The Rag Trade - Series 4

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Stay In Strike

1 - Stay In Strike

Air Date: September 11, 1977

Fenner entertains a German client who's keen to see the workforce. Unfortunately, it's before nine o'clock and the workers aren't working. To ensure the staff arrive on time, a clocking-in machine is installed which leads to a strike.

The Sample

2 - The Sample

Air Date: September 18, 1977

The girls have produced an exclusive Italian sample dress for a potential buyer. Unfortunately, when the buyer arrives to see it, Kathy is wearing it out on a date.

Fixing the Rate

3 - Fixing the Rate

Air Date: September 25, 1977

Fenner has a problem - a rising wage bill and falling production. To improve the situation, he sets up a time and motions study. The girls of course throw a spanner in the works.

The Lunch Problem

4 - The Lunch Problem

Air Date: October 2, 1977

The local diner has put its prices up, leaving the girls out of pocket. They are outraged when Fenner refuses to give them a special subsidy, so they take special measures to dine in luxury at the factory.

The Export Order

5 - The Export Order

Air Date: October 9, 1977

Fenner is ecstatic to land an order from the US. Knowing the American market is demanding, he insists on perfection. Unfortunately the girls spend the afternoon celebrating Kathy's birthday.

The Italian Line

6 - The Italian Line

Air Date: October 16, 1977

Mr. Fenner brings in an Italian designer to help with the smooth running of the factory. Paddy is instantly opposed, until she meets the Italian heart-throb.

Olive's Baby

7 - Olive's Baby

Air Date: October 23, 1977

After a row with her old man, Olive has no choice but to bring her baby into work. Terrified that Fenner will disapprove, she tries her best to hide him.

The Wedding Dress

8 - The Wedding Dress

Air Date: October 30, 1977

Kathy announces that she's marrying Big Jim who works on an oil rig. To save her expense, the girls agree to make her a wedding dress from stock fabric. Unfortunately, Mrs. Fenner is helping to stock-take.

The Sideline

9 - The Sideline

Air Date: November 6, 1977

Fenner has picked up an order for a line of fur coats. When Olive makes a panda toy with some of the waste, Paddy spots an opportunity to sell her new boyfriend, Roger, a batch of soft toys.

The Guvnor's Wife

10 - The Guvnor's Wife

Air Date: November 13, 1977

When Kathy and Paddy tape down the button which switches the intercom on, Mrs. Fenner hears some home truths from her husband who is talking with the girls in the work room.

The New Girl

11 - The New Girl

Air Date: November 20, 1977

Mr. Fenner realises that during his absence, production plummets. To counter this, he hires stuck-up June to supervise. The girls hatch a plan to get rid of the stuck-up overseer.

The Bet

12 - The Bet

Air Date: November 27, 1977

Fenner gets the chance to supply a large chain with Fenner Fashions, however, the girls are distracted when they place a bet on the horses.

The Accident

13 - The Accident

Air Date: December 11, 1977

When Kathy falls off a chair in the restroom while trying on a dress, Paddy tries to get her compensation by rigging up an accident in the workroom.

The New Brother

14 - The New Brother

Air Date: December 18, 1977

Skilled seamstress Shana Ahmed is employed to complete the hand embroidery on a new line. Her husband objects to her working there and is worried that she'll pick up bad habits.

Christmas Rush

15 - Christmas Rush

Air Date: December 24, 1977

Production always slows down as Christmas nears and one dress gets destroyed as the clock reaches 5pm. Will anyone stay behind and help Mr. Fenner?