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THE RAG TRADE
by Peter Tatchell (reprinted from LAUGH MAGAZINE
#9, 1994)
By the start of the 1960s television had overtaken radio
as Britain’s most popular home entertainment medium.
Old favourites like Take It From Here, The Goon Show, Educating
Archie, Life With The Lyons and Ray’s A Laugh would
all conclude within a short period of time as broadcasting
budgets dwindled and writing and performing talents added
vision to their offerings.
The BBC’s top two television comedies of the fifties
Hancock’s Half Hour and Whack-O! had also reached the
end of their runs at the start of the new decade. In place
of formats centring on star comedians like Tony Hancock or
Jimmy Edwards the Light Entertainment Department opted instead
for an ensemble piece with several lesser names from the theatrical
and movie world in lead roles.
Scripted by Educating Archie alumni Ronald Wolfe and Ronald
Chesney, The Rag Trade dealt with labour relations at a small
London clothing factory, Fenner Fashions. Proprietor Harold
Fenner (played by Peter Jones) is constantly at loggerheads
with the shop steward of his lady machinists, Paddy (Miriam
Karlin), ever anxious to blow her whistle and call “everybody
out!” at the merest hint of labour dissent.
Caught in the middle of this tug-of-war between productivity
and remuneration is garment cutter Reg (Reg Varney) who is
anxious to appease both sides, and invariably ends up the
unwilling helpmate in Paddy’s extra-curricular money
making chicanery.
Also participating in the fray are sailor-chasing blonde arid
the firm’s occasional model, Carole (Sheila Haiicock),
and the dithery, almost elfin buttonholer Lily (Esma Cannon).
The Rag Trade’s first season screened at the end of
1961 and was enormously popular with viewers who quickly warmed
to the farcical situations and endearing mix of characterization.
For ten weeks Fenner unearthed a variety of under-the-counter
wedding dresses, stuffed dolls and any number of other work-related
perks, not to mention the disruptive appearance of sailors
on shore leave, romantic Mediterranean designers and chicken
legs in the pockets of his proudest creations.
Public response was so great a second series of thirteen programmes
was rushed into production and went out a short four months
later.
By the end of 1962, the popularity of the show inspired a
theatrical spin-off at the Piccadilly Theatre featuring most
of the cast, arid E.M.I. records got into the act by releasing
an LP of highlights from the television soundtrack.
Soon after, a third series was back on the B.B.C., hut Sheila
Hancock and Esma Cannon had now left the cast. In the role
of the “dumb” blonde came Barbara Windsor as the
buxom Judy, whom storylines decreed would act as a love interest
for Reg (Windsor had in fact appeared in a minor role in the
show’s first season, but had few lines).
Three episodes into the run the marvelous Irene Handl also
became a regular, playing Reg’s chattery mum who is
hired as Fenner’s book-keeper. However, despite the
addition of such fine actresses, the shift in emphasis to
Reg and Judy threw the format off-centre and at the conclusion
of thirteen programmes it was decided to conclude the show’s
run. But, The Rag Trade wasn’t quite finished as it
happened.
Fourteen years later, commercial television’s London
Weekend decided to revive the series and brought back Jones
and Karlin to recreate their roles in a new batch of fifteen
episodes, now set in the late 1970s.
In place of Reg Varney, ex-Upstairs, Downstairs actor Christopher
Beeny was signed to play Tony, the “man-in-the-middle”
in the workroom. Anna Karen moved her character of Olive (from
On The Buses, also scripted by Wolfe and Chesney) to Fenner
Fashions, and Diane Langton (who had taken over the Barbara
Windsor role in a recent Carry On) appeared as the Windsoresque
Kathy. More prominent in these new editions was the role of
Mrs. Fenner (played by Rowena Cooper, and later Joy Stewart).
The new venture initially reworked a number of the original
plotlines, but by the time of a follow-up season (a year later)
new stories were created. And a decade and a half after its
premiere, The Rag Trade delighted a whole new generation of
viewers.
The following episode guide has been compiled through reference
to The Radio Times, the original scripts at the BBC Written
Archives Centre, Caversham, listings of Australian television
screenings and the recent commercial DVD release (of season
1). No titles were listed in the Radio Times for original
transmissions of series 1 and 2 (though six were given titles
during a short repeat season). In addition, the scripts for
a handful of series 2 programmes bear titles.
Series 1: BBCTV October 6 to December 8 1961 (10 x 30 min)
starring Peter Jones, Miriam Karlin, Reg Varney, Sheila Hancock,
Esma Cannon.
1 The Baby
When Fenner finds one of the girls has brought her baby to
work, the resultant fracas between management and staff threatens
production of a line of polka dot gowns.
2 Getting Married
Paddy promises Carole the girls will be able to make her a
wedding dress with material left over from an order for Arcadia
Gowns
3 Early Start
Fenner installs a time clock to help gain a contract with
chain store Parks & Spicer and the resultant docking of
wages leaves the girls with no money to bet on a sure thing
at the races
4 French Fashions
Fenner arranges for Carole to model a pair of slacks at the
Ritz Plaza to help secure an American order
5 The Sample
Paddy allows Carole to wear a sample dress to lunch with her
sailor boyfriend and a resultant mishap jeopardizes a 3:30
viewing by a prospective buyer.
6 Unhappy Customer
Fenner is determined to enforce a ban on eating in the workroom
when an angry customer returns items of food in his garments
7. (title unknown)
Fenner Fashions has been awarded a contract to supply Wren
uniforms to the Admiralty by inadvertently tendering bankruptingly
low prices so the girls have to show their workmanship is
shoddy to save the situation.
8. Doctor’s Orders
Fenner is laid low with a heavy cold at the very moment he
has to produce a gown which is to be worn on television by
an international singing star and lead to numerous orders.
9. The Italian Designer
The arrival of Roberto, an Italian beachwear designer, causes
strained relations among the girls in the workroom.
10. The Golliwogs
To make a bit of pocket money for the Festive season, Paddy
and the girls produce 300 golliwog dolls, unbeknownst to Fenner.
Series 2: BBCTV April 6 to June 29 1962 (13 x 30 min)
starring Peter Jones, Miriam Karlin, Reg Varney. Sheila Hancock.
Esma Cannon
1. (title unknown)
When the one-aimed bandit in the. restroom has taken all the
girls’ money. Paddy wants to make use of the 15 pounds
Reg has been given to pay the electricity bill.
2. (title unknown)
Lily’s dog has ruined one of Fenner’s upmarket
creations so the girls set up a temporary salon to try and
market it themselves.
3. (title unknown)
Reg finds himself trapped in the ladies’ rest room without
his trousers on the day a factory inspector visits.
4. (title unknown)
Fenner arranges for Reg to paint his flat whilst he is away
in Amsterdam but Paddy sees it as the perfect venue for her
birthday party.
5 (title unknown) BELIEVED LOST
Paddy and Carole take the day off and use Fenner’s new
buttonhole machine to make four bridesmaid’s dresses
hut problems occur when it breaks down.
6. (title unknown)
Having tricked Fenner into a generous rate for a line of satin
dresses, the girls make far more than he can sell and have
to help him entice a prospective client with a special lunch.
7. Stay-In Strike
Paddy and the girls are unhappy with Fenner’s new secretary
and decide the only way to have her removed is to take industrial
action.
8. The Fish And Chip Shop BELIEVED LOST
Despite having to complete a rush order for Fenner, Reg and
the girls agree to mind the local fish shop when the owner’s
wife has a baby.
9. Safety Precaution
When Paddy’s excessive safety precautions cause some
dress prices to skyrocket, the only way Fenner can sell them
is to convince the client they are the work of a French designer.
10. Stainproofer
Owing to a mixup with stainproofer, the girls end up ruining
Fenner’s coat and try to get his measurements to make
a replacement without his knowing.
11. Doctor
The arrival of handsome Dr. Blake leads to so many of the
girls requiring his treatment that a factory inspector thinks
they’re employed in an unsafe workplace.
12. Barber’s Shop
When Fenner refuses the girls a raise, they set up a sideline
as a Chinese laundry in conjunction with the local barber
shop.
13. (title unknown)
Having been left with a surplus of Baby Doll nighties, Fenner
tries to get an overdraft hut must agree to a inspection visit
by the hank manager.
** CHRISTMAS NIGHT WITH THE STARS: BBCTV December 25 1962
LOST
featured a Rag Trade sketch
a stage production of The Rag Trade premiered at London’s
Piccadilly Theatre on December 19th 1962. Scripted by Wolfe
and Chesney, it starred Jones, Varney, Karlin and Cannon and
ran for 77 performances.
Series 3
BBC January 5 to March 30 1963 (13 episodes) ALL 13 EDITIONS
ARE BELIEVED LOST
starring Peter Jones, Miriam Karlin, Reg Varney, Barbara Windsor,
Irene Handl
1. The Australian
Reg considers emigrating “down under” so Fenner
and Paddy try to line up a romantic interest for him with
one of the new girls.
2. Triplets
Having Judy help him fill out his tax form results in Reg
receiving a large refund because it’s believed he has
a wife, three children and a grandmother to support.
3. The Budgie
Fenner employs Reg’s mother as book-keeper and she insists
on bringing her talking budgerigar Bertie to work with her.
4. The Baby Sitter
Reg’s mother keeps interrupting the girls’ card
game so they relocate to the Fenner’s where one of their
fellow-workers is babysitting.
5. Second Mrs. Fenner
Owing to Reg’s motor scooter accident, the girls are
not ready with a sample coat, so Paddy suggests Fenner delay
the Australian client with a home-cooked meal but Mrs. Fenner
was planning on celebrating their anniversary by dining out.
6. Chef’s Special
To entice Reg into becoming engaged, Paddy suggests Judy prepare
him a succulent meal.
7. The Italian Bit
Reg has an argument with Judy and wants to invite an Italian
girl named Maria home for a meal if her brothers agree.
8. Baby Dolls
When Reg and the girls bet Fenner’s money on a losing
greyhound they use army surplus parachute silk to make an
order of nighties.
9. After The Ball
Paddy pretends Judy is Fenner’s daughter at the annual
Fashion World ball to impress a chain-store heir and the deception
could lead to them placing a large order for polka dot dresses.
10. The Engagement Ring
Engagement celebrations at the local pub are disrupted when
the pearl disappears from Judy’s ring.
11. Crocodile Tears
The shoe is on the other foot when Fenner needs cash to pay
thr some crocodile belts at a time when the girls have won
80 pounds on the pools.
12. National Productivity Year
Fenner Fashions attempt at a productivity drive are thwarted
by Paddy’s “Everybody out!” whistle.
13. The American Buyer
When an efficiency-minded prospective buyer looks like taking
over the business, Paddy and Judy decide to get new jobs hut
their first approach is to the very man they are hoping to
avoid.
Series 4
London Weekend September 1 1 to December 1 8 1977 (not on
Dec 4) and December 24 1977 (15 episodes)
starring Peter Jones, Miriam Karlin, Christopher Beeny, Anna
Karen, Diane Langton, Rowena Cooper
1. Stay-In Strike
Fenner’s ideas for improving output result in an industrial
revolt in the workroom.
2. The Sample
Paddy allows Kathy to wear Fenner’s sample dress on
a date with her new boyfriend.
3. Fixing The Rate
To increase efficiency, Fenner uses a stop-watch to time production
in the workroom.
4. The Lunch Problem
Mr. Fenner refuses to set up a staff canteen so the girls
decide to do the cooking themselves.
5. The Export Order
Fenner Fashions have received an order from New York but Kathy’s
birthday celebrations threaten to delay things.
6. The Italian Line
Fenner hires an Italian designer and the girls aren’t
happy when Paddy falls for him.
7. Olive’s Baby
The girls go on strike when Fenner won’t allow Olive’s
baby in the workroom.
8. The Wedding Dress
The Fenners arrive at the factory for some Saturday morning
stocktaking just when Paddy and the girls are secretly making
Kathy’s wedding dress.
9. The Sideline
Paddy’s latest infatuation leads to the setting up of
an undercover industry in the workroom.
10. The Guv’nor’s Wife
Mrs. Fenner is to attend a rally featuring Margaret Thatcher
but Paddy’s sentiments are with the Labour Party.
11. The New Girl
The staff at Fenner Fashions aren’t pleased when their
employer hires a personal assistant straight from college.
12. The Bet
The girls feel a horse called “Paddy” running
in the 2:30 is too good an omen to pass up.
13. The Accident
Paddy tries to get compensation for Kathy by way of an arranged
industrial accident.
14. The New Brother
When Fenner employs an Indian girl to do the embroidery, the
girls aren’t thrilled about her efficient methods.
15. Christmas Rush
Fenner urges the girls to complete an order of dresses before
the holidays then has to get them to alter his wife’s
cocktail frock.
Series 5
London Weekend September 8 to October 20 1978 (7 episodes)
starring Peter Jones, Miriam Karlin, Christopher Beeny, Anna
Karen, Diane Langton, Joy Stewart
1. The Annual Ball
The girls are asked to make a special dress for Mrs. Fenner
to wear to the Gown Makers’ Ball.
2. The Leather Line
When Fenner decides to introduce leatherwear into the workroom,
Paddy sees it as an excuse for a new set of negotiations.
3. Stress
Fenner has to undergo a life insurance medical examination
before the hank will agree to another loan,
4. A Bad Patch
Fenner Fashions reputation for poor service has resulted in
a lack of orders and with no bonuses the girls organize a
few money-making schemes.
5, Come Back Paddy
Paddy refuses an offer from a rival firm until Mrs. Fenner
gets involved.
6. Self-Defence
A spate of attacks in the area prompts Paddy to insist Fenner
organize self-defence lessons.
7. Fenner’s Folly
Fenner is trying to arrange a large order with a Chelsea boutique
and has to negotiate with a very attractive buyer.
Record
The Rag Trade
(Parlophone LP PMC 1188)
features soundtrack extracts from series 1 and 2:
A Letter From Bill
Tea Break At Fenner’s
A Cold Cure For Fenner
A Baby In The Works
Book
The Rag Trade
by Peter Buchanan
(W.H. Allen/Star paperback, 1977)
DVD
THE RAG TRADE – Series 1 “Everybody Out!”
DD 2dvd 22011 (2006)
The French Fashions
Christmas Box (originally titled The Golliwogs)
The Baby
Getting Married
Early Start
Unhappy Customer
Doctor’s Orders
The Sample
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