Take a Chance: The Spy (1981) - FULL EPISODE

Dawson and Stanley are hoping for the arrival of a theatrical agent, but then confusion abounds when a secret agent drops by. What are the odds of that? I wonder what he'll make of MacDonald Donkey, Charlie, or the talking boots Shoebert and Lucille. Going by IMDB, this is the second episode of the one and only series, originally broadcast on Tuesday, 6th January, 1981. I really enjoyed this, and find the show fascinating as a whole. It's an object lesson that having a good act that goes down well on stage in five-minute chunks does not necessarily translate into television success. Poor old Dawson Chance - he's obviously a very talented ventriloquist, but one in need of a vehicle, and this sort of half-sitcom, half-variety performance has got the word "compromise" written all over it. And that's a shame, because the basis is there for a solid programme, albeit one done on the cheap in the style of a single-location play. Doing it in front of a live audience of children is brave, and on the one hand it helps with the energy. On the other hand, though, it seems to result in some of the cast massively over-acting at times in order to milk every last drop of reaction that they can, while most of the cleverest jokes are met with utter silence but the kids are rolling in the aisles at the mere mention of smelly socks or something. Still, I'm wary of being too harsh, because I still found it very entertaining and had a big smile on my face throughout. It's quite something to behold, though. They don't make 'em like this any more. You did recognise George, Zippy, and Bungle in this, by the way, didn't you? The character of Stanley Wates is played by Stanley Bates, who was the longest-serving Bungle on Rainbow, while the spy is Roy Skelton, who was the voice of both George and Zippy. Your 80s kids' TV licence is hereby revoked if you didn't. Huge thanks to Lee for providing this recording. (To the best of my knowledge, the contents of this video have never been available commercially anywhere in the world. Please also note that I don't monetise any of my uploads. Nevertheless, if you are a copyright holder and have an objection, please don't hesitate to contact me.)