The Rag Trade

Fenner fashions strives to compete in a busy market, the world of fashions. At the head is Fenner, an ambitious business owner, aided by his right hand man Reg, Fenner's work force is led by Paddy, head of the Union.

A high quality comedy from The BBC, one that seems to be fondly remembered. This original series is superior to The LWT remake that followed some years later.

It's bawdy, original and very funny, it holds up incredibly well, there are some genuine belly laugh moments throughout.

I'd like to pick out a standout performer, but they're all wonderful, Miriam Karlin is tremendous as the whistleblowing Paddy, it serves to show the power of The Unions at the time.

If I had to say who I look out for, it's Lily, the diminutive Esma Canon is magical, she's incredibly funny, such a scatty character.

Series one is the best of it, and French Fashions is perhaps the best of them, although there are many highlights.

It's a crying shame that so many episodes are lost, all of series three, bar one, is currently missing, hopefully that will change.

I'll be checking out the LWT series during my summer holidays.

A gem.

8/10.