fun and Entertaining
Review: As a fan of the show I found this book entertaining and enjoyable to read. It gives some details about each episode and the actors. I couldn't ask for anything more.
Rating:
Summary: Nice Reference Guide to the Over-the-Top British Comedy
Review: Fans of this long-running series and mainstay on American public television will appreciate this excellent reference guide to the actors and episodes. The book is 212 pages and is full of color and black and white photos. All the leading actors are featured in mini bios (there is 8 pages of text along with several pages of photos on John Inman, alone) as well as short bios on supporting actors such as Arthur English (Mr. Harman). Info on the chief writers Jeremy Lloyd and David Croft, a brief history of the series, behind-the scenes look at the taping of the shows, AYBS trivia, and a glossary of "Briticisms" are also included. The most valuable section of this book, however, is the lists with plot details on every episode of the ten-season series. The information on each episode includes a list of the extras, the date it first aired, trivia (in most cases), plot description and rating on a one to four-star scale. I am not sure how the ratings were ascertained, as they often differ from how I judge the shows, but it is fun to watch an episode and then check the guide to see what they thought of the show. Keep this book handy whenever you enter the world of Grace Brothers.
Rating:
Summary: Nice Reference Guide to the Over-the-Top British Comedy
Review: Fans of this long-running series and mainstay on American public television will appreciate this excellent reference guide to the actors and episodes. The book is 212 pages and is full of color and black and white photos. All the leading actors are featured in mini bios (there is 8 pages of text along with several pages of photos on John Inman, alone) as well as short bios on supporting actors such as Arthur English (Mr. Harman). Info on the chief writers Jeremy Lloyd and David Croft, a brief history of the series, behind-the scenes look at the taping of the shows, AYBS trivia, and a glossary of "Briticisms" are also included. The most valuable section of this book, however, is the lists with plot details on every episode of the ten-season series. The information on each episode includes a list of the extras, the date it first aired, trivia (in most cases), plot description and rating on a one to four-star scale. I am not sure how the ratings were ascertained, as they often differ from how I judge the shows, but it is fun to watch an episode and then check the guide to see what they thought of the show. Keep this book handy whenever you enter the world of Grace Brothers.
Rating:
Summary: A Delightful Companion for Fans of the Series
Review: Having thoroughly enjoyed Richard Webber's superb tribute to the series, I was a little skeptical (I must confess) about the ability of this book to measure up. Well, I needn't have been. This is an absolutely delightful and extremely informative behind-the-scenes companion book. The authors have liberally seasoned the book with plenty of anecdotes from the cast and crew. The history of the series (how it came about, how the characters were created and cast, why certain cast members left, and so on) is very well presented. In a couple of instances, a question and answer format is used with writer Jeremy Lloyd and director Bob Spiers, which adds to the overall conversational feel of the book. The authors have even included a segment on Simpson's (the store on which Grace Brothers' was modelled) and have solicited comments from its General Manager. Also dealt with are the movie, the stage show, the 90's sequel (Grace and Favour also known as Are You Being Served? Again!), and the US and Aussie spinoffs. The book includes complete episode guides for the series, the 90's sequel and (briefly) the Aussie spinoff. Finally, it concludes with a cute little 100-question trivia quiz on the series and a glossary of British terms (the book is very much directed towards a US audience). Nearly half the book is devoted to bios of the writers (Jeremy Lloyd and David Croft), the main cast members and the characters they portrayed, with roughly 3-5 pages devoted to each. Though fairly brief, the bios are actually quite informative and certainly interesting. The book itself is an 8" x 9" 212-page softcover. The paper is comparatively thin but of a fine quality nonetheless. Many of the pages are coloured, some with decorative trims or background patterns, and the margins are very wide and filled with tidbits of information. The book is rife with colour and b/w photos from the show. The quality of some of the larger photos is not the best (they're a bit blurry or grainy--as though they've been enlarged a bit too much); nevertheless the selection of scenes (some of which are quite comical) is very good indeed. All in all, the effect is very pleasing. In conclusion, this is a very colourful, user-friendly book that is, quite frankly, as much fun to thumb through as it is to read. Whether you get this book or Richard Webber's, you'll not be disappointed. Very highly recommended!
Rating:
Summary: A Delightful Companion for Fans of the Series
Review: Having thoroughly enjoyed Richard Webber's superb tribute to the series, I was a little skeptical (I must confess) about the ability of this book to measure up. Well, I needn't have been. This is an absolutely delightful and extremely informative behind-the-scenes companion book. The authors have liberally seasoned the book with plenty of anecdotes from the cast and crew. The history of the series (how it came about, how the characters were created and cast, why certain cast members left, and so on) is very well presented. In a couple of instances, a question and answer format is used with writer Jeremy Lloyd and director Bob Spiers, which adds to the overall conversational feel of the book. The authors have even included a segment on Simpson's (the store on which Grace Brothers' was modelled) and have solicited comments from its General Manager. Also dealt with are the movie, the stage show, the 90's sequel (Grace and Favour also known as Are You Being Served? Again!), and the US and Aussie spinoffs. The book includes complete episode guides for the series, the 90's sequel and (briefly) the Aussie spinoff. Finally, it concludes with a cute little 100-question trivia quiz on the series and a glossary of British terms (the book is very much directed towards a US audience). Nearly half the book is devoted to bios of the writers (Jeremy Lloyd and David Croft), the main cast members and the characters they portrayed, with roughly 3-5 pages devoted to each. Though fairly brief, the bios are actually quite informative and certainly interesting. The book itself is an 8" x 9" 212-page softcover. The paper is comparatively thin but of a fine quality nonetheless. Many of the pages are coloured, some with decorative trims or background patterns, and the margins are very wide and filled with tidbits of information. The book is rife with colour and b/w photos from the show. The quality of some of the larger photos is not the best (they're a bit blurry or grainy--as though they've been enlarged a bit too much); nevertheless the selection of scenes (some of which are quite comical) is very good indeed. All in all, the effect is very pleasing. In conclusion, this is a very colourful, user-friendly book that is, quite frankly, as much fun to thumb through as it is to read. Whether you get this book or Richard Webber's, you'll not be disappointed. Very highly recommended!
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