The Rag Trade (Season 2)

The Rag Trade is a British television sitcom broadcast by the BBC between 1961 and 1963 and by LWT between 1977 and 1978. The scripts were by Ronald Wolfe and Ronald Chesney, who later wrote Wild, Wild Women, Meet the Wife and On the Buses. Wild, Wild Women was a period variation of The Rag Trade. The action centred on a small clothing workshop, Fenner Fashions in London. Although run by Harold Fenner and Reg the foreman, the female workers are led by militant shop steward Paddy Fleming, ever ready to strike, with the catchphrase "Everybody out!" Other cast members included Sheila Hancock, Esma Reese Cannon, Wanda Ventham and Barbara Windsor. The Rag Trade was revived by ITV company LWT in 1977, with Jones and Karlin reprising their roles. The 1977 version ran for two series, most of the scripts being based on the BBC episodes from the 1960s, and featured Anna Karen and future EastEnders star Gillian Taylforth as factory workers. The theme tune for the LWT series was written and performed by Lynsey De Paul.

  • Poster for The Thief

    The Thief (Episode 1)

    Air date: 1962-04-06

    Runtime: 30 min

    Overview: Paddy has installed a fruit machine in the rest room. The factory electricity supply is cut off for non-payment of the bill.

  • Poster for Lily's Dog

    Lily's Dog (Episode 2)

    Air date: 1962-04-13

    Runtime: 30 min

    Overview: Lily's puppy Dinky is feeling poorly so she brings him into the factory.

  • Poster for Locked In

    Locked In (Episode 3)

    Air date: 1962-04-20

    Runtime: 30 min

    Overview: A lady factory inspector arrives to discover Reg, dressed in drag, in the ladies' rest room.

  • Poster for Painting Fenner's Flat

    Painting Fenner's Flat (Episode 4)

    Air date: 1962-04-27

    Runtime: 30 min

    Overview: Fenner gives Reg the keys to his flat so that he can paint the walls. Paddy holds her birthday party there. Fenner returns unexpectedly and so does his battle-axe of a mother-in-law.

  • Poster for Series 2, Episode 5

    Series 2, Episode 5 (Episode 5)

    Air date: 1962-05-04

    Runtime: 30 min

    Overview: (Lost Episode) Carole and Paddy take the day off, but find themselves in hot water when Mr. Fenner returns unexpectedly.

  • Poster for The Client

    The Client (Episode 6)

    Air date: 1962-05-11

    Runtime: 30 min

    Overview: Fenner makes a time and motion study of the girls, but loses money on the deal. His potential buyer for the dresses is a gourmand, so he tries to get Reg and the girls to provide a slap-up meal in his office.

  • Poster for Stay-In Strike

    Stay-In Strike (Episode 7)

    Air date: 1962-05-18

    Runtime: 30 min

    Overview: A stuck-up new secretary takes Carole's job of modelling causing Paddy to take industrial action.

  • Poster for The Fish and Chip Shop

    The Fish and Chip Shop (Episode 8)

    Air date: 1962-05-25

    Runtime: 30 min

    Overview: (Lost Episode) Paddy and Reg take over the running of a fish and chip shop.

  • Poster for Safety Precaution

    Safety Precaution (Episode 9)

    Air date: 1962-06-01

    Runtime: 30 min

    Overview: Paddy calls frequent stoppages for fire drills. Reg has to impersonate a French designer and romance a female buyer.

  • Poster for Stainproofer

    Stainproofer (Episode 10)

    Air date: 1962-06-08

    Runtime: 30 min

    Overview: Chaos results at Fenner's Fashions when bleach is exchanged for stain proofing.

  • Poster for Doctor

    Doctor (Episode 11)

    Air date: 1962-06-15

    Runtime: 30 min

    Overview: The factory's girls are attracted to a young doctor. This causes them to fall behind with their work. Paddy tries to rectify the situation by bringing in outside help, but a factory inspector turns up.

  • Poster for Barber's Shop

    Barber's Shop (Episode 12)

    Air date: 1962-06-22

    Runtime: 30 min

    Overview: Paddy adds laundry service to Fenner's Fashions to earn some extra money.

  • Poster for The Bank Manager

    The Bank Manager (Episode 13)

    Air date: 1962-06-29

    Runtime: 30 min

    Overview: Fenner tries to persuade his bank manager that Fenner's Fashions is a good investment. He cannot sell a batch of baby doll nighties, but the girls sew fringes on them and they sell as flapper dresses.

The Rag Trade

Seasons