Men of Affairs (ITV 1973-1974, Warren Mitchell, Brian Rix)

Sitcom Men of Affairs looked at the misadventures of a government minister and his parliamentary private secretary. Sir William Mainwaring-Brown (Warren Mitchell) is the Minister For European Affairs. He’s also a sex-mad womaniser whose extra-marital affairs constantly threaten to ruin his parliamentary career.

Barry Ovis (Brian Rix) is Sir William’s gormless Parliamentary Private Secretary. His job mainly seems to involve trying to cover up for Sir William’s sexual exploits.

Although 17 episodes were made, only 13 were ever transmitted.

Men of Affairs was loosely based on writer Pertwee’s long-running stage farce, Don’t Just Lie There, Say Something.

production details
UK / ITV – HTV / 13×25 minute episodes / Broadcast 3 Oct 1973 – 23 Jan 1974

Writer: Michael Pertwee / Producer: Wallace Douglas / Executive Producer: Patrick Dromgoole

cast
WARREN MITCHELL as Sir William
BRIAN RIX as Barry Ovis MP
JOAN SIMS as Lady Mainwaring-Brown