110 Parm from West Midlands: 'Please Sir!' (1969-1972) was a fantastic show as was it's spin-off, 'The Fenn Street Gang'(1971-1973). Bob Larbey one of it's creators & writer's & David Barry who played Frankie Abbott are great people. Both of them readily answered q's I asked them about the show. Deryck Guyler who played 'Potter' was one of my favourite characters. I have met his real life younger son Chris & daughter-in-law, they are really nice people. Episodes of 'Please Sir!' from s2 & s3 were repeated 14yrs after it came off air on Saturday afternoons as part of ITV's Classic Comedy slot between 1986-1987. Episodes from s1 to s4 were repeated on the now defunct Sky channel Men & Motors between 2007-2010. However the Fenn Street Gang was never repeated.
I do think that the 1971 film version of 'Please Sir' filmed at Pinewood Studios was really good. It has some good shots of Black Park Country Park in Wexham, Bucks. Four key places for 'Please Sir!' are: 1. Stonebridge Primary in Shakespeare Avenue, NW10 8NG. This was the school they used for outside shots. 2. Station House, where they rehearsed, now called Wembley Point on Harrow Road HA9 6DE(soon to become a hotel). 3. The Gwinneth Rickus building, Brentfield Rd, NW10 8HE(School gate shots on opening credits s1). 4. The specific studio they filmed the episodes in front of a live audience, over at the former LWT Wembley is now a Lidl, HA9 8TS.
109 Fran from London: Hello to you Victoria, how lovely to hear from you,
My warmest congratulations to you on your new arrival, I am sure he would be as proud of her as he was of you. Victoria, never forget my sweetheart, your lovely lovely dad is always with you.
He is smiling even more now.
Take care,
Love Fran XXX
108 RICHARD DAVIS from essex: loved it, does anyone know what school they used on the outside shots
107 Victoria McFee from London: Sarah, how lovely to see a message from you, I think I met your father at my grandmother's (Mary Kearnan) funeral.
Did your end of the family used to follow my dad's work too? My grandad Harry was so proud to tell anyone who would listen who his son-in-law was!
A little update for any Malcolm McFee fans: if he were still with us he would now be a proud grandfather. I can only imagine how he would have spoiled my little girl rotten! I have placed a picture of him in his 'Please Sir' days outside her room so her very special guardian angel is there to protect her while she sleeps...x
106 Sarah Kearnan from Lanark : I know you wont know me Victoria but my papa (patrick kearnan) and your grandfather (harry kearnan) were brothers x
105 valerie rowe from essex: i loved 'please sir' i watch it everytime its on the box . still makes me laugh i loved all the gang. i always had a soft spot for malcome' i am really sadened at his loss .r.i.p .
104 daz green from chester: I was only a nipper when it started, but rememebr it well as one of my favourites. On Sunday night wasnt it ? All us lads wanted to be like Eric amd Malcom, who were seen as very cool. Seeing them looking after each other, in school and out is a lesson for us in these less caring times.
Funnily enough years later at High School we had a science teacher just like Mr Price, ours was called Jones, also Welsh, and forever blowing himself up, blinding or burning himself with experiments.
Are people sure the Gibbons Rd school building is still there ? I cant see it on Google satelite maps, just some new flats opposite the power station :( Gone i fear.
103 Neil Meikle from Ashley Northants: I loved the show and Fenn Street Gang first time round on the telly and still do on utube now. One actress I havent found much information about is Rosalind Elliot who played Celest Frankies girlfriend in Fenn Street. I dont even know if the ladies still alive or not. Can anybody help please?
102 Chris from Oxford: A big fan of the TV series, as are many, but just wanted to say a word about Malcolm. I was stage manager at the Opera House in 1988 and met and worked with Malcom for the summer and on other occasions. A good bloke, good fun and flipping good at the crossword! A sad loss.
101 lolly from northampton: my mates mum was wardrobe lady on the fenn street gang so my mae got some of sharons clothes and we saw a few episodes in the studio great series and always on the look out on repeats for the episodes we saw had most of cast autographs as my dad used to mend eric chittys lawnmower till my auograph book got pinched memories of the 70s
100 Jack Goddard from York UK: I'm currently watching Please Sir and it is simply amazing how quickly you feel like like you have known the characters for years. I do some acting myself and can quite honestly say I feel outdone by these characters they are brilliant! To those who have passed on, you will always be remembered. I love the way Hedges mimicks Duffy and just the way the characters bounce off each other! They simply do not make series like this anymore! Shame.
99 judith patterson from new zealand: i liked please sir, memories of school days back then, the best education back then, now kids cant even do there times tables, or sound out.
98 john seaton from east london: Just found this page and am happy to have done so! This was just a wonderful show. especially the 2nd and 3rd sereies (had no time for it after 5C left or the fenn street gang series which lost the magic somehow) - the inter-action between the characters was just great and there were some true classic moments throughout - fabulous acting by all involved and one-liners that will live forever. I remember 'neat eric' being the saying all us little yobbos at school at school would use at the time! cant believe that the actors involved didnt go on to bigger things as they were some of the finest actors this country has ever produced. And penny spencer was my first true love! where did she go? i sure hope shes alive and well. so sad to hear of the deaths of liz, malcom and peter, as well as most of the staff. makes watching it now kinda sad to think of all the years that have gone by. thanks to all who have posted on here giving me some info i never knew ( the location of the school for one) Just watched the film again lately and laughed my head off. its still one of the funniest films ever. its a real criminal act that this series and these great actors have been all but forgotten except by us faithful few. Wish there was a fan club where we could all meet, watch the show and talk memories. Maybe we should start one!
97 Chris from Hampshire: I've just bought the boxed set and can't believe how much I'd forgotten, and also how good the scripts were in series 1 to 3. A few dodgy ones along the way, but never mind. Penny Spencer was the most stunning girl to walk the earth back when I was about 10, and seeing these episodes now reminds me that she undoubtedly always will be! Shame she didn't really pursue tv and film for long, though.
Network did a decent job on the full set, so well done to them.
96 ronnie cowie from sunderland: Who could forget those immortal words of Norman Potter (alias Deryk Guiler) oh yes I was in the desert rats ya know.
95 Robin from Orkney, Scotland: Please was on the duration of my own Secondary School days and it was one of those programmes were on the never miss list, it is my favourite of all the British Sitcoms. recently bought the whole series + film on DVD, it is pure magic. It is sad that several of the cast have now passed away including some of the pupils (Maureen and Dennis). But to me they are still alive when I watch the programmes over and over.
94 Fran from London: Hiya Phil Tennent from Wallasey
and a very special hello to Victoria xxx
Frankie Abbott is now writing and directing with our Peter Cleall. They have worked together on many projects including pantomines.
So sorry to hear about Peter Denyer. I am very saddened. He was magicalm along with our Malcolm and Liz and I am sure that the three of them are together
xxxx
93 Michael from London: Paul Gebhard from Birmingham- I can tell you that Liz went to school at Willesden County Grammar School in London NW10. She was in my class. The school is no longer there but they do have a thriving old school pupils reunion website with lots of pictures. If you google Old Uffingtonians Association I am sure you will find it of interest
92 kevin davies from bexleyheath: Well the show for me will always be fondly remembered and to hear of the deaths of liz gebhardt, malcolm mcfee and peter denyer have slightly shocked me to be honest. These people will always be remembered tho and the show bears testimony to that. I am also surprised that none of them went on to greater success!! And Malcolm Mcfee was only 52 -blimey!!
91 Mark from Liverpool: Great cast and a great show a true classic.
90 colin.dadswell from chatham kent uk: I'm sorry if this is already common knowledge, but i'd like to add to these pages, that the school in the opening titles of the first series is the one i went to! it was then called Gibbons Secondary Modern in Brentfield Rd london NW10 anyone who went there in the sixties and seventies would recall the huge power station just the other side of the boys playground! that is visible in the title footage. and the front of the building with all 5C hanging on the fench! Ahh what memories! the building itself is still there but is no longer a school, Oh and the power station has been greatly reduced.
89 Phil Tennent from Wallasey: Does anyone know what Frankie Abbott (David Barry) is up to now, he was a legend.
88 Christine Beal from Southampton: I grew up with Please Sir and can remember sitting quietly on a Sunday evening watching it and hopeing my parents would not send me to bed. Brilliant programme and sad to hear of the deaths of some of the great characters.
87 Willam Bound from Yorkshire: What a show! I was 9 years old when Please Sir! first appeared on our TV screens and with me it was an instant hit! I loved the characters, and having watched the re-runs on Dave and M&M as a 'Grown up' it made me realise just what a fantastic programme it was for it's time. Mr. Hedges and 5C were my favourites in the series and will always remain so. It makes one a little misty eyed to remember waiting eagerly for the show to start on a Sunday evening, probably before one of my own schoolday monday mornings, Ah the anticipation! I recall laughing all the way through each episode, and it being the talk of the playground the following morning! It was from an innocent time, it fitted in with the times, and the repeats are a timely reminder of wahta we have lost in the modern areana of quality TV shows. Long may 'Please Sir' be remembered by all who appreciated it! I'd dearly love to know what the grown up members of 5C are up to these days!
Now where's my vintage 1968 copy of TV Tmes?
86 Fran from london: Hiya Victoria
How lovely to hear from you. I do hope all is well with you and my fellow Please Sir class mates!!
Wonderful memories indeed.
Victoria, my pleasure and honour sweetheart.
Take care honey and any of the cast who happen to be reading this !! xxxxxxx
85 Susan Collard from Melbourne Australia: I have just introduced my 12 year old daughter to To Sir With Love. Then I started remembering about Please Sir. Penny Spencer was the girl I most wanted to look like. What has happened to her? Reading this site I was extremely upset to hear about Liz and Malcolm's deaths. I grew up with them on TV. Please send my deepest sympathies to their families. Susan
84 Victoria McFee from London: Haven't checked this site for a long time but was so moved by the lovely things everyone has to say about my dad. Thank you so much to everyone - especially Fran!
83 Dell Cornish from Brentwood: PENNY SPENCER - where are you now and what are you up to? Far too lovely and talented to be hiding in domestic bliss.
Meet us all for a glass of wine or better still let me buy you lunch!!!!!
82 Wil Overton from Warwickshire: The film is simply my favourite movie of all time. It never fails to cheer me up :)
81 marian slight from north east england: derrek guyler what a talented acter he was and didnt he play the washboard too at some point in his career from policeman to janitor in the series he was in and i also liked his very distinctive voice im sure he will be remembered fondly for many years to come gone and sadly missed by many.
80 roslyn from essex: I believe Penny is now living in Essex.
79 Veronica Rangi from Invercargill New Zealand: I am trying to buy the set of Please Sir, I loved it. My brother Lindsay Campbell, played the part of Mr Sibley. He died in Felixstowe at Megs Jenkins home in 1984
78 shelley james from nottinghamshire: Please Sir holds such dear memories for me., I was only a little girl when it came out on tv, and have to admit it wasent untill i became older alot of the jokes made sense!!!! but it was so full of lovable charecters that you could easily warm to, that my parents let me watch it anyhow as a kiddie. Now I have lots of episodes on dvd and video.... and I cant get enough of the film. My friend Lynne and I text each other if we see it on the tv (yet we both own it on film!) but its a very special film from a special time. Nice to see it means so much to so many others too. Very sad about Liz and Malcolm. My friend worked on quite a few occassions with Peter Denyer as shes a stage manager and he was directing the pantos. I asked her if she could get me his autograph, and he sent me a lovely message, I was thrilled. Hopefully many more generations will enjoy the comedy of one of the greats of our time. Please Sir, can we have some more!!!
77 mark hurley from kent: What can be said...fantastic series and film my 9year old son and 7 year old daughter love please sir.Gutted over liz and malcolm thanks for the good times.
76 John Gilbert from Glasgow, Scotland: I remember watching "Please Sir!" over the years, and as well as laughing at the show itself, we always had fun at work commenting on how old the actual cast were compared to the ages of the characters they were playing in the show!
My brother puts me in mind of "Privet" Hedges, something I like to remind him off whenever I see him, and I was shocked and saddened to read that the lovely Liz Gebhardt who played Maureen, and Malcolm MacFee who played Craven had both passed away.
A great show and fondly remembered all these years later. They have nothing like the quality of these old shows on tv now though, do they?
75 thomas goode from Cardiff: well although im only 16, my nan introduced me to please sir and one christmas when i was young she bought me the movie of please sir.
i fell in love with it, craven, duffy, dennis, abbot the lot.
then i bought all the episodes and i cant get enough of it.
i never get bored of it.
my favourite quote-
"peter, wa, hiya peter..do shut up"
74 Plochenik from London: I loved this show and all these years later I think it still stands up very well (compared to, say, Mind Your Language...?) against contemporary values and attitudes. The "ethnic" characters were in fact important characters who often had storylines built around them as well as being very much members of the "gang" - this at a time when such roles were either there to be cheaply insulted or to occasionally provide some "realistic" background extras. The humour was of a regularly high standard and the performances generally excellent. My kids (age 9, 11 and 14) watched the film the other day for the 1st time and they thoroughly enjoyed it. Said they wanted to see more comedies from the same era - so I've marked out Bless This House in the TV guide! Glad to see there's lots of PS/FSG fans out there too.
73 DAVID from Sheffield: I am so sad to find out of the early passing of Malcolm and Liz.
You dont expect that ...after all they were "kids" in the show.
I loved watching it in the seventies, being a kid myself.
It is still a favourite of mine, from a very special time.
John Alderton , Deryck Guyler (Potter)always winding him up & playing tricks on him...& not forgetting he was a DESERT RAT!!! ,David Barry (Frankie Abbot) always acting tough...so funny!
And Liz always flirting with teacher...& Penny Spencer ...so beautifull.
The Fenn Street Gang after was great too.
Joan Sanderson was such a talent too...they are all sadly MISSED
72 Johnny Johnston from Cardiff: Who was the actor who was killed? I seem to remember something to do with an incident with a glass or am I mistaken? Thanks for your help.
71 Michael Rustici from Poole: I have been a great fan of comedy for all my life, I collect sit coms from the 1960 through to the present day, I am in the process of collecting Please Sir, I have the film and have ordered the first series, The film is great and we play it all the time, as we will the series one until I get the next series, I am looking up where all the stars are now and was horrified to learn that Malcombe McFee has passed on through cancer, I will always be a fan of this classic comedy.
70 Robin Knight from Adelaide Australia: Its great to see that such a wonderful program and its actors are still appreciated and remembered so fondly..I love the film, not only because of the characters we love, the quirky Mike Vickers sound track and the story, but for the fact that it sends a powerful social message (whether intentionally or not) about class, racial tolerance, friendship and loyalty, and the acceptance of people that are not traditionally "cool" ..I am thinking of the "gang's" friendship with , and defence of Frankie and Dennis (The mess hall scene that erupts into a fight in defence of Dennis's "bark bark" is just a wonderful moment. The class's ready acceptance and embracing of Asian and black students in what must have been a tricky time in terms of race relations in the country also, to me, is a strong theme , as well as Hedges' naive but well intentioned efforts to be politically correct ("I'm sure Duffy meant no ethnic malice, Wesley") ..Not to mention Penny's willing acceptance of Wesley's white lies ("Trevor Huddlestone was right about people like you.. Swine!")..So many great, funny and thought provoking scenes.. Just a great film written by and and played in by obviously thoughtful and decent people..RIP those who are no longer with us and best wishes for continuing success to those still working..I'd love to hear some other opinions about the "message" behind the story..Thanks for the opportunity to contribute..
69 Kirk Russell from Somerset: I met Liz Gebhart in 1996 when I worked for the London Ambulance Service. A truly lovely lady who was more than happy to talk about "Please Sir" A shame some other so called celebrities seem to want forget their fame creating roles so easily.
68 Kirk Russell from Somerset: 2 things spring to mind:- 1. Frankie Abbott threatening to burn his mother's hair off & shooting the bird with a washing up bottle.
2. 5C singing all things bright & beautiful. Fond memories of a great comedy series & film that even my kids enjoy.
67 Dave from Willenhall, West idlands: Every episode was a classic, loved the program, loved the characters, so sorry to hear some of the cast had passed away, too difficult to pick a favourite person from the program, long live please sir
66 Sue from Dublin: I think after this long Please Sir is one of the finest comedies that was ever made and its still as funny now as it was in its day. Longtime fan.
And to all the cast members who have died over the years R.I.P. I was a huge fan of Mr Potts.
65 Craig Thompson from London: Just watched (and not for the first time) the Please Sir movie on Film Four, and it's still as funny now as when I first watched it. I can't remember the series as I was just a tad too young. Great characters, and actors as well in their own right (and yes sad that some are no longer with us, but they have left us a wonderful legacy). Richard Davies was in Zulu I think, what a great movie that is. I have to say though how cute is Jill Kerman, just beautiful.
64 Chris Guyler from Brisbane Australia: I too, join the many fans of Please Sir with great affection and special memories especially as I was there in the studios just about every single week whilst it was being made. I am the very proud son of Deryck Guyler (Norman Potter) and would like to say that having come across this website I am delighted and touched by how many of you beautiful fans remember with affection my dearest Father. He was indeed a wonderful actor and Please Sir was a very special time in all our lives in the Guyler family. To confirm Fran from London in her answer to Chris from Bexhill, yes he passed away in a Brisbane nursing home, close to my own home, on 7th October 1999 and has a memorial burial site with his "tiled" picture on the family site for all his grandchildren and great grandchildren to visit. Love to you all and if anyone wants to ask any questions about my wonderful Father, Deryck Guyler.
63 Geoff from Hampshire: Yes Deryck Guyler was brilliant in "Please Sir !"... and also as Policeman "Corky" in the classic "Sykes" series with Eric Sykes and Hattie Jacques.... Deryck was also superb in the radio series "Men from The Ministary" with Richard Murdoch... and as the Desk Sgt. in The Beatles film "A Hard Days Night" in 1964 !
Does Chris know why Mr.Brown (Richard Warwick) was suddenly dropped from series four of "Please Sir!" after such a good start and three episodes...?
62 John from Sidcup: I remember Please Sir and The Fenn Street Gang very fondly. Around 1972/3 our school football team 'got together' and formed quite a successful 'Sunday' team called....Fenn Rovers!, we all came from BlackFEN (Sidcup) but I think the name had more to do with the programme. I guess we all saw a bit of the characters in ourselves. Me? I wanted to be Peter Craven, he was just so cool!! Great memories.
61 Geoff from Hampshire: I really loved "Please Sir!" especially with John Alderton as Star. The first three series and film were tremendous!
Sorry to learn of the death of Malcolm Mcfee...His portrayal of Peter Craven in both "Please Sir!" and the latter two series of "The Fenn Street Gang" was just brilliant....Craven was one of my very favorite characters in both shows.
Cable Channel Men & Motors have been repeating both "Please Sir!" and "On The Buses"...great to see both, from the days when ITV could make classic Comedy shows !
Does anyone know why Mr.Brown (Richard Warwick) was cut back to just a "backup character" after about three episodes of series four of "Please Sir!"...?
Initially he seemed a good "main character" replacemnt for John Alderton...but after a few more episodes he too left...and the show then just "went to pieces" in my view...and was quickly axed...such a shame !
60 Carl Gelder from Cheltenham: just watched please sir on Men and Motors, does anyone know who the pretty girl extra was that say nehind the adam faith look a like in series 1 i think maybe series 2, just wonder because i swear i've seen her in other stuff.
59 Andrew Sutton from Much Hoole, Preston: Just rediscovered P/S on Sky. Great fun- Doesnt seem to be donkeys years since I first saw it. I read that some cast members have since died- a sobering thought. Lets all enjoy life- it isn`t a rehearsal.
58 Gary from Dartford kent: What a truly fantastic comedy watching them again on sky may 07.
57 paul bloom from slough: david barry who played frankie abbott lives in kent
56 Fran from London: Hello Paul, Chigwell and a special hello to Victoria.
Paul, you asked about Peter Denyer who played Dennis.
Peter is still very much around and has gone on to star in programmes such as Emmerdale, The Bill and On the Up. He then moved away from acting and went into writing, directing and producing mainly pantos as he does this day, as does David Barry who played Frankie Abbott. They have worked together on some productions and he still lives in Glos.
His best friends in Please Sir were our Malcolm and Liz.
Bless them both.
I hope that all helps.
Fran x
55 Paul from Chigwell , Essex.: I have just started to watch Please sir on men & motors & it has brought back so many lovely memories, I was so sorry to learn that some of the cast have passed away now.
Does any one know what has happened to Peter Denyer (Dennis) as i can't seem to get anywhere with his whereabouts ?Is he still alive ?
54 Douglas W. Tott from Isle of Islay: UK Fans of Please Sir can now see the series on Men and Motors, Sky Channel 131 every night apart from Friday at 10.30pm. It is great to see Please Sir back on our tv screens, where the children are called pupils and not students.
53 paul bloom from slough: Sylvia Margot Martin from Liverpool: Hello sadly liz died from breast cancer. The series Please Sir is currently showing on satellite channel Men And Motors ever wednesday evening.
52 Fran from London: Hiya Chris
Yes you are right. Our Mr Hedges is now in his late 60's. Still a young lad !!
Alan from Farningham, many thks for the info on our Liz.
Much appreciated.
x
51 Chris from Bexhill - on - sea: thank you fran, yes sad news indeed. considering i am now 48, most of the cast must be 'getting on'!! John Alderton must be late 60's I would think?x
50 Fran from London: Hiya Victoria hope you are well.
Hello too to Chris ,Bexhill on Sea.
You asked whether Potter is still with us. Sadly Derek Guyler who played him passed away in 1999 in Australia.
He was great wasn't he?
A loveable character.
x
49 Chris from Bexhill - on - Sea: I have just bought the complete please sir series 1 and 2 from virgin in brighton. my 9 year old daughter loves it - she has watched the film several times since she was young! surprised and shocked to hear of the deaths of craven and maureeen. does anyone know if potter is still alive?
48 Alan Clarke from Farningham: Fran from London and Paul
Gebhard - information about
Liz's parents can be found at
www.pww.org/past-weeks-2000/Mary%20Gebhardt.htm
Liz's mother Mary died in 2006.
Liz was born on 12 April 1945
Liverpool, England, UK
Liz's son Joe Gebhardt is a broadcaster on BBC Southern Counties Radio
47 Clive from Near Bath: As I write this I am watching the film "Please Sir" on Film4 and happy memories of the TV series come flooding back. Having a 'Where are they now' moment my thoughts turn to Penny Spencer and her replacement Carol Hawkins. Found this website and was saddened to learn of the passings of Malcolm McFee and Liz Gebhardt. Further research finds David Barry writing scripts: http://www.communitypresshome.com/davidbarry.html Far from his days of acting the little hard man!
46 Robert Moulton from shropshire: Get ready to sell your best ofs! The please sir series is being released, series 1 in november and 2 in december !!!yer!!!
45 Robert Moulton from shropshire: Its one of the best tv sitcoms it should be released fully on dvd!. Ive contacted itv about getting the series made up and They can do it, Wait for it!! its £99 per 30mins so the first series alone would cost you £700 !!!! please release it
44 paul metcalfe from barrow-in-furness: nearly all the episodes were my favorite, i remember years ago somebody from p/s was killed in a fight can anybody remember this actor & his character
43 Fran from London: Hello to you all, especially Victoria.
Hi to Paul Gebhard. I have looked into all the websites that I know of and unfortunately there does not seem to be any info on Liz's biography of her life. Where she was born, her parentage etc. The only thing I can think of that may help you is to go the the public records library I think it is in Richmond where we can all access data and history of our families and also if you know of where she may have lived, you can also look up the local parishes for any records of christenings etc. I hope that you may find this helpful and do let us know about a lady who is much missed and much loved by us all.
Good Luck xx
42 tony starling from islington via plymoouth: please sir! was just magnificent i recall watching episodes as a young child of the original series on a black and white tv at around bath times on a sunday early evening! it was a thrill to see the release of the videos and box set a few years back. since moving to london town in 1998 i have managed to see peter cleall in a play at highgates upstiars at the gatehouse thearte and the- one- and- only john alderton at the royal court in chelsea Interestingly - to put it mildly!- i think i saw penny spencer in liverpool road islington a few short weeks ago(sept2005) Does anyone know if she resides around here? obviously i see many actors and actoresses from time to time around the place, i'd be so impressed and excited to know it WAS her...... Anyway best wishes all, keep watching!! xxxXXX
41 Paul GEBHARD from Birmingham: Obviously I used to love Please Sir when I was about 14 (oops I've given my age away!)
Nowadays I am researching all things GEBHARD and GEBHARDT and remember then when her name used to come up on the credits.
I understand that she passed away in 1996; does anyone know where she was born and/or her parentage?
Many thanks in anticipation.
Paul GEBHARD
40 Fran from London: Hello James and a special hello as always to Victoria. Hope everyone is keeping well.
I was just reading about your query on the Fenn Street Gang Videos/DVD's.
May I suggest you get in touch with ITV themselves at www.itv.com and I'm sure that they will be able to help.
Let us know how you get on.
It would be great to have that on video as well as Please Sir- such very special episodes of a fabulous series.
Good luck.
39 James from London East: Hello everyone, (and a special hello to Malcom Mcfees daughter Victoria) I remember Please Sir as a kid but I particulary like the spin-off series "the Fenn Street Gang" as I remember it a lot better as I was slightly older, I have bought some videos "the best of Please sir" but unfortunately there doesn`t seem to be any available on the Fenn Street Gang, does anyone know how I can get hold of the Fenn Street gang series on DVD or Video? thank you all very much for your time.
38 Fran from London: Hiya all Please Sir fans and a special hello to Victoria
I wonder if anyone can help me?
I was wondering if anyone knows what the remaining cast are doing these days for I haven't hear anything. I have had a look at a few websites but to no avail. I will be really nice to know how they are getting on now.
Many thks and much appreciation to everyone and to Victoria, Malcolm and Liz will always be in our hearts esepcially mine XXXXXX
37 Geffers from Bletchley: I remember the gentle charm of the headmaster, contrasting with the "battleaxe" of Joan Sanderson. Theme music was so catchy too.
I too was sorry to learn of the death of Liz Gebhardt - I've just noticed her in season ten of Grange Hill - doesn't seem to be credited on IMDB. She plays someone who manages a centre for handicapped people, and was in several episodes.
36 Anna from Sidcup, Kent: My favourite bit was Eric's mum automatically making egg and chips for Dennis. After his dad turned him out once again.
35 MD, Hpool from hartlepool: Re "The Television Programme", I can't remember much of what was said, but I do recall Peter Cleall saying something on the lines of if the series had been made then, in the 80s, they would all have been superstars. In 1971, Look-in apparently thought so, as it gave away a free sticker album entitled "TV Superstars", which included, if I remember rightly, Deryck Guyler, Peter Cleall and definitley included Penny Spencer! Other TV superstars were Roger Moore, Tony Curtis, Freddie garrity, Benny Hill and Ayshea Brough.
34 Caroline Wells from Medmenham, Buckinghamshire: My favourite moment was when the coach had just left for the school camp and Mrs Abbot was crying and said to Potter "they did away with my fallopians after I had my Fankie" and Potter replied, "kept jumping on the pram did they" and Mrs Abbott said "your're stark staring mad you are."
What a wonderful film, my favourite, made the year I left school and can really relate to it!
33 Colin from Seattle: This show benefitted from a wonderful ensemble cast, and I always loved the episodes where the late, great Barbara Mitchell appeared as Mrs. Abbott. Have just read through all the messages and am reminded that the All Gas and Gaiters episode where Penny Spencer played Joan Sanderson's is now out on DVD.
32 Tony from Croydon: In my last message I mentioned that it is possible to order copies of unreleased
episodes. Anglia T.V have given permission to post them.
e-mail is viewers.requests@itv.com
tel 01603 752 532.
They can make up episodes and put them on tape or DVD. I've
ordered the first series and
a few other episodes. They have the Fenn Street Gang available.
Hope this helps.
31 Sylvia Margot Martin from Liverpool: MD You jogged my memory here. I'm sure I saw the episode of the 'Television Programme' or at least something very similar in which cast members of 'Please Sir' were present. Wern't they shown a clip from the series?? I remember Penny Spencer commenting to Liz Gebhardt on how short her skirt was, and Malcolm McFee looked very uncomfortable I thought in a polo neck sweater.
Yes, you are right about Penny Spencer being 'the original and best', my sentiments exactly. She was the girl I always wanted to look like. (Hey, I may even have had a chance with Craven!!)
Anthony, it would be great if we could get that elusive first series of 'Please Sir', the specials and also the Fenn Street Gang on vid/dvd - Keep us posted. Can't understand why the Fenn Street Gang isn't out on video already. Maybe it doesnt have quite the impact of 'Please Sir', but never-the-less, I'm sure there is plenty of interest out there.
30 anthony from croydon: Sylvia Margot Martin mentioned
if they could release the first episode of Please Sir! and all the series of the Fenn Street Gang. I'm trying to contact someone at Anglia TV (part of Granada which owns
LWT) about this.
My two favourite characters were: Price (Richard Davies) &
Doris Ewell (Joan Sanderson)
29 MD, Hpool from Hartlepool: Didn't David Barry write some episodes of "Keep It In The Family" from 1979 to 1983? Also, he appeared in a show called "The Television Programme" in the mid - to - late 80s, when some of the cast were brought together in a set that looked, if I remember correctly, something like 5c's classroom. As I remember, all the Fenn Street Gang were present except for Peter Denyer, and Deryck Guyler made a surprise appearance. I remember being surprised at not recognising Peter Cleall, as he'd been in "Spooner's Patch" a few years previously and at that time still looked like Eric Duffy. Oh, by the way, while I referred to the Fenn Street Gang, the Sharon that was present in this reunion was Penny Spencer - the original and best. The reason they were on this reunion of sorts was that ITV had been running the series on Saturday afternoons as a Comedy Classic.
28 Sylvia Margot Martin from Liverpool: How many of you would have loved to have seen 'Please Sir' make the top 50 British Sitcoms?? I know I would.
In my opinion it was the top British Sitcom. to date!!!
27 Tony from Croydon: My favourite scene from Please
Sir! Was in the episode "Their
Off" In the staff room when Miss Ewell was telling other members about the previous term & Price's sarcastic wit interjecting.
We should start up a web sit !
26 Ewan O'Doherty from Dublin, Ireland: It was only today (8th March 2004)that I learned of the death of Liz Gebhardt in August 1996. The first time I saw the 1971 feature film of Please Sir was in the early 1980s and she attracted my attention both as the Maureen Bullock character and a charismatic actress. May she rest in peace, as may others from Please Sir who are also no longer with us.
25 madlizzy from manchester: The film was my favourite
Does anybody know what David Barry[Frankie Abbott]starred in later. I can't seem to find anything about him.
Many Thanks
24 Michiel from Amsterdam: Penny (Sharon) was the first ever girl I fancied. She was g-o-r-g-e-o-u-s!!! Where is she now?
23 MD, Hpool from: Sylvia, are you sure about the first series of Please Sir! being 45 minutes an episode? Surely the standard running time per episode would be 25 minutes to fill a half hour slot.
Also, as well as the regular episodes and the movie, can anybody remember if a mini-episode, of about 10 minutes, of Please Sir! was made for the All Star Christmas shows that used to be made for Christmas Day? I can't remember if such a show was done, but perhaps someone else can?
22 Sylvia Margot Martin from Liverpool: Hello MD,
I remember reading that the first seven black and white episodes were 45 mins. long
This obviously would include commercial breaks, and it would seem to tally with the current re-runs taking into account all the 'cut scenes'.
Sorry can't recall anything about a mini Xmas episode. Doesn't mean to say there wasnt one though.
21 David from Liverpool: Sylvia,
Regarding the "cut scenes", you must have an excellent memory to recall them so accurately! Any idea why they were cut? Could it be because of the current climate of "political correctness" I wonder? If so, it's a shame. I think old programmes should be left intact, and anything in them that might seem offensive by modern standards should be taken in the context of the time in which the programmes were made.
20 David from Liverpool: I hadn't realised until now that some episodes are missing from the DVDs. When I bought the box-set, I assumed that it contained all of Series Two. Now I find that there are two missing episodes ... "Life Without Doris" and "Dress Circle". I wonder why they chose to omit those particular episodes? Is there anywhere else they can be obtained? I have also heard mention of three Please Sir "specials", does anyone know anything about them? And I'm sure there must be other material that Cinema Club could put on future DVD's as "extras" ... so far they seem to have been less than generous in filling up the gigabytes on their DVDs. Sylvia, when you said scenes had been cut, which series did you mean?
19 paul bloom from slough: Hello to everybody. Malcolm McFee/Liz Gebhart both died of cancer, Liz was a close friend of David Barry, does anybody know the whereabouts of Penny Spencer?
18 MD from Hartlepool: Thanks Sylvia Margot Martin for that info. Lately I've been watching the Cinema Club videos of Please Sir! volumes 1 to 4. For some reason they missed out a couple of episodes from series 2, which formed this collection, and I thought it a bit mean of them to put out a volume 4 with only 2 episodes! For volumes 5 to 8 they are a bit more generous having 4 episodes to a tape, but they've missed one key episode out - Bernard and Penny actually marrying, after this was mentioned in previous episodes. Looking forward to getting said volumes and running my own mini season of Please Sir!
17 J S from Near Bridport: Really shocked to hear about Malcolm McFee and Liz Gebhardt.
Loved Please Sir and the Fenn Street Gang. Fell in love with one of the actors that sat at the back - Derek Mayberry but he is never mentioned in the critics.
Peter & Liz - RIP.
16 Andy from Southport: Hi- The Please Sir movie was released 26 December 1971. Some of the ads in comics were censored, giving Sharon a longer skirt! The Fenn Street gang started on Granada on October 29 1971, with Leon Vitali as Craven. The other confusing thing about the movie is that it seems to be set between season two and three of the series, detailing how Hedges met Penny, who he's already engaged to at the beginning of season three.
15 Sylvia Margot Martin from Liverpool: Hello MD,
You were asking about dates.
Please Sir ran from Nov'68-Feb'72. The first three series Nov. '68-Dec.'70 featured all the original actors and actresses. Series 4 - Sept '71-Feb '72 featured an entirely new class of 5c pupils.
Fenn St. Gang started Sept '71 and ran for three series until July '73. Carol Hawkins took over from Penny Spencer as 'Sharon' and Leon Vitali took over from Malcolm McFee as Craven in series 1, but Malcolm resumed the rule as 'Craven' in series 2/3.
The Film was released sometime in 1971 with Carol Hawkins playing 'Sharon'.
Does anybody know how Liz Gebhardt died??
Can't understand why there has never been a Yahoo chat group devoted to 'Plse Sir/Fenn St. Gang. Am sure it would prove very popular!
Sylvia
14 MD from Hartlepool: Lately I've been trying to find out some dates for Please Sir! and its spin-off The Fenn Street Gang. I'm a bit vague on it as it was over thirty years ago, but when did the movie of Please Sir! come out? I seem to recall it being released at about Christmas of 1971, by which time the pupils of 5C had left the school (the basis of the Fenn Street Gang), but checking an episode guide for Please Sir!, 5C left at the end of 1970. The Fenn Street Gang, as I remember, started in late 1971 with Carol Hawkins taking over from Penny Spencer as Sharon, and yet, at about that time, Look-in magazine was identifying Penny Spencer as Sharon in Please Sir! Can anybody clarify, please?
13 M D from Hartlepool, NE England: I was suprised to read of the passing of Malcolm McFee and, apparently, of Liz Gebhardt (Please forgive any mis-spelling). By the same token, I was glad to see that Penny Spencer attended Mr McFee's funeral. You may think this odd, but last time I checked Penny Spencer out on IMDB, she was listed as having passed on in 1993. Given that it is thirty years since we last saw any of the Fenn Street Gang, or any of the staff at Fenn Street School, it might have been nice if a special had been done letting us into where the characters were these days, sort of "Fenn Street - Next Generation". Alternatively, Matthew Kelly could have done an "After They Were Famous" special.
12 Sylvia Margot Martin from Liverpool: Today, when I am writing this message is the 16th August. It would have been Malcolm McFee's 54th birthday. I am sure there is not a person who has contributed to this page that doesn't remember him with happy memories and respect. Truly a lovely man. He will never be forgotten.
I was wondering is there anybody who would have the time and resources to start a Yahoo chat group for 'Please Sir/Fenn Street Gang'? Unfortunately, I don't have the time, but is there anybody else who could do it?? I do hope so - I'm sure it would be a great success.
Sylvia.
11 fran from london: dearest victoria
how proud you must be to have a lovely dad like malcolm
he and maureen were my favs in please sir and the fenn street gang. i could not wait for the days to go by when the episodes were shown.
they really were fabulous people who are sadly missed
at least they are lovingly remembered in all the episodes shown not to mention the great film!
all the best sweetie xx
10 Richard Phillips from Bath: I remember 'Please Sir' with pleasure. All the time I was laughing at the character of eric Duffy, I was unaware that Peter Cleall's mother was my aunt. Our mutual uncle, John Brown, told me this before he died and we tried to contact Peter to ask him to open an exhibition of his uncle's paintings in Portsmouth. Though it's too late now, I would be interested in getting in touch with him. If he is equally interested, perhaps he could e-mail me?
9 Mark Mainwaring from Stoke, England: I may be only 20 but i have seen shows like this on repeats. Please, Sir! is up there with my other favourites such as Auf Weidersehen Pet, The Equalizer, The Sweeney, The Professionals and others. Its a shame there isnt much internet information on Please, Sir!
8 Clive from London: One of the best british comedy series we have produced in this country, no one could have not been touched by the quality and gentleness of this classic series. Having just caught up with news of the cast, I was sorry to hear of the deaths of 'Maureen' and 'Peter Craven' sadly missed
7 Steve Gallacher from Bexleyheath, Kent: Victoria McFee. Your Dad was a star. As a lad growing up in the early 70s the characters played in Please Sir/Fenn St gang were easily recognisable. My favourite memory of your Dad was when he appeared in The Sweeney along with Diana Dors. God bless
Stevie G
6 Sylvia Margot Martin from Liverpool: Hello Victoria,
Thanks for the contact.
Malcolm comes over as a remarkable man - I would have loved to have known him, I'm sure he has left you with many happy memories. He will certainly be remembered with great affection by his many fans.
Good to hear news of Penny Spencer and David Barry as well. I'm just sorry it wasnt under happier circumstances. Penny's character 'Sharon' was the one I always wanted to be/look like.
Every single one of the cast played a great part, but Malcolm and Penny were my favourites.
5 Victoria McFee from London: The surname is no coincidence -I am Malcolm's daughter! Thank you so much for your kind words about my father, it was so touching to read them. Sadly Dad died of cancer on November 18th 2001 at the young age of 52. He had been battling the disease for some time, but as he put it, he always kept his "sense of tumour" and remained strong until the end.
When he became too ill to work he continually raised money for the oncology dept at Broomfield hosp,in order to give something back to them for the ongoing treatment he received.
He remained close friends with with Penny Spencer and David Barry, both of whom attended his funeral.
I am so proud to have him as my father.
4 Alison May from Norfolk,UK: Malcolm Mcfee was a brilliant actor and bought a real charm to his character, peter craven. Peter was always getting into bother at school and mcfee really portrayed huis wide-boy image. Was sorry to hear about malcolms death last year. Does he have a website? I have tried to locate one but so far have been unsuccessful.
3 Sylvia Margot Martin from Liverpool: I loved 'Please Sir'. Malcom Mcfee as Craven was the favourite and I was so sorry to hear about his death last year. He was 51.
Penny Spencer as Sharon was another favourite - I too wonder what she is doing now-a-days. I don't think she is still acting. Anybody else know anything??
2 Jeff from Wales/Brighton: Please Sir (along with On the Buses and Bless this House) was one of my favourites comedies. I loved the plots and the cast and even now when watching a re run they are fun.
Sorry to hear of Malcolm McFee's recent death, a real shame. He can't be that old, around fiftysomething I imagine.
Anyone know if Penny Spencer is still working and why she left the series?
Thank you.
1 Spratty from Dorset, UK: My favourite moment is when About follows Mr Hedges and Penny in the street and Hedges knows it is him.