Clochemerle

5.0

1972•30m

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

Seasons

9 Episodes • Premiered 1972

1. The Magnificent Idea of Barthelemy Piechut, the Mayor

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.

2. The Triumphal Inauguration of a Municipal Amenity

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.

3. The Spirited Protest of Justine Putet

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

4. The Awful Awakening of Claudius Brodequin

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!

5. The Painful Infliction of Nicholas the Beadle

The priest's sermon decrying the urinal in interrupted.

6. The Scandalous Outcome of a Night of Destruction

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!

7. The Inexorable Power of the Third Republic

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!

8. The Dreaded Arrival of Captain Tardivaux

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.