Are You Being Served? Movie
Storyline
TAGLINES
Are you free?
When Grace Brothers closes for redecoration, Young Mr. Grace send the staff on holiday to Costa Plonka, where they find themselves in the middle of a revolution.
| John Inman | Mr. Wilberforce Clayborne Humphries |
| Mollie Sugden | Mrs. Betty Slocombe |
| Frank Thornton | Captain Stephen Peacock |
| Trevor Bannister | Mr. Dick Lucas |
| Wendy Richard | Miss Shirley Brahms |
| Arthur Brough | Mr. Ernest Grainger |
| Nicholas Smith | Mr. Cuthbert Rumbold |
| Harold Bennett | Young Mr. Grace |
| Arthur English | Mr. Beverley Harman |
| Karan David | Conchita |
| Glyn Houston | Cesar Rodriguez |
| Andrew Sachs | Don Carlos Bernardo |
| Derek Griffiths | The Emir |
| Nadim Sawalha | The Emir's Interpreter |
| Penny Irving | Miss Nicholson |
| Bob Kellett |
3.10 out of 10 (559 votes)
Visitor Reviews
Film Not as Good as TV Series
posted on 30 Aug 2009This film is slightly disappointing as unlike the series, there's far more slapstick "Carry On" style hijinks and not as many jokes. Still I can't deny that it doesn't have it's moments especially after the notes get passed around. Still one really misses the series trademarks and the fact that the cast are only briefly at the store.
Another failed attempt to translate a successful TV comedy to the big screen
posted on 30 Aug 2009For some reason British sitcoms do not weather the translation to the big screen well. Many classic series have suffered from this problem ("Steptoe & Son", "Rising Damp", "Till Death Us Do Part" etc etc). None suffered worse than "Are You Being Served". Plagued by a weak Script, Sloppy directing & a cast who simply seemed to be embarrassed by the whole experience, it just plain isn't funny.
A must for fans of the TV series!
posted on 30 Aug 2009OK, it's creaky, incredibly dated, and the sets (or was there just one set?!) are wobbly, but that's all part of the charm. It's also quite perceptive of the attitude of the British abroad, that still persists to this day. My friends and I always seem to end up quoting from this film when we go abroad!The best scene has to be when the myopic Ernest Grainger, who's never been on a plane before, enters what he thinks is the lavatory (it's actually the cockpit). 'Oh, I'm sorry - will you be long?' he says to the pilot. 'About two hours' replies the pilot. 'Oh dear- I'll go to the other end' replies Mr Grainger. Absolutely priceless!
"Cash In" Syndrome?
posted on 30 Aug 2009Ignore the gargantuan ballot-stuffing--median 10.0 indeed!For fans of the tv show this is somewhat amusing, but as a movie it's just shamefully inadequate. In terms of pedigree, this is truly the progenitor of all those later scenarios where five-minute SNL skits had to come out as full-length movies. In the 1990's this would have gone direct-to-video.The regular cast all play as well as ever, but a surprising guest turn is Andrew Sachs who appears as the hotel manager... an amusing irony given his lasting fame as hotel lackey Manuel in "Fawlty Towers".
I like them better behind their store counters!
posted on 30 Aug 2009As a fan of the wonderful Britcom, I searched and searched for a copy of this movie. When I finally found it, I was disappointed. I like the characters much better in the store -- they just don't do well outside of Grace Brothers. It was a bit dull that many of the jokes were pulled from the TV shows (e.g. the "Dear Sexy Knickers ..." note; Mrs. Slocombe making offensive noises while blowing up her air mattress, etc.) and the ending was an abrupt letdown. Still a worthwhile watch for any fan of the show, but don't expect a lot.
Dear sexy knickers......are you free?
posted on 30 Aug 2009Intellectual it isn`t,just a good belly laugh start to finish.All the old jokes double entendres and inuendo filled camp humour that made the tv show so popular for more than a decade.Inman sugden thornton & co at their funniest.Cheeky irreverant and pollitically incorrect.Enjoy!
Like The Show, Yet Not Enough In Other Ways.
posted on 30 Aug 2009I have to admit that I am a little surprised by the reviews and rating for this movie. I actually found it quite funny at times, but I grew up with the show. I think what ultimately pulls this film past an average outing is the facts that some of the one-liner genuinely are funny, and my own personal affinity of the characters.That's not to say that there aren't a few issues with the film. While the cast doesn't have to be regulated to the store to be funny (Grace and Favour proved that years later), they didn't have to transport the same jokes. There were at least 2-3 scenarios taken directly from the more popular episodes. On one hand, it's not the most original, however funny it was the first time, on the other hand, one has to take into account that some people may have never seen the show, and this movie is their first exposure to it (And shame on you, if so).The biggest problem is that the plot relies too heavily on the likability of the characters, and the one-liners they shoot out. There are several inconsistencies, the ending is startlingly abrupt (yet ends on the same note as any of the episodes on the show), and plot-wise, they don't do that much. The Grace Brothers staff never gets out to explore their surroundings to add to some new situations and jokes. Again, the innuendos are funny, but the middle of the film drags in terms of things actually happening.I don't think this film is worthy of its current "3" rating it has. It has it's moments, and the main cast shines in their personalities and silly hi-jinks (the supporting actors don't give the main cast much to work with, however). I think the biggest problem is that it's set up like an extended version of the show, minus the laugh track. You can see the television show format in it, and I think that ultimately hurts the pacing.Perhaps this would be better for fans-only of the show, or people who haven't seen the show at all. It's not one of the best "episodes" of the series, but it's better than it's been given credit for, outside of some obvious flaws.
Worth a viewing? It depends.
posted on 30 Aug 2009If you're a fan of the BBC series, this movie is worth watching just as a curiosity – it's fun to see these much-beloved characters on holiday and up to their usual shenanigans – but honestly, there's not much artistic value in it as a stand-alone work, and if you weren't familiar with the characters, it wouldn't make much sense. The sets are low-budget, the special effects laughable, and, as noted previously, much of the dialog is lifted directly and without revision from various episodes. It seems to me that someone was just attempting to cash in on the popularity of the series without putting much effort or financing into it. Given the talent of the cast and the creative synergy that they shared, it could've been much more than it is.As a fan of "Fawlty Towers" as well, I have to say that Andrew Sachs is a delight as Don Carlos Bernardo – fancy Manuel finally running his own hotel!
Not as good as the show, but not too terrible.
posted on 30 Aug 2009Ever see some of those SNL sketches that are funny on the show but not nearly as good when a movie is made out of them? AYBS: The Movie is like that.All your favorite clerks from Grace Bros. go on holiday together, but there's a lot missing from this movie. Just like with Grace & Favour, it suffers because it's not in the store. It's really hard to make these characters work and flow as well when they aren't in the store, IMO. I mean, the chemistry is great between the cast, as always, and there are some pretty funny moments in the movie, but it's just not as good.The Arabic customers scene was similarly done before, and the ending really left a lot to be desired. Also, there was no laugh track. Not that you would expect there to be one in a movie, but not hearing that laugh every time someone does a joke just isn't the same.If you like the show, it may be worth renting. It's good for what it is, but it's not a movie you're going to want to watch repeatedly.
From a Die-Hard AYBS? Fan
posted on 30 Aug 2009The problems with this movie are many. First, there is no laugh track. Let's face it; half the comedy of watching Mr. Humphries come out of the lift dressed like a fairy prince is the audience howling with you. Now, even had the laugh track been present, it would be forced at best; it's simply not funny. Most of the one-liners and sight-gags are simply recycled from the episodes, but with inferior delivery and context. Next the plot suffers from being contrived, itself borrowed from 'Hurrah for the Holidays'. And the lighting and set pieces of Grace Brothers are unfamiliar and distracting.A very disappointing piece that should be skipped. You may wish to see anything and everything that is AYBS?, but are not missing anything by passing this one up.Editing this post after watching it another 10 times... it kind of grows on you I guess. I still give it an objective 2 stars for it's quality (or lack thereof) but for some weird reason we've watched it several times.
Like a worn-out recording of my favourite song
posted on 30 Aug 2009This film, based on the tremendously popular "Are You Being Served" British television show that ran from 1972-85 (and still endures on American public television), falls pitifully flat. It plays like one long episode of the television series, but without the spark that earned the series its large and affectionate following.Had this film come at or near the end of the television series' original production run, we might have concluded that the writers and/or players had lost some creative energy. But it didn't. It was released in 1977, at the height of the show's popularity. After the film, the same people went back to create some of the most enjoyable and memorable episodes of the show--they were by no means washed up.The plot plods doggedly through bits recycled from the television series, including some wince-inducing cultural slurs and too much toilet/fart humour. The writers even stoop to the "walk this way" gag, which is as old as time itself. Regular viewers of the TV show will tire at the cut-and-pastedness of the script; newcomers will sit puzzled by the running gags and in-jokes that one can only "get" from the TV show.The actors, while masterful at playing to a live audience (which they did for the television series), seem off balance without the buoyance of audience response, often pausing for laughter that never comes.The aural atmosphere is either dead and silent, containing only the players' voices, or filled in by a Muzakesque musical score entirely indifferent to the events on screen. The lighting also has an unnatural spotlight quality at times. Like makeup, good lighting should look like none at all.That there is tremendous talent here, both in the players and the writers, has been well demonstrated before and after this film. But not during.
Good old British slapstick and innuendo
posted on 30 Aug 2009I watched this film last night on a free DVD given away with a national newspaper and i have to say my wife and i I ENJOYED IT! Yes,it has oodles of cheese and camp moments but it was fun.I love the funky,Are you being served? opening theme tune at the beginning and the movie feel picture quality.Yes,the script is dodgy but not as dodgy as the Costa Plonka in a studio with cheap sets and the pretty abrupt ending with young Mr Grace storming through the hotel wall in an armoured vehicle dressed like he has just stepped out of Dad's Army! I never really cared much for the series only having seen a few episodes so i wasn't affected by the repeat joke syndrome so i found the film really amusing.Menswear!
i have seen the movie
posted on 30 Aug 2009it was only once...and i agree..it did leave me very flat.....it was lacking a story and continuity, and so much more.....it would have been better if they went to an actual local for me...to me it only seemed like they went to the rooftop..nothing more, nothing less...it might have been more interesting if they met up with some local characters....i have seen every episode dozens of times..and like the previous person said, i can resite the lines, that's how many times i've seen are you being served and again...what i liked about again was that we got to see them mingle with other characters..i wish it had of gone beyond the 12 eppies..i'm hoping that someday we can see them do one more eppy, but since mr moterd is now dead, i do not see that happening..and with molly being 80 something..but i would love to see them go back to the manor just one more time but the movie..was not very memorable susan
Grace Brothers staff go on holiday
posted on 30 Aug 2009When Young Mr. Grace sends the staff of Grace Brothers to Costa Plonka on vacation while the store is being remodeled, they find the accommodations less than they expected, including being at the center of a revolution.Based on the popular television series, and utilizing the same actors, Are You Being Served? The Movie has a very different feel from the former. It is partly the difference in filming techniques from little screen to big screen. Unfortunately, the storyline, while it might carry well for an episode on the show, simply does not fill a feature length movie. Few of the jokes are original, simply taken from the show. While this has some nostalgic value, it does not help carry the movie for more than a few minutes. As a result, the humor is not up to the standards of the show.Some have made comments criticizing the set used in the movie. I found the use of few, inexpensive sets to be one of the better parts of the movie, and brought it closer to the original show.While the acting and characters remain faithful to the original series, this movie is not one that I would watch over and over again. I enjoyed the movie to a certain extent, and always like to see the further misadventures of the Grace Brothers' staff.For those who are great fans of the series, this movie will be somewhat of a disappointment, but may still be worth watching. For those who have never seen the series, this movie should not be the introduction to Grace Brothers.
Really quite lame and not nearly as funny as the show
posted on 30 Aug 2009I've always been an infrequent fan (if that makes any sense?) of the cult British TV show "Are You Being Served?" When it was originally aired it was actually in black and white and then moved on to color as the years progressed. I thought the characters were likable and had good trademarks, the humor was well-established as was just about everything regarding the series. Overall it was just very well crafted.However this spin-off movie from 1977 really lacks the spark, charisma and humor of the TV show and as a result is quite lame and not even very entertaining. Part of the reason, I think - believe it or not - is due to the awkwardness of the missing laugh track. We've become so accustomed to the use of a fake laugh track (you know - the people who always seem to laugh at even the lame jokes in "Friends" for no reason whatsoever) that watching a "film" playing like a full-length sitcom - minus the laughs - seems really bizarre.Oh, that, plus the movie itself is a stinker and not very funny. That probably has something to do with my dislike for it as well.Overall not horrible but hardly worth your time.
Even More Dated Than The TV Series
posted on 30 Aug 2009This is a film spin off to a sit-com more memorable for its characters at Grace Bros clothing store than its jokes: Mr Humphries ( A camp homosexual ) Ms Brahms ( A slutty single girl ) Mr Harman ( a sleazy janitor ) Mr Lucas ( A jack the lad ) Captain Peacock ( An uptight former military man ) and of course Mrs Slocombe where many of the jokes revolve around her losing her cat - " Has anyone seen my pussy ? " In short it's a comedy that relied on two dimensional characters and innuendo , British humour at its most basic and unsophisticated . It might have been funny at the time but it probably wouldn't raise too many smiles now As most people on this page have noticed this is a very poor film version of the TV series . The first third of the running time is taken up with the characters working at grace brothers clothing store then the action switches to the holiday resort of Costa Plonka and a plot involving a rebel leader about to stage a revolution , but this is secondary to things like a comedy of errors involving Mr Lucas sending a dirty note to Ms Brahms only for Mrs Slocombe to receive it thinking it's from Captain Peacock . This type of humour is very dated now and while Benny Hill might still remain funny , I can't say I laughed much watching this
Not from this rubbish
posted on 30 Aug 2009This movie would never be made today. DVD review.The staff of a department store goes on holidays together.Incredibly bad movie. Was just one set used? Probably the worst directed movie I've seen since Spin The Bottle. Actually needs canned laughter to make it work. Admittedly the letter exchanges at the dinner table was funny but that's it. Nothing else in the turd of a picture is worth mentioning. Sad waste of a good cast. Manuel from Fawlty Towers appears as the hotel manager - he's not very funny. Then (out of desperation) there's a military coup which is laughably bad.You won't be well served by this junk.
Sexist racist smut........brilliant!
posted on 30 Aug 2009From the days when "Artistic freedom" was more than just a meaningless phrase,"Are you being served" is deliciously low,grubby,cheap and very,very funny.It is of course a farce - a genre that is often attempted but seldom with as much success.First-rate comic actors do their familiar schtick,much-loved characters expand very satisfactorily to the big screen ,and,thirty years ago,moviegoers left the theatres with aching sides.How can that be a bad thing? Now we are living in a much more liberal society and are not allowed to laugh at anything that "They" don't think is funny and several po-faced Guardian readers appear to issue weekly dictats about what we watch on TV where sex of all persuasions is prevalent but we're not permitted to make jokes about it ,appalling violence is wrought 24/7 in our front rooms because it is "street" and we are "bourgois" to complain about it,and language that would make a bargee blush is spouted by "stand up" comedians while their "sophisticated" audience, doubtless comprising of the rest of the readers of The Guardian,roll about in the aisles. Compared to all this,"are you being served" is,as those avatars of Englishness Mr Gilbert and Mr Sullivan once said,"a source of innocent merriment". Messrs Thornton,Inman,Bannister,mesdames Sugden and Richards,I salute you.In a world of fuel crises,Arthur Scargill,England failing to reach the World Cup finals and Scotland succeeding,the Sex Pistols and the Silver Jubilee.....you made me laugh like a drain.
Great TV Series - bad TV movie
posted on 30 Aug 2009I have seen "Are you being served" many times over since the early 90's. In fact, I could probably restate word for word every episode made over the 13 year run (1972 - 1985). While I loved every episode of the TV series, the movie did not provide the same level of satisfaction. MOVIE PLOT: Grace Brothers store is being remodeled and the crew is offered a 2 week Holiday vacation in Costa Planka. ACTING: If you are very familiar with the TV Series, you will notice right away that most of the jokes were taken directly from the various episodes. One joke per episode with laugh tracks worked very well. But when you combine 5 or 6 and remove laugh tracks, you quickly lose interest. It looked like they grabbed whatever material they had from the earlier TV series and just cramped it into a 90 minute movie in a different setting... You will also notice that the characters looked very distracted and from time to time it seemed like they weren't even paying attention to the surroundings. Pay attention how the hostess girl in the hotel repeats her line word for word within a minute when she is trying to cuddle up with Mr. Humphries. Looked like she was reading directly from the script. There were also many inconsistencies. At one point everyone wanted to run for the bathroom, but after Mrs. Slocombe used it, no one seemed to want to go anymore??? Have they forgotten? Another one is when they kept writing notes to each other at the dinner table. I can see how there could be one mixup, but 3 or 4? One of the very first episodes featured a similar mixup but it was done as a part of a bigger scheme. Not in a movie, though.SET: Here is another failure. The set looked extremely cheap, it was very obvious that the whole movie was done inside a TV studio, the lighting and shadow was even worse than in a TV series. The general feel of the set was like a Soap Opera. They must have had a very little budget to do this movie. It would have worked much better if they did 3 separate episodes 30min each, with laugh tracks. CONCLUSION: If you love the TV series, it is worth to watch this movie. It has its moments but for the most part there was nothing new that the 30 min. series offered.