Hello Goodbye Man, The – Nostalgia Central

1 9 8 4 (UK)
6 x 30 minute episodes

42-year-old Denis Ailing (Ian Lavender) applies for a new job as a pharmaceutical salesman with Cookham’s Cures. He has two main disadvantages – his age and his lack of experience. He overcomes these obstacles in his interview with the aid of Cookham’s pep pills.

He sufficiently impresses Mr Cookham (Peter Russell) to win the job as salesman for the North East/North West/South East area.

Denis struggles through disastrous attempts to become a successful salesman. His colleague Ken Harrington (Paul Chapman), who runs the sales office, is unimpressed and considers Denis dangerous competition for the affections of the only woman in the sales office, Jennifer Reynoldston (Mary Tamm) – a staunch feminist.

The youngest member of staff is the irritatingly self-confident 20-year-old Glen Harris (Dominic Guard).

The Hello Goodbye Man was written by David Nobbs, who penned the incomparable The Fall and Rise of Reginald Perrin.

Mary Tamm died of cancer on 26 July 2012. She was 62.  Ian Lavender died on 2 February 2024, aged 77.

Denis Ailing
Ian Lavender
Jennifer Reynoldston
Mary Tamm
Ken Harrington
Paul Chapman
Glenn Harris
Dominic Guard
Mr Cookham
Peter Russell

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