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.
Clochemerle (Season 1)
The Magnificent Idea of Barthelemy Piechut, the Mayor (Episode 1)
Writer: Alan Simpson
Air date: 1972-02-18
Runtime: 30 min
Overview: 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 (Episode 2)
Writer: Alan Simpson
Air date: 1972-02-25
Runtime: 30 min
Overview: 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 (Episode 3)
Writer: Alan Simpson
Air date: 1972-03-03
Runtime: 30 min
Overview: Old maid about town Justine Putet rallies support for her opposition to the newly installed village latrine.
The Awful Awakening of Claudius Brodequin (Episode 4)
Writer: Alan Simpson
Air date: 1972-03-10
Runtime: 30 min
Overview: 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 (Episode 5)
Writer: Alan Simpson
Air date: 1972-03-17
Runtime: 30 min
Overview: The priest's sermon decrying the urinal in interrupted.
The Scandalous Outcome of a Night of Destruction (Episode 6)
Writer: Alan Simpson
Air date: 1972-03-24
Runtime: 30 min
Overview: 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 (Episode 7)
Writer: Alan Simpson
Air date: 1972-03-31
Runtime: 30 min
Overview: 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 (Episode 8)
Writer: Alan Simpson
Air date: 1972-04-07
Runtime: 30 min
Overview: 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 (Episode 9)
Writer: Alan Simpson
Air date: 1972-04-14
Runtime: 30 min
Overview: The villagers of Clochemerle face off against the army.
Seasons
Episodes 9