User Reviews

Shelley wants to buy an old book in a junk shop but the dealer tries to make him think it is worth far more than it really is. After a protracted debate, the dealer agrees to let him have it for nothing.

Shelley and Fran are in a pub when he meets an old friend from his university days - Paul 'Bunter' England ( Warren Clarke ). Bunter wants a bed for the night, so they take him back to their bedsit. Before he knows it, he is invited to replace Ned as best man at their forthcoming wedding...

I used to love rummaging about in junk shops, usually looking for rare books, and met plenty of characters like the dealer here. I made the mistake of telling one that the book I wanted to buy ( 'Secret Army' by John Brason ) was a collector's item. Before I knew it, the conniving devil had trebled the price.

The arrival of Warren Clarke's 'Bunter' in the series was especially welcome, as it virtually ruled out the possibility of a return appearance from David Pugh's obnoxious 'Ned'. The latter, we are told, has gone to Australia, where hopefully he was savaged to death by a koala.

I'm giving this top marks for the superbly written scene where Shelley learns that Fran has purchased a job-lot from the junk shop, which includes tables, chairs, a commode, nine ashtrays, paintings, the complete works of Sir Walter Scott - but no bed! "Fine, we'll curl up together in the wardrobe!", says Shelley.

But its not the funniest moment. That honour belongs to the pub scene in which Shelley grumbles at length at the cheese roll he has bought at the bar. A moment or so later, a man walks past and steals it. It is 'Bunter' of course, but Shelley does not yet know this. Having complained about the roll, Shelley then expresses outrage at having had it stolen from under its nose!