Highly Overrated But Still Good

This story has more twists and turns than a second-rate soap opera.

Strong acting helps the film overcome an uncertain premise and create characters that hold our attention absolutely.

It really made me laugh, but for some moments I was tearing up because I could relate so much.

John Inman's Thames Television vehicle 'Odd Man Out' ( broadcast in 1977 ) did not exactly thrill the viewing nation. It was a ratings flop and after seven episodes came off air following complaints about the show's reliance on gay jokes. ITV however felt there was hope for Inman yet and after another brief spell with the BBC in 'Are You Being Served?', he was awarded another leading role: as a male P.A to businesswoman Joan Warner who is head of Eight Star Multinational Corporation, in this Southern Television based show written by 'On The Buses' stalwarts Ronald Wolfe and Ronald Chesney. It tried to be a little different to 'Are You Being Served?' in that his homosexuality was not really an issue, however it gained none of the affection from viewers that Jeremy Lloyd & David Croft's show did.Inman plays Graham Jones, the harassed P.A to Ms. Warner, who is played by Rula Lenska. Graham not only assists Warner at work but also in her personal life, whether it is pretending to be her husband when a lecherous businessman has designs on her, taking her spoiled brat of a daughter ( Claudine Bowyer ) to the dentist or helping her at home when she is taken ill. At work, Graham colleagues are the scatty Brenda ( Gina Maher ), the fluttery Daisy ( Christine Ozanne ) and the hoity-toity Ruth ( Joan Blackham ).Graham also at times has to contend with Ms. Warner's over-excitable Italian maid Maria ( played by Miriam Margolyes, long before she became a human cannonball ) who is often seen to be darting around like a fly being chased around by someone wielding a rolled-up newspaper.'Take A Letter, Mr. Jones' was worth watching but it was no classic. The laugh track irritated right from the start ( at the beginning of every episode whenever Inman appeared, we would hear a huge burst of unwarranted applause ). The theme tune by John Lewis was equally as annoying. Inman was faultless as Jones and the lovely Rula Lenska provided some excitement as the sexy businesswoman. Christine Ozanne and Joan Blackham later worked together on another ill-fated sitcom, the BBC's 'A Small Problem'. Irritating was Claudine Bowyer as Warner's obnoxious daughter Lucy. Miriam Margolyes probably stood out from all in the cast as the scatty maid.After the six episodes ended, 'Take A Letter, Mr Jones' was gone. Shortly after, Southern Television lost its franchise with ITV. A shame as it really needed a second series to get it going. It was released on DVD back in 2009 and a few years ago was even repeated on the now defunct satellite channel Film 24. It is amusing stuff for John Inman fans but just don't expect to be laughing out loud, that's all.

I tend to disagree with both reviewers here, it's definitely not hilarious, nor is it utter rubbish, Agreed it has an abysmal theme tune, but this was made in the 80s, most shows of the time do. It has a few laughs, but it's one of those shows that's pleasant enough to watch and has a few nice ideas, don't panic buy it, but if you see if for a few Pounds get it, it's OK viewing 6/10 John Inman fans will indeed enjoy this show, he does seem a little under used here, but for me the funny moments come from a crazy Myriam Margolyes who adds quite a lot to this show as crazy Italian Housekeeper to Rula Lenska. Maybe a second series would have been good, be interesting to know how it did when it was originally transmitted.

Dear Sir Or Madam, I Have Been Reviewing For The General Audience For The Lesser Part Of 3 Years & Delivered The Better Part Of 500 Reviews...I Have Informed You On My Personal Tastes But In Some Cases I Have Also Informed You To Never Trust My Opinion & See The Movie For Yourself...This Is Not One Of Those Cases.Take A Letter Mr. Jones Was A TV Show That Would Only Appeal To John Inman Fans But Even Then They'd Be Lying To Themselves To Say That Its A Good Show. I Am A Fan Of The "Are You Being Served?" Series So Believe Me That This Is An Awful Show & Hell Even THE THEME MUSIC Is Annoying.Overall If You EVER See This For Sale ANYWHERE For ANY PRICE No Matter WHAT, Never Buy It.Yours Sincerely Me P.S. NEVER DOUBT ME ON THIS NO MATTER IF I DON'T HAVE YOUR TASTE

The show only lasted a few episodes but John Inman (a man deserving of his own British honor where it is an M.B.E.,O.B.E, C.B.E, or even Knighthood) is worth it playing the role of Mr. Jones, a secretary to an professional executive woman played by Rula Lenska. One of the joys is Miriam Margolyes O.B.E. in the role as Maria, the Italian housekeeper. She is wonderful in this role. The theme song is quite catchy. John Inman has been out long before Ian McKellen and he is quite well known for the obvious reasons. He is a comedic genius. After watching for years on Are You Being Served?, he chews the scenery easily. It is time for John Inman to get something for his contributions to entertainment over the decades. People who have done less have gotten something so please award John Inman. One queen surely deserves to meet Queen Elizabeth II. John Inman M.B.E. sounds great doesn't it?