Photograph courtesy of Revelation Films. Image shows from L to R: Dozy Undertaker (Eli Woods), Short Undertaker (Freddie Starr), Senior Undertaker (Eric Sykes), Tall Undertaker (Henry McGee), Elderly Undertaker (Bob Todd). Copyright: Thames Television

Key details

Genre
Comedy
Broadcast
1988
Channel
ITV1
Episodes
1
Stars
Eric Sykes, John Alderton, Bobby Ball, Tommy Cannon, Norman Collier, Charlie Drake, Gabrielle Drake, Jimmy Edwards and more
Writer
Eric Sykes
Directors
Eric Sykes and Dennis Kirkland
Producer
Dennis Kirkland
Company

In this dialogue-free comedy written and directed by Eric Sykes, a group of clever but unlucky undertakers are tasked with moving Mr H's coffin from the family home at the top of a tall tower block, to church for his funeral.

Finding the building's lifts apparently out of order, the team have little option but to try to take the coffin down the stars, only they're narrow, short, and with little landing space to turn around on, they're forced to ask neighbours to open their doors and assist.

Even once the coffin is out of the building, however, it's far easier said than done to get it to the church!

Additional details

Production
Location
Camera set-up
Single camera
Picture
Colour

Website links

Broadcast details

First broadcast
Monday 15th February 1988 at 8pm on ITV1
Episode length
30 minutes

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