'The Giftie' is a television comedy play written by Wally K. Daly. The title is obviously a reference to the verse from a well known Rabbie Burns poem which goes: ''O'wad some power the giftie gie us, tae see ourselves as others see us!'', which goes some way to explaining the plot of this play.
Richard O'Sullivan and the late John Wells play Paul and Frank, two toy manufacturers who decide to have some fun with a new machine that has been installed at their work - a 3D photocopier which they use to clone themselves so they not only get to see themselves as others see them but also so they can enjoy a skin full down at the pub without their wives knowing.
However, things go drastically wrong when the machine starts printing out multiple copies of both Frank and Paul, leading to a serious case of mistaken identity. Paul's wife Faye ( Joanna Van Gyseghem from 'Duty Free' ) ends up at her wits end whilst Frank's wife Margaret ( the late Janet Key ) seems glad of having several men around the house.
This witty little play came to my attention many years back through recommendation by my father in law, who owned a copy recorded off air when it was first shown. Despite the poor quality of the tape, much fun was still to be had. Richard O'Sullivan was far better here than he ever was in 'Man About The House' and 'Robin's Nest' and he had the underrated John Wells to back him up. Also impressive was Joanna Van Gyseghem as the overwrought Faye, a character a million miles away from the sultry Linda she portrayed in 'Duty Free'.
'The Giftie' was repeated once in the '90's but has never been made commercially available, therefore meaning it is not widely remembered. A pity. It could well gain a new following if it were to be screened again.
Richard O'Sullivan and the late John Wells play Paul and Frank, two toy manufacturers who decide to have some fun with a new machine that has been installed at their work - a 3D photocopier which they use to clone themselves so they not only get to see themselves as others see them but also so they can enjoy a skin full down at the pub without their wives knowing.
However, things go drastically wrong when the machine starts printing out multiple copies of both Frank and Paul, leading to a serious case of mistaken identity. Paul's wife Faye ( Joanna Van Gyseghem from 'Duty Free' ) ends up at her wits end whilst Frank's wife Margaret ( the late Janet Key ) seems glad of having several men around the house.
This witty little play came to my attention many years back through recommendation by my father in law, who owned a copy recorded off air when it was first shown. Despite the poor quality of the tape, much fun was still to be had. Richard O'Sullivan was far better here than he ever was in 'Man About The House' and 'Robin's Nest' and he had the underrated John Wells to back him up. Also impressive was Joanna Van Gyseghem as the overwrought Faye, a character a million miles away from the sultry Linda she portrayed in 'Duty Free'.
'The Giftie' was repeated once in the '90's but has never been made commercially available, therefore meaning it is not widely remembered. A pity. It could well gain a new following if it were to be screened again.
