-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Only When I Laugh : The Complete Series -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Genre: British comedy Description: Classic television sitcom featuring three hypocondriac patients in an NHS hospital ward IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0077057/ Source: DVD Duration: 725 minutes (29 episodes) Production year: 1979-82 Video format: MPEG-4 1500kbps Video resolution: 688x528 Video framerate: 25fps Audio format: AAC 160kbps Language: English -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cover text: I'm H.A.P.P.Y. I'm H.A.P.P.Y... A huge ratings success for ITV, Only When I Laugh was written by Eric Chappell (Rising Damp, Home to Roost) and directed by Vernon Lawrence (Duty Free, The Bounder). The series starred James Bolam (Beiderbecke), Peter Bowles (To the Manor Born) and Christopher Strauli (Raffles) as three congenital hypochondriac layabouts forever haunting the ward patrolled by the droll Doctor Thorpe (Richard Wilson - One Foot in the Grave). This set contains all 29 episodes of Only When I Laugh, including the 1981 Christmas special – Away for Christmas. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Series 1 A Bed with a View Norman arrives at the ward and is given the bed next to the window. A game of musical beds ensues as Figgis and Archie want it too... Operation Norman Norman's due for his appendix operation and is rather upset about it. He turns to Figgis for comfort in his hour of need... The Rumour Figgis overhears Doctor Thorpe telling Gupte that his dog may not live much longer. Unfortunately, Figgis didn't hear the ëdogí bit and thinks it's about him... The Man with the Face Archie's lothario-like tendencies are coming back to haunt him when he's convinced he's being stalked by a Greek madman for besmirching his fiancÈe... Let Them Eat Cake The trio can stand the daily menu no longer and go on hunger strike. What they hadn't bargained for, however, was how hungry they would get... Tangled Web Archie is craving female company and is heartened to see an attractive new nurse. So is Norman... Is There a Doctor in the House? Tired of sitting in bed all day, Figgis disguises himself as a doctor and goes for a walk. Unfortunately, he's mistaken for a real doctor... -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Series 2 Whatever Happened to Gloria Robbins? The trio get into a lather when a glamorous film star arrives on the ward. Where There's a Will A rich patient becomes popular when the other patients learn he's about to make his Will... It Can Damage Your Health Despite being warned on a frequent basis, the patients are undeterred by the risks of smoking. The Cosmic Influence Much to the despair of the others, Figgis becomes preoccupied with signs & portents. The Visitors It's visiting day and Norman's mother has another dreary girl lined up for him, much to the others' amusement! The Lost Sheep Figgis admits he's not been christened but sees the light when he meets a vicar. Last Tango The "regulars" plan a party, but unexpected guests turn up... -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Series 3 A Day in the Life Of When a TV crew arrives to make a programme about the hospital, the patients fight for stardom. Adam's Rib The new young female doctor on the ward gets a mixed reception... The Right Honourable Gentleman An MP concerned with the spiralling costs of the NHS is admitted for treatment, but refuses to sign a petition to save the hospital. Postman's Knock Agony Aunt Clare Butterfield receives a letter from Worried of Ward 3, but her reply only confuses things... Accident Norman witnesses an accident involving Dr. Thorpe. But will he testify to what he saw? Dear Diary When Norman keeps a diary about life on the ward, everyone is anxious to get their hands on it. These You Have Loved Fed up with hospital radio, the patients try to do better themselves. Special: Away for Christmas A new patient is admitted and everyone has to exercise the festive spirit. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Series 4 Blood Brothers Both Figgis and Dr. Thorpe agree that Archie needs a blood transfusion, but he is not too pleased when he hears the identity of his blood donor. Conduct Unbecoming When a doctor examines a female patient without a nurse present, the three come to the rescue. All in the Mind The other two get extremely sceptical when Figgis discovers an interest in psychiatry. In Sickness & in Health Norman and Deirdre are planning their honeymoon after a three-year engagement. But Norman has doubts about what the future holds. Escape Tensions run high when a convict arrives on the ward. When Did You Last See Your Father? An old drunk who collapses in reception has actually come in to visit his long-lost son. The Reunion Figgis, Glover and Norman are about to be discharged, so they plan a reunion... --------------------------------------------------------------------------------