Rainbow S14E16 (1983) - FULL EPIDSODE

Fast Food. Geoffrey's out shopping with friends, and he knows that George, Zippy, and Bungle will already be hungry by the time he gets home. What follows has to be the most egregious example of product placement in the history of British children's television! I believe this episode was originally broadcast on Friday, 18th November, 1983, and apologies for the ending being cut short right before the credits roll.
General ethics of teaching children bad nutritional lessons and the near-advertising of McDonald's aside, there's a lot to enjoy here - not least the song. Rod, Miss Whiplash*** and Freddy sing about working in a restaurant, and the whole cast get to take part in the scene, one way or another. That even includes rare on-screen appearances for Roy Skelton (the voice of George and Zippy), Malcolm Lord and Ronnie Le Drew (their respective puppeteers) if you look carefully enough at the customers. I also laughed at Geoffrey properly telling off Zippy for throwing his fork in a huff, and the story - Magic at MacMildred's - is good fun, even if it reinforces the borderline brainwashing that's taking place. No idea who Daisy and Rory (our young friends at the beginning) are, but hopefully they're reading this and are ready to give us an update in the comments!
So, what do you reckon - were dark forces at work trying to normalise certain ideas in children's impressionable minds, or am I looking too deeply? All I know for certain is that a little over two decades later, this sort of thing in relation to junk food was banned, and it just about obliterated British-made live-action kids' television on commercial channels overnight. Be careful what you wish for, I suppose.
***www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/s...
Many thanks to Lee for providing this recording.
(To the best of my knowledge, the contents of this video have never been available commercially anywhere in the world. Please also note that I don't monetise any of my uploads. Nevertheless, if you are a copyright holder and have an objection, please don't hesitate to contact me.)

[@VideotapeFTW]

Rainbow puppeteer Ronnie Le Drew's got a new book out - it's called Zippy and Me, and (amongst other things) it gives a behind-the-scenes look of what exactly used to go on in the studio back then. I bought it yesterday and have hardly put it down since! So far, highly recommended - you can buy it here: unbound.com/books/zippy-and-me/ www.kobo.com/gb/en/ebook/zippy-and-me www.waterstones.com/book/zippy-and-me/ronnie-le-drew/duncan-barrett/9781783526987 www.amazon.co.uk/Zippy-Me-Inside-Britains-Infamous/dp/178352698X/

[@Fank234]

Reading it now. Very funnt

[@VideotapeFTW]

@@Fank234 Yes, I've finished it, and it's a great insight into the world of children's television back then, and the entertainment business in general. Can't recommend it highly enough.

[@just4kidz881]

It's very funny!

[@chloethesqueakfan2K4]

🤗

[@MsRosie37]

How polite and well-mannered are those kids saying yes please and thank you ❤

[@tombartram6842]

When I was in the dole in the 80s Rainbow was the highlight of my day. Great memories!

[@markgreet3543]

Why not mate😁

[@markgreet3543]

They were the days respect.😁

[@artisticafflair408]

I love how well spoken people were back in the day, the news presenter at the beginning.

[@Crazy1Clive]

Peter Marshall: station announcer at Thames; never a news presenter!

[@Agui007]

I enjoyed Rainbow as child. Though when you see the programming of fast food you see it differently from the child you were.

[@RUDI-UK]

Throwing cutlery on the floor. Zippy's one evil bastard. Jane looks hot in that maid outfit!

[@midnightfootsoidier971]

Big up Zippy. Big up Bungle. Big up George. Big up the whole Rainbow crew! Respect!

[@mrhammadmossop1988ul-haq]

This episode is one of my favourites of Rainbow and I absolutely love it especially seeing McDonald's

[@essiefowler9775]

This was a great programme for the kids , my lot grew up viewing it and it was always educational and interesting 🤨

[@shaestayaseen7431]

The good old days when life was happier

[@glenncooney3959]

I remember McDonalds like that.

[@TheFoxFromSplashMountain]

Look at that old McDonald's decor, ahh... Simpler times...

[@itsjemmabond]

O.M.G., I'd forgotten about this episode. I was already too old for Rainbow in 1983, but I always tuned in to hear Rod, Jane, and Freddy - I'm pretty sure the latter replaced the other guy around this period. To be honest, I don't even remember the song, but I laughed when Bungle dropped the cheese at the end. Ah, the good old days when TV could show burgers in peace without upsetting vegans. How did Jane get away with that French maid's outfit though?

[@VideotapeFTW]

Someone in the costume department must have won a bet or something, getting Jane to wear that on Children's ITV!

[@pamelabibby8642]

i was born in 1983 when i was a toddler i watched a episode where bungle had a walking stick anyone know which episodoes it is

[@just4kidz881]

I know

[@chloethesqueakfan2K4]

Bungle was trying to do something!

[@amandabennett3898]

Wearing the maids outfit was probably what caused her to end up marrying Rod AND Freddy 🤣 As soon as one of the stopped next to her and sang, "when you need billing" I said "when you need filling more like!" Seems like she was a bit "wayward" 🤣

[@PaulMarriott]

It was the 80s after all, back when things were not as ‘pc’ as they are now and you didn’t have TV/media watchdogs taking as many shots at programming. The episode theme was about FAST food and not about ‘healthy/unhealthy eating habits’ per se. Another way of looking at it - It’s a Rainbow episode, it’s fun, it’s time to relax. ❤️⭐️

[@billymyers9268]

9:01 Zippy's "posh" voice

[@billymyers9268]

"...and a hamburger with some CH-E-E-E-E-SE on it for George!"

[@artisticafflair408]

wow , of a time when we could advertise junk food in a kids programme. Oh how times have changed.

[@stumagoo2395]

Back then kids were physically more active and would go out to play with friends, climb trees, ride their bikes (without a helmet) miles from home and not have to worry about fats and sugars.

[@skylined5534]

There are worse things promoted via social media these days.

[@billymyers9268]

10:32 Wasn't expecting that!

[@stripformebabestripforyou8327]

1:42 Did Geoffrey fall asleep under a tanning bed? That's actually quite unsettling to look at. He looks like Rodney in that episode of OFAH when Del Boy got to go hand-gliding.

[@davidprice5563]

lol

[@keithfrmcov]

Shame these are no longer on our british television airwaves. It taught children how to be a better child. Mot like the aggressive rubbish on television today.

[@jameswalker7459]

Bring back rainbow!

[@billymyers9268]

Geoffrey just ordered his food and they brought it to him straight away! It's not usually that quick in McDonald's!

[@mrhammadmossop1988ul-haq]

I absolutely love this episode of Rainbow this is awesome

[@unlokia]

And now I’m starving, and CRAVING A MCDONALDS! Thaaaaanksss… 🤤😍🥤🍟🍔

[@deanwolman]

This episode always makes me hungry 😂 🍔 🍟

[@billymyers9268]

7:07 Rod and Freddy are both dressed up as Manuel from Fawlty Towers!

[@billymyers9268]

"Now, let's see, what are you gonna have? You can have sandwiches, hamburger and chips, hamburger without chips, cheeseburger and chips, cheeseburger without chips, an extra-big cheeseburger, ham and egg in a bun, fish in a bun, milkshakes, apple pie, coffee, milk..." Wait a minute, Geoffrey! You haven't even given them time to order yet! It may be called fast food, but that's taking it a bit too far, don't you think?

[@JollyOrangeEntertainment]

I do hope you'll upload more episodes of Rainbow especially ones that feature Rod, Jane and Freddy. I think it would be a perfect tribute to Freddy Marks who sadly passed away last week

[@VideotapeFTW]

If I can lay my hands on more, I'll definitely upload them!

[@jess7670]

And Geoffrey Hayes

[@MultiVince95]

Friday 18th November 1983

[@billymyers9268]

11:05 "...and Mildred The Witch was sued for copyright infringement and everyone lived happily ever after, except for Mildred, who received a large fine and went to prison"

[@TheLeemccarthy]

Bungle with the cheese 😂

[@JamesVlogsHomeBeyond]

Happy childhood memories that is, although I'm a big fan of chicken mcnuggets really. I remember the four characters there mainly Grimace, Birdie, Hamburglar and Ronald McDonald himself.

[@shafiq1537]

jeffery seamed a nice guy

[@cameronslater6716]

Hourofpoop can put spongebob squarepants in this episode.

[@billymyers9268]

9:43-9:45 Alright, Geoffrey! No need to shout!

[@janicelehane6373]

Bloody hell janes looking rather lovely isnt she 😂

[@vincentwilliams4343]

This show was on when I was young

[@flowersonhorseback]

Fantastic

[@just4kidz881]

Nice Episode

[@jamesbedford3774]

Rainbow is/was great, but this episode is just an advert for McDonald's. No way that they'd get away with that now. Zippy still rules, though.

[@mrhammadmossop1988ul-haq]

04:27 04:28 That part is absolutely hilarious

[@chloethesqueakfan2K4]

Cool Episode

[@billymyers9268]

9:15 Why is Geoffrey talking to George loudly through his hand? He's standing right next to him!

[@garethglitter5932]

Rainbow doing their bit for the kid's obesity epidemic.

[@VideotapeFTW]

Bungle's trying to take us down with him.

[@chloethesqueakfan2K4]

George is too!

[@acidmack1041]

I dont think kids eating McDonalds back then was a problem seeing as they would burn it off playing outside unlike todays kids who sit around on computers, phones and tablets all day lol

[@skylined5534]

@@acidmack1041 Exactly! They seem to be largely allergic to anything but parking their arses in front of a console or pc all day. Lazy little 'tawts'.

[@wokenup5273]

​@acidmack1041, maybe not back then, but those kids went on to be adults who then had kids.

[@xanderathome]

Are we just going to ignore Jane 8n the maid's outfit? 😮

[@billymyers9268]

7:17 Why is Bungle somehow exempt from wearing a chef's hat like Zippy and George?

[@VideotapeFTW]

He's a maverick. He plays by his own rules. No-one tells Bungle what to do, or they face the consequences.

[@davidprice5563]

@@VideotapeFTW Would you argue with a bear???

[@cameronslater6716]

If mean teenagers take the burgers that would be unkind.

[@mrheavywater]

Wonder how much McDonald’s paid for this episode?

[@mrhammadmossop1988ul-haq]

Was Rainbow broadcast for 20 years

[@VideotapeFTW]

Slightly longer - early 70s to early 90s for the main series, and then two reboots before ending in 1997.

[@mrhammadmossop1988ul-haq]

@@VideotapeFTW I love Rainbow

[@mrhammadmossop1988ul-haq]

@@VideotapeFTW Do you have Rainbow from Tuesday 1st March 1988 as the episode on that day was Music A which was one of my favourites.

[@VideotapeFTW]

@@mrhammadmossop1988ul-haq I'm afraid not - sorry. I'll keep an eye out, of course!

[@mrhammadmossop1988ul-haq]

@@VideotapeFTW That will be brilliant thanks

[@filmsforallnations]

Jane looks young in this episode.

[@RyanJohnson-ox3py]

Jane 😍♥

[@amandabennett3898]

She fucked and married Rod AND Freddy 🤦🏼‍♀️🤣

[@evacameron6288]

Do you have the Rainbow episode 'Cakes' ?

[@VideotapeFTW]

Not sure - but if I can lay my hands on it, I'll upload it.

[@chloethesqueakfan2K4]

I know

[@just4kidz881]

Yeah

[@evacameron6288]

@@just4kidz881 Can it be uploaded?

[@muhammaduddin9268]

That was funny.

[@Noo-Noo7950]

What McDonald’s Was This Filmed At.

[@sharonboult4042]

I want chips

[@amandabennett3898]

Wearing the maids outfit was probably what caused her to end up marrying Rod AND Freddy 🤣 As soon as one of them stopped next to her and sang, "when you need filling" I instantly thought, there's more of a sordid suggestion linked to that line. Seems like she was a bit "wayward" couldn't keep her beef burger flaps to herself! 🤣

[@inconspicuous_frog]

gross dude

[@cjoe1950]

what? an announcer for the tv programmes??

[@VideotapeFTW]

Yeah - not all the regions had in-vision continuity, but Thames were big on it.

[@clairhill5370]

Upload more please

[@jimmyskyblue6057]

I thought Hippos were herbivores, Wtf is George eating a hamburger? 😆

[@MaggieMedia2]

mcdonalds

[@twitchygiraffe4636]

Yeah! Rainbow was part of the franchise!!!!

[@Channel567-7]

Their’s no tomato in a Big Mac, the burger with egg was not a burger but clearly a pork patty as it’s egg Mc Muffin, and they are fries not chips😅

[@joycekoch5746]

Rainbow =LSD

[@David-uf8ex]

Get the kids hooked on junk food . Well done rainbow 😖

[@MadGaz85]

2:10 : Good job Geoffrey didn't work in McDonald's marketing department. Wouldn't fancy asking for that every time I walked in!

[@benrichards399]

6:52 french maid outfit on kids tv.i think Holly Willoughby was the last too wear one on mom. anyone think anymore after that?

[@benrichards399]

@bishopberkley nice one.

[@itsjemmabond]

@bishopberkley And I'm pretty sure Cheryl Baker wore on in How Dare You

[@DVDandFilmBloke]

I always thought all fast food was pre-made before business hours and heated up for the customers, (sometimes your lucky if it's even warm) and kept fresh with god knows how many preservatives (mainly your daily sodium allowance in salt on a single item).

[@itsjemmabond]

It depends on what you order. Fries are fried on the premises although the potatoes are pre-cut in the factories, burger patties are grilled on demand, fizzy drinks are made using flavoured syrup and carbonated water, but other than that, everything is pre-made. Remember when McDonalds introduced the Salad Plus menu? I can confirm the salad leaves were never prepared in the kitchens; it was all pre-cut, and contrary to popular belief their Subway-style sandwiches were never made with freshly-baked bread. They don't even use fresh eggs, it comes in a carton. I did a morning shift once, and this lady returned her breakfast because one of her pancakes and syrup had mould growing on it...I'm not even joking. I can understand why people would want to spend their money on fast food in these busy times, but sometimes it's much better to eat at home.

[@DVDandFilmBloke]

@@itsjemmabond kzbin.info/www/bejne/kJ7ZpWqve7mnqpo

[@itsjemmabond]

@@DVDandFilmBloke I don't get it...

[@neilfitzgerald1410]

IT'S NEIL FITZGERALD RAINBOW

[@jasonwhitehurst4508]

do you have any rainbow episodes from the 1970s?

[@VideotapeFTW]

I don't think so, no - sorry.

[@chloethesqueakfan2K4]

🤔

[@hayleydennis5269]

yes as well in the nutmeg words and pictures they were having chicken in the CH episode any way in your school did u have healthy meals from the canteen

[@VideotapeFTW]

Haha - I hadn't discovered healthy food when I was at school! (I have now, of course...)

[@hayleydennis5269]

@@VideotapeFTW at south brook Exeter we had healthy lunches

[@chloethesqueakfan2K4]

😇

[@Puppetgirl93]

I’d rather have Burger King! I always have it my way!

[@offal]

a cafe lol

[@KyleKyle__]

#notificatiob gang

[@twitchygiraffe4636]

This is bloody shameless! It’s one thing promoting fast food on kids tv in the 80’s which I remember and don’t have a problem with! It’s the fact their plugging mcdonald’s when i’m sure product placement was still only allowed in adverts themselves even then?! They definitely slipped this one past the IBA!!!!

[@spacepisces9287]

twitchygiraffe that was what I was thinking!

[@jponline79]

In the words of Devon Miles “yes its marvellous isnt it?”

[@itsjemmabond]

I take it you've never seen the movie Mac And Me?

[@garethglitter5932]

Fast forward to the present and the two kids in the clip are 40 something lard-arses who need mobility scooters to get around.

[@acidmack1041]

Imagine how awful it must have been for the people of 1983 having to see this..disgraaaaaaceful