A Fine RomanceA Fine Romance is a British situation comedy starring husband-and-wife team Judi Dench and Michael Williams. Dench's sister was played by Susan Penhaligon. It was produced by London Weekend Television and written by Bob Larbey. It was first broadcast on 8 November 1981. It lasted for 26 episodes over four series; the final episode being broadcast on 17 February 1984. The series takes its name from a song in the 1936 film Swing Time, starring Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, which Dench recorded as the theme music. The series was nominated for nine BAFTA British Academy Television Awards and a winner of two, both for Dench's performance in 1982 and 1985.
DirectorDon Leaver
CreatorsBob Larbey, John Esmonde
First Meeting
Nov 1, 1981
Ambushed once again by Helen and Phil, her matchmaking sister and brother-in-law, Laura escapes from the party after being introduced to Mike. Mike, trying to flee from Laura, chooses the same hiding place.
Different Answers
Nov 8, 1981
The day after the party, Helen and Phil get conflicting accounts when they check in with the presumed lovebirds. The effort to get their stories straight gives Laura and Mike an excuse for an excursion.
The Restaurant
Nov 15, 1981
Mike is ready to jump at another party invitation, but when Laura refuses to go along he invites her out to dinner instead. His attempts to impress her go over the top when Laura loses a contact lens on the restaurant carpet.
Unlucky in Love
Nov 22, 1981
A new romance buds for Laura, but gets nipped when she discovers the attractive man she met on a business trip to Brussels is already over-committed. Mike's work also leads to a romantic disappointment that is coincidentally related to Laura's.
How to Avoid Bankruptcy
Nov 29, 1981
When Laura realizes Mike's business is failing, she sets out to help him shore up his capital and his morale. Mike winds up rescuing the business himself without exactly coming up a winner.
Keep Them Apart
Dec 6, 1981
Mike's van, and where he can park it for the night in Laura's neighborhood, gets in the way of moving their relationship to a higher plane. Sensing the stall, Helen and Phil decide they need to help Mike and Laura move on.
Playing Games
Dec 13, 1981
Laura's insecurity mars the couple's first morning together. After seeing Mike with an attractive lunch date, Laura becomes jealous and seeks the company of a neurotic family friend who sticks to her like glue.
