PENNIES FROM HEAVEN, PART I: DOWN SUNNYSIDE LANE (TV)
Summary
The first in this six-part series about the fantasies and real-life experiences of sheet music salesman Arthur Parker. This episode follows Arthur on a four-day business trip from London to Gloucester. Meanwhile, back at home, his wife Joan has fantasies and experiences of her own. Dramatic scenes and surreal musical numbers reflect the couple's troubled interior lives. Arthur makes several acquaintances on his journey, including Eileen, a mysterious, kindhearted woman and the current object of his desire; Marjorie, the easily attainable prostitute; and the poor, half-witted, wandering accordionist, who remains nameless. Joan encounters a door-to-door beauty aid salesman, Conrad Baker. Though this smooth-talking flatterer is unsuccessful in his attempt to kiss Joan, his efforts highlight her vulnerability. Musical numbers include "Till the Clouds Roll By," "Blue Moon," "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes," "Seein' is Believin'," "Pennies From Heaven," "Shine on Harvest Moon," "Zing! Went the Strings of My Heart," and "Roll Along Prarie Moon."
As Arthur nears the end of his trip, he attempts to dissociate himself from a prostitute, Marjorie, and the Accordion Man, who is revealed to be an epileptic. He continues to have romantic fantasies about Eileen, however. His wife Joan, on the other hand, tries to associate more closely with her tea-party guests, Irene and Betty, by readily agreeing with their opinions on various topics, including marriage. In a song-and-dance sequence, Joan fantasizes that she and her friends murder and cremate Arthur. When Arthur arrives home, the couple, though apparently happy to be reunited, resume their disputes over money and sex. The episode ends with the confused and unfulfilled Arthur weeping as Joan lies awake at his side. The songs in this segment include "You Rascal You," "Cheek to Cheek," and "Down Sunnyside Lane."
Details
- NETWORK: BBC (United Kingdom)
- DATE: March 7, 1978
- RUNNING TIME: 1:12:02
- COLOR/B&W: Color
- CATALOG ID: T89:0311
- GENRE: Drama
- SUBJECT HEADING: Drama; International Collection - United Kingdom; Music, popular (songs, etc.)
- SERIES RUN: BBC (United Kingdom) - TV, 1978
- COMMERCIALS: N/A
CREDITS
- Kenith Trodd … Producer
- Piers Haggard … Director
- Dennis Potter … Writer
- Tudor Davies … Choreographer
- Bob Hoskins … Cast, Arthur Parker
- Gemma Craven … Cast, Joan Parker
- Cheryl Campbell … Cast, Eileen
- Kenneth Colley … Cast, the Accordion Man
- Nigel Havers … Cast, Conrad Baker
- Arnold Peters … Cast, Barrett
- Sam Avent … Cast, the Pianist
- Rosemary Martin … Cast, Marjorie
- Robert Putt … Cast , Jumbo
- Keith Marsh … Cast, Will
- Jenny Logan … Cast, Irene
- Tessa Dunne … Cast, Betty
- Wally Thomas … Cast, Carter