Concerned that, since Robin's arrival, their grocery bills have increased to as much as £16 per week, the girls insist he start making cheaper meals. He refuses to do this, and to get extra money seeks a job as a door-to-door encyclopedia salesman. Robin arrives at the company's premises, which he believes to be an office block. In fact, the company is located in a dilapidated building, and run by one 'Maurice Morris' ( Peter Jones ). He explains his unusual name thus; "My parents wanted a duplicating machine!". Having gotten the job, Robin works ( with the girls' help ) on his sales technique. Meanwhile, downstairs, Roper is taking part in a competition organised by Carters Baked Beans, the prize being a holiday for two in Barbados. Robin's encyclopaedias might just help him win...
An okay episode. Door-to-door encyclopaedia salesmen are, of course, things of the past, making this episode something of an education in itself. Peter Jones was one of Britain's most popular comedy actors when this was made; he would soon star in a B.B.C. sitcom of his own creation called 'Mr.Big', and was two years away from reviving his famous portrayal as put-upon factory owner 'Harold Fenner' in Ronald Wolfe and Ronald Chesney's 'The Rag Trade'. He then went on to voice 'The Book' in the seminal radio comedy 'The Hitch-Hiker's Guide To The Galaxy'.
Funniest moment - Mildred admonishing George for getting one of the competition answers wrong. "John Wilkes Booth assassinated Abraham Lincoln. He did not found the Salvation Army!". Not wanting to appear stupid, George quickly adds: "He could have done it afterwards!".
An okay episode. Door-to-door encyclopaedia salesmen are, of course, things of the past, making this episode something of an education in itself. Peter Jones was one of Britain's most popular comedy actors when this was made; he would soon star in a B.B.C. sitcom of his own creation called 'Mr.Big', and was two years away from reviving his famous portrayal as put-upon factory owner 'Harold Fenner' in Ronald Wolfe and Ronald Chesney's 'The Rag Trade'. He then went on to voice 'The Book' in the seminal radio comedy 'The Hitch-Hiker's Guide To The Galaxy'.
Funniest moment - Mildred admonishing George for getting one of the competition answers wrong. "John Wilkes Booth assassinated Abraham Lincoln. He did not found the Salvation Army!". Not wanting to appear stupid, George quickly adds: "He could have done it afterwards!".
