If you are an AYBS (Are You Being Served) fan and long to see that episode, Father Christmas, but never see it on TV anymore, you are probably right. Because of the black face part - the last minute and a half where Mr. Granger's black-face from his Jolson routine performed the night before, had not come off and Father Christmases were being chosen by a young black boy. The networks have become skittish the last couple years, thinking this is too insensitive to risk showing it. The only way, in most areas, to see this episode is to purchase it as part of an anthology, like the AYBS? Christmas DVD or VHS or the whole AYBS collection. It also appears on one of the 3-4 episode VHS tapes. There are a few ways of looking at this episode. First, you can understand that this is from a different time and place, the United Kingdom in 1976. As such, it is what it is. They show Jolson movies and similar movies on the classic movie channels without fear, because they are historically indicative of the time in which they were created. Second, you can appreciate the statement made when the young black boy spies the black-faced Granger and says, "now that's what I call a Father Christmas." This could be a statement, on the part of the writers and producers, that times needed to change more and blacks needed to be better represented. You can also take it as offensive, something which I doubt needs explanation. I really doubt that the writers had any intention of offending anyone. And there are other ways of viewing this. But all-in-all, it is one of the amusing episodes that feature a couple of their favorite themes which were Christmas- and musical- or theatrical-ventures on the part of the Grace Brothers staff. If you ARE an avid AYBS, you will want to add this compilation of Christmas- and theatrical-themed episodes to your collection.Read full review
Very good actors and funny story!
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Four well made AYBS episodes. It has the last of Mr Lucas and young Mr Grace in The Punch & Judy Affair. I think this is the only way also to get this episode. Christmas Crackers is also one of the best of the AYBS series. Well worth the purchase.
Love Are You Being Served Series.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Can it get any better.... awesome, awesome, awesome movie. Ok, you should be somewhat of an Are You Being Served fan of the show anyway... but I don't think you can go wrong w/ this one even if this is the first of the characters from the show you are going to view.
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