That’s Your Funeral (BBC-1 1971, Bill Fraser, Raymond Huntley)

Sitcom That’s Your Funeral detailed the misadventures of a pair of undertakers, Basil Bulstrode and Emmanuel Holroyd.

The series began life as a Comedy Playhouse edition called Last Tribute. This aired on 25 March 1970 with the series following from 22 January the following year.

Like many popular sitcoms of the early seventies there was a big screen outing based on the series released in 1972.

production details
UK / BBC One / 7×30 minute episodes / 1971 22 January – 26 February

Writer: Peter Lewis / Producer: Douglas Argent

cast
BILL FRASER as Basil Bulstrode
RAYMOND HUNTLEY as Emmanuel Holroyd
DAVID BATTLEY as Percy
DAVID KING as Charlie

THE EPISODES
COMEDY PLAYHOUSE PILOT – 25 March 1970
1. Last Tribute
Percy discovers Basil Bulstrode’s one great passion in life – a collection of curious literature which he keeps in a magnificent old style coffin.

SEASON ONE 22 January – 26 February 1971

(2) 1. WINNING THE ASHES
When Percy the apprentice at Holroyds ignores the rule and sells the coffin not the funeral he places the firm in a grave situation.

(3) 2. ALAS POOR ERIC
A telephone call from Lady Bestys-Good-Enough about her sad loss sends Holroyd and his staff rushing to her manor. When they arrive they find that a test of skill lies before them but not quite the kind they expected.

(4) 3. THE LAST TO GO
Bulstrode, against his better judgement, becomes involved in the funeral of old Zephaniah Hodge, when he learns that Mr Hodge was wealthy his baser instincts come to the fore – even to the extent of having a band play the Last Post over the Grave.

(5) 4. WHAT’S IN A NAME
Even undertakers can fall in love and Percy is no exception but he has chosen to fall for Rose the daughter of a rival undertaker leaving Holroyd outraged.

(6) 5. UNHOLY DEADLOCK
Things get out of hand when Bulstrode, thanks to business being slack, goes into the wedding business, Holroyd unexpectedly returns from Holiday to hold a memorial service for one of his holiday party while Bulstrode has a wedding service being conducted in the Chapel of Rest.

(7) 6. A TOUCH OF VIOLET
Basil takes more than just a cursory interest in attractive Mrs Darling, recently widowed. His daydreams encompass a high class clientele and a luxurious funeral establishment, funded by Mrs Darling – who appears to take as much interest in funerals as he does.