Genres
Networks
Only When I Laugh
Overview
Only When I Laugh is a British television sitcom. It is set in the ward of an NHS hospital. The title is the answer to the question, "Does it hurt?"
Top Cast
Peter Bowles
James Bolam
Richard Wilson
Reginald Marsh
Derrick Branche
Christopher Strauli
Norman Binns
Seasons
Season 1 (1979)
No overview available.
7 episodes
Episodes
Episode 1: A Bed With A View
1979-10-29Norman arrives at the ward and is given the bed next to the window. A game of musical beds ensues as Figgis and Archie want it too...
Runtime: 30 minEpisode 2: Operation Norman
1979-11-05Norman's due for his appendix operation and is rather upset about it. He turns to Figgis for comfort in his hour of need...
Runtime: 30 minEpisode 3: The Rumour
1979-11-12Thorpe is waiting for an important call from his wife as Victor, their dog, is seriously ill. Gupte misunderstands, thinking Victor is the Thorpes' son (actually named Tarquin); Figgis, smoking in a lavatory cubicle, overhears the resultant conversation and assumes that they are talking about him and that he is going to die. As the situation develops, both Norman and then Glover think they are under the shadow of death. When Gupte tells Glover he may be sent home at the end of the week, Glover decides to phone his hated boss and tell him exactly what he thinks of him.
Runtime: 30 minEpisode 4: The Man With The Face
1979-11-19Archie's lothario-like tendencies are coming back to haunt him when he's convinced he's being stalked by a Greek madman for besmirching his fiancée...
Runtime: 30 minEpisode 5: Let Them Eat Cake
1979-11-26There's a lot of disatisfaction with the food being served in the hospital. The trio can stand the daily menu no longer and go on hunger strike. What they hadn't bargained for, however, was how hungry they would get...
Runtime: 30 minEpisode 6: Tangled Web
1979-12-03Norman is reading a book about a pretty nurse when one actually comes onto the ward.
Runtime: 30 minEpisode 7: Is There A Doctor In The House?
1979-12-10Fed up with lying in bed all day, Figgis gets hold of his outdoor clothes and sets off for a wander around the hospital. Naturally, he is mistaken for a doctor.
Runtime: 30 min
Season 2 (1980)
No overview available.
7 episodes
Episodes
Episode 1: Whatever Happened To Gloria Robbins?
1980-04-29The trio get into a lather when a glamorous film star arrives on the ward.
Runtime: 30 minEpisode 2: Where There's A Will
1980-05-06A dirty old farmer is an unwelcome patient until it is realized he is very rich and about to make his will.
Runtime: 30 minEpisode 3: It Can Damage Your Health
1980-05-13Despite being warned on a frequent basis, the patients are undeterred by the risks of smoking.
Runtime: 30 minEpisode 4: The Cosmic Influence
1980-05-20Much to the despair of the others, Figgis becomes preoccupied with signs & portents.
Runtime: 30 minEpisode 5: The Visitors
1980-05-27It's visiting day and Norman's mother has another dreary girl lined up for him, much to the others' amusement!
Runtime: 30 minEpisode 6: The Lost Sheep
1980-06-03Figgis admits he's not been christened but sees the light when he meets a vicar.
Runtime: 30 minEpisode 7: Last Tango
1980-06-10The "regulars" plan a party, but unexpected guests turn up...
Runtime: 30 min
Season 3 (1981)
No overview available.
8 episodes
Episodes
Episode 1: A Day In The Life Of
1981-09-02When a TV crew arrives to make a programme about the hospital, the patients fight for stardom.
Runtime: 30 minEpisode 2: The Right Honourable Gentleman
1981-09-09An MP concerned with the spiralling costs of the NHS is admitted for treatment, but refuses to sign a petition to save the hospital.
Runtime: 30 minEpisode 3: Adam's Rib
1981-09-16The new young female doctor on the ward gets a mixed reception...
Runtime: 30 minEpisode 4: Postman's Knock
1981-09-23Agony Aunt Clare Butterfield receives a letter from Worried of Ward 3, but her reply only confuses things...
Runtime: 30 minEpisode 5: Accident
1981-09-30Norman has to decide whether to testify against Dr. Thorpe about an accident he witnessed.
Runtime: 30 minEpisode 6: Dear Diary
1981-10-07When Norman keeps a diary about life on the ward, everyone is anxious to get their hands on it.
Runtime: 30 minEpisode 7: These You Have Loved
1981-10-14Fed up with hospital radio, the patients try to do better themselves.
Runtime: 30 minEpisode 8: Away for Christmas
1981-12-24A new patient arrives as the ward is decorated for Christmas.
Runtime: 30 min
Season 4 (1982)
No overview available.
7 episodes
Episodes
Episode 1: Blood Brothers
1982-11-04Glover refuses to have a blood transfusion. He's worried that the donor will be from a lower social class.
Runtime: 30 minEpisode 2: Conduct Unbecoming
1982-11-11Dr Thorpe examines a female patient without a nurse being present. Figgis, Glover and Norman try to make sure he doesn't take advantage
Runtime: 30 minEpisode 3: All In The Mind
1982-11-18Figgis becomes interested in psychiatry and sets about psychoanalysing Glover and Norman.
Runtime: 30 minEpisode 4: In Sickness And In Health
1982-11-25Norman is planning to marry Deirdre. He wonders if three years is long enough to be engaged.
Runtime: 30 minEpisode 5: Escape
1982-12-02A convicted prisoner is moved into the ward. Glover, Figgis and Norman worry in case he tries to escape.
Runtime: 30 minEpisode 6: When Did You Last See Your Father?
1982-12-09A scruffy old drunkard comes to the hospital looking for his son. Could the son be Figgis, Glover or Norman?
Runtime: 30 minEpisode 7: The Reunion
1982-12-16Figgis, Glover and Norman are about to be discharged from hospital. They consider holding a reunion.
Runtime: 30 min
