British Comedy Guide Newsletter
Shop Newsletter January 2015
Welcome

As January draws to a close (really? already? how did THAT happen?!), we've another line-up of top comedy purchases to share with you. Don't forget, for all the latest release news and bargains, follow @UKComedyDVDs

Books
A Very Courageous Decision - The Inside Story of Yes Minister A Very Courageous Decision - The Inside Story of Yes Minister (Book)

The behind-the-scenes story of one of the most successful and admired sitcoms of the 1980s. In 1977 the BBC commissioned a new satirical sitcom set in Whitehall. Production of its first series was stalled, however, by the death throes of Jim Callaghan's Labour government and the 'Winter of Discontent'. The sitcom that emerged became one of the most loved of the decade. Details
Still Open All Hours - The Story of a Classic Comedy Still Open All Hours - The Story of a Classic Comedy (Book)

From its first episode in 1973, Open All Hours was an instant hit. Audiences around Britain loved its familiar setting, good natured humour, and the hilarious partnership of Ronnie Barker and David Jason. Now, more than 40 years later, its revival - Still Open All Hours - has been drawing audiences of around 8 million each week. Astonishing figures in the multi-channel age. Details

For more, see our full list of new releases and items coming soon.
January Releases
Mapp & Lucia Mapp & Lucia (DVD)

Based on the novels by E.F. Benson, this bitingly funny comic drama, adapted by Steve Pemberton, celebrates and lampoons the snobberies and pretensions of small-town life, starring an acclaimed ensemble cast led by Miranda Richardson and Anna Chancellor in the title roles. Set in a town somewhere near the southern coast in the 1930s, this is definitely worth catching up on. Details
Plebs - Series Two Plebs - Series Two (DVD)

All roads lead to Rome for the return of the multi-award winning comedy Plebs in a brand new eight part series. Since series one the world has progressed (from 27BC to 26BC) but flat-mates Marcus (Tom Rosenthal), Stylax (Joel Fry) and slave Grumio (Ryan Sampson) have made no strides whatsoever. Even funnier than Series 1, there are laughs a plenty in this ITV2 sitcom. Details
Trollied - Complete Series 4 Trollied - Complete Series 4 (DVD)

Sky1's most popular comedy reopens its checkouts for a fourth series. BAFTA award-winning actress Miriam Margolyes (Harry Potter), Stephen Tompkinson (Wild At Heart) and Samuel Anderson (Doctor Who) join the cast for this latest series. Customers finally get to meet Colin's nan Rose (Margolyes) who has decided to get a job on the tills at Valco. Details
A Nice Girl Like Me A Nice Girl Like Me (DVD)

Barbara Ferris, Harry Andrews and triple Oscar nominee Gladys Cooper star in this 1969 romantic comedy from award-winning director Desmond Davis. Liberated Londoner Candida inherits a house and a small sum of money, and leaves for Paris; when she returns, she finds she is pregnant. It's not long before she's got another two to care for, but still in hope of a man to love. Details
British Musicals Of The 1930s - Volume 3 British Musicals Of The 1930s - Volume 3 (DVD)

Following the huge success of Network's The Ealing Studios Rarities Collections, the archive specialists present a third volume from this other field. This time, two comedies are included: 1932's For The Love Of Mike, and 1933's Facing The Music, starring Stanley Lupino. Details
Fascination Fascination (DVD)

When a wronged wife discovers her husband's dalliance, she flaunts convention by suggesting to the husband's mistress that they share him! Madeleine Carroll - soon to find fame as Hitchcock's premiere ice blonde in The 39 Steps - stars in this risqué comedy of manners and infidelity, an early talkie from 1931. Details
I'm All Right Jack - Digitally Restored I'm All Right Jack - Digitally Restored (Blu-ray & DVD)

This sequel to Private's Progress takes a satirical look at trade unions and labour relations. Upon leaving the army, upper class twit Windrush (Ian Carmichael) takes a job in industry. Before long he has inadvertently started a national strike, which is subsequently mishandled by everyone involved. The film also stars Peter Sellers and Terry-Thomas. Blu-ray Details & DVD Details
Our Man In Marrakesh Our Man In Marrakesh (DVD)

A traveller making a journey to the exotic Moroccan capital finds himself enmeshed in a web of suspicion and counter-espionage in this star-studded spy thriller with a difference! Tony Randall is the American tourist whose eagerly-awaited vacation turns into a potentially deadly adventure; Herbert Lom, Terry-Thomas and Austrian-born star Senta Berger also feature. Details
The Lady Vanishes The Lady Vanishes (Blu-ray)

Made in 1938, this classic comedy-thriller was Alfred Hitchcock's most popular and significant pre-war feature; one of the films that helped pave his way to Hollywood. Featuring a whimsically suspenseful script from Launder and Gilliat, The Lady Vanishes is set aboard a transcontinental express train, when an elderly English governess disappears without a trace. Details
Intimate Relations Intimate Relations (DVD)

This wry, charming romantic comedy of 1938 features a marvellously caddish turn from Garry Marsh as a philandering husband whose wife proves to be every bit as adept as he in the art of deception! George Gommery enjoys slipping up to town to see some little actress, and never suspects that his wife can play the same game just as well as he can. Details
Miranda - The Finale Miranda - The Finale (DVD)

For one last time, enjoy Miranda Hart's farcical, laugh out loud BBC sitcom; a place where the nation has embraced a woman who simply just wants to fit in. It begins where Series 3 left off, with the unlucky-in-love shop owner having received two proposals of marriage - one from dreamboat chef Gary and the other from new boyfriend Mike. Who will she choose, if anyone? Details
Shaun The Sheep - Flock To The Floor Shaun The Sheep - Flock To The Floor (DVD)

Ten episodes from the children's animated series following Shaun, a mischievous and unique sheep who leads his flock into all manner of trouble. The episodes included are Episodes 11 - 20 of Series 4, plus 5 bonus Morph episodes from his internet series revival. Great fun suitable for all the family. Details
The Wrong Mans - Series Two The Wrong Mans - Series Two (DVD)

Having earned their status as hometown heroes in the first series, Sam and Phil are blasted back to zero again. This time round the two friends find themselves in deeper, darker danger than ever before. They must make a difficult choice: hide in the dark and be forgotten forever or brave it in a world that doesn't even think they exist. A Series 1 & 2 box set is also available. Details
What We Did On Our Holiday What We Did On Our Holiday (Blu-ray & DVD)

Rosamund Pike, David Tennant and Billy Connolly star in this family comedy written and directed by Andy Hamilton and Guy Jenkin (creators of Outnumbered). As Doug, his wife Abi, and their three children prepare to travel up to the Scottish Highlands for Doug's father Gordie's birthday, they fail to give their children a list of things that are to be kept secret. Blu-ray Details & DVD Details

For more, see our full list of new releases and items coming soon.
Coming Soon
A Political Party A Political Party (DVD)

Featuring a very early role for Oscar winner John Mills alongside legendary comic actors Leslie Fuller and Moore Marriott, 1934's A Political Party tells the story of a north-country chimney sweep who stands for Parliament and is opposed by a local bigwig. His campaign is imperilled when his artist son, Tony, falls in love with a girl who has reason to hope that the bigwig will be elected... Details
Life's Too Short - The Special Life's Too Short - The Special (DVD)

Having admitted that he exploited his dwarf clients in the past, Warwick finally comes good for them before receiving a visit from Willow co-star Val Kilmer, anxious to make a sequel. However he tells Warwick that he must provide some of the funding so Warwick persuades Les Dennis, Keith Chegwin and Shaun Williamson to do a series of pub gigs to get the finance. Details
Still Open All Hours - Series One Still Open All Hours - Series One (DVD)

Open All Hours is back after 28 years. This new six part series together with the original 2013 Christmas special sees Sir David Jason reprise his role as Granville, who has inherited the corner shop from his beloved but miserly Uncle Arkwright. It's been getting near-unheard of viewing figures - were you one of them? Order now if you missed out on any of the joyful episodes. Details
Charlie Brooker's Black Mirror - White Christmas Charlie Brooker's Black Mirror - White Christmas (DVD)

Christmas special of the Channel 4 comedy drama written by Charlie Brooker which explores the role of technology in modern society. Jon Hamm and Rafe Spall star as two men who are forced to celebrate Christmas together whilst working in a remote cabin. A box-set of all 7 episodes to-date is also available. Details
United We Fall United We Fall (DVD)

A satirical, improvised mockumentary on the beautiful game and five friends who played for the biggest club in the world. On the brink of making history, all they had to do was win the last three games of the 2010 season. United We Fall is the story of their complete failure as the lads look back on all that went wrong. Details We've also got a number of copies to give away!
Withnail And I - Special Edition Withnail And I - Special Edition (Blu-ray)

Camden Town, the end of the sixties. Two struggling, unemployed actors decide some respite is in order and so depart their miserable flat for a week in the Lake District: one that will involve rain, booze, minimal supplies, a randy bull and an even randier Uncle Monty. A cult classic, it's now available on beautiful HD Blu-ray in this brand new special edition release. Details
Eskimo Nell - 40th Anniversary Special Edition Eskimo Nell - 40th Anniversary Special Edition (Blu-ray & DVD)

Alongside Come Play With Me and Confessions Of A Window Cleaner, Eskimo Nell takes its place as one of the most celebrated British adult comedies of the '70s. Featuring a witty script from Michael Armstrong (who also stars), Eskimo Nell is a satire on the low-budget British movie industry, directed by future Bond supremo Martin Campbell. Blu-ray Details & DVD Details
We Joined The Navy We Joined The Navy (DVD)

British film icon Kenneth More - at the height of his fame - plays an unlucky Dartmouth Naval College cadet leader who sails out to further misfortune when he joins the US fleet in the Mediterranean. The supporting actors include Dinsdale Landen, Jeremy Lloyd, Derek Fowlds, John Le Mesurier, Andrew Cruikshank, Warren Mitchell and Kenneth Griffith. Details
Benidorm - The Complete Series Seven Benidorm - The Complete Series Seven (DVD)

The complete seventh series of the ITV sitcom set among the Brits abroad at the all-inclusive Solana resort in Benidorm. Currently broadcasting on Friday evenings, the cast includes Johnny Vegas, Tim Healy, Perry Benson, Sherrie Hewson, Alan David, Janine Duvitski, Adam Gillen and Tony Maudsley. Plus, one Dame Joan Collins. Details
Birds Of A Feather - The Complete ITV Series 2 Birds Of A Feather - The Complete ITV Series 2 (DVD)

There were never two more unlikely sisters than working class heroines Sharon (Pauline Quirke) and Tracey (Linda Robson). Along with their friend and lodger, man-eater Dorien Green (Lesley Joseph), they're back for another series of laugh-out-loud and bittersweet adventures. A box set with last year's Series 10 is also available to order. Details
Cockroaches Cockroaches (DVD)

Humanity is on the verge of self-destruction as nuclear war erupts. Faced with imminent death, friends Tom and Suze unite for one last passionate moment, except they don't die, which makes things a little uncomfortable the next day. Eight years on, they and daughter Laura are wandering what used to be England when they discover another group of survivors... Details
Hot Enough For June Hot Enough For June (Blu-ray)

British film legend Dirk Bogarde gives a whimsical performance as the unwitting replacement agent Number 008 in director Ralph Thomas's spy comedy from the early 1960s. Also starring screen siren Sylva Koscina and key character actors Robert Morley, Leo McKern and John Le Mesurier, Hot Enough For June is presented here in a High Definition transfer from original film elements. Details
House Of Fools - Series One House Of Fools - Series One (DVD)

Stand by for unadulterated daft fun in this sitcom written by and starring comedy duo Vic Reeves and Bob Mortimer. Set in Bob's home, each episode sees him frustrated by the uninvited lodgers, visitors and guests who constantly fill his house. Vic Reeves is the long term and mostly unwanted guest, always treating the place like his own with little regard for his reluctant host's wishes. Details
Love, Rosie Love, Rosie (Blu-ray & DVD)

Rosie (Lily Collins) and Alex (Sam Claflin) have been best friends since the age of six, but as they are approaching university, fate forces them to go their separate ways. Can their relationship survive the years and the miles? And at the back of Rosie's mind is whether they were meant to be more than just good friends all along. Blu-ray Details & DVD Details
Pride Pride (Blu-ray & DVD)

It's summer 1984 and the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) is on strike. At the Gay Pride March in London, a group of gay and lesbian activists decides to raise money to support the families of the striking miners. But the prejudiced Union seems doesn't want their support. The activists are not deterred and decide to go direct to the miners themselves. Blu-ray Details & DVD Details
The Top Secret Life Of Edgar Briggs The Top Secret Life Of Edgar Briggs (DVD)

Created by Humphrey Barclay to showcase the emerging talents of a young David Jason, this Cold War comedy series charts the inexplicable successes of Edgar Briggs - a clueless counter-espionage agent who inspires fear in the hearts of enemy agents, and sheer terror amongst his fellow colleagues! Details
Up The Women - Series 1 & 2 Up The Women - Series 1 & 2 (DVD)

It's 1910 and we're in Banbury Church Hall at the Intricate Craft Circle. Margaret has just returned from a trip to London, where she was inspired to join the Women's Suffrage movement. After some resistance, a cup of tea and a slice of cake, the "Banbury Intricate Craft Circle politely request women's Suffrage" group is born. Includes the full first and second series. Details
Babylon - Series 1 Babylon - Series 1 (DVD)

Comedy drama starring James Nesbitt. American PR consultant Liz Garvey (Brit Marling) is recruited to the Metropolitan police as the new Director of Communications, tasked with improving their broken image. Details
Captain Bill Captain Bill (DVD)

Majestic scenes of the Thames provide a backdrop to the high-spirited clowning of rubber-faced vaudevillian Leslie Fuller in this breezy 1935 nautical comedy. Direction is from Laurel & Hardy veteran Ralph Ceder. Fuller stars as his popular dim-witted Cockney character - this time as a luckless bargee who unwittingly becomes involved with a gang of gun-runners! Details
Paddington Paddington (Blu-ray)

Adapted from Michael Bond's books, Paddington follows the comic misadventures of a polite young Peruvian bear with a passion for all things British, who travels to London in search of a home. Finding himself lost and alone at Paddington Station, he meets the kind Brown family who read the label around his neck and offer him a temporary haven. Blu-ray Details & DVD Details
The March Hare The March Hare (DVD)

A frequently villainous onscreen presence throughout the 1950s, Terence Morgan takes the more endearing role of an impoverished Irish baronet in this charming comedy set in the deceptively genteel world of horseracing. Details
Uncle - Series 1 Uncle - Series 1 (DVD)

Andy (Nick Helm) is a dissolute out-of work musician who forges an unlikely alliance with his 12-year-old nephew Errol after being morally blackmailed into looking after him by his chaotic sister Sam - all on the day Andy was planning to kill himself. Not a natural with either kids or responsibility, he tries to keep his new charge out of trouble while being knee-deep in it himself. Details
Bluestone 42 - Series Two Bluestone 42 - Series Two (DVD)

All six episodes from the second series of the BBC comedy about the members of a British Army bomb disposal unit in Afghanistan. Although their day-to-day jobs are deadly serious, Captain Nick Medhurst and the other heroes of Bluestone 42 soldier on, passing the time trading quick-fire banter and dodging tricky relationship issues as they forge their own unique camaraderie. Details
She'll Have To Go She'll Have To Go (DVD)

Starring Bob Monkhouse, Alfred Marks, Hattie Jacques and many key comic actors from the 1960s, She'll Have To Go is a hugely enjoyable farce. When Francis and Douglas Oberon learn that their late grandmother has left the family fortune to distant cousin Toni, they immediately start plotting to get their hands on the money. The lovely Toni must either be murdered, or married... Details
The Incredible Adventures Of Professor Branestawm The Incredible Adventures Of Professor Branestawm (DVD)

Eccentric inventor Professor Branestawm fights the forces of evil in this comedy adventure film, based on Norman Hunter's children's books. Armed with a multitude of crazy inventions, and alongside his eccentric allies Colonel Dedshott, Mrs Flittersnoop and young apprentice Connie, Branestawm, the original mad professor takes on scheming businessman Mr Bullimore. Details
The Magnificent Seven Deadly Sins The Magnificent Seven Deadly Sins (Blu-ray & DVD)

Seven comic morality tales based on the seven deadly sins: 'Avarice'; 'Envy'; 'Gluttony'; 'Wrath'; 'Lust'; 'Pride'; and 'Sloth'. Starring such comedic actors as Bruce Forsyth, Harry Secombe, Spike Milligan and Leslie Phillips, and with a list of writers equally impressive. See the info in our guide. Blu-ray Details & DVD Details
W1A - Series One W1A - Series One (DVD)

With the London games of Twenty Twelve successfully delivered, W1A follows former Head of the Olympic Deliverance Commission Ian Fletcher (Hugh Bonneville) at the start of a new chapter of his life as Head of Values at the BBC, a key and very specific senior new post which has been created in the light of recent learning opportunities at the corporation. Details
Into The Blue Into The Blue (DVD)

A mysterious stowaway opens the door to adventure for two unsuspecting holidaymakers in this comedy feature from Herbert Wilcox. Enjoying their first holiday for several years, Mr and Mrs Fergusson are relaxing on board a yacht when a man is discovered in the dinghy with two suitcases. The Fergussons soon find their trip rather more eventful than they had bargained for! Details

For more, see our full list of new releases and items coming soon.
Thanks for Reading
That's all for January. There's plenty more on our website every day - and do check out our list of 2014's new stand-up show releases. Some of them are now offered at bargain prices!

The British Comedy Guide

Website   Twitter   Twitter   Facebook   Google+