Clochemerle

30min

Comedy

Clochemerle is a 1972 British–West German television comedy based on Gabriel Chevallier's 1934 novel of the same name, with Ray Galton and Alan Simpson adapting the text. Filmed on location in France, it starred Roy Dotrice, Wendy Hiller, Cyril Cusack, Kenneth Griffith, and Cyd Hayman, with narration by Peter Ustinov. In the small French village of Clochemerle, Mayor Barthelemey Piechut plans for the erection of a 'pissoir' (gentlemen's public convenience) in the town square. Unfortunately, the rest of the rural inhabitants aren't as impressed.

Production Companies

Pidax Film- und Hörspielverlag GmbH

BBC

Bavaria Film

Episodes

Cast

The Magnificent Idea of Barthelemy Piechut, the Mayor

1. The Magnificent Idea of Barthelemy Piechut, the Mayor

30min

18th Feb 1972

Every politician wants to leave a legacy and Mayor Bartholemy Piechut is no different — erecting a latrine in the village square might be a magnificent idea, but he knows he'll need help swinging opinion his way.

The Triumphal Inauguration of a Municipal Amenity

2. The Triumphal Inauguration of a Municipal Amenity

30min

25th Feb 1972

Aided by persuasive allies, Piechut gets his way and a startling new civic amenity is inaugurated, right outside the church and local shops — with mixed reviews from locals.

The Spirited Protest of Justine Putet

3. The Spirited Protest of Justine Putet

30min

3rd Mar 1972

Old maid about town Justine Putet rallies support for her opposition to the newly installed village latrine.

The Awful Awakening of Claudius Brodequin

4. The Awful Awakening of Claudius Brodequin

30min

10th Mar 1972

Young soldier Claudius returns home from army manoeuvres, only to discover he potentially shares the blame with the new urinal for bespoiling Clochemerle treasures. His father surprisingly rates developments a good vintage!

The Painful Infliction of Nicholas the Beadle

5. The Painful Infliction of Nicholas the Beadle

30min

17th Mar 1972

The priest's sermon decrying the urinal in interrupted.

The Scandalous Outcome of a Night of Destruction

6. The Scandalous Outcome of a Night of Destruction

30min

24th Mar 1972

War breaks out on all fronts · village against village - innkeepers wife against shopkeepers wife – pro latrine mayor versus the rest, even the aristocracy get involved!

The Inexorable Power of the Third Republic

7. The Inexorable Power of the Third Republic

30min

31st Mar 1972

The fate of Clochemerle and its demolished latrine becomes a pass-the-parcel of responsibilities between church, ministers, and the army. Watch out, unsuspecting residents!

The Dreaded Arrival of Captain Tardivaux

8. The Dreaded Arrival of Captain Tardivaux

30min

7th Apr 1972

The army arrive in Clochemerle on 'manoeuvres', trouble is soon not far behind when the Captain mounts more than his horse. Piechut plans somehow take a step forward, notwithstanding a now barricaded urinal.

The Glorious Triumph of Barthelemy Piechut

9. The Glorious Triumph of Barthelemy Piechut

30min

14th Apr 1972

The villagers of Clochemerle face off against the army.

First air date

18th Feb 1972

Last air date

14th Apr 1972

Status

Ended

Type

Scripted

Original language

en

Networks