Sorry! (TV series)

Sorry! is a BBC television sitcom, that aired on BBC1 from 1981 to 1982 and from 1985 to 1988. Starring Ronnie Corbett, created and written by Ian Davidson and Peter Vincent for the BBC, both of whom had previously written for The Two Ronnies, of whom Corbett was one half.

Sorry!
Title card
GenreSitcom
Created byIan Davidson
Peter Vincent
Directed byDavid Askey
StarringRonnie Corbett
Barbara Lott
William Moore
Marguerite Hardiman
Derek Fuke
Roy Holder
Country of originUnited Kingdom
No. of series7
No. of episodes42 + 1 short
Production
ProducerDavid Askey
Running time30 minutes
Release
Original networkBBC1
Original release12 March 1981 (1981-03-12) –
10 October 1988 (1988-10-10)

The theme music was composed by Gaynor Colbourn and Hugh Wisdom, arranged by Gaynor Colbourn and conducted by Ronnie Hazlehurst.

Plot

Sorry! is based around Timothy Lumsden who, 41 years old in the first three series (his age increased to 42 and then 48 in subsequent series - Corbett was actually 50-57 during the series' run), is a librarian who still lives at home with his domineering mother Phyllis and henpecked father Sidney. Although quite shy around women, Timothy longs to find love and leave home, but Phyllis is always against the idea, and constantly manipulates her son into staying at home. One of the running gags of the series is Sidney frequently shouting "Language, Timothy!" (Usually because Timothy has said something that's been misunderstood by him as being inappropriate or offensive!). Timothy usually responds "Sorry, Father", but sometimes snaps "Shut up, Father!" to which Sidney always replies "Fair enough".

In contrast, Timothy's friend Frank and sister Muriel urge Timothy to stand up to his mother once and for all. Muriel had successfully left home and married Kevin, and as a result is viewed with distrust by her mother.

Barbara Lott, who played Timothy’s domineering mother, was in fact only ten-and-a-half years older than Corbett.

Cast

Episodes

Series 1 (1981)
Title Airdate Overview
"For Love or Mummy" 12 March 1981 Timothy Lumsden is a 41-year-old librarian whose mother won't let him cut the apron strings. He takes an attraction to Annette, a new member of his Amateur Dramatics Group, and is determined to take her to a dance aboard a river boat. After his mother puts all of his trousers in the wash, he has to wear a cat costume from a previous drama production, to attend the dance.
"Buttons" 19 March 1981 Timothy, who has been cast as the rear end of a horse in the latest production of Cinderella, is smitten with Vanessa, a woman who is friends with his casting director, even if it does mean he has to fight one of his rivals, Tiny Heseltine, to win her.
"The Godfather" 26 March 1981 After a morning trying to get rid of some bin bags, Timothy gives his godson, Gavin, some guidance about bullying. Gavin tells him about Duggy Bullford, who is constantly bullying him. Timothy is determined to settle the matter with Duggy's father.
"Bachelor Seeks Anywhere" 2 April 1981 Timothy is interested in an advertisement for sharing a cheap flat with a couple of girls. Can he reply to the ad without Mother knowing and can he persuade a singing hobo to leave the library?
"Does Your Mother Know You're Out?" 9 April 1981 Timothy's mother, Phyllis, wants him to paint the understairs cupboard for the meter man's next visit. But he is more focused on winning a bet with his colleague, Victor, that he will see Gone with the Wind with the library assistant, Caroline.
"Curse of the Mummy" 16 April 1981 Timothy's sister, Muriel, comes to visit, and she tries her best to help Timothy leave Mother and Father and be free. Can Timothy escape?

Series 2 (1982)
Title Airdate Overview
"Cromer or Bust" 22 April 1982 Timothy has booked a second honeymoon for his Mother and Father in Cromer, so he can have a party while they're away. All is slowly going to plan until Father has an accident with a barrel of beer.
"Perchance to Dream" 29 April 1982 Timothy is preparing for a job but is very nervous. He keeps having nightmares that the interviewer is his old headmaster and is ready to cane him, so decides to see a psychiatrist.
"Sons and Lovers" 6 May 1982 Timothy becomes jealous when Mother is spoiling his cousin Brinsley more than him.
"Great Expectations" 13 May 1982 Mother is determined to make sure Timothy's auntie will consider leaving them some money in her will.
"The Next Best Man" 20 May 1982 Timothy is upset when Frank asks his friend Richard to be the best man at his wedding. When Richard has an accident, Frank asks Tim instead and Mother insists on hosting a tea party for Frank and his fiancé, Jenny.
"Could Do Better" 27 May 1982 Timothy is determined to get Frank's wedding ring to the church in time for the service.

Series 3 (1982)
Title Airdate Overview
"The Rabbit and the Pussycat" 28 October 1982 Timothy ends up becoming involved in a treasure hunt for a golden rabbit which is supposed to be buried somewhere close by.
"You're Going Nowhere" 4 November 1982 Timothy's plans to pay a visit to the Gobi Desert are ruined by Mother.
"Bottom of the Class" 11 November 1982 Timothy is given the role of Bottom in the amateur dramatic society's production of "A Midsummer Night's Dream."
"Spellbound" 18 November 1982 When the mobile library breaks down on a country road near a prison, Timothy is forced to set off on foot to find help and he ends up meeting three strange women in a barn.
"It Never Rained in Those Days" 25 November 1982 Mother's birthday is coming up again and it's time for the rest of the family to pay some suitable homage.
"The Big Sleep" 2 December 1982 Timothy has to visit the hospital after an incident at the tennis court.

Christmas sketch (1982)
Title Airdate Overview
The Funny Side of Christmas 27 December 1982 Sketch (6 minutes)

Series 4 (1985)
Title Airdate Overview
"My Huckleberry Friend" 28 April 1985 Timothy attempts to help a runaway, when he believes that her fate lies in his hands.
"Move Over Mrs Lumsden" 5 May 1985 Timothy's Mother becomes determined to be named as the new secretary of the Ladies' Luncheon Club, it causes mayhem for the rest of the family.
"One of Our Naughty Bits Is Missing" 12 May 1985 Timothy tries to supply an adult book to the men's ward at the local hospital but chaos ensues.
"Confessions of a Jobbing Gardener" 19 May 1985 Timothy's mother is worried that his father is getting up to no good with a local widow.
"A Little Something Set Aside" 26 May 1985 Timothy's Mother finds out that he has a modest sum of money in his savings account
"Collapse of Small Party" 2 June 1985 After his parents are invited to attend the Chartered Accountants' Ball, Timothy decides to throw a party whilst they are out

Series 5 (1986)
Title Airdate Overview
"The Primal Scene, So to Speak" 10 May 1986 Timothy accidentally finds out about an affair that a local businessman is having who ends up offering him a large amount of money and a book contract to keep his mouth shut.
"Every Clown Wants to Play Hamlet" 17 May 1986 Timothy has the role of prompter for the local amateur dramatic society's production of Hamlet, and he has his eye on the woman playing Ophelia.
"Bells for Uncle Barstable" 24 May 1986 There might be church bells ringing for Timothy and his piano teacher, Miss Clanger.
"Natural Wastage" 7 June 1986 Timothy is determined to prove that he can still be as lively as a kitten.
"My Family and Other Monsters" 14 June 1986 Timothy becomes involved with a woman called Fenella, who lives on a canal boat and runs a children's theatre.
"It's a Wonderful Life, Basically" 21 June 1986 Just as everything looks like it is going wrong for Timothy, a wish he made comes true

Series 6 (1987)
Title Airdate Overview
"A Chief Inspector Calls" 1 June 1987 Timothy finds his hands are full when he has to deal with an escaped convict, a female mud wrestler and a French maid.
"Dream Time" 8 June 1987 Timothy attempts to realize his dreams before his mother can turn them into a nightmare.
"Amaze Your Friends!" 15 June 1987 Timothy takes part in an assertiveness course and his girlfriend ends up seeing him in a whole new light.
"Gone, But Not Forgotten" 22 June 1987 Timothy soon learns that even though his Mother may be out of sight, her influence over him is still as strong as it ever was.
"Little Foxes" 29 June 1987 As Timothy prepares to get married he soon learns that getting married might not mean happy ever after.
"Do You Take This Man – And His Mother?" 6 July 1987 Every single detail has been arranged on Timothy's wedding day so nothing can go wrong .

Series 7 (1988)
Title Airdate Overview
"Mothers and Brothers" 5 September 1988 Muriel attempts to persuade Timothy that the only way to escape their Mother's clutches is for him to buy his own home.
"Every Day, In Every Way" 12 September 1988 Timothy is given a lucky charm but he realizes in very little time that its powers in shaping his destiny are nothing compared to those of his mother.
"A Fool and his Money" 19 September 1988 Timothy is tricked after he runs into an old friend
"Flying Lessons" 26 September 1988 Timothy makes a date with the girl of his dreams but Mother finds a way to blackmail him into not showing up for their date.
"Winter's Tales" 3 October 1988 Mother makes one last attempt to clip his wings as Timothy stands on the verge of finally gaining his freedom.
"Up, Up and Away?" 10 October 1988 Timothy finally escapes his mother's clutches and leaves home to live with his partner Pippa.

DVD releases

The first two series of Sorry! were released on DVD under Playback Entertainment (Region 2, UK) in 2004. The DVD was put out of print in 2006, but the first series was re-released on DVD in 2007 under 2entertain & BBC Worldwide. It includes three audio commentaries by Ronnie Corbett. The second series was re-released in March 2008. The third, fourth, fifth and sixth series were released (for the very first time) on 2 August 2010 and 21 February, 20 June and 26 September 2011. The seventh (and final) series was released on 4 June 2012[1] along with the complete set of 7 DVDs.[2]

In region 4, the first four series have been released.

DVD title No. of discs Year No. of episodes DVD release
Region 2 Region 4
Complete Series 1 1 1981 6 2 July 2007 12 September 2007
Complete Series 2 1 1982 6 17 March 2008 19 March 2008
Complete Series 3 1 1982 6 2 August 2010 8 October 2008
Complete Series 4 1 1985 6 21 February 2011 2 February 2011[3]
Complete Series 5 1 1986 6 20 June 2011 2011
Complete Series 6 1 1987 6 26 September 2011 201?
Complete Series 7 1 1988 6 4 June 2012 201?
Complete Series 1 – 7 7 1981–1988 42 4 June 2012 TBA

References
  1. "Sorry!:Series 7 DVD 1988". Amazon.co.uk. 23 February 2012. Retrieved 23 February 2012.
  2. "Sorry!: The Complete Collection (7 Discs)". amazon.co.uk. 4 June 2012. Retrieved 11 August 2013.
  3. "Buy Sorry! - The Complete 4th Series on DVD-Video from EzyDVD.com.au". ezydvd.com.au. Archived from the original on 7 April 2011. Retrieved 18 September 2015.
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