Following the death of her husband, Mrs Alcock (Beryl Reid) decides to take control of his peculiar business empire. Operating from a small office in Soho, she hires the youthful Richard Gander (Richard O’Sullivan) as her partner, only to discover his understanding of commerce is even more tenuous than her own. The duo attempt to manage a portfolio of questionable enterprises, including the ‘Tom O’Thimble Lucky Pixie’ and the ‘Alcock Swiss Elixir’.
This short-run comedy served as a vehicle for Beryl Reid, pairing her with Richard O’Sullivan. The concept was devised by the prolific writing team of Johnnie Mortimer and Brian Cooke, who were responsible for a number of successful ITV sitcoms of the period including the hugely popular Man About the House which also starred O’Sullivan. Despite the pedigree of its star and writers, the series concluded after just six episodes, failing to secure a second run.
Broadcast: ITV – Thames, 6 Episodes, Mondays, 5 June – 10 July 1972
Written by: Johnnie Mortimer, Brian Cooke
Production Design: Harry Clark
Producer and Director: Alan Tarrant
Main Cast: Beryl Reid (Mrs Alcock), Richard O’Sullivan (Richard Gander), John Cater (Ernest)
