document_title: A Knight's Tale

question_text: who plays the female blacksmith in a knight's tale

question_tokens: who plays the female blacksmith in a knight 's tale

text: A Knight's Tale

text: Plot[edit]

text: At a jousting tournament in 14th-century Europe, young squires William Thatcher, Roland, and Wat discover that their master, Sir Ector, has died. If he had completed one final pass he would have won the tournament. Destitute, William wears Ector's armour to impersonate him, winning the tournament and taking the prize.

text: Although only nobles are allowed in tournaments, William is now inspired to compete and win more prizes. Roland and Wat would rather take their share of coins and leave, but William convinces them to stay and train him to joust. Along the way to his first tournament in Rouen, the trio encounters a young Geoffrey Chaucer, who is also destitute and agrees to forge the patent of nobility that will allow William to enter under the assumed name of "Sir Ulrich von Liechtenstein" from Gelderland. At the tournament, William is brought before Simon the Summoner and Peter the Pardoner: Chaucer has a gambling problem and is in their debt. William demands Chaucer be released and promises payment.

text: In the course of competition, William's armour is damaged. He goads Kate, a blacksmith, to repair it without payment and goes on to win the sword event at the tournament. In the joust, he faces a Sir Thomas Colville, who withdraws from the tournament after being injured by William, though they exchange a ceremonial pass so that Colville can retain the honour of never having failed to complete a match. The proceedings are observed by Jocelyn, a noblewoman with whom William has become infatuated, and Count Adhemar, a rival both in the joust and for Jocelyn's heart. In the final joust of the tournament, Adhemar defeats William.

text: Kate joins William's party and forges new lightweight armour allowing him greater mobility. In the following tournament, Adhemar and William are both assigned to tilt against Sir Thomas Colville, but they learn that he is actually Edward, the Black Prince. Adhemar withdraws, but William continues the match and then addresses the prince by name, further earning Edward's respect.

text: Adhemar is called away to the Battle of Poitiers, and William achieves several victories in his absence. William proves his love for Jocelyn by complying when she first asks him to deliberately lose (in contrast to the countless knights who promise to win in her name), and then, just before he would be eliminated, to win the tournament in her name after all.

text: The group travels to London for the World Championship. William recalls leaving his father to squire for Sir Ector and learn to become a knight hoping to "change his stars". Adhemar has also arrived in London and announces that he is in negotiations with Jocelyn's father for her hand in marriage. William dominates at the tournament and he returns to visit his father, now blind and living alone in Cheapside, but is discovered by Adhemar, who alerts the authorities to William's false identity.

text: William is placed in the pillory, but is defended from the hostile crowd by his friends. Just as the mob reaches its frenzy, Prince Edward emerges from the crowd, noting that his friends' dedication to him reflects an ability to inspire others that is in the best traditions of knighthood. In acknowledgement of William's honour, Edward announces that, William is in fact, "beyond contestation", descended from a noble lineage, and knights him "Sir William".

text: William returns to the tournament to face Adhemar in the final match, but Adhemar cheats with an illegally sharpened lance, piercing William's shoulder and seriously injuring him. Entering the final pass, William is losing by two lances and must unhorse Adhemar to win. He demands to be stripped of his armour while Chaucer buys time by performing the introduction of William that he omitted earlier. Finally he tilts against Adhemar, with his father and Jocelyn in attendance. Bellowing his true name as he tilts, he knocks Adhemar to the ground with a crushing blow. Over his defeat, Adhemar experiences a vision of William and his friends mocking him that he has been weighted, measured and found wanting (ironically just like Adhemar did to William before). In the ensuing celebration, as Jocelyn and William embrace, Chaucer remarks that he should write this whole story down.

text: Cast[edit]

text:
Heath Ledger as William Thatcher / Sir Ulrich von Liechtenstein

Leagh Conwell as young William Thatcher

Rufus Sewell as Count Adhemar
Shannyn Sossamon as Jocelyn
Mark Addy as Roland
Alan Tudyk as Wat
Paul Bettany as Geoffrey Chaucer
Laura Fraser as Kate
Bérénice Bejo as Christiana
James Purefoy as Edward, the Black Prince / Sir Thomas Colville
Christopher Cazenove as John Thatcher
Nick Brimble as Sir Ector
Roger Ashton-Griffiths as Old Bishop
Steven O'Donnell as Simon the Summoner
Jonathan Slinger as Peter the Pardoner
Alice Connor as Lone Girl in Cheapeside
Berwick Kaler as Man in Stocks

text: Production[edit]

text: The entire film was shot at the Barrandov Studios in Prague, Czech Republic.[4]

text: The film includes a great deal of jousting footage. The initial scene of the two knights jousting is actually footage of Heath Ledger's stunt double in an accident. During filming of a later scene in the film, the lance of the stunt double's opponent moved off target and hit him in the head. The double fell to the ground unconscious. In another incident, Ledger knocked out one of director Helgeland's front teeth with a broomstick when the two were demonstrating a jousting move. It took several months for Helgeland's mouth to heal enough to repair the damage.

text: Plenty of effort was expended creating lances that would convincingly explode upon impact without injuring the stunt riders. The body of each lance was scored so it would break easily, and the tips were made of balsa wood. Each was also hollowed out, with the holes filled with balsa splinters and uncooked linguine.[5] Jousting armour was made by Rod Vass and his company Armordillo Ltd. using a unique sprayed polyurethane system that they invented for the film Gladiator. Onscreen, it is almost impossible to distinguish between the polyurethane stunt armour and steel armour, much of which was also made by Armordillo. Heath Ledger's armour was originally made in steel along with three polyurethane stunt replicas.

text: In the DVD commentary, director Helgeland, co-commentating with Bettany, states that the film was intended to have occurred sometime in the 1370s during a six-month period in which Chaucer had apparently gone missing and show what he might have done during this time, which Helgeland says later on in the commentary inspired Chaucer to write his Canterbury Tales. (The first Canterbury tale is The Knight's Tale. Chaucer also threatens two men he meets in the film with undying humiliation through fiction; these characters seem to have inspired the vitriolic descriptions of the Tales' Pardoner and Summoner.)

text: The scene in which the lady Jocelyn asks William to lose a joust to prove his love and then reverses her proposal for him to suddenly win, is also a direct reference to the classic tale of Lancelot, the Knight of the Cart, in which Queen Guinevere asks Lancelot to do the same during a tournament.

text: Epigrams[edit]

text: The script is notable for its use of epigrams.

text:
"Love should end with hope" (Kate)
"If he believes enough, a man can do anything!" (William's father)
"Your men love you. If I knew nothing else about you, that would be enough" (Prince Edward)
"Better a silly girl with a flower than a silly boy with a horse and a stick" (Jocelyn)
"I was naked for a day; you will be naked for eternity" (Chaucer)

text: Music[edit]

text: The film, which notionally took place during the Middle Ages, is notable for its deliberate use of classic rock songs in its soundtrack. The ten that were credited in the film are listed in order of appearance:[6]

text:
"We Will Rock You" – Queen
"Low Rider" – War
"Takin' Care of Business" – Bachman–Turner Overdrive
"Golden Years" – David Bowie
"Further on Up the Road" – Eric Clapton
"Get Ready" – Rare Earth
"I Want to Take You Higher" – Sly and the Family Stone
"The Boys Are Back in Town" – Thin Lizzy
"You Shook Me All Night Long" – AC/DC
"We Are the Champions" – Robbie Williams & Queen

text: Reception[edit]

text: Critical reception was mixed, with complaints about the anachronisms (the classic rock in a film that takes place during the Middle Ages), the many jousting scenes, and the thin plot. Roger Ebert gave the film 3 stars out of 4 and argued that the anachronisms made little difference, writing that the director himself "pointed out that an orchestral score would be equally anachronistic, since orchestras hadn't been invented in the 1400s."[7][8]

text: Review aggregation website Rotten Tomatoes gives the film a score of 58% based on reviews from 146 critics. "Once you get past the anachronism," according to the site, "A Knight's Tale becomes a predictable, if spirited, Rocky on horseback."[9] On Metacritic, the film holds a score of 54 out of 100, sampled from 32 reviews, indicating "mixed or average reviews".[10]

text: Newsweek revealed in June 2001 that print ads contained glowing comments from a film reviewer who did not exist for at least four films released by Columbia Pictures, including A Knight's Tale and The Animal (2001).[11] The fake critic was named David Manning and was created by a Columbia employee who worked in the advertising department.[11] "Manning" was misrepresented as a reviewer for The Ridgefield Press, a small Connecticut weekly.[11]

text: Awards[edit]

text: Despite the mixed critical reception, the film won four cinematic awards:

text:
The 2002 Golden Trailer Best Action Award,
The 2002 London Critic Circle Film Awards British Supporting Actor of the Year (Paul Bettany),
The 2002 World Stunts Awards' Best Work with an Animal, and
The 2002 World Stunts Awards' Hardest Hit.[12]

text: Box office[edit]

text: The film earned $56,569,702 at the North American domestic box office, and an additional $60,917,771 internationally for a worldwide total of $117,487,473.[3]


document_title: Buick Regal

question_text: how many buick grand national gnx were made

question_tokens: how many buick grand national gnx were made

root

text: Buick Regal

text: First generation (1973–1977)[edit]

text:
First generation

1973 Buick Regal sedan

Overview

Also called
Buick Century Regal

Model years
1973–1977

Assembly

United States: Flint, Michigan (Buick City)
Framingham, Massachusetts (Framingham Assembly)
Fremont, California (Fremont Assembly)
Lakewood Heights, Georgia (Lakewood Assembly)

Body and chassis

Body style
2-door coupe
4-door sedan

Layout
FR layout

Platform
A-body

Related

Buick Century
Chevrolet El Camino
Chevrolet Malibu
Chevrolet Monte Carlo
Oldsmobile Cutlass
Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme
Pontiac Grand Am
Pontiac Grand Prix

Powertrain

Engine

231 cu in (3.8 L) Buick V6 (gasoline)
350 cu in (5.7 L) Buick V8 (gasoline)[3]
455 cu in (7.5 L) Buick V8 (gasoline)[3]

Transmission

3-speed Turbo-Hydramatic 350 automatic[3]
3-speed Turbo-Hydramatic 400 automatic[3]

Dimensions

Wheelbase

112 in (2,800 mm) (coupe)[3]
116 in (2,900 mm) (sedan)[3]

Length

212 in (5,400 mm) (coupe)[3]
216 in (5,500 mm) (sedan)[3]

Height

53.3 in (1,350 mm) (coupe)[3]
54.1 in (1,370 mm) (sedan)[3]

tag: table

text: Buick had been the first GM division to bring a personal luxury car to market with its full-size 1963 Riviera, but was otherwise slow to react to the developing lower-priced mid-size personal luxury market, which Pontiac created with the 1969 Grand Prix and Chevrolet with the Monte Carlo the following year, 1970. At the same time, Oldsmobile added a formal notchback coupé to its intermediate line, the Cutlass Supreme, in 1970 and that model soon became Olds' best selling intermediate. Buick did not get its own personal luxury coupe until the GM intermediates were redesigned in 1973, the so-called "Colonnade" cars that eliminated hardtop models completely. In a curious name swap, the Skylark name was dropped from Buick's intermediate line and instead the Century nameplate, last used in the 1950s, was revived for them.

tag: p

text: A highly trimmed, two-door coupe, the first Regal shared its front and rear styling with its Century parent with distinctions amounting to differing grilles and taillight lenses. The Regal shared the same "Colonnade" pillared hardtop roofline (a hardtop with B-pillars (center pillars) but frameless doors unlike a sedan body) and greenhouse (window area) with the Grand Prix, Monte Carlo, and Cutlass Supreme as well as the lower-priced Buick Century Luxus coupe. Like its corporate cousins, the Regal (and Luxus) featured the newly fashionable opera windows, which were small fixed rear-side windows surrounded by sheetmetal, instead of the traditional roll-down windows.

text: For the first year in 1973, the Regal nameplate was only used for Buick's version of the GM intermediate personal luxury coupe, but the following year gained a sedan companion (there was no Regal station wagon).

text: Regal interiors were generally more luxurious than lesser Century models with woodgrain trim on dashboard and door panels, along with door-pull straps and bench seats with center armrests with cloth, velour, or vinyl upholstery. Optionally available throughout the run was a 60/40 split bench seat with armrest. For 1976–77, the Regal coupe was available with the S/R option that included reclining bucket seats with corduroy upholstery.

text: The model lasted five years with minimal changes, although there was a fairly substantial facelift in 1976 (for the coupe only—sedans stayed with original 1973 sheetmetal through 1977), which incorporated the recently legalized square headlights (horizontally mounted on coupes, and vertically on sedans—much like the mid-1960s Pontiacs). The Regal coupe sold reasonably well, although it lagged behind the Monte Carlo and Cutlass Supreme which had become the best-selling cars in America by 1976. Regal sedans and all Century models had far fewer takers.

text: The Regal was most commonly powered by Buick's 350 in³ V8, which was standard equipment on all models in 1973 and 1974 and optional on coupes but remained standard on sedans from 1975 to 1977, and the larger 455 in³ V8 was optional in 1973 and 1974 only. Starting in 1975, Regal coupes came standard with Buick's resurrected 231 cu in (3.8 L) V6 engine previously offered on the Skylark from 1964 to 1967; the engine's tooling had been sold to Kaiser Motors for use in Jeep models (Kaiser was purchased by American Motors in 1970 and Jeep became an AMC division) and sold back to GM by AMC in 1974. In 1975 and 1976, the Century and Regal were the only mid-sized cars in America to offer V6 engines. The bolt pattern for this vehicle is 5×4 3⁄4 inches (120.7 mm).

text: The Century designation was quietly dropped from the Regal in 1975.

text: Second generation (1978–1987)[edit]

text:
Second generation

1987 Buick Regal Grand National

Overview

Model years
1978–1987

Assembly
Flint, Michigan, United States
Lakewood Heights, Georgia, United States
Arlington, Texas, United States
Framingham, Massachusetts, United States
Fremont, California, United States
Pontiac, Michigan, United States
Kansas City, Missouri (Leeds), United States

Body and chassis

Body style
2-door coupe
4-door sedan
4-door station wagon

Layout
FR layout

Platform
A-body (1978–1981)
G-body (1981–1987)

Related
Buick Century
Chevrolet El Camino
Chevrolet Malibu
Chevrolet Monte Carlo
Oldsmobile Cutlass
Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme
Pontiac Bonneville
Pontiac Grand Am
Pontiac Grand Prix
Pontiac Le Mans

Powertrain

Engine
196 cu in (3.2 L) Buick V6
231 cu in (3.8 L) Buick V6
252 cu in (4.1 L) Buick V6
260 cu in (4.3 L) Oldsmobile Diesel V6
265 cu in (4.3 L) Pontiac V8
301 cu in (4.9 L) Pontiac V8
305 cu in (5.0 L) Chevrolet V8
307 cu in (5.0 L) Oldsmobile V8
350 cu in (5.7 L) Oldsmobile Diesel V8

Transmission
3-speed manual
3-speed THM200 automatic
4-speed THM200-4R automatic

Dimensions

Wheelbase
108 in (2,743.2 mm)

text: A downsized Regal appeared for 1978 with Buick's new 196 cu in (3.2 L) V6 engine as standard equipment and a new version of the venerable 231 cu in (3.8 L) V6 as an option (which became standard in 1980). Initially a 3-speed manual transmission was standard but this was later replaced by an automatic. This model lasted 10 years. The base model was equipped with softer-riding luxury suspension, and did not offer a manual transmission in later years.

text: The 1978 Regal could be equipped with a 3.8 L Turbocharged V-6 engine with automatic transmission and the sedan model was dropped, once again leaving Regals exclusively as coupes with the Century nameplate applied to bread-and-butter sedans and station wagons. Non-turbo versions were offered with either a 2-bbl or a 4-bbl carburetor. The Buick LeSabre was also available with the turbocharged engine. The only other turbocharged cars available in the U.S. market in 1978 were imports from Mercedes-Benz, Porsche and Saab. The Turbo Regal also included a firm handling suspension with larger tires and sport wheels.

text: A major facelift in 1981 gave the Regal a much more aerodynamic profile, helping make it possible for the car to compete on the NASCAR racing circuit. The sloping hood and nose of the car made it the favorite of several NASCAR teams. Richard Petty drove one to victory in the 1981 Daytona 500, and the car won a majority of the 1981 and 1982 seasons races and won the NASCAR manufacturers title in 1981 and 1982. V8s for street use were still available, but had shrunk to 265 cu in (4.3 L) (1980 and 1981 only, Pontiac built), and the V6 was rapidly gaining popularity. In 1982, a new Century appeared on the front-wheel drive A-body, but the former rear-wheel drive Century sedan and wagon were not discontinued. These models were simply rebadged as Regals, and for the first time the name appeared on a full model lineup. The wagon was discontinued after 1983, and the sedan dropped from the lineup the next year. From 1986 to 1987, the 5.0 L 307 V8 was available as an option. The 3.8 2-bbl V6 was standard. The 200-4R overdrive transmission was an option with either engine.

text: Somerset Limited Edition[edit]

text: In 1980, the Regal was offered in a special Somerset Limited Edition trim which featured unique tan and dark blue designer exterior paint, wire wheel covers, sport mirrors, and chrome Somerset badging. The interior had tan and blue plush velour upholstery, brushed chrome trim, and additional Somerset badging.

text: A Somerset Limited Edition model was also offered on the restyled 1981 Regal. It had unique dark sandstone and camel exterior paint, sport mirrors, and turbine wheels. The interior plush velour upholstery was camel with dark brown piping.

text: Grand National, Turbo-T, T-Type, and GNX[edit]

text: In 1982, the Regal Grand National debuted, which was named for the NASCAR Winston Cup Grand National Series (the "Grand National" term was part of the Cup series nomenclature until 1986). Buick had won the Manufacturers Cup in 1981 and 1982, and wanted to capitalize on its success: "What wins on Sunday, sells on Monday". These 1982 cars were not painted black, which may confuse those not familiar with them. All started out as charcoal gray Regals that were shipped off to a subcontractor for finishing.

text: Originally intended for a run of 100 units, Cars and Concepts of Brighton, Michigan, retrofitted 215 Regals with the GN package. Most obvious was the light silver gray firemist paint added to each side. Red pinstripes and billboard shadow lettering proclaiming "Buick" were applied. The wheel opening moldings and rocker panel moldings were blacked out using black vinyl tape. Finally, a front air dam and rear spoiler were installed. On the inside, special "Lear-Siegler" seats were installed. These seats are fully adjustable and were covered with silver brandon cloth with black vinyl inserts. The front seat had Buick's "6" emblem embroidered onto them. Also, a special clock delete plate was added to the instrument panel which contained the yellow and orange "6" logo and the words "Grand National Buick Motor Division".)

text: The 1982 GN came with a naturally aspirated 4.1 L V6 engine with 125 hp (93 kW) at 4,000 rpm and 205 lb⋅ft (278 N⋅m) of torque at 2,000 rpm. Of the 215 Regal Grand Nationals produced in 1982, at least 35 were based on the Buick Regal Sport coupe package with the turbocharged 3.8 V6 engine with 175 hp (130 kW) at 4,000 rpm and 275 lb⋅ft (373 N⋅m) of torque at 2,600 rpm. There were only 2,022 Sport coupes produced in 1982, and the number of cars with both the GN and Sport coupe packages is estimated to be fewer than 50.

text: For 1983, there was no Grand National. The Sport coupe model was renamed the T-Type; 3,732 were produced (190 hp (140 kW) at 1,600 rpm and 280 lb⋅ft (380 N⋅m) of torque at 2,400 rpm). The T-Type had been used on other Buicks, starting with the Riviera in 1981 (in 1979 and 1980, it was the S Type). The 1983 Regal T-Type featured tube headers, Hydro-Boost II brakes, 200-4R 4-speed overdrive trans and 3.42 rear axle (7.5").[4]

text: In 1984 the Grand National returned in all black paint. The turbocharged 3.8 L became standard and was refined with sequential fuel injection, distributor-less computer controlled ignition, and boasted 200 hp (150 kW) at 4,400 rpm and 300 lb⋅ft (407 N⋅m) of torque at 2,400 rpm. Only 5,204 turbo Regals were produced that year, only 2,000 of which were Grand Nationals. Because this was the first year production of the computer controlled sequential fuel injection and distributor-less ignition, this is often considered the year and model that started the development of the legendary intercooled Grand Nationals. The performance of this package was well ahead of its time and the "little V6" easily kept up with the bigger V8s. Quarter mile (~400 m) performance was listed at 15.9 seconds at stock boost levels of 10 psi (0.69 bar), while for the same year, the Chevrolet Camaro was listed at 17.0 and the Chevrolet Corvette at 15.2 seconds.[5] Soon, performance enthusiasts determined the modifications that worked and the Grand Nationals easily broke into the 13-second territory. All Grand Nationals had the Lear Siegler-made cloth/leather interior which was only available for this year. An estimated 200 of the 1984 Grand Nationals were produced with the T-Top option which makes these the rarest of the Grand Nationals.

text: In 1986, a modified engine design with air-air intercooling boosted the performance even further to a specified 235HP at 4,000 rpm and 330 lb-ft torque at 2,400 rpm. The Grand Nationals (quantity 5,512) and T-Types (quantity 2,384) were both produced in 1986. For 1987, performance reached 245 hp (183 kW) and 355 lb⋅ft (481 N⋅m) of torque. Buick dropped the T-Type package for Regal in 1987 and opted for a "T" sport package instead. There were only 7,896 turbo Regals produced in 1986. In 1987, when turbo Regals reached their peak in popularity, a total of 27,590 turbo Regals were produced through December, with those models produced between September and December of that year window stickered as "1987½ Buick Grand National" vehicles.

text: In 1987, a lightweight WE4 (turbo T) option was offered. Only 1,547 of this variant were produced. The differences between a WE4 and the Grand National were the interior trim package, wheels, exterior badging, aluminum bumper supports, and aluminum rear brake drums as opposed to the Grand National's cast iron, making the WE4 a lighter and faster car. The rear spoiler was only available as a dealer installed option. Nineteen eighty-seven was the only year that the LC2 turbo option was available on any Regal, making it possible to even see a Limited with a vinyl landau roof and a power bulge turbo hood. Turbo Regal Limiteds were one of the rarest models of turbo Regals produced second only to the GNX at 1,035 turbo Limiteds. Turbo Regal Limiteds could be ordered with many options with most having chrome external trim but for $35 could have been built with the full black-out trim option making them extremely rare. Limiteds were treated to a very luxurious interior with plush carpeting and optional bench pillow seats and a column shift. The 1987 model would be the end of the manufacture of the RWD "G-Body" Regal, but GM had to extend the build of the Grand National to meet customer demand into December.

text: For the final year, 1987, Buick introduced the limited production GNX, for "Grand National Experimental", at $29,900. Made in partnership with McLaren Performance Technologies/ASC, Buick produced only 547 GNs with the interior trim package, that were then sent off to McLaren and upgraded into the Buick GNX. Buick underrated the GNX at 276 hp (280 PS; 206 kW) @ 4400 rpm and a very substantial 360 lb⋅ft (488 N⋅m) @ 3000 rpm of torque (actual output is 300 bhp (304 PS; 224 kW) and 420 lb⋅ft (569 N⋅m).[6] This was created to be the "Grand National to end all Grand Nationals." Changes made included a special Garrett AiResearch T-3 turbocharger with a ceramic-impeller blowing through a more efficient and significantly larger capacity intercooler with a "Cermatel (ceramic-aluminum) coated" pipe connecting the intercooler to the engine. A GNX specific E-EPROM, low-restriction exhaust with dual mufflers, reprogrammed turbo Hydramatic 200-4R transmission with a custom torque converter and transmission cooler, and unique differential cover/panhard bar included more of the performance modifications. Exterior styling changes include vents located on each front fender, 16 inch black mesh style wheels with VR-speed rated tires, and deletion of the hood and fender emblems. The interior changes of the GNX included a serial number on the dash plaque and a revised instrument cluster providing analog Stewart-Warner gauges, including an analog turbo boost gauge. Performance was measured faster than the Ferrari F40 and the Porsche 930 with a quarter mile time of 12.7 seconds at 113.1 mph (182 km/h) (0.3 and 0.8 seconds quicker, 2.9 and 13.3 mph faster) and a 0-60 mph (97 km/h) time of 4.6 seconds (0.4 and 0.3 seconds quicker, respectively).[7] GNX #001 is the 1986 prototype currently owned by Buick and sometimes makes appearances at car shows around the US. The GNX used a unique torque arm that was mounted to a special, GNX only, rear differential cover, for increased traction. The torque arm rear suspension alters the suspension geometry, making the body lift while planting the rear tires down, resulting in increased traction.

text: The stealthy appearance of the all-black GNX and Grand National (and the resemblance of its grill to his helmet's mouthpiece), coupled with the fact that the Grand National was initially released during the popularity of Star Wars movies, earned it the title "Darth Vader's Car". Car and Driver covered the GNX model's introduction with the headline "Lord Vader, your car is ready." Due to the six cylinder engine, the Buick make, and the black paint Grand Nationals were sometimes referred to as the "Dark Side". The "Dark Side" contrasted with the more common V8 Mustangs and Camaros that were popular at the time.

text: Third generation (1988–1996)[edit]

text:
Third generation

1988–1989 Buick Regal Limited coupe

Overview

Model years
1988–1996

Assembly
Oshawa, Ontario, Canada (GM Canada)

Body and chassis

Body style
2-door coupe
4-door sedan

Layout
Transverse front-engine, front-wheel drive

Platform
W-body

Related
Chevrolet Lumina
Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme
Pontiac Grand Prix

Powertrain

Engine
2.8 L X V6
3.1 L X V6
3.8 L Buick V6

Transmission
4-speed automatic
1988–92: 4T60
1993–96: 4T60-E

Dimensions

Wheelbase
107.5 in (2,730 mm)

Length
1988–89 2dr: 192.2 in (4,882 mm)
1990–91 2dr: 191.6 in (4,867 mm)
1992–94 2dr: 193.6 in (4,917 mm)
1995–96 2dr: 193.9 in (4,925 mm)
1990–91 4dr: 194.6 in (4,943 mm)
1992–94 Custom & GS 4dr: 194.8 in (4,948 mm)
1992–94 Limited 4dr: 196 in (4,978 mm)
1995 4dr: 193.7 in (4,920 mm)
1996 4dr: 194.1 in (4,930 mm)

Width
72.5 in (1,842 mm)

Height
Sedan: 54.5 in (1,384 mm)
Coupe: 53 in (1,346 mm)

text: A new Regal appeared in 1988 on the GM W platform; this generation ran with few changes for nine years. Though the new Regal returned to Buick's original concept in being offered only as a coupe and in being aimed once again squarely at the personal luxury buyer, it departed from tradition in being the first front-wheel drive model, and in having no serious performance option or edition. Neither a V8 engine nor a turbocharged V6 was offered; the only engine offered in 1988 was the Chevrolet 2.8L V6, producing 125 hp (93 kW). In 1990, owing to the declining personal luxury car market, the Regal was again offered as a four-door sedan (as were the Cutlass Supreme and Grand Prix the same year, the latter offered as a sedan for the first time).

text: The Regal was initially offered in base Custom and upscale Limited trim lines. In 1989, the Gran Sport trim line was introduced, featuring aluminum wheels, body side cladding and a console mounted shifter attached to a 4-speed automatic. For 1990, the Regal gained the option of the Buick 3.8 V6. The 3800 V6 was unique to the Regal, differentiating it from the mechanically similar Chevrolet Lumina, Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme and Pontiac Grand Prix. Anti-lock brakes were made standard on all but the base Custom cars in 1992, and the grille was redesigned again for 1993. Along with the new look came an electronically controlled automatic transmission and LeSabre-like rear lights and bumper.

text: In 1994, a driver's side airbag was added, along with standard ABS on all models, standard power windows, and 20 hp (15 kW) more in the base engine due to a revised intake manifold and cylinder head. The Limited coupe was deleted; only the Custom and Gran Sport (GS) coupes remained. Dual airbags were new for 1995 along with a new interior. In 1996, the larger 3.8 L V6 engine gained 35 hp (26 kW). Although 1996 was the last year of this model, production of the 1996 model continued into 1997 as the replacement model was late.

text: Engines[edit]

text:
1988–1989 2.8 L (170 in³) Chevrolet LB6 MFI V6, 125 hp (93 kW) and 160 lb⋅ft (220 N⋅m)
1989–1993 3.1 L (191 in³) Chevrolet LH0 MFI V6, 140 hp (104 kW) and 180 lb⋅ft (240 N⋅m)
1994–1996 3.1 L (191 in³) Chevrolet L82 SFI V6, 160 hp (119 kW) and 185 lb⋅ft (251 N⋅m)
1990–1995 3.8 L (231 in³) Buick L27 V6, 170 hp (127 kW) and 220 lb⋅ft (300 N⋅m)
1996 3.8 L (231 in³) Buick L36 V6, 200 hp (149 kW) and 225 lb⋅ft (305 N⋅m)

tag: ul

text: Fourth generation (1997–2004)[edit]

text:
Fourth generation

1997–2004 Buick Regal GSE

Overview

Also called
别克君威 (Buick Regal)
Chevrolet Lumina (Philippines)

Model years
North America: 1997–2004
China: 1999–2008
Argentina: 2000–2006
Philippines: 2005–2006

Assembly

Canada: Oshawa, Ontario, GM Canada
China: Shanghai, Shanghai GM

Body and chassis

Class
Midsize (EPA)

Body style
4-door sedan

Layout
Transverse front-engine, front-wheel drive

Platform
W-body 2nd Gen

Related

Buick Century
Chevrolet Impala
Chevrolet Monte Carlo
Oldsmobile Intrigue
Pontiac Grand Prix

Powertrain

Engine
2.0 L L34 I4 (China)
2.5 L LB8 V6 (China)
3.0 L LW9 V6 (China)
3.8 L 3800 Series II V6

Transmission
5-speed manual (China, 2.0 L only)
4-speed 4T60-E automatic
4-speed 4T65-E automatic
4-speed 4T65-E HD automatic

Dimensions

Wheelbase
109.0 in (2,769 mm)

Length
196.2 in (4,983 mm)

Width
72.7 in (1,847 mm)

Height
56.6 in (1,438 mm)

Chronology

Successor
Buick LaCrosse

text: In 1997, the Century and the Regal once again became versions of the same car, only offered as a four-door sedan, and sitting on a revised W platform that was shared with the Oldsmobile Intrigue, the Pontiac Grand Prix, the Chevrolet Lumina and Chevrolet Monte Carlo. Differences between the Regal and Century were mostly cosmetic. As the upmarket version, the Regal offered larger engines and fancier trim, and once again boasted a newer version of the 3.8 L V6. While the Century was mainly a reliable, economy-minded car based upon the W-body, the Regal was fitted with many amenities, including heated leather seats (optional on the Century), a Monsoon 8-speaker surround sound system, dual climate control, and expansive interior space. Few changes occurred during this version's seven-year run. It offered 5-passenger seating on all trim levels like the Pontiac Grand Prix and Oldsmobile Intrigue (formerly Cutlass Supreme), unlike their predecessors that had optional 6-passenger seating and the Buick Century (formerly built on the A platform) which had standard 6-passenger seating.

text: This period held the fastest Buick since the days of the 1991-1996 Roadmaster, the Buick Regal GS. This car was now supercharged instead of turbocharged, and produced 240 hp (180 kW) and 280 lb⋅ft (380 N⋅m) of torque. When introduced in 1997, Buick advertised the Regal as the "car for the supercharged family". Buick also released two other model types, the LSE and the GSE. The LSE stayed with the 200 hp (150 kW) engine with upgrades and the GSE stayed with the 240 hp (180 kW) supercharged engine with upgrades. Also, in 2000 Buick came out with a concept GSX that had an intercooled 3.8 L, but was supercharged rather than turbocharged. It had 295.24 hp (220.16 kW)

text: The North American Regal was replaced in 2005 by the Buick LaCrosse, also built on the W platform. The final 2004 Buick Regal rolled off the assembly line on June 1, 2004.[2]

text: Engines[edit]

text:
1997–2004 3.8 L L36 Series II V6
1997–2004 3.8 L L67 Series II supercharged V6

text: Regal LS and GS performance[edit]

text: The Regal LS from the factory had a 1/4 mile (~400 m) elapsed time (ET) of 15.8 seconds and could do 0-60 mph in under 8 seconds. The supercharged Regal GS had a 1/4 mile ET of 14.9 seconds, and acceleration to 60 mph (100 km/h) took 6.7 seconds.[8] The Regal GS, equipped with the supercharged 3.8 liter V6 engine (L67) produced 240 hp (180 kW) & 280 lb⋅ft (380 N⋅m) of torque. The Regal GS's PCM has programming that activates torque management to reduce wheel spin at launch. The Regal LS was EPA rated at 19/30 MPG city/freeway while the supercharged Regal GS was EPA rated at 18/27 MPG city/freeway.

text: Regal LSX and GSX (SLP Performance)[edit]

text: SLP Performance offered dealer-installed options and dealer supplied accessories for both LS and GS models.

text: The three power train packages, referred to as stages, added between 15-30 HP. Performance tires, handling and braking, and lowering options were offered along with interior and exterior cosmetic options.[9]

text: Joseph Abboud Edition[edit]

text: From 2001 to 2004 Buick offered a Joseph Abboud appearance package on both the GS and LS models. This package included either a solid taupe or two-tone taupe/chestnut leather seats, two-tone leather wrapped steering wheel, leather shifter handle and boot, 16" aluminum wheels; and Joseph Abboud signature emblems on the front doors, floor mats, front seat head rests, and taillights.

text: China[edit]

text: General Motors and Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC) established a joint venture in 1997 called Shanghai GM, and had begun assembling the Buick Regal in Shanghai, China in April 1999.[10][11][12]

text: The Regal has sold well in the Chinese market as a large, relatively luxurious model, despite its high price, costing more than the North American version. The Chinese market Regal has slightly different frontal sheetmetal compared to the North American version and different engines including the 2.0 L L34, the 2.5 L LB8 V6 and the 3.0 L LW9 V6. Gearbox choices were a 4 speed automatic for V6 models while four cylinder variants are paired with a 5 speed manual gearbox. V6 models had a set of black dashboard gauges while the four cylinder models had white dashboard gauges. These models also had slightly different names: the entry-level model was the New Century, with more upscale models carrying the GL and GLX names. Later, G and GS models were added. Production for this generation ended in November 2008 in China being replaced the Opel Insignia based Regal.

text: Fifth generation (2011–2017)[edit]

text:
Fifth generation

2011 Buick Regal CXL

Overview

Also called
Opel Insignia
Vauxhall Insignia
Chevrolet Vectra
Holden Insignia

Production
2008–2017

Model years
China: 2009–2017
North America: 2011–2017

Assembly
China: November 2008–2017 (Shanghai General Motors)
Germany: 2009–February 2011 (Opel Rüsselsheim Assembly)[13]
Canada: Oshawa, Ontario February 2011–2017 (General Motors Canada)

Designer
Mark Adams
Malcolm Ward

Body and chassis

Class
Mid-size

Body style
4-door sedan

Layout
Transverse front-engine, front-wheel drive / all-wheel drive

Platform
Epsilon II

Related
Buick LaCrosse
Chevrolet Malibu
Cadillac XTS
Saab 9-5

Powertrain

Engine

1.6 L Family 1 I4 (turbo gasoline) (China Only)
2.0 L LTD I4 (gasoline) (China Only)
2.0 L LDK I4 (turbo gasoline)
2.0 L LHU I4 (turbo gasoline)
2.0 L LTG I4 (turbo gasoline)
2.4 L LE5 I4 (gasoline)
2.4 L LAF I4 (gasoline)
2.4 L LEA I4 (gasoline)
2.4 L LUK I4 (gasoline)

Transmission

6-speed Hydra-Matic 6T40 automatic
6-speed Hydra-Matic 6T50 automatic
6-speed Hydra-Matic 6T70 automatic
6-speed Aisin AF40 automatic
6-speed Aisin F40 manual

Dimensions

Wheelbase
107.8 in (2,738 mm)

Length
190.2 in (4,831 mm)

Width
73.1 in (1,857 mm)

Height
58.4 in (1,483 mm)

Curb weight
3,600 lb (1,600 kg) (2011 CXL)
3,671 lb (1,665 kg) (2011 CXL Turbo)

Chronology

Predecessor
Buick LaCrosse

text: The fifth-generation Buick Regal is a four-door, five-passenger, midsized sedan with a front engine, front-wheel drive layout.[14] GM says that the Regal is helping General Motors attract new, younger customers to the Buick brand. According to GM published information, more than 41% of Regal buyers in the US are coming from non-General Motors brands, and more than 60% of CXL Turbo buyers are under the age of 55.[15]

text: Development[edit]

text: The fifth generation Buick Regal rides on GM's Epsilon II platform and is mostly identical to the Opel Insignia. It first went into production in Rüsselsheim, Germany, in 2008.[16][17] The Shanghai GM twin of the Insignia was introduced in China as Buick Regal in December, 2008 for the 2009 model year.

text: GM originally planned to sell a modified version of the Opel Insignia in North America as the second generation Saturn Aura, but changed strategy after deciding to discontinue the Saturn brand.[18]

text: The Regal utilizes unibody construction with galvanized steel front fenders, hood, roof and door panels and thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) bumper covers.[16]

text: The North American Regal weighs about 13 pounds more than an equivalent Opel Insignia due to increased structural support in the B-pillar necessary to meet U.S. rollover standards.[19]

text: Marketing[edit]

text: GM revealed the fifth generation Regal to North American dealers on October 14, 2009, and introduced the Regal to the public in November, 2009 at the LA Auto Show.[20] Sales of the Regal began in February 2010. In North America, the Regal is positioned below the larger, more expensive LaCrosse and above the Verano compact sedan which debuted late in calendar year 2011.

text: Production[edit]

text: Production of the Shanghai GM variant of the Regal began in November 2008 and ended in July 2017.

text: North American production at General Motors of Canada's Oshawa, Ontario, assembly plant was confirmed on November 25, 2009, and production began at Oshawa Car Assembly in February 2011.[21][22] The initial production for the North American market was done together with its Opel twin the Opel Insignia in the Adam Opel AG's Rüsselsheim, Germany assembly plant from 1 March 2010 to 25 March 2011 (33,669 cars in 2010 and 12,637 in 2011).[23][24]

text: Trim Levels[edit]

text: CXL[edit]

text: The Regal debuted in North America with a single engine, the 2.4L DOHC I4 engine and was rated at 182 hp (136 kW) and 172 pound-feet (233 N⋅m) of torque. The 2.4L engine is mated to a GM Hydra-Matic 6T45 six-speed

text: The 2011 Regal produced in North America was offered in one trim level, called CXL, and was offered with two engine choices and seven option packages. Buick had planned to offer a lower-level trim called CX with cloth seats and a higher level trim called CXS, but those trim levels have not yet been offered.[25]

text: CXL Turbo[edit]

text: The CXL Turbo comes equipped with a turbocharged 2.0L direct-injected Ecotec DOHC I4 rated at 220 hp (164 kW) and 258 pound-feet (350 N⋅m) of torque, mated to either an Aisin AF40 6-speed automatic or a 6-speed manual transmission, making the Regal Turbo the first Buick model to be offered with a manual transmission since the Buick Skyhawk ended production in 1989. The 2.0L turbo is the first direct-injected turbocharged production car capable of running on any blend of gasoline or E85 ethanol.[26]

text: GS[edit]

text: At the 2010 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, GM showed a concept GS version of the Regal based on the Opel Insignia OPC and the Vauxhall Insignia VXR. The concept featured a 2.0L, 270 hp (200 kW), 295 lb⋅ft (400 N⋅m) high-output DOHC I4 turbocharged Ecotec engine, a 6-speed manual transmission and all-wheel drive.

text: The production GS leaves most of the concept specifications intact, but is front-wheel drive. The GS features Buick's Interactive Drive Control System with GS mode, a choice of an FGP Germany F40-6 six-speed manual or Aisin AF-40 (G2) six-speed automatic transmission, high performance brakes with Brembo front calipers and high performance strut (HiPerStrut) front suspension. 19 inch wheels will be standard and 20 inch forged aluminum wheels will be available. The GS is expected to accelerate from zero to 60 miles per hour in under seven seconds. The production version is equipped with GS-only high-output version of the Ecotec 2.0L turbo engine with 270 hp (201 kW) and 295 lb⋅ft (400 N⋅m) of torque. The GM LHU engine used in the GS trim makes 135 hp per liter - Buick’s highest specific output ever.[27] The GS went on sale in fall 2011 as a 2012 model.[28][29]

text: The Shanghai GM variant of Regal GS went on sale in China on September 15, 2011. This car has been localized. The output of the 2.0L Turbo SIDI engine is 162 kW (217 hp), which is about 40 kW less than the production US-model. The Torque is 350 newton metres (258 lb⋅ft). and the top speed is claimed as 232 km/h. The car is only offered in this case as a front-wheel-drive. There exist also some interior and exterior differences between the American and Chinese models.[30][31]

text: Sport Touring Edition[edit]

text: For 2016, the Regal added a new Sport Touring Edition which included unique 18" aluminum black pocket wheels and a rear lip spoiler.

text: eAssist[edit]

text: Beginning in 2011, Buick began offering the eAssist system in the Regal, The 2012 model year Regal is the second GM vehicle to offer eAssist after the 2012 Buick LaCrosse. The eAssist system is standard in the LaCrosse, but the eAssist powertrain is optional in the Regal.

text: The eAssist system adds a lithium-ion battery housed in the trunk, along with regenerative braking, engine stop/start, fuel cut-off, grille louvres that close at speed, underbody panels and low-rolling resistance tires. The eAssist system adds up to 15 hp (11 kW) to the standard 2.4L Ecotec engine during acceleration. Fuel economy for the Regal with eAssist is estimated at 26 mpg‑US (9.0 L/100 km; 31 mpg‑imp) city, 37 mpg‑US (6.4 L/100 km; 44 mpg‑imp) highway.[32]

text: 2014 Update[edit]

text: GM revealed an updated 2014 Regal at the 2013 New York Auto Show. Changes include a revised interior and exterior, a boost in performance for the CXL Turbo up to 258 hp (192 kW) and 295 lb·ft (400 N·m) of torque, and an available all-wheel drive option offered for the 2.0L engine/6-speed automatic transmission equipped vehicles. Changes for the GS include revised interior and exterior, a drop in power to match that of the CXL Turbo, and available an all-wheel drive option offered for the 2.0L / six-speed automatic transmission equipped vehicles. The six-speed manual transmission is still offered, but only in the front-wheel drive variant. Buick's VentiPorts have reappeared starting with 2014 models, a styling feature unique to Buick dating back to 1949.

text: Several new safety features were added for the 2014 year, which include forward collision warning, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a following-distance indicator. The foregoing are all part of a Driver Confidence package, while collision preparation, which pre-loads the brake system ahead of an imminent collision, and adaptive cruise control are available separately.[33]

text:
Shanghai GM Regal Engines (Petrol)

Engine model
Type
Displacement
Power
Torque
Year

1.6T
I4
1,598 cc
179 PS (132 kW; 177 hp) at 5,800 rpm
220 N⋅m (160 lb⋅ft) at 2,200–5,400 rpm
2008–2017

2.0
1,998 cc
147 PS (108 kW; 145 hp) at 6,200 rpm
190 N⋅m (140 lb⋅ft) at 4,600 rpm

2.0T SIDI
1,998 cc
220 PS (162 kW; 218 hp) at 5,300 rpm
350 N⋅m (260 lb⋅ft) at 2,000–4,000 rpm

2.4
2,384 cc
170 PS (125 kW; 168 hp) at 6,400 rpm
225 N⋅m (166 lb⋅ft) at 4,800 rpm
2008–2010

2.4 SIDI
2,384 cc
186 PS (137 kW; 183 hp) at 6,200 rpm
240 N⋅m (180 lb⋅ft) at 4,800 rpm
2011–2017

text: Sixth generation (2018–present)[edit]

text:
Sixth generation

Overview

Also called

别克君威 (Buick Regal; China)
Opel Insignia (Europe)
Vauxhall Insignia (United Kingdom)
Holden Commodore (ZB) (Australia)

Production
2017–present

Model years
2018–present

Designer
Mark Adams
Malcolm Ward

Body and chassis

Body style
4-door sedan (China)
4-door fastback (sportback)
5-door wagon[34]

Layout
FF/F4

Platform
E2XX platform

Related

Buick LaCrosse
Chevrolet Impala
Chevrolet Malibu

text: On April 4, 2017, an all-new sixth generation Buick Regal was introduced at its Design Dome in Warren, Michigan as a 2018 model in both fastback and station wagon versions. Buick Regal began sales in China on July 21, 2017.[35] Similar to the previous generation, it is related to the Opel and Vauxhall Insignia sold in Europe and Holden ZB Commodore in Australia, and like the previous generation, the vehicles were developed and are produced in Germany.

text: Regal Sportback[edit]

text: The fastback version of the Regal, now branded as Regal Sportback, is the replacement for the Regal sedan. Its design has a sedan-like feature based on its appearance. It has grown larger in size, and is around 300 to 500 pounds lighter than the previous Regal.[36] It carries two versions of the LTG 2.0 L Turbocharged inline-4 engine. Front-wheel drive models produce 250 hp (186 kW) @ 5400 rpm and 260 lb⋅ft (353 N⋅m) @ 2000 rpm, while the all-wheel drive model produces 250 hp (186 kW) @ 5500 and 295 lb⋅ft (400 N⋅m) @ 3000 rpm, respectively.[37]

text: Regal TourX[edit]

text: The station wagon variant, named Regal TourX, was also introduced and went on sale at the same time as the hatchback, marking the first time since the demise of the Roadmaster in 1996 that Buick had a station wagon in its lineup. The TourX competes against the Volvo V60 Cross Country, Audi A4 Allroad, Subaru Outback, and BMW 3 Series wagon, and offers up to 73.5 cubic feet of storage space behind the front seats, but only comes in all-wheel drive, along with a LTG turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder producing an estimated 250 hp (186 kW) and 295 lb⋅ft (400 N⋅m) mated with an eight-speed automatic transmission.[34] The TourX is not available in Canada.

text: GS[edit]

text: The 2018 GS is the performance version of sixth generation Regal. This generation of GS sports a 3.6 liter LGX V6 engine producing 310hp, signals return of V6 usage in a mid-size Buick after a hiatus of 13 years. This V6 engine makes GS the most powerful production Buick, (along with third generation LaCrosse).

text: Sales[edit]

text:
Calendar year
United States
China
Canada

2009
N/A
79,930
N/A

2010
12,326
79,358
820

2011
40,144
78,844
2,846

2012
26,383
85,440
1,767

2013
18,685
86,050
740

2014
22,560
111,245
816

2015
19,504
110,637
968

2016
19,833
69,300
841

2017
11,559

662


document_title: Grace & Favour

question_text: where was are you being served again filmed

text: Grace & Favour

text: History[edit]

text: The idea of a spin-off was suggested by the cast of Are You Being Served? almost immediately after the original series ended in 1985. Lloyd and Croft liked the idea, but agreed that the department store format was exhausted and that any spin-off would require a change of location.[1] Despite the enthusiasm of the original cast, it would be almost seven years before Lloyd and Croft brought them back to television.

text: The plot line that brought the cast from the store to the manor was considered remarkably topical, since it aired just a few months after the death of British publishing tycoon Robert Maxwell, who was revealed to have borrowed heavily against his own employees' pensions.

text: Grace and Favour was different from Are You Being Served? in that it involved a continuous story arc, with certain plot elements, such as the relationship between Mr. Humphries and Mavis Moulterd unfolding throughout each episode. This in turn allowed the series to involve more complex storylines and subplots, making it possible for returning guest stars and location shooting, which was never done on Are You Being Served?

text: The series name is a double play on words. A "grace and favour" is a home or other property, owned by a monarch but given to the use of a faithful retainer upon his retirement, such as the retired characters in this series. Grace is also the name of the owner of Grace Brothers, the fictional department store where the characters previously worked, and the surname of Mr Grace, who was the previous owner of Millstone Manor.

text: International broadcasts[edit]

text: In the US the show was broadcast on PBS as Are You Being Served? Again! in 1992. In Australia the show was broadcast on Network Ten in 1994.

text: Cast[edit]

text: Are You Being Served? cast member Mike Berry (Mr. Spooner) chose not to return. Arthur English (Mr. Harman) was also not brought in due to his retirement. Wendy Richard took time off filming for EastEnders to film. Also returning to their roles were John Inman, who played the effeminate Mr. Humphries; Mollie Sugden, as former head of ladieswear Mrs. Slocombe; Frank Thornton, who played the floorwalker Captain Peacock; and Nicholas Smith as the former head of the department, Cuthbert Rumbold. Coincidentally, these were the only five actors to have appeared in every single episode of Are You Being Served?

text: Several new repeat characters were added to the show. Joanne Heywood as Miss Lovelock, Billy Burden as farmer Maurice Moulterd, and Fleur Bennett as his daughter, Mavis, appeared in all 12 episodes. Michael Bilton, as Mr. Grace's solicitor, Mr. Thorpe, and his assistant, Miss Prescott, played by Shirley Cheriton, also held key roles over both series.

text: Cast list[edit]

text:
Mollie Sugden – Mrs. Betty Slocombe
John Inman – Mr. Wilberforce Clayborne Humphries
Wendy Richard – Miss Shirley Brahms
Frank Thornton – Captain Stephen Peacock
Nicholas Smith – Mr. Cuthbert Rumbold
Fleur Bennett – Mavis Moulterd
Joanne Heywood – Jessica Lovelock
Billy Burden – Maurice Moulterd
Michael Bilton – Mr. Thorpe
Shirley Cheriton – Miss Prescott
Gregory Cox – Mr. Frobisher
Andrew Barclay – Malcolm Heathcliff
Diane Holland – Celia Littlewood
Andy Joseph – Joseph Lee
Eric Dodson – Sir Robert
Maggie Holland – Mrs. Cleghampton

text: Plot line[edit]

text: The new series has the elderly and womanizing "Young Mr Grace", head of Grace Brothers department store, recently deceased while scuba-diving on holiday in the Caribbean with his personal secretary, Miss Jessica Lovelock. As per the instructions in his will, the remaining workers in each department at Grace Brothers' closing sale find their pensions invested in different things. The members of the Men's and Ladies' Departments, along with Ms Lovelock, inherit the estate that is the locale of the show.

text: Young Mr Grace had invested their pension funds in a multitude of antiquated businesses, the largest of which is a country manor house called Millstone Manor. The will stipulates that they cannot sell the house and split the profits, but can use the property in the manner of their choosing. After a trip to Millstone Manor to view the property, where they also learn their pensions are minuscule, they decide to live in the manor in order to run it as an inn and live off the proceeds. Miss Lovelock, given accommodation in the grooms' quarters and charge of the horses, also lives at the manor much to the distress of Mrs Slocombe and Miss Brahms. Captain Peacock is not so bothered, however.

text: The series begins just after the funeral of Mr Grace, and quickly brings the cast to Millstone Manor. There they find Mr Rumbold having trouble trying to find new staff after telling the previous staff "in no uncertain terms" that if they did not straighten up they could leave – and they left. With time running out, the old Grace Brothers employees are obliged to "stand in" for the staff in order to have their picture taken as the inn staff for a travel brochure. Soon they find that they are running the inn themselves with the help of Mr Moulterd, who manages the manor's farm, and his daughter Mavis, who helps out at the manor.

text: With Mr Humphries forced by circumstance to share a bed with Mavis, he finds that she develops a bit of a crush on him. This series of events leads all of the cast to assume they are having an affair, which flatters Mr Humphries, though he denies any such goings-on. Despite these events, Mr Humphries continues to be rather ambivalent to the idea of a relationship with anyone. A young man from the village vies with Humphries for Mavis' affection, and frequently attempts to intimidate him by threatening him with violence.

text: On her first day in the country, Mrs Slocombe tries to move a gypsy's wagon that blocked the road and ends up charged with wagon theft, narrowly avoiding a charge of indecent exposure since there was "just a flash" as the out-of-control wagon raced past the post office. At her trial, all of her colleagues are called as witnesses, but it is Mr Moulterd who ends up winning the case for her. Mrs Slocombe is grateful, despite her irritation that he brings up their sexual relationship during the War, which she insists never happened. Also notable is the unexpected appearance of the oft alluded to, but never-before-seen Mr Slocombe, from whom Mrs Slocombe seeks to hide her identity.

text: Other events include the staff putting on a traditional harvest festival dance for octogenarian American visitors and putting on a showcase of British arts and culture for a tour group from Mongolia.

text: Episode guide[edit]

text: Series 1 (1992)[edit]

text:
Nº
Title
Air date
Tape date

1
"The Inheritance"
10 January 1992 (1992-01-10)
1991

Young Mr. Grace has died and the store has closed. On behalf of the pension fund, Mr. Grace acquired a Tudor manor house with farm which at the moment is being run as a country house hotel. Being the only source of pension money for the retired staff, they all decide to visit for the weekend to investigate its possibilities.

2
"Under Arrest"
17 January 1992 (1992-01-17)
TBA

The staff decide to take over Millstone Manor and run it for themselves. The home farm, run by Maurice Moulterd and his daughter Mavis, provides fresh eggs for breakfast, but Mrs. Slocombe gets a shock whilst collecting them. Mr. Humphries and Mavis "to-and-fro" in the woodshed.

3
"The Court Case"
24 January 1992 (1992-01-24)
23 November 1991

Mrs. Slocombe finds herself in court charged with stealing a gypsy cart. Captain Peacock and the others travel to town on the back of Moulterd's pig cart. Once in court the staff come forward as character witnesses.

4
"Looking For Staff"
31 January 1992 (1992-01-31)
TBA

A group of American tourists, the hotel's first guests, are due to arrive at the weekend but there are still very few replies to Mr. Rumbold's advert for staff. The only alternative is for them all to knuckle down and try to make the place presentable.

5
"Things That Go Bump In the Night"
7 February 1992 (1992-02-07)
TBA

A photograph is organized for the hotel brochure. The staff decide to fill the vacant positions at the Manor themselves. Something ghastly (with a bald head and big ears) walks about the manor on a dark and stormy night.

6
"American Tourists"
14 February 1992 (1992-02-14)
TBA

A group of American tourists arrive for the weekend as part of their European tour. The former shop workers do their best, but the Americans are expecting a church service and the traditional Harvest Thanksgiving dance.

text: Series 2 (1993)[edit]

text:
Nº
Title
Air date
Tape date

7
"The Gun"
4 January 1993 (1993-01-04)
May 1992

Mrs. Slocombe's cat, Tiddles, gets gummed up. A gun discovered by Captain Peacock brings the riot police to Millstone Manor where the criminal records of such notorious characters as "Knuckles Rumbold" are revealed.

8
"The Cricket Match"
11 January 1993 (1993-01-11)
TBA

The staff organize a cricket match against the townspeople. The match is marred by the jealousy of Malcolm Heathcliff, who sees Mr. Humphries as a competitor for Mavis' affections. The highlights of the match are a fantastic dive by Mrs. Slocombe and a winning stroke of Mr. Humphries.

9
"Mr. Slocombe"
18 January 1993 (1993-01-18)
TBA

Mrs. Slocombe's long-lost husband pays an unexpected visit after an absence of 42 years, forcing Mrs. Slocombe into hiding. When the staff find that he intends to purchase the hotel, they temporarily expand the staff to make the idea seem unprofitable.

10
"A Mummified Cat"
25 January 1993 (1993-01-25)
20 July 1992

Mr. Rumbold, Mrs. Slocombe, Mr. Humphries and Miss Brahms plant potatoes. Captain Peacock removes a petrified cat from a niche in the attic, precipitating a series of supernatural events.

11
"The Mongolians"
1 February 1993 (1993-02-01)
TBA

A Mongolian tour group gets a cultural extravaganza from the staff at Millstone Manor. The high point of their visit occurs on the presentation of the ballet by Mr. "Sergei" Humphries and Miss "Natasha" Lovelock.

12
"The Darts Match"
8 February 1993 (1993-02-08)
TBA

After Mr. Rumbold complains that he gets no respect, the staff vote to share authority democratically. The staff play darts against the local team at the village pub. Captain Peacock leads a commando raid to rescue a flock of sheep, when the staff, expecting them to be breeding stock, discovers that the man they sold the sheep to, plans to sell them to the knackers.

text: DVD releases[edit]

text: Both the Region 1 and Region 4 release contains both series of Grace & Favour in one set. The series to be released on DVD in the United Kingdom, Region 2 DVD on 23 May 2016.[2]

text:
DVD Title
Number of Discs
Year
Ep. #
DVD release

Region 1
Region 2
Region 4

Complete Series 1 & 2
2
1992 – 1993
12
7 September 2004
23 May 2016
6 March 2009

text: Location filming[edit]

text: All external filming for the series was undertaken in and around Tetbury in Gloucestershire. Primary filming was at Chavenage House, which was used for Millstone Manor, just outside Tetbury.