A Sharp Intake of Breath
British sitcom in which happy-go-lucky character Peter Barnes comically and haphazardly tries to deal with the daily frustrations his life throws at him.
Seasons
1. Pilot
Air Date: 1977-07-25
Peter Barnes changes the subject when his wife talks about a new porch, the builder wastes little time in turning the job into an expensive project, and the bank manager demands collateral when he asks for a small loan.
2. Your Life in Their Hands
Air Date: 1978-02-20
A worried Sheila tells Peter that he should go for a full medical check-up, an annoying patient points him in the direction of the reception window, and the doctor complains when he finds the wrong man in front of him.
3. Happy Motoring
Air Date: 1978-02-27
The car won't start, which is doubly frustrating as Peter not only has places to go, but also give Sheila a driving lesson. Typically, it turns out to be rather expensive a repair.
4. Somewhere in the Sun
Air Date: 1978-03-06
Peter tries to book a last-minute holiday after asking for time off in June, a bus conductor advises him against an unfinished hotel in Majorca, and Sheila insists on packing enough shoes to give her the pleasure of choice.
5. See You in Court
Air Date: 1978-03-13
The Barnes' marital bliss is thrown awry when he's forced to bring his very drunk boss home from an office party. Peter's desperate to bring their relationship back from the brink of divorce.
6. The Gasman Cometh
Air Date: 1978-03-20
Peter begins to tear his hair out when men from the gas board arrive to install his new central heating.
7. The Seven Year Hitch
Air Date: 1978-03-27
For their seventh wedding anniversary, Peter and Sheila intend to stay in the same hotel where they spent their honeymoon.
1. Your Move
Air Date: 1979-02-19
Sheila's suddenly desperate to move home. All this is news to Peter, who's forced to engage with local estate agents.
2. Your Very Good Health
Air Date: 1979-02-26
Peter's hospitalised after a small accident in the garden damages his ankle. His doctor's nice enough, but the matron?
3. Where There's a Will
Air Date: 1979-03-05
The Barnes' are forced to deal with Sheila's argumentative family when her aunt dies.
4. Another Little Drink
Air Date: 1979-03-12
Double trouble's on the horizon when Peter's workmates won't let him leave the pub without another few rounds down him first.
5. The Square on the Hypotenuse
Air Date: 1979-03-19
Commiserating with a stranger in the pub leads to all manner of domestic disharmony for poor Peter Barnes when both his wife and girlfriend arrive!
6. What About the Workers?
Air Date: 1979-03-26
Peter's caught up in the officiousness of trade unionism when a repair man at his firm spots him, a white collared worker, turning a conveyor belt on and off.
1. The Spare Part
Air Date: 1980-01-04
A leaky washing machine is only the start of the Barnes's problems. Peter's attempt to acquire the necessary replacement part is easier said than done, especially with British Rail involved.
2. Just Cause or Impediment
Air Date: 1980-01-11
Peter's lined up for best man duties, but first he needs a suit. Then there's the small matter of getting to the church on time.
3. Look Who's Coming For Ever
Air Date: 1980-01-18
When her brother and sister-in-law head for a fortnight's holiday in Benidorm, Sheila's Dad comes to stay with the Barnes'
1. Wheels
Air Date: 1981-01-11
Peter's asked to deliver the company chairman his car - a flash Mercedes. Giving it a quick drive around, he encounters a group of anti-car, anti-pollution protesters and is swiftly arrested alongside them.
2. Match of the Day
Air Date: 1981-01-18
After managing to secure a ticket to a major international football match at Wembley, Peter manages to lose - and reacquire - his ticket numerous times. Will he make it to see the big game?
3. The Train Now Standing
Air Date: 1981-01-25
Having discovered that the train he and Sheila catch into London has been cancelled, Peter heads to the offices of British Rail to demand changes.
4. While the Cat's Away
Air Date: 1981-02-01
With Sheila away visiting her ill mother, Terry challenges Peter to prove he's still got what it takes and can chat up a lady in the pub. When he fails, Terry organises the pair a double-date at a Chinese restaurant.
5. The Weekend
Air Date: 1981-02-08
Having bumped into an old army friend in the park, Peter and Sheila are invited to stay with him - 'Snogger' Sutcliffe - and his wife for the weekend at their country retreat.
6. Rear Window
Air Date: 1981-02-15
Having failed to ingratiate himself with the new neighbours, Peter manages to sprain his ankle falling from a ladder. Sat in bed with little more to do than look out of the window, he soon becomes convinced that the short-tempered new neighbour has murdered his wife.
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Rating
7.2/10
Release Date
1977-07-25
Episodes
21 (4 seasons)
Status
Ended
Cast
Videos
Production Companies
Associated Television