The Fall and Rise of Reginald Perrin (TV Series) Hippopotamus (1976) User Reviews

Hippopotamus

[Prismark10 · 9/10 · 27 October 2022]

This was funny when I saw it back in 1976 and still funny today.

Writer David Nobbs wrote a series of books that charts Reginald Perrin life. Middle aged, middle class, middle manager being tired of his life, his work and the commute. In essence Reggie Perrin (Leonard Rossiter) is having a breakdown.

The first episode shows his working days where Reggie goes to work and then increasingly has flights of fancies. Each time his mother in law is mentioned, he has visions of a Hippopotamus. Ravishing his secretary.

By the end of the first episode, Reggie's behaviour is becoming bizarre. Only having ravioli at an Italian restaurant. Calling her mother in law a Hippopotamus in from of his wife Elizabeth (Pauline Yates.)

Now I did not get where I am today by not recognising good comedy. The first episode establishes Reggie's routine as he walks past roads named after poets. The trains that are late.

Then there are his work colleagues at Sunshine Desserts with their catchphrases such as Super and Great. Then there is CJ brilliantly played by John Barron. The mean cruel boss.

The first episode struck a chord with those struck in a rut whether working in a factory or in an office job.

I was a kid when watching this. When I had to commute for work, I often thought of Reginald Perrin as I was struck in a traffic jam. You could understand why he wanted to rebel.

Reggie's Rebellion Begins

[ShadeGrenade · 10/10 · 1 May 2009]

With the 'Reggie Perrin' series starring Martin Clunes now underway on B.B.C.-1, I thought it might be a good time to review the first episode of the classic series starring the late, great Leonard Rossiter. Clunes has been dismissive of the old show in interviews ( why do people these days think the most effective way to promote a remake is to rubbish the original? ) and there have been several comments on internet television forums of the 'it was good in its day, but its very dated now' variety.

I have not seen the original show in many years, not since it was last repeated on B.B.C.-2 ( late '90's, I think ). So what did I make of the first episode after all this time? Every second of it was first-rate.

The title sequence, as everyone remembers, has Reggie running along a beach, stripping off his clothes, and taking a dip, accompanied by Ronnie Hazlehurst's wonderful theme. This scene is not in the opening episode, of course, it happens much later in the run.

What I found interesting was the way the episode was structured. It starts with a typical day in Reggie's life; everything is done to order, he and Elisabeth ( Pauline Yates ) swap the same farewells each morning ( "Have a good day at the office.". "I won't!" ). He walks along streets named after poets, catches the train where he finds himself sharing a compartment with hay fever sufferer Peter Cartwright ( Terence Conoley ) who never thinks to bring along tissues, and then finally, its off to 'Sunshine Desserts' whose sign loses at least one letter a day. Reggie throws his umbrella at the hat-stand but never hits it, and notices Joan's legs as she dictates a letter. Then there is the usual encounter with the appalling Tony Webster ( Trevor Adams ), whose favourite word is 'Great!' and nervous David Harris-Jones ( Bruce Bould ), whose favourite word is 'Super!', interplay with C.J. ( John Barron ), a man whose cruelty to his employees is borderline sadistic ( farting chairs in his office no less! ). The second day sees Reggie developing signs of anxiety, he even manages to throw up in the middle of a tasting of a new range of exotic ice creams. On the third day the madness begins proper, and here the show takes full comic flight. I don't accept the 'dated' argument because the themes dealt with here are timeless. People like 'Reggie' ( trapped in hum-drum jobs ) still exist unfortunately.

In the first episode of the new show, they decided not to show us what Reggie was rebelling against, and to use a popular phrase 'cut to the chase' with him insulting people at every opportunity. In today's multi-channel world, a series needs to get to the point quickly or else the impatient audience changes channels. A great pity.

Details like the streets named 'Coleridge Close' and 'Tennyson Avenue' are not funny in themselves, but they gave depth to what otherwise could have been a run-of-the-mill sitcom.

Rossiter as 'Reggie' is simply magnificent. Had 'Rising Damp' not happened, this would have been the show he would today best be remembered for. Even when nothing very funny is happening, he keeps you amused. Just look at the serene expression on his face when Esther Pigeon ( Jacki Piper ) witters on about sales figures! This was the only episode directed by its producer John Howard Davies. From then on, Gareth Gwelan assumed directorial responsibilities. Davies certainly knew how to cast. Every actor in this is perfectly chosen, even the minor characters such as Peter Cartwright.

Funniest moment - Reggie is in the Italian restaurant having a three-course meal - ravioli, ravioli, and ravioli. Guess what Elisabeth has waiting for him when he gets home? The series was off to a flying start.