LIPSTICK ON YOUR COLLAR {PART 4 OF 6} (TV)
Summary
The fourth part in this black-humored mini-series about foreign affairs analysts in the British Military Intelligence Office in London, whose existence is interrupted by the Suez Canal crisis of 1956, as well as the incessant musical daydreams of one of its clerks. The program begins with Harry and Mick hearing a radio broadcast that the United States is trying to reach a peaceful settlement in the Suez situation. Harry is furious while Mick can't get Lisa out of his mind. Meanwhile, Frank fantasizes about his earlier conversation with Sylvia. Later, MIck dreams of Lisa and singing "Unchained Melody" for her pleasure. At the same time, Frank notices the ceiling lamp rocking and realizes that Pete must be having sex with Sylvia. The next day at work, Charles talks about the situation in Suez, offering the American perspective. Then, he leaves to take Lisa to lunch, making Mick wonder where they're dining.
On Sunday, Frank goes to the scheduled dance lesson but Sylvia is running late and he is forced to tango with the matronly instructor, proving his claims about being clumsy. Sylvia finally leaves her flat and Harold again stalks her down the street. Sylvia finally gives in and allows Harold to make some time with her. Then, Sylvia makes Harold drive her to meet Frank, angering the organist. At the dance lesson, the clock hits noon, the bar opens, and Frank notices Mick playing wildly on the drums with his group. Mick gets "sacked" and goes to the bar to drink with Frank. Ultimately, Sylvia arrives at the Hammersmith Palais and another man intercepts her before she can get to Frank. Then, Frank spies her across the hall and Sylvia goes to speak with him. After introducing Mick, Frank tells Sylvia that he dreams about her all day long, angering her. Sylvia's other suitor comes over and ends up punching Frank. As they're all thrown from the premises, Sylvia and Frank leave the building under Harold's gaze, as he hears "Your Cheatin' Heart." Sylvia and Frank walk to the park, where Frank reveals that he has never touched a girl in his life. He discusses feeling compelled to graze a woman's knee, making him feel like "a monster" and "a degenerate." Sylvia is amused by the chaste Frank, especially when he details an incident at a movie theater when he tried to "make contact" with his date. Then, Sylvia gives Frank his first-ever kiss as an angry Harold continues to spy on them from the bushes. Frank is upset as well, shocked that he has allowed himself to become romantic with Pete's wife.
Back at the office, Harry speaks with a general on the phone. Upon hanging up, he tells Pete that he is being sent upstairs for a special assignment. Then, Harry reveals it is time to begin Operation Musketeer, in which the British may head into Egypt to try to secure the Suez Canal. His co-workers, especially Wallace, think it is insane for the British to try to land in Port Said as opposed to Alexandria. Harry grows furious with Wallace before Mick envisions the men dancing and singing to "I See the Moon." After wondering why Charles is conveniently absent, Harry assigns Frank to join Pete upstairs. An increasingly unhinged Harry frets to Wallace that Great Britain's reputation will be ruined if they don't land correctly in Africa. Then, Wallace dismisses Mick from the room so that the higher-ups can try to calm Harry. Wallace encourages the men to go have a drink and a chat. Upstairs, Pete and Frank learn about their part in Operation Musketeer. While getting instructions, Frank can't help but replay his earlier conversation with Sylvia, during which he broke into tears. Meanwhile, Mick holds down the fort, fantasizing about life as a rock star while singing "Be-Bop-A-Lula." Then, Charles returns to the office, catching Mick goofing around before asking him for a favor: to escort Lisa to the theater that night. Mick is predictably thrilled while being given the particulars of his "assignment."
Details
- NETWORK: Channel 4 (United Kingdom)
- DATE: November 30, 1992
- RUNNING TIME: 0:58:04
- COLOR/B&W: Color
- CATALOG ID: T:32361
- GENRE: Comedy; Drama
- SUBJECT HEADING: Comedy; Drama
- SERIES RUN: Channel 4 (United Kingdom) - TV, 1993
- COMMERCIALS: N/A
CREDITS
- Dennis Potter … Executive Producer, Writer
- Rosemarie Whitman … Producer
- Alison Barnett … Co-Producer
- Michael Brent … Associate Producer
- Renny Rye … Director
- Giles Thomas … Cast, Private Francis
- Ewan McGregor … Cast, Private Hopper
- Louise Germaine … Cast, Sylvia Berry
- Douglas Henshall … Cast, Corporal Berry
- Roy Hudd … Cast, Harold Atterbow
- Peter Jeffrey … Cast, Colonel Bernwood
- Clive Francis … Cast, Major Hedges
- Nicholas Jones … Cast, Major Carter
- Nicholas Farrell … Cast, Major Church
- Shane Rimmer … Cast, Lt. Colonel Trekker
- Maggie Steed … Cast, Aunt Vickie
- Bernard Hill … Cast, Uncle Fred
- Kymberley Huffman … Cast, Lisa Trekker
- Jean Fergusson … Cast, Dance Instructor
- Sean Baker … Cast, Manager of Palais
- Michael Nielson … Cast, Man at Palais
- Jay Villiers … Cast, Captain
- Andy Laycock … Cast, First Soldier
- Daniel Ryan … Cast, Second Soldier
- Carrie Leigh … Cast, Dream Girl