These last two weeks have been full of celebrity obituaries, the majority of them overshadowed by the death of Michael Jackson. Today I learn of the passing of Mollie Sugden, better known to American audiences as "Mrs. Betty Slocombe" on the hilarious British comedy, Are You Being Served? Mrs. Slocombe was a flamboyant clerk in the women's deaprtment of the fictional Grace Brothers department store. She had different colored hair in almost every episode; could be graceful and eloquent and could make a sailor blush...at the same time! Mollie Sugden captured this character to a tee. Oh...and the double entendres. The first time I heard her say "Mr. Ackbar, can you look through the keyhole of my apartment and check if my pussy is resting" I just about died from laughing. In future episodes we learn the name of the infamous pussy, Tiddles. This show was an ensemble comedy show, yet each character was funny, even the supporting cast. I think you hardly see this in American comedies, where the supporting actors are funnier than the leads. She was in her 80s and now joins her other co-workers in the great department store in the sky...Wendy Richards (Miss Brahms) and John Inman (Mr. Humphries). The show is a staple on the various PBS stations in the United States or you can get the episodes on DVD or the silly movie version. I know this show has a major following and we all mourn the passing of this beloved, great comedienne. Lucille Ball would be proud of her!!!
Friday, July 3, 2009
Avert Your Gaze, Mr. Lucas!
These last two weeks have been full of celebrity obituaries, the majority of them overshadowed by the death of Michael Jackson. Today I learn of the passing of Mollie Sugden, better known to American audiences as "Mrs. Betty Slocombe" on the hilarious British comedy, Are You Being Served? Mrs. Slocombe was a flamboyant clerk in the women's deaprtment of the fictional Grace Brothers department store. She had different colored hair in almost every episode; could be graceful and eloquent and could make a sailor blush...at the same time! Mollie Sugden captured this character to a tee. Oh...and the double entendres. The first time I heard her say "Mr. Ackbar, can you look through the keyhole of my apartment and check if my pussy is resting" I just about died from laughing. In future episodes we learn the name of the infamous pussy, Tiddles. This show was an ensemble comedy show, yet each character was funny, even the supporting cast. I think you hardly see this in American comedies, where the supporting actors are funnier than the leads. She was in her 80s and now joins her other co-workers in the great department store in the sky...Wendy Richards (Miss Brahms) and John Inman (Mr. Humphries). The show is a staple on the various PBS stations in the United States or you can get the episodes on DVD or the silly movie version. I know this show has a major following and we all mourn the passing of this beloved, great comedienne. Lucille Ball would be proud of her!!!
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