Ripping Yarns
A British television comedy series, written by Michael Palin and Terry Jones of Monty Python fame. Following an initial pilot episode in January 1976, it ran for two subsequent series of five and three episodes in October 1977 and October 1979 respectively. Each episode had a different setting and characters, looking at a different aspect of British culture and parodying pre-World War II literature aimed at schoolboys.
Seasons
1. Tomkinson's Schooldays
Air Date: 1976-01-07
Set in the frontier days of British education, when upper lips were stiff with cold and corporal punishment was an A-level. A savage, searing indictment of something or other.
2. The Testing of Eric Olthwaite
Air Date: 1977-09-27
A boy becomes a man in the harsh world of the Depression. The rough, tough story of folk who couldn't afford to go on the Jarrow March.
3. Escape From Stalag Luft 112B
Air Date: 1977-10-04
A tale of courage and valour behind the lines in the Kaiser's Germany. An inspiring story of camp life and a British officer who wouldn't lie down.
4. Murder at Moorstones Manor
Air Date: 1977-10-11
Hugo and Dora drive down to see Mumsie and Dadsie-pie for a long weekend in the country. But their tophole weekend turns out to be longer than they thought.
5. Across the Andes by Frog
Air Date: 1977-10-18
The epic story of one man and six frogs who tried to defy the world in the greatest gamble of all.
6. The Curse of the Claw
Air Date: 1977-10-25
The terrifying story of a man who dabbled in the dark mysteries of the Orient, and lived to tell the tale. Or did he?
1. Whinfrey's Last Case
Air Date: 1979-10-10
Dashing, debonair Gerald Whinfrey saves his country twice a week. But in 1913 a German plot - to start the First World War without telling anyone - coincides with his holiday. Where will Whinfrey's priorities lie? A knock-about tale of international intrigue.
2. Golden Gordon
Air Date: 1979-10-17
A rare look at football fanaticism in the 1930s. Superfan Gordon Ottershaw supports a team which has not won a match for six years. But worse is to come. Will their tragedy bring Gordon's triumph? Or not? These are some of the questions this film hopes to answer. Or not.
3. Roger of the Raj
Air Date: 1979-10-24
Pubescent Roger Bartlesham comes of age in the turbulent India of 60 years ago, when circumstances beyond his control drive him towards the most deplorable act known to the British Army.
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Rating
7.4/10
Release Date
1976-01-07
Episodes
9 (2 seasons)
Status
Ended
