Malcolm M

Being new to the forum, I have been spending a lot of time reading old postings. Years ago the PBS station here ran the series " The Rise and Fall of Reginald Perrin" and "The Fall and Rise of Reginald Perrin". I did not see any mention of this series in the discussions. I was curious as to the opinion of the forum concerning this series and any unique information about it that might not have reached the market here in Denver. At the time I enjoyed it but I have never been able to see it again. Any comments?
Malcolm M.

samkydd

I read the book just before the series first came out and to me it gives a far better and more humorous insight into Reggie's mid-life crisis. The original series was very well done but despite Leonard Rossiter's marvellous portrayal I still prefer the book, the enjoyment of which has now been enhanced by seeing the excellent characters on screen.

"...the chairman of Littlewoods stores made a Keynote speech!"

ntsc405

I didn't get where I am today without enjoying The Fall and Rise of Reginald Perrin

I don't know whether it's just me, but I didn't enjoy the final series as much as the first two. I thought the concept of the Grot Shops was brilliant!

Incidentally, I wasn't previously aware of the existence of a book. Is the series based on the book or the other way round? And how close are they to one another as far as the storyline goes?

spinalman

The books are (of course) with much greater depth, and a great read. I too thought that series one and 2 were best. About due a re-run. There was a recent item on Reggie Perrin locations on UK terrestrial"Comedy Maps". Sunshine Desserts and Coleridge Close still exist. I don't think CJ and Mrs CJ live in Godalming anymore, and since Network SouthEast took over there has not been an escaped panther at Three Bridges incident....although curiously all trains now run to the revised timetable -11 minutes late.

Paul

samkydd

I bought the book by David Nobbs just before going on a long train journey with my school in 1976, and I think it was only about a few weeks before the first series was aired. The book's cover showed a photo of Leonard Rossiter although I think that the original first edition of the novel was published in 1975 and it showed a simple drawing of a bowler hat, brief case and umbrella.

As a school boy I found it hard to relate to a 46 year old in Reggie's position, but having worked for a few Sunshine Desserts type companies over the years, and done the daily commute on the train to London, I am now of that similar age. I am thankful that I read the book when I did because the ridiculous nature of working life, especially in an office and seeing grown men get excited about a new product launch of something like a Cumquat Surprise ice cream has always been with me, so much so that I've never taken life that seriously. Consequently I'll never reach the lofty heights of a C.J. but who in their right mind would want to?

"...the chairman of Littlewoods stores made a Keynote speech!"