Mr. Bean: Difference between revisions
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{{Short description|British television sitcom (1990–1995)}} |
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{{for|the [[animated television series]] of the same name|Mr. Bean (animated TV series)}} |
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{{About|the original television programme|the title character|Mr. Bean (character)|the animated spinoff|Mr. Bean: The Animated Series}} |
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{{Infobox television| |
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{{Redirect|Mr. Bean: Live Action Series||Mr. Bean (disambiguation)}} |
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| show_name = Mr. Bean |
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{{Pp-semi-indef|small=yes}} |
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| image = [[Image:Atkinson Rowan.jpg|200px]] |
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{{Use British English|date=February 2016}} |
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| caption = [[Rowan Atkinson]] as Mr. Bean |
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{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2023}} |
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| format = [[Physical Comedy]], [[Sketch Comedy]] |
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{{Infobox television |
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| picture_format = [[4:3]], [[16:9]] |
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| image = Mr. bean title card.jpg |
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| runtime = 30 minutes |
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| caption = Original title card from 1992 to 1995 |
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| creator = [[Rowan Atkinson]],<br />[[Richard Curtis]],<br />[[Ben Elton]] |
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| genre = [[Sitcom]] |
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| starring = Rowan Atkinson |
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| creator = {{unbulleted list|[[Rowan Atkinson]]|[[Richard Curtis]]}} |
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| country = {{flagcountry|United Kingdom}} |
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| writer = {{unbulleted list|[[Ben Elton]] (Episodes 1 and 15)|Richard Curtis (Episodes 1{{ndash}}7 and 15)|[[Robin Driscoll]] (Episodes 2{{ndash}}14)|Rowan Atkinson}} |
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| network = [[ITV]] |
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| director = {{unbulleted list|[[John Howard Davies]] (Episodes 1–3, 15)|[[John Birkin]] (Episodes 4{{ndash}}7, 10{{ndash}}14)|[[Paul Weiland]] (Episodes 8{{ndash}}9)}} |
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| first_aired = [[January 1]], [[1990 in television|1990]] |
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| starring = [[Rowan Atkinson]] |
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| last_aired = [[October 31]], [[1995 in television|1995]] |
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| open_theme = "Mr. Bean's theme" by Sid & the Comeds (Episode 1)<br>"Ecce homo" (Episodes 2{{ndash}}15) |
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| num_series = |
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| end_theme = "Mr. Bean's theme (reprise)" by Sid & the Comeds (Episode 1)<br>"Vale homo" (Episodes 2{{ndash}}6, 8{{ndash}}10, 13 and 15)<br>"Vale homo" (instrumental) (Episodes 7, 11, 12 and 14) |
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| num_episodes = 14 |
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| composer = [[Howard Goodall]] |
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| list_episodes = List of Mr. Bean episodes |
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| country = United Kingdom |
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| related = [[Mr. Bean (animated TV series)]] |
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| language = English |
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| imdb_id = 0096657 |
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| num_episodes = 15 |
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| tv_com_id = 3909 |
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| list_episodes = List of Mr. Bean episodes |
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| executive_producer = [[Peter Bennett-Jones]] |
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| producer = {{unbulleted list|John Howard Davies (Episodes 1{{ndash}}3)|[[Sue Vertue]] (Episodes 4{{ndash}}9, 12{{ndash}}15)|Peter Bennett-Jones (Episodes 10{{ndash}}11 and 15)}} |
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| runtime = 24–26 minutes |
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| company = [[Tiger Aspect Productions]]{{efn|in association with [[Thames Television]] until 1993 and in association with [[ITV Central|Central Independent Television]] until 1995.}} |
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| network = [[ITV (TV network)|ITV]] |
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| first_aired = <!-- This date is as shown on the official website. Do not change it without citing an even more reliable source -->{{Start date|1990|1|1|df=yes}}<ref name=TL>{{cite web|url=http://www.mrbean.com/timeline|title=Mr Bean — Timeline|publisher=Tiger Aspect Productions Ltd|access-date=8 February 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131219134210/http://www.mrbean.com/timeline|archive-date=19 December 2013}}</ref> |
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| last_aired = {{End date|1995|12|15|df=yes}} |
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| related = ''[[Bean (film)|Bean: The Ultimate Disaster Movie]]'' |
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}} |
}} |
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'''''Mr. Bean''''' is a [[British |
'''''Mr. Bean''''' is a [[British sitcom]] created by [[Rowan Atkinson]] and [[Richard Curtis]], produced by [[Tiger Aspect Productions]] and starring Atkinson as [[Mr. Bean (character)|the eponymous title character]]. The sitcom consists of 15 episodes that were co-written by Atkinson alongside Curtis and [[Robin Driscoll]]; the [[Mr. Bean (Mr. Bean episode)|pilot episode]] was co-written by [[Ben Elton]]. The series originally aired on [[ITV (TV network)|ITV]], beginning with the pilot episode on 1 January 1990<ref name=TL /> and ending with "[[The Best Bits of Mr. Bean]]" on 15 December 1995. |
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Based on a character developed by |
Based on a character developed by Atkinson while he was studying for his master's degree at the [[University of Oxford]], the series centres on [[Mr. Bean (character)|Mr. Bean]], described by Atkinson as "a child in a grown man's body", as he solves various problems presented by everyday tasks and often causes disruption in the process.<ref name=cavendish>{{cite web|url=http://living.scotsman.com/index.cfm?id=2323922005 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061018071947/http://living.scotsman.com/index.cfm?id=2323922005 |title=Atkinson has Bean there and he's done with that |archive-date=18 October 2006 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The series has been influenced by [[physical comedy]] actors such as [[Jacques Tati]] and those from early [[silent film]]s.<ref name=cavendish/> |
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During its |
During its original five-year run, ''Mr. Bean'' was met with widespread acclaim and attracted large television audiences. The series was viewed by 18.74 million viewers for the episode "[[The Trouble with Mr. Bean]]"<ref>[https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0096657/trivia Viewing figures] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161225105529/http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0096657/trivia |date=25 December 2016 }} at the [[Internet Movie Database]]. Retrieved 14 March 2008.</ref> and has received a number of international awards, including the [[Rose d'Or]]. The series has since been sold in 245 territories worldwide. It has inspired an [[Mr. Bean (animated TV series)|animated spin-off]] and two theatrical feature-length films along with Atkinson reprising his role as Mr. Bean for a performance at the London [[2012 Summer Olympics opening ceremony]], television commercials and several sketches for [[Comic Relief]]. The programme carries strong appeal in hundreds of territories worldwide because, in addition to the acclaim from its original run, it uses very little intelligible dialogue, making it accessible to people who know little or no English. |
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==Origin== |
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==Origins and influences== |
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The character of Mr. Bean |
The character of [[Mr. Bean (character)|Mr. Bean]] was developed while [[Rowan Atkinson]] was studying for his master's degree in electrical engineering at [[The Queen's College, Oxford]]. A [[Sketch comedy|sketch]] featuring Bean was shown at the [[Edinburgh Fringe]] in the early 1980s.<ref name=cavendish/> A similar character called Robert Box, also played by Atkinson, appeared in the one-off 1979 ITV sitcom ''[[Canned Laughter (sitcom)|Canned Laughter]]'' which also featured routines used in [[Bean (film)|the motion picture]] in 1997.<ref>''[https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0125687/ Canned Laughter] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170209091537/http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0125687/ |date=9 February 2017 }}'' at the [[Internet Movie Database]]. Retrieved 14 March 2008.</ref> |
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One of Bean's earliest appearances occurred at the "[[Just for Laughs]]" comedy festival in [[Montreal]], [[Quebec]], [[Canada]], in 1987. When programme coordinators were scheduling him into the festival programme, Atkinson insisted that he perform on the French-speaking bill rather than the English-speaking programme. Having no French dialogue in his act at all, programme coordinators could not understand why Atkinson wanted to perform on the French bill instead. As it turned out, Atkinson's act at the festival was a test platform for his character and he wanted to see how his character's physical comedy would fare on an international stage with a non-English speaking audience.<ref name=" Interview with Rowan Atkinson">[http://www.justforlaughs.com/videos/show/3889-rowan-atkinson-mr-bean-s-rowan-atkinson-interview-2007_Festival Interview with Rowan Atkinson] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080405175111/http://www.justforlaughs.com/videos/show/3889-Rowan-Atkinson-Mr-bean-s-rowan-Atkinson-interview-2007_Festival |date=5 April 2008 }} at justforlaughs.com. Retrieved 14 March 2008.</ref> |
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The name of the character was not decided after the first programme had been produced, with a number of other vegetable-influenced names, such as Mr. Cauliflower, being explored.<ref>[http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0096657/trivia Trivia at IMDb], URL accessed August 3rd, 2006</ref> |
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Rowan Atkinson has cited the earlier comedy character [[Monsieur Hulot]], created by [[France|French]] comedian and director [[Jacques Tati]], as an influence on the character of Mr. Bean.<ref>[http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/rmhttp/worldservice/learningenglish/entertainment/scripts/entertainment_070329_bean.pdf Transcript of interview with Rowan Atkinson] at [[bbc.co.uk]], URL accessed March 14th, 2008</ref> Stylistically, ''Mr. Bean'' is also very similar to early [[silent film]]s, relying purely upon [[physical comedy]], with Mr. Bean speaking very little dialogue. This has allowed the series to be sold worldwide without any significant changes to dialogue.<ref>[http://www.hahaha.com/en/history/1989.html Just for Laughs festival], URL accessed March 14th, 2008</ref><ref>[http://www.justforlaughs.com/videos/show/3889-rowan-atkinson-mr-bean-s-rowan-atkinson-interview-2007_Festival Interview with Rowan Atkinson] at justforlaughs.com, URL accessed March 14th, 2008</ref> |
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The character's name was not decided until after the first episode had been produced; a number of other vegetable-influenced names such as "Mr. Cauliflower" were explored.<ref>[http://www.mrbean.co.uk/uk/quiz/ Mr Bean official website] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100816202223/http://www.mrbean.co.uk/uk/quiz/ |date=16 August 2010 }}. Retrieved 6 September 2010.</ref> Atkinson cited the earlier comedy character [[Monsieur Hulot]], created by French comedian and director [[Jacques Tati]], as an influence on the character.<ref>[http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/rmhttp://worldservice/learningenglish/entertainment/scripts/entertainment_070329_bean.pdf Transcript of interview with Rowan Atkinson]{{dead link|date=December 2017 |bot=Musdan77 |fix-attempted=yes }} at [[bbc.co.uk]]. Retrieved 14 March 2008.</ref> Atkinson also cited the influence of [[Peter Sellers]], who had previously played similar "fumbling fool" characters, notably [[Hrundi Bakshi]] in ''[[The Party (1968 film)|The Party]]'' (1968) and [[Inspector Clouseau]] in ''[[The Pink Panther]]'' films.<ref>{{cite news |title=Want funny? See his movies. |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2003-jul-13-ca-welkos13-story.html |access-date=8 September 2019 |work=[[Los Angeles Times]] |date=13 July 2003 |archive-date=8 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200108092024/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2003-jul-13-ca-welkos13-story.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Stylistically, ''Mr. Bean'' is also similar to early [[silent film]]s, relying purely upon [[physical comedy]] with Mr. Bean speaking very little dialogue (although like other live-action sitcoms during this period, it featured a [[laugh track]]). This has allowed the series to be sold worldwide without any significant changes to dialogue.<ref name="Interview with Rowan Atkinson"/><ref>[http://www.hahaha.com/en/history/1989.html Just for Laughs festival] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071010113154/http://www.hahaha.com/en/history/1989.html |date=10 October 2007 }}. Retrieved 14 March 2008.</ref> In November 2012, Atkinson told ''[[The Daily Telegraph]]'' of his intentions to retire the character, stating that "someone in their fifties being childlike becomes a little sad."<ref>{{cite web|title=Rowan Atkinson suggests end is in sight for Mr Bean|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/9684184/Rowan-Atkinson-suggests-end-is-in-sight-for-Mr-Bean.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220111/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/9684184/Rowan-Atkinson-suggests-end-is-in-sight-for-Mr-Bean.html |archive-date=11 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|work=The Daily Telegraph|access-date=2 November 2018|date=17 November 2012|author=Victoria Ward}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Rowan Atkinson signals the end for Mr Bean: 'Playing him is childish and sad'|url=http://metro.co.uk/2012/11/17/rowan-atkinson-signals-the-end-for-mr-bean-playing-him-is-childish-and-sad-497992/|work=[[Metro (British newspaper)|Metro]]|publisher=DMG Media|access-date=25 October 2013|date=17 November 2012|archive-date=29 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029184301/http://metro.co.uk/2012/11/17/rowan-atkinson-signals-the-end-for-mr-bean-playing-him-is-childish-and-sad-497992/|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2016, however, Atkinson changed his mind by saying that he would never retire playing Mr. Bean.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.radiotimes.com/news/2016-03-21/rowan-atkinson-i-will-never-wave-goodbye-to-mr-bean|title=Rowan Atkinson: I will never wave goodbye to Mr Bean|website=RadioTimes|access-date=23 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160324114506/https://www.radiotimes.com/news/2016-03-21/rowan-atkinson-i-will-never-wave-goodbye-to-mr-bean/|archive-date=24 March 2016}}</ref> |
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== Characters == |
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=== Mr. Bean === |
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The title character, played by Rowan Atkinson, is a slow-witted, sometimes ingenious, childishly selfish and generally likeable [[buffoon]] who brings various unusual schemes and connivances to everyday tasks. He lives alone in his small flat in [[Highbury]], North [[London]], and is almost always seen in his trademark [[Tweed (cloth)|tweed]] jacket and skinny red tie. Mr. Bean rarely speaks, and when he does it is generally only a few mumbled words. His first name (he names himself "Bean" to others) and profession, if any, are never mentioned, though he has been shown in the first episode to have a strong knowledge of [[trigonometry]]. (In the [[Bean (1997 film)|first film adaptation]], on his passport "Mr." appears under the "first name" field and he is shown employed as a guard at London's [[National Gallery, London|National Gallery]]. In ''[[Mr. Bean's Holiday]]'', "Rowan" is seen on his passport name field. In a Blind Date parody, when asked of his first name, he responds "Mr.") |
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==Characters and recurring props== |
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Mr. Bean often seems unaware of basic aspects of the way the world works, and the programme usually features his attempts at what would normally be considered simple tasks, such as going [[swimming]], [[interior decoration|redecorating]] or taking an [[exam]]. The humour largely comes from his original (and often absurd) solutions to any problems and his total disregard for others when solving them, his pettiness, and occasional malevolence. |
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===Mr. Bean=== |
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{{Main|Mr. Bean (character)}} |
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[[File: Atkinson Rowan.jpg|thumb|left|220px|[[Rowan Atkinson]] portraying Mr. Bean in August 1997]] |
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The title character and protagonist, played by Rowan Atkinson, is a childish [[Jester#Buffoon|buffoon]] who brings various unusual schemes and contrivances to everyday tasks. He lives alone at the address of Flat 2, 12 Arbour Road, [[Highbury]], and is almost always seen in his trademark [[Tweed (cloth)|tweed]] jacket and a skinny red tie. He also usually wears a digital [[calculator watch]]. Mr. Bean rarely speaks, and when he does, it is generally only a few mumbled words which are in a comically low-pitched voice. His first name (he names himself "Bean" to others) and profession, if any, are never mentioned. In the [[Bean (film)|first film adaptation]], "Mr." appears on his passport in the "first name" field and he is shown employed as a guard at London's [[National Gallery, London|National Gallery]].<ref>Mel Smith, ''Bean: The Ultimate Disaster Movie'', PolyGram Filmed Entertainment, 1997</ref> |
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Mr. Bean often seems unaware of basic aspects of the way the world works, and the programme usually features his attempts at what would normally be considered simple activities, such as going swimming, using a television set, [[interior decorating]] or going to church. The humour largely comes from his original (and often absurd) solutions to problems and his total disregard for others when solving them, and his pettiness and occasional malevolence. |
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At the beginning of episode two onwards, Mr. Bean falls from the sky in a beam of light, accompanied by a choir singing ''Ecce homo qui est faba'' - ''[[Ecce homo|Behold the man]] who is a bean.'' These opening sequences were initially in black and white in episodes 2 and 3, and were intended by the producers to show his status as an "ordinary man cast into the spotlight". However, later episodes showed Mr. Bean dropping from the night sky in a deserted London street, against the backdrop of [[St. Paul's Cathedral]]; later, in the [[Mr. Bean (animated series)|animated series]], he was shown to be an [[Extraterrestrial life in culture|alien]]. Atkinson himself has acknowledged that Bean "has a slightly alien aspect to him".<ref>[http://web.archive.org/web/20030217224736/http://www.rowanatkinson.org/articles/00062.htm "The Fine Art of Being Mr Bean"], archive interview in ''The [[Buffalo News]]'', URL accessed June 15th, 2006</ref> |
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In the title sequence of [[The Return of Mr. Bean|episode two]], Mr. Bean falls from the sky in a beam of light accompanied by a choir singing ''Ecce homo qui est faba'' ("Behold the man who is a bean") which was sung by the [[Southwark Cathedral]] choir in 1990. The opening sequence was initially in [[black and white]] in episodes two and [[The Curse of Mr. Bean|three]], which was intended by the producers to show his status as an "ordinary man cast into the spotlight". However, later episodes showed Mr. Bean dropping from the night sky in a deserted London street against the backdrop of [[St. Paul's Cathedral]]. At the end of episodes three and [[Mr. Bean Rides Again|six]], he is also shown being sucked right back up into the sky in the respective background scenes (the black scene in episode 3 and street scene in episode 6). Regarding the opening credits, Atkinson has acknowledged that Bean "has a slightly [[Extraterrestrial life|alien]] aspect to him".<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20030217224736/http://www.rowanatkinson.org/articles/00062.htm "The Fine Art of Being Mr. Bean"], archive interview in ''The [[Buffalo News]]''. Retrieved 15 June 2006.</ref> In the ''[[Mr. Bean (animated series)|Mr. Bean: The Animated Series]]'' episode "Double Trouble", the alien aspect of him was used in a storyline in which he is taken inside a spacecraft with aliens who look exactly like him and even have their own plushy toys. In an obvious homage towards the end, the aliens send him back home in a beam of light and music similar to the opening of the original ''Mr. Bean'' series. Whether Bean is an extraterrestrial is not made clear. |
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===Irma Gobb=== |
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Mr. Bean's long-suffering girlfriend, Irma Gobb (played by [[Matilda Ziegler]]), appears in three episodes. In "[[The Curse of Mr. Bean]]" and "[[Mr. Bean Goes to Town]]", the character is simply credited as "the girlfriend". She is treated relatively inconsiderately by Bean, who appears to regard her more as a friend and companion rather than as a love interest. However, he does become jealous when she dances with another man at a disco in "Mr. Bean Goes to Town", and she certainly expects him to propose to her on Christmas Day in "[[Merry Christmas, Mr. Bean]]"; his failure to do so results in her leaving him for good. Despite this, she later reappears in ''[[Mr. Bean (animated TV series)|Mr. Bean: The Animated Series]]''. It is revealed in the book ''Mr. Bean's Diary'' that her name is Irma Gobb and she works as a librarian at the local library.<ref>Rowan Atkinson & Robin Driscoll, ''Mr. Bean's Diary'', London: Boxtree Ltd, 1993</ref> |
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In the Comic Relief sketch "Torvill & Bean", Bean is accompanied by a female companion portrayed by [[Sophie Thompson]] whose overall appearance resembles Gobb's. |
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===Teddy=== |
===Teddy=== |
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[[Image:Beanandteddy.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Bean and teddy]] |
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Teddy is Mr. Bean's [[teddy bear]], generally regarded as Mr. Bean's best friend. Although [[inanimate]], the bear is often privy to Mr. Bean's various schemes and doubles as a good dish cloth or [[paint brush]] in an emergency. The bear is a dark brown, knitted oddity with button eyes and sausage-shaped limbs, invariably ending up broken in half or in various other states of destruction. Occasionally, Bean pretends Teddy is animate. For example, when Mr. Bean hypnotizes Teddy, he snaps his fingers and the bear's head falls backwards as if it has fallen asleep instantly (Bean used his finger to prop Teddy's head up). Certainly, Bean behaves as if the bear is real, buying it a Christmas present or trying not to wake it in the mornings. Mr. Bean seems to have a supply of Teddy bears, as his bear was decapitated ("[[List of Mr. Bean episodes#Mr. Bean in Room 426|Mr. Bean in Room 426]]") and shrunken in the wash ("[[List of Mr. Bean episodes#Tee Off, Mr. Bean|Tee Off, Mr. Bean]]"), and has been revived in later episodes. |
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Teddy is Mr. Bean's [[teddy bear]] and, apparently, best friend. This little brown bear is a knitted oddity with button eyes and sausage-shaped limbs which invariably end up broken in half or in various other states of destruction and disfiguration. Although Teddy is inanimate, Mr. Bean often pretends it is alive: he always buys it a [[Christmas]] present or tries not to wake it up in the morning. For example, when Mr. Bean hypnotizes Teddy, he snaps his fingers and the bear's head falls backwards as if it had fallen asleep instantly. (Bean used his finger to prop Teddy's head up.) Teddy is often privy to Mr. Bean's various schemes and doubles as a tool or other items in emergencies; it has been decapitated ("[[Mr. Bean in Room 426]]"), used as his paint brush ("[[Do-It-Yourself Mr. Bean]]") and shrunk in the wash ("[[Tee Off, Mr. Bean]]"). Teddy is also Mr. Bean's "pet" in "[[Hair by Mr. Bean of London]]" where he is used to win a pet show. |
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=== Mr. Bean's Mini === |
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Mr. Bean's car, a late 1970s MK IV [[British Leyland]] [[Mini]] 1000, developed a character of sorts. At first, an orange [[1969]] [[Morris Motor Company|Morris]] Mini MK II (registration RNT 996H, although the body of the car was actually from an MK1 car of 1963/64) was Mr. Bean's vehicle of choice, but this was destroyed in a crash at the end of the [[List of Mr. Bean episodes#Mr. Bean|first episode]]. From then on, the car was a 1977 model (registration SLW 287R), luminous lime green in colour with a black bonnet. It made its first appearance in "[[List of Mr. Bean episodes#The Curse of Mr. Bean|The Curse of Mr. Bean]]". |
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[[Image:mr bean car.jpg|270px|right|thumb|Mr. Bean's [[Mini]].]] |
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Over the years, Teddy has undergone several changes. When it debuted on "[[The Trouble with Mr. Bean]]", it had a smaller head. Two episodes later, its head reached its current size but its "eyes" were not present until Bean placed gold [[thumb tack]]s on its face. The "eyes" have since been replaced with two small white buttons sewn over Teddy's face, giving it a distinctive image. |
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The Mini was central to several antics, such as Mr. Bean getting dressed in it while driving or steering it while sitting in an armchair strapped to the roof. It also had a number of innovative security measures; Mr. Bean fitted the door with a bolt-latch and padlock, rather than use the lock fitted on the car, and he always removed the steering wheel instead of the key, which formed a running joke in several episodes, at one point deterring a car thief. In [[List of Mr. Bean episodes#Mr. Bean Rides Again|Mr. Bean Rides Again]], he also hid the ignition key under the car bonnet, the key for the bonnet was kept in the boot, the key for the boot was attached to the sun visor above the driver's seat. The key to the car door was the only key Bean kept with him. The car, confused with another demonstration car of the exact same model (registration ACW 497V), was crushed by a tank in "[[List of Mr. Bean episodes#Back to School.2C Mr. Bean|Back to School, Mr. Bean]]", but returned in later episodes, perhaps having actually been the identical demonstration car from that point on. |
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After filming ended, Teddy was donated by Atkinson to [[Gyles Brandreth]]'s [[Teddy bear museum]] in [[Stratford-upon-Avon]]. In 2008 upon the museum's closing, Teddy was sold at auction for £180.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/west_midlands/7606177.stm |title=Mr Bean's toy in teddy bear sale |website=BBC News |date=9 September 2008 |access-date=12 June 2018 |archive-date=12 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612224229/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/west_midlands/7606177.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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The Mini is often seen in conflict with a light blue [[Reliant Regal|Reliant Regal Supervan III]], (registration GRA 26K), which will usually get tipped over, crashed into, bumped out of its parking space and so forth. This conflict originated in the first episode, when the three-wheeler held his Mini up on the way to a mathematics exam, and subsequently became a running joke throughout the series. |
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===The Mini=== |
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One of the original ''Mr. Bean'' Minis is on display at the [[Cars of the Stars Motor Museum]] in [[Keswick, Cumbria|Keswick]], northern [[England]].<ref>[http://members.aol.com/cotsmm/cott3_12.html Cars of the Stars page about the car], URL accessed January 21st, 2007</ref> |
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[[File: Rowan Atkinson on a Mini at Goodwood Circuit in 2009.jpg|thumb|Rowan Atkinson re-enacting a famous scene from the episode "[[Do-It-Yourself Mr. Bean]]" on a [[Mini]] at [[Goodwood Circuit]] Revival 2009]] |
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Both the Mini and the Reliant re-appeared as characters in the animated ''Mr. Bean'' cartoons, and in the film ''Mr. Bean's Holiday'' yet another Mini appears – a lighter yellow/green than the original, registration YGL 572T. Also seen is a French version of his Mini, owned by the character Sabine which wears a Paris registration and is left hand drive. In the animated series his Mini's registration plate number is STE 952R. |
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[[File: Mr Beans Mini.jpg|thumb|right|Mr. Bean's [[Mini]]]] |
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Mr. Bean's vehicle, a [[Citron (color)|citron-green]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.radiotimes.com/news/2015-02-15/mr-bean-25-facts-and-figures-for-his-25th-anniversary/|title=Mr Bean: 25 facts and figures for his 25th anniversary|work=Radio Times|date=15 February 2015|access-date=6 February 2018|archive-date=7 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180207005603/http://www.radiotimes.com/news/2015-02-15/mr-bean-25-facts-and-figures-for-his-25th-anniversary/|url-status=live}}</ref> 1977 [[British Leyland]] [[Mini]] 1000 Mark 4<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.imcdb.org/vehicle_35822-Mini-1000-ADO20-1977.html|title=Mini 1000 in "Mr. Bean"|access-date=2 April 2018|archive-date=2 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180402163315/http://www.imcdb.org/vehicle_35822-Mini-1000-ADO20-1977.html|url-status=live}}</ref> with a matte black [[Hood (vehicle)|bonnet]], was central to several antics such as Bean getting dressed in it, driving while sitting in an armchair strapped to the roof or attempting to avoid a car park fee by driving out through the entrance. In the [[Mr. Bean (Mr. Bean episode)|pilot episode]], Bean's vehicle was an orange 1969 [[British Motor Corporation|BMC]] Morris Mini 1000 Mark 2 ([[Vehicle registration plate|registration]] RNT 996H) but was destroyed in an off-screen crash at the end. Throughout the sitcom, Bean keeps it locked with a bolt-latch and [[padlock]] rather than the lock fitted to the car, which formed a [[running gag]] in several episodes; in two episodes, he demonstrated an additional and innovative security measure in that he removes the steering wheel instead of the key which in one episode deterred a car thief. In "[[Back to School Mr. Bean]]", Bean's Mini is crushed by a [[Chieftain tank|tank]] as part of a demonstration after he replaced an identical Mini (registration ACW 497V) meant for the demonstration with his own to secure a parking space. After losing it, he removes his padlock and bolt-latch from the remains. Although the Mini has been crushed, it nonetheless reappears in subsequent episodes with the same colours and registration number (SLW 287R) as the car that has been crushed. |
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===Irma Gobb=== |
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[[Image:Irma.jpg|thumb|right|Matilda Ziegler's last appearance as Irma Globb in ''Merry Christmas, Mr. Bean'']] |
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Mr. Bean's "girlfriend" Irma Gobb, played by [[Matilda Ziegler]], appeared in a number of episodes. She is treated relatively inconsiderately by Bean, who appears to regard her more as a friend and companion than a love interest. However, he does become jealous when she dances with another man at a disco in "[[List of Mr. Bean episodes#Mr. Bean Goes to Town|Mr. Bean Goes to Town]]", and she certainly expects him to propose to her on Christmas Day in "[[List of Mr. Bean episodes#Merry Christmas.2C Mr. Bean|Merry Christmas, Mr. Bean]]", with his failure to do so resulting in her leaving him for good (she does not appear in any subsequent episodes). The character later appeared in the animated series. The spin-off book ''Mr. Bean's Diary'' (1993) states that Mr. Bean met Irma Gobb at a local library. |
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There were three Minis painted green and black used in the series, as well as two others painted with the same colour scheme but with no engine that got crushed by the tank. One of the main cars was also crushed by the tank. During filming many parts were swapped from car to car throughout production, including bonnets, wheel trims, grilles, steering wheels, rear lights, occasionally the driver's door, and the seat covers.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.theminiforum.co.uk/forums/topic/336384-mr-beans-mini/|title=Mr. Bean's Mini – Mini Chat|access-date=28 July 2018|archive-date=28 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180728162354/http://www.theminiforum.co.uk/forums/topic/336384-mr-beans-mini/|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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===Other characters=== |
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Although Mr. Bean is the only significant human character in the programme, other characters appear, usually as foils for his various antics. Other than his girlfriend, Mr. Bean's only friends appear to be Hubert and Rupert, who appear as Bean's New Years party guests in the episode "[[List of Mr. Bean episodes#Do-It-Yourself.2C Mr. Bean|Do-it-Yourself, Mr. Bean]]" (although they altered his living room clock and fled to the party in the flat opposite, gaining real friends in the process). However, several notable British actors and comedians appear alongside Atkinson in sketches as various one-off supporting characters, including [[Richard Briers]], [[Angus Deayton]], [[Nick Hancock (actor)|Nick Hancock]], [[Caroline Quentin]], [[Danny La Rue]], [[David Schneider (actor)|David Schneider]] and [[Richard Wilson (Scottish actor)|Richard Wilson]]. |
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After filming ended, one of the original Minis was sold to Kariker Kars to be hired for various events whereupon it was temporarily displayed as a major attraction at the Rover Group's museum. In 1997, it was purchased by the [[Cars of the Stars Motor Museum]] and displayed for a number of years, later being sold on to a museum in the United States. The main Mini is privately owned and nearing the end of restoration in the south of England. |
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==Production and broadcast== |
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The programme was produced by Tiger Television, later renamed [[Tiger Aspect]], for the [[ITV]] network by [[Thames Television]] from [[1990]] to [[1992]] and then by [[Central Independent Television|Central]] from [[1993]] to [[1995]]. After its original run it has been shown repeatedly on satellite channels such as [[Nickelodeon UK|Nickelodeon]] and [[Paramount Comedy 2]], and internationally.<ref>"[http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9E0CE1DF1239F931A35757C0A964958260 From Britain, the Appalling but Dear ''Mr. Bean'']" at the [[New York Times]], April 2, 1992</ref> |
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To promote ''Mr. Bean: The Animated Series'', a replica of the Mini with the registration number DRW 221T was used. This Mini is currently on display at the [[National Motor Museum, Beaulieu]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://nationalmotormuseum.org.uk/car_collection/mr-beans-mini/ |title=National Motor Museum, Beaulieu |access-date=13 June 2018 |archive-date=13 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180613184850/https://nationalmotormuseum.org.uk/car_collection/mr-beans-mini/ |url-status=live }}</ref>{{failed verification|date=June 2018|reason=This ref does not indicate that the car on display is a replica.}} The London Motor Museum also has a replica on display. |
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The record selling UK videos were withdrawn shortly before the release of the [[Bean (film)|Bean]] movie and [[DVD]]s are being released on an annual basis as of 2004. |
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The Mini was going to appear in the [[Bean (film)|first film adaptation of the series]] under the registration C607 EUW.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.imcdb.org/vehicle_1057004-Mini-1000-ADO20-1985.html|title=Mini 1000 in "Bean"|access-date=17 June 2018|archive-date=17 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180617115808/http://www.imcdb.org/vehicle_1057004-Mini-1000-ADO20-1985.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In the film, Mr. Bean drives his Mini through [[Harrods]] in order to avoid a traffic jam. Although the sequence was filmed, it was not included in the final cut.<ref>[https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0118689/alternateversions Alternative versions] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181014072753/https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0118689/alternateversions |date=14 October 2018 }} at the [[Internet Movie Database]]. Retrieved 1 September 2010.</ref><ref>Archived at [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/-FxdkjuUQ5Y Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20120823142026/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-FxdkjuUQ5Y Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-FxdkjuUQ5Y |title=Deleted scene|website=[[YouTube]]| access-date= 21 September 2011}}{{cbignore}}</ref> In June 2018, the Mini from the first film was sold for US$70,000.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.icollector.com/Rowan-Atkinson-Mr-Bean-British-Leyland-Mini-1000-from-Bean_i30075049| url-status = dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180611235904/http://www.icollector.com/Rowan-Atkinson-Mr-Bean-British-Leyland-Mini-1000-from-Bean_i30075049| archive-date = 11 June 2018| title = Rowan Atkinson "Mr. Bean" British Leyland Mini 1000 from Bean.}}</ref> The Mini had its debut on the big screen in the film ''[[Mr. Bean's Holiday]]'' under the registration YGL 572T. Unlike the previous Minis (which were Austin Citron green), it is 'Nissan Amarillo Yellow'.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.imcdb.org/vehicle_97382-Mini-1000-ADO20-1979.html|title=Mini 1000 in "Mr. Bean's Holiday"|access-date=17 June 2018|archive-date=17 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180617115844/http://www.imcdb.org/vehicle_97382-Mini-1000-ADO20-1979.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The film also features a second version of the Mini with the same colour scheme but with left-hand drive, driven by Bean's friend Sabine, and registered 207 UHD 75.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.imcdb.org/vehicle_97379-Mini-1000-ADO20-1978.html|title=Mini 1000 in "Mr. Bean's Holiday"|access-date=17 June 2018|archive-date=17 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180617115857/http://www.imcdb.org/vehicle_97379-Mini-1000-ADO20-1978.html|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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== Episode guide == |
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{{main|List of Mr. Bean episodes}} |
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The Mini reappeared in ''Mr. Bean: The Animated Series'' under the registration STE 952R. In 2015, Mr. Bean returned in a sketch for Comic Relief in which he drives his Mini to attend a funeral. This Mini bore the same registration as the one in the animated spin-off.<ref>"Funeral" sketch on official Mr. Bean YouTube channel. {{cite web| url-status = live| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180514222556/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YCsJKaoxr6I&app=desktop| archive-date = 14 May 2018| url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YCsJKaoxr6I| title = Funeral {{!}} Funny Episode {{!}} Mr Bean Official| website = [[YouTube]]| access-date = 13 June 2018}}</ref> |
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== Music == |
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''Mr. Bean'' is unusual amongst comedy series in featuring a [[choral]] theme tune, written by [[Howard Goodall]] and performed by the Choir of [[Southwark Cathedral]] (later [[Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford]]). The words sung during the title sequences are in [[Latin]]: |
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===The Reliant=== |
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*''Ecce homo qui est faba'' – "Behold the man who is a bean" (sung at beginning) |
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*''Finis partis primae'' – "End of part one" (sung before the commercial break) |
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*''Pars secunda'' – "Part two" (sung after the commercial break) |
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*''Vale homo qui est faba'' – "Farewell, man who is a bean" (sung at end) |
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Since the pilot episode, Mr. Bean has had a long-running feud with the unseen driver of a three-wheeled, light-blue 1972 [[Reliant Regal|Reliant Regal Supervan III]] (registration GRA 26K), which would usually get turned over, crashed out of its parking space and so forth by Bean in his Mini, who is usually oblivious to the results. These mishaps also became a running gag throughout the series. In "[[Tee Off, Mr. Bean]]", Bean is hitchhiking and the Reliant pulls over for him but Bean, who recognizes the car, pretends to not see it until it leaves. |
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The theme was later released on Goodall's album ''Choral Works''. Goodall also wrote an accompanying music track for many episodes. |
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The Reliant reappears in ''Mr. Bean: The Animated Series'' under the registration "DUW 742", again victimized by Mr. Bean in his Mini. In the episode "Young Bean", the identity of the Reliant driver is revealed for the first time. In the episode "Car Wars", after being abused by Mr. Bean for many years, the driver becomes angry and fed up, and decides to get his revenge by chasing Mr. Bean and trying to outmaneuver him in various situations, ultimately resulting in Mr. Bean's Mini being crushed by a [[car crusher]]. |
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The first episode of ''Mr. Bean'' did not feature the choral theme tune, but instead an up-beat instrumental piece, also composed by Howard Goodall, which was more an incidental tune than a theme. It was used while Bean drove between locations intimidating the blue Reliant, and as such, was sometimes heard in later episodes whenever Bean's nemesis is seen. |
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===Other characters=== |
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In the episode "[[List of Mr. Bean episodes#Tee Off, Mr. Bean|Tee Off, Mr. Bean]]" Howard Goodall's choral theme tune for another Richard Curtis comedy, ''[[The Vicar of Dibley]]'', is heard playing on a car stereo. In ''Merry Christmas, Mr. Bean'', while playing with Queen's Royal Guards figurines and the nativity set, he hums "[[The British Grenadiers]]", which was used as theme to ''[[Blackadder Goes Forth#Series 4: Blackadder Goes Forth|Blackadder Goes Forth]]''.<ref>[http://www.howardgoodall.co.uk/tvthemes/tv.htm howardgoodall.co.uk], URL accessed March 13th, 2008</ref> |
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Although Mr. Bean is the only significant character in the programme, others appear usually as foils for his various antics. Other than his girlfriend Irma Gobb (Matilda Ziegler), there are more characters in each episode. However several notable British actors and comedians appear alongside Atkinson in the series as various one-off supporting characters, including [[Owen Brenman]], [[Richard Briers]], [[Roger Sloman]], [[Angus Deayton]], [[Stephen Frost]], [[Nick Hancock]], [[Christopher Ryan]], [[Paul Bown]], [[Caroline Quentin]], [[Danny La Rue]], [[Roger Brierley]], [[Roger Lloyd-Pack]], [[Rupert Vansittart]], [[David Battley]], [[David Schneider (actor)|David Schneider]], [[Richard Wilson (Scottish actor)|Richard Wilson]] and [[Rudolph Walker]]. Vansittart and Walker later appeared alongside Atkinson in ''[[The Thin Blue Line (British TV series)|The Thin Blue Line]]''.<ref>[https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0096657/fullcredits Credits] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181014072751/https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0096657/fullcredits |date=14 October 2018 }} at the [[Internet Movie Database]]. Retrieved 17 April 2008.</ref> |
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==Episodes== |
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Mr. Bean appears in a music video made for the [[1991]] [[Comic Relief (charity)|Comic Relief]] fund raising single by [[Hale and Pace]] called ''The Stonk''.<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BVIoCahD7yw The Stonk] at [[YouTube]], URL accessed March 14th, 2008</ref> Mr. Bean also appeared in the music video for [[Boyzone]]'s single ''Picture Of You'' in 1997.<ref>[http://www.jibjab.com/view/97348 "Picture of You" music video], URL accessed March 14th, 2008</ref> The song featured on the soundtrack to the first Bean movie. |
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{{Main|List of Mr. Bean episodes}} |
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All 15 episodes of ''Mr. Bean'' were produced by [[Tiger Aspect Productions]]. Additionally, the character has been used in one-off sketches, guest appearances and television commercials. |
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Mr Bean also made a [[Comic Relief (charity)|Comic relief]] record in 1992. This was ''(I want to be) Elected'' and was credited to "Mr Bean and Smear Campaign featuring [[Bruce Dickinson]]" This was a cover of an [[Alice Cooper]] song and reached number 9 in the UK singles chart.<ref>"[http://www.discogs.com/release/813210 I want to be Elected]" disc information, URL accessed March 14th, 2008</ref> |
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The fourteenth episode, "[[Hair by Mr. Bean of London]]", was originally released as a direct-to-video VHS exclusive in 1995, and was not broadcast on television until 25 August 2006 on [[Nickelodeon (UK and Ireland)|Nickelodeon]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.comedy.co.uk/guide/tv/mr_bean/episodes/1/17/|title=Mr. Bean – Episode Guides – Series 1 – Episode 14|publisher=British Comedy Guide|access-date=28 February 2013|archive-date=15 March 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130315095613/http://www.comedy.co.uk/guide/tv/mr_bean/episodes/1/17|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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==Awards== |
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The first episode won the prestigious [[Rose d'Or|Golden Rose]], as well as two other major prizes at the 1991 Rose d'Or Light Entertainment Festival in [[Montreux]].<ref>[http://www.bbc.co.uk/comedy/guide/articles/m/mrbean_1299002166.shtml BBC Guide to Comedy], written by Mark Lewisohn, URL accessed August 3rd, 2006</ref> In the UK, the episode "[[List of Mr. Bean episodes#The Curse of Mr. Bean|The Curse of Mr. Bean]]" was nominated for a number of [[British Academy Television Awards|BAFTA]] awards; "Best Light Entertainment Programme" in 1991, "Best Comedy" (Programme or Series) in 1992, and Rowan Atkinson was nominated three times for "Best Light Entertainment Performance" in 1991, 1992 and 1994.<ref>[http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0096657/awards Awards at IMDb], URL accessed August 3rd, 2006</ref> |
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"Mr. Bean" also won the Norwegian comedy award "Tidleg Sædavgang". |
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== |
==Broadcast== |
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''Mr. Bean'' originally aired in the [[United Kingdom]] on [[ITV (TV network)|ITV]] from 1990 to 1995, with reruns later shown on the British variant of [[Comedy Central (British TV channel)|Comedy Central]], [[ITV3]] and [[ITV4]]. Due to its widespread popularity, the series aired in many other countries; in the United States, it aired on [[HBO]] starting on 2 April 1992,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.tampabay.com/archive/1992/04/09/atkinson-s-mr-bean-comes-to-hbo/ |title=Atkinson's "Mr. Bean' comes to HBO |work=Tampa Bay Times |last=Williams |first=Scott |date=9 April 1992 |access-date=8 June 2023}}</ref> and also ran on [[PBS]] television stations across the United States.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://mountainlake.org/mr-bean-is-back-saturday-mini-marathon/ |title=Mr. Bean is back! Saturday Mini Marathon |publisher=Mountain Lake PBS |date=23 February 2023 |access-date=8 June 2023}}</ref> Reruns of the series were also shown on [[Television networks preceding ABC Family#Fox Family|Fox Family]] during the late 1990s, both as segments in the [[Variety show|variety series]] ''[[Ohh Nooo! Mr. Bill Presents]]'' and as stand-alone episodes. |
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=== Bean movie adaptations === |
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====Bean==== |
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[[Image:Bean movie poster.jpg|thumb|100px|''Bean'']] |
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{{main|Bean (film)}} |
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In 1997, '''''Bean''''', a film version directed by [[Mel Smith]], also known as '''''Bean: The Ultimate Disaster Movie''''', was produced. This broke from the programme's tradition by using a subplot with more developed characters — instead of being the sole centre of attention, Mr. Bean here interacted with a suburban Californian family he stayed with while overseeing the transfer of ''[[Whistler's Mother]]'' to a Los Angeles art gallery. The movie grossed over [[United States dollar|USD]]$230 million globally on a budget estimated at $22 million.<ref>[http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=bean.htm Box office figures at boxofficemojo.com], URL accessed July 29th, 2006 </ref> |
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==Music== |
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==== Mr. Bean's Holiday ==== |
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''Mr. Bean'' features a [[choral]] theme tune in the key of [[C major]] written by [[Howard Goodall]] (adapted from a passage of "[[Locus iste (Bruckner)|Locus iste]]" by [[Anton Bruckner]]) and performed by the Choir of [[Southwark Cathedral]] (episodes 2–11 and 14; opening of episode 15) and [[Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford]] (episodes 12 and 13; closing of episode 15). The words sung during the title sequences are in [[Latin]]: |
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{{main|Mr. Bean's Holiday}} |
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* "''Ecce homo qui est faba''"{{Snd}}"Behold the man who is a bean" (sung at beginning) |
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[[Image:Mrbeanposter.jpg|right|thumb|97px|''Mr. Bean's Holiday (2007)'' Poster.]] |
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* "''Finis partis primae''"{{Snd}}"End of part one" (sung before the commercial break) |
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News broke in [[March 2005]] that a second ''Bean'' film, '''''Mr. Bean's Holiday''''' was in development, with Atkinson returning in the title role. The film had been through several changes of name during its development, including ''Bean 2'' and ''French Bean''.<ref>[http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0453451/ ''Mr. Bean's Holiday'' at IMDb], URL accessed August 4th, 2006</ref> Filming began on May 15, 2006 and began post-production in October 2006. It was released in the UK on March 30 [[2007 in film|2007]]. On July 17, 2007, the North American premiere was held in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, at the [[Just For Laughs]] festival; the launching pad for the Mr. Bean character 20 years earlier.<ref>[http://www.justforlaughs.com/videos/show/3889-rowan-atkinson-mr-bean-s-rowan-atkinson-interview-2007_Festival Interview with Rowan Atkinson] at justforlaughs.com, URL accessed March 14th, 2008</ref> The film was then released Nation-wide in North America on August 24, 2007. |
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* "''Pars secunda''"{{Snd}}"Part two" (sung after the commercial break and rarely) |
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* "''Vale homo qui est faba''"{{Snd}}"Farewell, the man who is a bean" (sung at end)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Hilarious hidden joke in the ‘Mr Bean’ choral theme is blowing fans’ minds |url=https://www.classicfm.com/discover-music/mr-bean-soundtrack-theme-hidden-joke/ |access-date=2024-06-03 |website=Classic FM }}</ref> |
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The theme was later released on Goodall's album ''Choral Works''. Goodall also wrote an accompanying music track for many episodes. The first episode of ''Mr. Bean'' did not feature the choral theme tune, but instead an up-beat instrumental piece also composed by Goodall, which was more an incidental tune than a theme. It was used while Bean drove between locations intimidating the blue Reliant, and as such, was sometimes heard in later episodes whenever Bean's nemesis is seen. The instrumental of the theme tune was used in the original [[series finale]] of ''[[Mr. Bean (animated TV series)|Mr. Bean: The Animated Series]]'' titled "Double Trouble". |
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The film followed the character on an eventful journey across France for a holiday in the [[French Riviera]], which after a number of misfortunes culminates in an unscheduled screening of his video diary at the [[Cannes Film Festival]]. It was directed by [[Steve Bendelack]] and according to Atkinson is probably the last appearance of the character.<ref>[http://www.paramountcomedy.com/comedy/news/article.aspx?id=297 Paramount Comedy], URL accessed February 25th, 2007</ref> |
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In the episode "[[Tee Off, Mr. Bean]]", Goodall's choral theme tune for another Richard Curtis comedy, ''[[The Vicar of Dibley]]'', is heard playing on a car stereo. In "Merry Christmas, Mr. Bean", while playing with Queen's Royal Guards figurines and the nativity set, he hums "[[The British Grenadiers]]", which was quoted in the theme to ''[[Blackadder Goes Forth]]''.<ref>[http://www.howardgoodall.co.uk/tvthemes/tv.htm howardgoodall.co.uk] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120205022625/http://www.howardgoodall.co.uk/tvthemes/tv.htm |date=5 February 2012 }}. Retrieved 13 March 2008.</ref> |
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===The Animated Series=== |
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{{main|Mr. Bean (animated TV series)}} |
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[[Image:mr bean anime.jpg|200px|thumb|Mr. Bean in the animation along with his girlfriend, Irma Gobb, and landlady Mrs. Wicket]] |
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Mr. Bean appeared in the [[music video]] of a 1991 fundraising single for Comic Relief, fronted by [[Hale and Pace]], entitled "The Stonk".<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BVIoCahD7yw The Stonk] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160504001446/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BVIoCahD7yw |date=4 May 2016 }} at YouTube. Retrieved 14 March 2008.</ref> Mr. Bean also appeared in the music video for the [[Boyzone]] single "[[Picture of You (Boyzone song)|Picture of You]]",<ref>[http://www.jibjab.com/view/97348 "Picture of You" music video] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081202182931/http://www.jibjab.com/view/97348 |date=2 December 2008 }}. Retrieved 14 March 2008.</ref> which was the main theme song for the first film adaptation. |
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Mr. Bean was revived in a [[2002]] animated [[cartoon]] series, again featuring little actual dialogue, with most being either little soundbites or mumbling. |
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Mr. Bean also made a Comic Relief record in 1992, entitled "(I Want To Be) Elected" and which was credited to "Mr. Bean and Smear Campaign featuring [[Bruce Dickinson]]". It was a cover of the [[Alice Cooper (band)|Alice Cooper]] [[Elected (song)|song]] of the same name, and reached number 9 in the UK singles chart.<ref>"[http://www.discogs.com/release/813210 I want to be Elected] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081017120558/http://www.discogs.com/release/813210 |date=17 October 2008 }}" disc information. Retrieved 14 March 2008.</ref> |
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The series, which consist of 26 episodes (with 2 segments each), expanded the number of additional characters, featuring Mr. Bean's unpleasant landlady, Mrs. Wicket and her evil one-eyed cat, Scrapper. Rowan Atkinson provided the voice for Bean, and all of the animated Bean actions are taken from Atkinson himself. Other characters' voices are provided by Jon Glover, [[Rupert Degas]], Gary Martin and Lorelei King.<ref>"[http://web.archive.org/web/20030422132605/www.rowanatkinson.org/articles/00094.htm Mr Bean Turned Into Cartoon]" in ''[[The Guardian]]'', February 6, 2001</ref> |
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==Awards== |
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The cartoon series is notable for following up on the "alien" origin theory for the character, with its final episode revealing a race of identical Beans who come to retrieve their lost friend, only to have him opt to stay on Earth with his girlfriend. |
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[[File:Rowan Atkinson and Manneken Pis.jpg|thumb|Rowan Atkinson as Mr. Bean next to Brussels' ''[[Manneken Pis]]'' in 2007]] |
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The first episode won the [[Rose d'Or|Golden Rose]], as well as two other major prizes at the 1991 Rose d'Or Light Entertainment Festival in [[Montreux]].<ref>[https://www.bbc.co.uk/comedy/guide/articles/m/mrbean_1299002166.shtml BBC Guide to Comedy] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070814073751/http://www.bbc.co.uk/comedy/guide/articles/m/mrbean_1299002166.shtml |date=14 August 2007 }}, written by Mark Lewisohn. Retrieved 3 August 2006.</ref> In the UK, the episode "[[The Curse of Mr. Bean]]" was nominated for a number of [[British Academy Television Awards|BAFTA]] awards; "Best Light Entertainment Programme" in 1991, "Best Comedy" (Programme or Series) in 1991, and Atkinson was nominated three times for "Best Light Entertainment Performance" in 1991 and 1994.<ref>[https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0096657/awards Awards at IMDb] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181014072749/https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0096657/awards |date=14 October 2018 }}. Retrieved 3 August 2006.</ref> |
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== |
==In other media== |
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===''Mr. Bean: The Animated Series''=== |
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Two books were released related to the original series: ''Mr. Bean's Diary'' in 1992, and ''Mr. Bean's Pocket Diary'' in 1994. The two books have identical content and differ only in the format in which they are printed. The content of both is a template diary with handwritten content scrawled in by Mr. Bean. They provide some additional information on the setting: for example, they establish that Mr. Bean lives in [[Highbury]] and rents his house from a landlady named Mrs Wicket. They confirm the name of Mr Bean's girlfriend as "Irma Gobb", and also give the name of the other man she actually runs off with (Giles Gummer). |
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{{Main|Mr. Bean: The Animated Series}} |
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Seven years following the end of the original live-action series, Mr. Bean reappeared in an animated television series<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2001/feb/06/broadcasting2|title=Mr Bean turned into cartoon|website=[[TheGuardian.com]]|access-date=10 September 2015|date=6 February 2001|archive-date=16 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160216162649/http://www.theguardian.com/media/2001/feb/06/broadcasting2|url-status=live}}</ref> with Rowan Atkinson reprising his role as the title character as well as providing references for all of Bean's animated actions. Much like the original live-action series, the animated spin-off contains little dialogue; although some words are spoken most is either little soundbites or mumbling. The series introduced a list of new characters alongside regulars in the original series (such as Teddy and Irma Gobb), including an unpleasant landlady of Mr. Bean named Mrs. Wicket and her evil one-eyed cat Scrapper. Other characters' voices are provided by [[Jon Glover]], [[Rupert Degas]], Gary Martin and [[Lorelei King]].<ref>"[https://web.archive.org/web/20030422132605/http://www.rowanatkinson.org/articles/00094.htm Mr Bean Turned Into Cartoon]" by Jason Deans in ''[[The Guardian]]'', 6 February 2001</ref> |
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From 2002 to 2004, 52 episodes were originally broadcast on [[ITV (TV channel)|ITV1]] each consisting of two 11-minute segments. In 2015, [[CITV]] commissioned a brand new series of episodes.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://streamdaily.tv/2015/06/08/hulu-gets-mr-bean-animated-series/|title=Hulu gets Mr. Bean animated series|date=8 June 2015|website=StreamDaily|access-date=3 March 2017|archive-date=4 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170304035330/http://streamdaily.tv/2015/06/08/hulu-gets-mr-bean-animated-series/|url-status=live}}</ref> The new series amended the format in which it featured episodes that had much more dialogue than normal. 78 new episodes began broadcasting from 6 February 2015. |
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An additional book called ''Mr Bean's Diary'' was released in 2002 to accompany the animated series; this book was also graded as a children's reader. |
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== |
===Feature films=== |
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{{Main|Bean (film)|Mr. Bean's Holiday}} |
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===DVD Releases=== |
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Two theatrical feature-length films featuring Mr. Bean have been released, with Atkinson reprising his role as the character in each. The first film, ''[[Bean (film)|Bean]]'', was directed by [[Mel Smith]], released in 1997 and followed the misadventures of Mr. Bean as he oversaw the transfer of ''[[Whistler's Mother]]'' to a [[Los Angeles]] art gallery. The film broke from the programme's traditional narrative by using a subplot with more developed characters, whereby Bean was not the sole centre of attention but interacted with a suburban Californian family that he stays with during the film. The film was commercially successful, grossing more than US$250 million globally ($45 million in the USA)<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=bean.htm |title=Bean (1997) |publisher=Box Office Mojo |access-date=26 December 2010 |archive-date=2 September 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100902043755/http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=bean.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> on a budget estimated at $18 million,<ref>[https://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=bean.htm Box office figures at boxofficemojo.com] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190831193327/https://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=bean.htm |date=31 August 2019 }}. Retrieved 7 December 2008.</ref> despite receiving mixed reviews from critics and holding a 41% approval rating on [[Rotten Tomatoes]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/bean/|title=Bean (1997)|website=[[Rotten Tomatoes]]|publisher=[[Fandango Media|Fandango]]|access-date=30 June 2018|archive-date=29 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171129071637/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/bean/|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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In the United Kingdom ([[DVD region code|Region 2]]), episodes of ''Mr. Bean'' have been released on a yearly basis by [[Universal Studios|Universal Pictures UK]] since 2004. The complete collection is now available, including the two feature films and other extras. In the United States ([[DVD region code|Region 1]]), the complete series has been available since 2003 on [[A&E Television Networks|A&E Home Video]] as "The Whole Bean". |
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The second film, ''[[Mr. Bean's Holiday]]'', was directed by [[Steve Bendelack]] and released in 2007. The film follows Bean on an eventful journey across [[France]] for a holiday in the [[French Riviera]] which, after a number of mishaps, culminates in an unscheduled screening of his video diary at the [[2006 Cannes Film Festival]].<ref>[https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0453451/ ''Mr Bean's Holiday'' at IMDb] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180727040357/https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0453451/ |date=27 July 2018 }}. Retrieved 4 August 2006.</ref> The setting was despite an earlier rumour in February 2001 stating that an unused script by [[Richard Curtis]] would see him on an [[Australia]]n misadventure.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://cinema.com/news/item/2868/bean-down-under-for-rowan-atkinson.phtml|title=Bean Down Under For Rowan Atkinson|publisher=cinema.com|date=7 February 2001|access-date=19 December 2015|archive-date=22 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222101715/http://cinema.com/news/item/2868/bean-down-under-for-rowan-atkinson.phtml|url-status=live}}</ref> Production on the film occurred during 2006 and saw its first release in the United Kingdom on 30 March 2007; it premiered in North America on 17 July that year at the [[Just for Laughs]] festival in Canada, where the character had been launched 20 years earlier,<ref name=" Interview with Rowan Atkinson"/> before being released nationwide over a month later on 24 August. The film is notable for featuring a mixture of traditional film photography and home-shot video camera photography. The film garnered improved critical reception (with a 52% rating on Rotten Tomatoes<ref>[https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/mr_beans_holiday/ Mr Bean's Holiday – Rotten Tomatoes] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171129083507/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/mr_beans_holiday/ |date=29 November 2017 }}. [[Rotten Tomatoes]]. Retrieved 24 August 2007</ref>) and was also commercially successful, grossing nearly US$230 million globally ($33 million in the United States) against a $25 million budget.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=bean2.htm |title=Mr. Bean's Holiday (2007) |publisher=Box Office Mojo |date=24 August 2007 |access-date=26 December 2010 |archive-date=29 August 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100829042330/http://boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=bean2.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> ''Mr. Bean's Holiday'' was originally the last live-action appearance of the character,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.paramountcomedy.com/comedy/news/article.aspx?id=297|title=Mr Bean is a Has-Bean|date=29 October 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071029192636/http://www.paramountcomedy.com/comedy/news/article.aspx?id=297|archive-date=29 October 2007|url-status=dead|access-date=22 March 2016}}</ref> before reappearing at the [[2012 London Olympics|2012 London Olympics opening ceremony]] five years later. |
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{| class="wikitable" |
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!DVD Name |
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!# of episodes |
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!Release Date |
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!Notes |
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===London 2012 Olympic Summer Games opening ceremony=== |
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|- |
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In 2012, Atkinson reprised his character for a live performance as part of the London [[2012 Summer Olympics opening ceremony]]. In the scene, Mr. Bean works within the [[London Symphony Orchestra]] in its performance of "[[Chariots of Fire (instrumental)|Chariots of Fire]]", conducted by [[Simon Rattle]]. For this scene, Bean does not wear his usual brown tweed [[sport coat|sports jacket]] but the traditional clothing of the musician – [[white tie]] and [[tailcoat|tails]]. As they perform the piece, Bean is mostly bored with playing the same note repeatedly on the [[synthesiser]] and gets jealous of the more interesting part being played on the [[grand piano]]. Still bored, he takes out his mobile phone and takes a picture of himself, looking proud. He then sneezes in a comical fashion and tries to retrieve his handkerchief from his bag behind him, finding he cannot reach it while at the synthesizer until he uses an umbrella to maintain his performance. When he finally blows his nose with his serviette, he throws it into the grand piano. |
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| Mr. Bean: The Whole Bean |
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| 14 + 4 (special ep) |
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| [[April 29]] [[2003]] |
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| [[Region 1]]. Contains all 14 episodes, two [[Comic Relief]] sketches and two director's cut sketches. |
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|} |
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He then falls asleep continuing to play the note. A [[dream sequence]] of the opening scene of the film ''[[Chariots of Fire]]'' shows the characters running across a beach, though Mr. Bean dreams he is running with them. He begins to fall behind, until he hails a car to overtake all the others. Now running in front, Bean ensures he wins the race on the beach by tripping one of the runners trying to overtake him, whereupon he crosses the line with elation, and then wakes up. Finding that the rest of the orchestra have stopped playing while he continued his one recurring note, Bean, with encouragement from Rattle, plays an extended flourish and lastly touches a note that makes a flatulent sound then stops.<ref>{{cite web|title=Mr. Bean's 'Chariots of Fire' Skit at 2012 London Olympics Opening Ceremony|url=http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/367792/20120727/mr-bean-rowan-atkinson-olympic-opening-ceremony.htm|work=International Business Times|date=27 July 2012|access-date=29 July 2012|archive-date=31 July 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120731030715/http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/367792/20120727/mr-bean-rowan-atkinson-olympic-opening-ceremony.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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'''Volumes''' |
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Director Danny Boyle later explained: "It wasn't actually Mr. Bean. Strictly speaking, the name of his character was Derek"<ref name=raphael>{{Cite book |
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{| class="wikitable" |
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| last1 = Raphael |
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!DVD Name |
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| first1 = Amy |
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!# of episodes |
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| last2 = Boyle |
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!Release Date |
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| first2 = Danny |
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!Notes |
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| title = Danny Boyle: Creating Wonder |
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| publisher = Faber & Faber |
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| date = 2013 |
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| isbn =978-0-571-30187-4 }}</ref> |
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In 2021's "Happy Birthday Mr. Bean" documentary, Atkinson and Curtis also stated that the performance wasn't actually intended to be the character Mr. Bean,<ref name="Happy Birthday Mr Bean">{{cite web |title=Happy Birthday Mr. Bean |url=https://www.itv.com/hub/happy-birthday-mr-bean/10a0711a0001 |website=www.itv.com |publisher=ITV |access-date=2 February 2021 |archive-date=25 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210125212246/https://www.itv.com/hub/happy-birthday-mr-bean/10a0711a0001 |url-status=live }}</ref> although the official Olympic YouTube channel and the live commentary promoted it as such.<ref>Archived at [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/CwzjlmBLfrQ Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20120727223238/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CwzjlmBLfrQ&gl=US&hl=en Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{cite web|title= "Mr. Bean Live Performance at the London 2012 Olympic Games" |url= https://youtube.com/watch?v=CwzjlmBLfrQ |website= www.Youtube.com |publisher=official Olympic Youtube channel |access-date=2 February 2021}}{{cbignore}}</ref> |
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===Books=== |
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|- |
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Two books tied-in to the original live-action series were released: ''Mr. Bean's Diary'' in 1992 and ''Mr. Bean's Pocket Diary'' in 1994. The two books have identical content and differ only in the format in which they are printed. The content of both is a template diary with handwritten content scrawled in by Mr. Bean. They provide some additional information on the setting: for example, they establish that Mr. Bean lives in [[Highbury]] and rents his flat from a landlady named Mrs. Wicket. |
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| Mr Bean - Vol 1 |
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| 3 |
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| [[November 1]] [[2004]] |
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| 3 episodes |
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|- |
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| Mr Bean - Vol 2 |
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| 3 |
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| [[October 31]] [[2005]] |
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| 3 episodes |
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|- |
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| Mr Bean - Vol 3 |
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| 3 |
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| [[November 13]] [[2006]] |
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| 3 episodes |
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|- |
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| Mr Bean - Vol 4 |
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| 3 |
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| [[March 19]] [[2007]] |
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| 3 episodes |
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|- |
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| Mr Bean - Vol 5 |
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| 2 |
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| [[November 12]] [[2007]] |
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| 2 episodes |
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|- |
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| Mr Bean - Collection |
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| 14 |
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| [[November 12]] [[2007]] |
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| All 14 TV episodes |
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|- |
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| Mr Bean - Christmas Collection |
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| 14 + 2 (movies) |
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| [[November 12]] [[2007]] |
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| All 14 TV episodes, Mr Bean's Holiday & Bean - The Ultimate Disaster Movie |
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|- |
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| Mr Bean - Complete Collection |
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| 14 + 26 (cartoon) + 2 (movies) |
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| [[November 12]] [[2007]] |
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| All 14 TV episodes, all 26 episodes of the ''Mr. Bean'' Animated TV Series, ''Mr Bean's Holiday'' & ''Bean - The Ultimate Disaster Movie'' |
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|} |
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They confirm the name of Mr. Bean's girlfriend as "Irma Gobb" and also give the name of the other man she actually dances with in "Mr. Bean Goes to Town" (Giles Gummer). An additional book also called ''Mr. Bean's Diary'' was released in 2002 to accompany ''Mr. Bean: The Animated Series''; this book was also graded as a children's reader. |
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'''Best of Mr. Bean''' |
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Two further books, ''Mr. Bean's Scrapbook: All About Me in America'' (1997) and ''Mr. Bean's Definitive and Extremely Marvelous Guide to France'' (2007), were released to tie-in with the feature films ''[[Bean (film)|Bean]]'' and ''[[Mr. Bean's Holiday]]'' respectively. |
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{| class="wikitable" |
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!DVD Name |
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!# of episodes |
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!Release Date |
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!Notes |
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===Other appearances=== |
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|- |
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{{Main|List of Mr. Bean episodes#Other appearances}} |
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| Best Bits Of Mr. Bean |
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Rowan Atkinson has appeared in character as Mr. Bean in many television broadcasts, sometimes as a publicity stunt to promote a new episode, DVD or film. A number of short sketches for the [[Comic Relief]] telethon have also been produced and Bean also starred in various commercials, music videos and in YouTube videos such as Handy Bean. In 2017 Atkinson appeared in the [[China|Chinese]] film ''Top Funny Comedian: The Movie'' a [[Spin-off (media)|spin-off]] film of a variety show of the same name; the plot involves a number of Chinese people getting involved in a series of misadventures during a visit to [[Macau]] at the same time as Mr. Bean.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/news/rowan-atkinson-mr-bean-top-funny-comedian-the-movie-a7639261.html|title=Rowan Atkinson is reprising his role as Mr Bean for a Chinese film|website=[[Independent.co.uk]]|date=20 March 2017|access-date=28 January 2018|archive-date=31 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170331030758/http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/news/rowan-atkinson-mr-bean-top-funny-comedian-the-movie-a7639261.html|url-status=live}}</ref> One of the film's stars, comedian [[Guo Degang]], informed media outlet ''The Beijinger'' that due to Atkinson being unable to speak Mandarin, the cast used mainly body language to speak to each other saying that "with facial expressions and gestures we seemed to understand each other, [it] was really an interesting experience, which proves that comedy can cross boundaries."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/films/2017/03/20/mr-bean-returns-new-film-released-china/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220111/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/films/2017/03/20/mr-bean-returns-new-film-released-china/ |archive-date=11 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Mr Bean returns in new film – but it's only released in China|first=Adam|last=Boult |newspaper=The Telegraph|date=20 March 2017|via=www.telegraph.co.uk}}{{cbignore}}</ref> The film was distributed in Chinese territories, but as of 2017, had yet to receive an American or European release.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/hollywood/mr-bean-returns-rowan-atkinson-reprises-his-most-iconic-role-in-rare-appearance/story-5Q68NqZ0gEn5zdhkzBUtUK.html|title=Mr Bean returns! Rowan Atkinson reprises his most iconic role in rare appearance|website=Hindustan Times|date=23 March 2017|access-date=3 November 2018|archive-date=3 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181103091821/https://www.hindustantimes.com/hollywood/mr-bean-returns-rowan-atkinson-reprises-his-most-iconic-role-in-rare-appearance/story-5Q68NqZ0gEn5zdhkzBUtUK.html|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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| 7 |
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| [[November 23]] [[1999]] |
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| NBC Universal |
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|- |
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| The Best Of Mr. Bean |
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| 7 |
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| [[August 29]] [[2006]] |
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| A&E Television Networks|A&E Home Video |
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|} |
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== |
==Home media== |
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The series was available on a number of Thames Television [[VHS]] compilations. In the United Kingdom ([[DVD region code#2|Region 2]]), episodes of ''Mr. Bean'' were released on a yearly basis by [[Universal Studios, Inc.|Universal Pictures UK]] from 2004. The complete collection is now available, including the two feature films and other extras. The episodes were released on VHS by [[A&E Home Video]] in the United States in the 2000s. These releases are unique in that they contain the original opening credits for the first three episodes, as seen when originally broadcast on television. In addition, they contain extra scenes which were edited into certain episodes at the request of [[Public Broadcasting System|PBS]], in order to extend the run-time for a commercial-free airing. In Canada and the United States, ''Mr. Bean'' was released on VHS by [[PolyGram|Polygram Home Video]] in the 1990s. In the United States ([[DVD region code#1|Region 1]]), the complete series has been available since 2003 on [[A&E Television Networks|A&E Home Video]] as "The Whole Bean". The documentary ''The Story of Mr. Bean'' is edited on both the UK and USA DVD sets: it was originally 52 minutes when broadcast on television. However, it is 48 minutes on the UK DVD while only 40 on the American DVD. Most notably, in the UK version, the section detailing ''[[The Tall Guy]]'' has humorous clips from the film removed. The American DVD features the same edits as the British DVD but is also missing comments by Burt Reynolds on the set of ''[[Bean (film)|Bean]]'', comments by Jeff Goldblum, some clips from the show ''Mr. Bean'' and many others. The record-selling UK videos were withdrawn shortly before the release of ''[[Bean (film)|Bean]]'', and the DVDs were released on an annual basis since 2004. |
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In August 2009, an official [[YouTube]] channel of the series was launched featuring content from both the original live-action and animated series.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/mrbean |title=Kanaal van MrBean |publisher=YouTube |date=1 January 1990 |access-date=26 December 2010 |archive-date=4 August 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100804200604/http://www.youtube.com/MrBean |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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{| class="wikitable" |
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!VHS Name |
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!# of episodes |
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The series was re-released by [[Shout Factory]] in North America on 24 March 2015 on [[DVD]] to coincide with its 25th anniversary. This set contains digitally remastered episodes (similar to the 2010 British release), the 40-minute ''The Story of Mr. Bean'', additional scenes: "Turkey Weight", "Armchair Sale", "Marching", and "Playing With Matches", "Bus Stop" and "Library" sketches, a trailer for ''[[Mr. Bean (animated TV series)|Mr. Bean: The Animated Series]]'' and ''[[The Best Bits of Mr. Bean]]'', a 72-minute clip show.<ref name="amazon.com">{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/Mr-Bean-Whole-Complete/dp/B00QJN33II/ref=tmm_dvd_title_0?_encoding=UTF8&sr=&qid=|title=Amazon.com: Mr. Bean: The Whole Bean (Complete Series): Rowan Atkinson, John Birkin: Movies & TV|website=Amazon|date=24 March 2015 |access-date=5 September 2017|archive-date=14 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181014072735/https://www.amazon.com/Mr-Bean-Whole-Complete/dp/B00QJN33II/ref=tmm_dvd_title_0?_encoding=UTF8&sr=&qid=|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.shoutfactory.com/tv/comedy/mr-bean-the-whole-bean-remastered-25th-anniversary-collection|title=Shout! Factory – Mr. Bean: The Whole Bean [Remastered 25th Anniversary Collection]|access-date=14 January 2015|archive-date=7 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150207010408/https://www.shoutfactory.com/tv/comedy/mr-bean-the-whole-bean-remastered-25th-anniversary-collection|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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|- |
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| The Amazing Adventures of Mr. Bean |
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| 2 |
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|- |
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| The Exciting Escapades of Mr. Bean |
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| 2 |
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|- |
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| The Terrible Tales of Mr. Bean |
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| 2 |
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|- |
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| Merry Mishaps of Mr Bean |
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| 2 |
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|- |
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| Perilous Pursuits of Mr Bean |
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| 2 |
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|- |
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| Unseen Bean |
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| 2 |
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|- |
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| Final Frolics of Mr Bean |
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| 2 |
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|} |
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== |
==In popular culture== |
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{{In popular culture|section|date=January 2021}} |
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The sale of ''Mr. Bean'' worldwide has meant that he has permeated popular culture in several countries. A number of people have been compared to the character, usually as an insult. Arthur Batchelor, one of the Royal Navy captives held by Iran during the [[2007 Iranian seizure of Royal Navy personnel]], claimed that some of his captors had mocked him calling him "Mr. Bean".<ref>"[http://timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article1631521.ece?token=null&offset=12 Military banned from selling their stories]" in ''[[The Times]]'', April 9, 2007</ref> [[National Rugby League|NRL]] [[Referee]] Sean Hampstead is regularly nicknamed "Mr. Bean" in nationally broadcast commentary by Australian television/radio personality [[Ray Warren]] as a result of his similar appearance. In 2007, [[Vincent Cable]], the acting leader of the [[Liberal Democrats]] generated hilarity in the House of Commons by describing the recent decline in Prime Minister [[Gordon Brown]]'s fortunes as his "remarkable transformation in the last few weeks from [[Joseph Stalin|Stalin]] to Mr Bean".<ref>"[http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/politics/article2963664.ece Not so much Stalin as Mr Bean: Gordon Brown is made to play the fool in stage farce]" in ''[[The Times]]'', November 29, 2007</ref> |
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[[File:Statue of Mr. Bean at Leicester Square.jpg|thumb|Statue of Mr. Bean in [[Leicester Square]], London]] |
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Various politicians have been mocked for a supposed facial resemblance to Mr. Bean, including [[Tony Blair]],<ref>[http://www.commondreams.org/headlines03/1231-05.htm Bob Roberts, "D'oh! Blair Hounds Simpsons to Drop Dog"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080821191053/http://www.commondreams.org/headlines03/1231-05.htm |date=21 August 2008 }} in ''The [[Daily Mirror]]'', 31 December 2003</ref> [[Gordon Brown]],<ref>"[http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/politics/article2963664.ece Not so much Stalin as Mr. Bean: Gordon Brown is made to play the fool in stage farce] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080725125016/http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/politics/article2963664.ece |date=25 July 2008 }}" in ''[[The Times]]'', 29 November 2007</ref> [[Kyriakos Mitsotakis]],<ref>{{Cite web |last=Elisavet |date=2023-01-25 |title=Όχι δεν είναι ο Mr Bean! Είναι ο άυπνος, σε αναμμένα κάρβουνα Μητσοτάκης που ξύνει τη μύτη του, τρίβει τα μάτια του και χασμουριέται-Απολαυστικό βίντεο |url=https://thefaq.gr/ochi-den-einai-o-mr-bean-einai-o-aypnos-se-anammena-karvoyna-mitsotakis-poy-xynei-ti-myti-toy-trivei-ta-matia-toy-kai-chasmoyrietai-apolaystiko-vinteo/ |access-date=2024-08-05 |website=thefaq.gr |language=el}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-02-17 |title=Ο ανάλγητος «“Mr. Bean”-Μητσοτάκης» και οι επιδειξίες παρατρεχάμενοί του - Zougla |url=https://www.zougla.gr/parapolitiki/o-analgitos-mr-bean-mitsotakis-ke-i-epidiksies-paratrexameni-tou/ |access-date=2024-08-05 |language=el}}</ref> [[José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero]],<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/01/05/2785561.htm|title=EU website hijacked by Mr Bean|newspaper=ABC News|date=4 January 2010|access-date=5 January 2010|archive-date=8 January 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100108082651/http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/01/05/2785561.htm|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url-status = live| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20201221014947/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M-yOfSl2xV0| archive-date = 21 December 2020| url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M-yOfSl2xV0| title = Zapatero aislado en la cumbre de la OTAN| website = [[YouTube]]| access-date = 24 September 2020}}</ref> [[Sam Dastyari]],<ref>{{cite news|title=Pauline Hanson mocks Sam Dastyari’s appearance after racial abuse incident|url=https://www.9news.com.au/national/pauline-hanson-mocks-sam-dastyaris-appearance-after-racial-abuse-incident/22197364-6e15-44da-b54f-85fe097db574|publisher=[[Nine News Australia]]|date=9 November 2017|access-date=8 September 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Sam Dastyari's perfect segue to has-Bean|url=https://www.smh.com.au/national/sam-dastyaris-perfect-segue-to-hasbean-20160914-grg2zm.html|publisher=[[Sydney Morning Herald]]|date=14 September 2016|access-date=8 September 2024}}</ref> and [[Ed Miliband]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Exclusive interview: Is Ed Miliband ready?|url=https://www.ft.com/content/101913f6-acc1-11e4-beeb-00144feab7de|agency=Financial Times|date=2 October 2016|access-date=2 November 2016|archive-date=4 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161104010119/https://www.ft.com/content/101913f6-acc1-11e4-beeb-00144feab7de|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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During a [[The Regina Monologues|2003 episode]] of ''[[The Simpsons]]'' when they visit [[London]], they are greeted at the airport by then-prime-minister [[Tony Blair]], prompting [[Homer Simpson]] to exclaim, "Wow! I can't believe we just met Mr. Bean!" In the ''[[Father Ted]]'' episode "[[Flight Into Terror]]", Father Ted accuses a blind priest of throwing pieces of paper at him. The blind priest denies doing this claiming he has been listening to ''Mr. Bean'' on tape. During the ''[[Family Guy]]'' episode, "[[Patriot Games (Family Guy)|Patriot Games]]", Mr. Bean's mini is seen outside of the Griffins' house. |
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In ''[[MythBusters]]'' episode 52 – "[[MythBusters (2006 season)#Painting With Explosives|Mind Control]]", the idea of painting a room with explosives placed in a tin of paint, as seen in "[[Do-It-Yourself Mr. Bean]]", was tested and deemed impossible as adequate coverage was not achieved.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://kwc.org/mythbusters/2006/05/episode_52_mind_control_painti.html |title=Annotated Mythbusters |access-date=2 June 2008 |archive-date=23 May 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080523213110/http://kwc.org/mythbusters/2006/05/episode_52_mind_control_painti.html |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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An image of Mr. Bean grinning mischievously has been used as an [[internet meme]] for highlighting sexual [[double entendre]]s, usually accompanied by the statement "If you know what I mean."<ref>{{cite web|title=If You Know What I Mean Meme|url=http://weknowmemes.com/2012/02/if-you-know-what-i-mean-meme/|publisher=WeKnowMemes LLC|access-date=27 June 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222172312/http://weknowmemes.com/2012/02/if-you-know-what-i-mean-meme/|archive-date=22 December 2015|url-status=usurped}}</ref> |
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In [[Tetsuo Hara]] and [[Buronson]]'s [[manga]] ''[[Souten no Ken]]'', a parody of Mr. Bean can be found.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://1.p.s.mfcdn.net/store/manga/2979/05-045.0/compressed/snk_v05c45p023.jpg |title=Pages of the manga Souten no Ken, with a character very similar to Mr. Bean in appearance |access-date=15 February 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130904183258/http://1.p.s.mfcdn.net/store/manga/2979/05-045.0/compressed/snk_v05c45p023.jpg |archive-date=4 September 2013 }}</ref> |
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==See also== |
==See also== |
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*[[List of films based on British sitcoms]] |
* [[List of films based on British sitcoms]] |
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*[[ |
* [[Brian O'Brian]] |
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* [[The Party (1968 film)|''The Party'' (1968 film)]] |
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* [[Uncle Max]] |
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* [[Ernest P. Worrell]] |
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==Notes== |
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{{notelist}} |
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==References== |
==References== |
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{{ |
{{Reflist|30em}} |
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==External links== |
==External links== |
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{{Wikiquote}} |
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{{Illustrated Wikipedia|Bean wikiworld.png}} |
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* |
* {{Official website}} |
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* {{ |
* {{Twitter}} |
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* {{IMDb title|id=0096657|title=Mr. Bean}} |
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* [http://www.findthatlocation.com/Television-Show/Mr-Bean Filming locations from ''Mr. Bean''] |
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* {{imdb title|id=0280277|title=Mr. Bean: The Animated Series}} |
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* [http://www.mrbeantvseries.co.uk/beancharacters.htm Mr. Bean Guest Characters] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180806174346/http://www.mrbeantvseries.co.uk/beancharacters.htm |date=6 August 2018 }} |
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* {{imdb title|id=0118689|title=Bean: The Ultimate Disaster Movie}} |
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* {{imdb title|id=0453451|title=Mr. Bean's Holiday}} |
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Latest revision as of 18:54, 7 December 2024
Mr. Bean | |
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Genre | Sitcom |
Created by | |
Written by |
|
Directed by |
|
Starring | Rowan Atkinson |
Opening theme | "Mr. Bean's theme" by Sid & the Comeds (Episode 1) "Ecce homo" (Episodes 2–15) |
Ending theme | "Mr. Bean's theme (reprise)" by Sid & the Comeds (Episode 1) "Vale homo" (Episodes 2–6, 8–10, 13 and 15) "Vale homo" (instrumental) (Episodes 7, 11, 12 and 14) |
Composer | Howard Goodall |
Country of origin | United Kingdom |
Original language | English |
No. of episodes | 15 (list of episodes) |
Production | |
Executive producer | Peter Bennett-Jones |
Producers |
|
Running time | 24–26 minutes |
Production company | Tiger Aspect Productions[a] |
Original release | |
Network | ITV |
Release | 1 January 1990[1] – 15 December 1995 |
Related | |
Bean: The Ultimate Disaster Movie |
Mr. Bean is a British sitcom created by Rowan Atkinson and Richard Curtis, produced by Tiger Aspect Productions and starring Atkinson as the eponymous title character. The sitcom consists of 15 episodes that were co-written by Atkinson alongside Curtis and Robin Driscoll; the pilot episode was co-written by Ben Elton. The series originally aired on ITV, beginning with the pilot episode on 1 January 1990[1] and ending with "The Best Bits of Mr. Bean" on 15 December 1995.
Based on a character developed by Atkinson while he was studying for his master's degree at the University of Oxford, the series centres on Mr. Bean, described by Atkinson as "a child in a grown man's body", as he solves various problems presented by everyday tasks and often causes disruption in the process.[2] The series has been influenced by physical comedy actors such as Jacques Tati and those from early silent films.[2]
During its original five-year run, Mr. Bean was met with widespread acclaim and attracted large television audiences. The series was viewed by 18.74 million viewers for the episode "The Trouble with Mr. Bean"[3] and has received a number of international awards, including the Rose d'Or. The series has since been sold in 245 territories worldwide. It has inspired an animated spin-off and two theatrical feature-length films along with Atkinson reprising his role as Mr. Bean for a performance at the London 2012 Summer Olympics opening ceremony, television commercials and several sketches for Comic Relief. The programme carries strong appeal in hundreds of territories worldwide because, in addition to the acclaim from its original run, it uses very little intelligible dialogue, making it accessible to people who know little or no English.
Origin
The character of Mr. Bean was developed while Rowan Atkinson was studying for his master's degree in electrical engineering at The Queen's College, Oxford. A sketch featuring Bean was shown at the Edinburgh Fringe in the early 1980s.[2] A similar character called Robert Box, also played by Atkinson, appeared in the one-off 1979 ITV sitcom Canned Laughter which also featured routines used in the motion picture in 1997.[4]
One of Bean's earliest appearances occurred at the "Just for Laughs" comedy festival in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, in 1987. When programme coordinators were scheduling him into the festival programme, Atkinson insisted that he perform on the French-speaking bill rather than the English-speaking programme. Having no French dialogue in his act at all, programme coordinators could not understand why Atkinson wanted to perform on the French bill instead. As it turned out, Atkinson's act at the festival was a test platform for his character and he wanted to see how his character's physical comedy would fare on an international stage with a non-English speaking audience.[5]
The character's name was not decided until after the first episode had been produced; a number of other vegetable-influenced names such as "Mr. Cauliflower" were explored.[6] Atkinson cited the earlier comedy character Monsieur Hulot, created by French comedian and director Jacques Tati, as an influence on the character.[7] Atkinson also cited the influence of Peter Sellers, who had previously played similar "fumbling fool" characters, notably Hrundi Bakshi in The Party (1968) and Inspector Clouseau in The Pink Panther films.[8] Stylistically, Mr. Bean is also similar to early silent films, relying purely upon physical comedy with Mr. Bean speaking very little dialogue (although like other live-action sitcoms during this period, it featured a laugh track). This has allowed the series to be sold worldwide without any significant changes to dialogue.[5][9] In November 2012, Atkinson told The Daily Telegraph of his intentions to retire the character, stating that "someone in their fifties being childlike becomes a little sad."[10][11] In 2016, however, Atkinson changed his mind by saying that he would never retire playing Mr. Bean.[12]
Characters and recurring props
Mr. Bean
The title character and protagonist, played by Rowan Atkinson, is a childish buffoon who brings various unusual schemes and contrivances to everyday tasks. He lives alone at the address of Flat 2, 12 Arbour Road, Highbury, and is almost always seen in his trademark tweed jacket and a skinny red tie. He also usually wears a digital calculator watch. Mr. Bean rarely speaks, and when he does, it is generally only a few mumbled words which are in a comically low-pitched voice. His first name (he names himself "Bean" to others) and profession, if any, are never mentioned. In the first film adaptation, "Mr." appears on his passport in the "first name" field and he is shown employed as a guard at London's National Gallery.[13]
Mr. Bean often seems unaware of basic aspects of the way the world works, and the programme usually features his attempts at what would normally be considered simple activities, such as going swimming, using a television set, interior decorating or going to church. The humour largely comes from his original (and often absurd) solutions to problems and his total disregard for others when solving them, and his pettiness and occasional malevolence.
In the title sequence of episode two, Mr. Bean falls from the sky in a beam of light accompanied by a choir singing Ecce homo qui est faba ("Behold the man who is a bean") which was sung by the Southwark Cathedral choir in 1990. The opening sequence was initially in black and white in episodes two and three, which was intended by the producers to show his status as an "ordinary man cast into the spotlight". However, later episodes showed Mr. Bean dropping from the night sky in a deserted London street against the backdrop of St. Paul's Cathedral. At the end of episodes three and six, he is also shown being sucked right back up into the sky in the respective background scenes (the black scene in episode 3 and street scene in episode 6). Regarding the opening credits, Atkinson has acknowledged that Bean "has a slightly alien aspect to him".[14] In the Mr. Bean: The Animated Series episode "Double Trouble", the alien aspect of him was used in a storyline in which he is taken inside a spacecraft with aliens who look exactly like him and even have their own plushy toys. In an obvious homage towards the end, the aliens send him back home in a beam of light and music similar to the opening of the original Mr. Bean series. Whether Bean is an extraterrestrial is not made clear.
Irma Gobb
Mr. Bean's long-suffering girlfriend, Irma Gobb (played by Matilda Ziegler), appears in three episodes. In "The Curse of Mr. Bean" and "Mr. Bean Goes to Town", the character is simply credited as "the girlfriend". She is treated relatively inconsiderately by Bean, who appears to regard her more as a friend and companion rather than as a love interest. However, he does become jealous when she dances with another man at a disco in "Mr. Bean Goes to Town", and she certainly expects him to propose to her on Christmas Day in "Merry Christmas, Mr. Bean"; his failure to do so results in her leaving him for good. Despite this, she later reappears in Mr. Bean: The Animated Series. It is revealed in the book Mr. Bean's Diary that her name is Irma Gobb and she works as a librarian at the local library.[15]
In the Comic Relief sketch "Torvill & Bean", Bean is accompanied by a female companion portrayed by Sophie Thompson whose overall appearance resembles Gobb's.
Teddy
Teddy is Mr. Bean's teddy bear and, apparently, best friend. This little brown bear is a knitted oddity with button eyes and sausage-shaped limbs which invariably end up broken in half or in various other states of destruction and disfiguration. Although Teddy is inanimate, Mr. Bean often pretends it is alive: he always buys it a Christmas present or tries not to wake it up in the morning. For example, when Mr. Bean hypnotizes Teddy, he snaps his fingers and the bear's head falls backwards as if it had fallen asleep instantly. (Bean used his finger to prop Teddy's head up.) Teddy is often privy to Mr. Bean's various schemes and doubles as a tool or other items in emergencies; it has been decapitated ("Mr. Bean in Room 426"), used as his paint brush ("Do-It-Yourself Mr. Bean") and shrunk in the wash ("Tee Off, Mr. Bean"). Teddy is also Mr. Bean's "pet" in "Hair by Mr. Bean of London" where he is used to win a pet show.
Over the years, Teddy has undergone several changes. When it debuted on "The Trouble with Mr. Bean", it had a smaller head. Two episodes later, its head reached its current size but its "eyes" were not present until Bean placed gold thumb tacks on its face. The "eyes" have since been replaced with two small white buttons sewn over Teddy's face, giving it a distinctive image.
After filming ended, Teddy was donated by Atkinson to Gyles Brandreth's Teddy bear museum in Stratford-upon-Avon. In 2008 upon the museum's closing, Teddy was sold at auction for £180.[16]
The Mini
Mr. Bean's vehicle, a citron-green[17] 1977 British Leyland Mini 1000 Mark 4[18] with a matte black bonnet, was central to several antics such as Bean getting dressed in it, driving while sitting in an armchair strapped to the roof or attempting to avoid a car park fee by driving out through the entrance. In the pilot episode, Bean's vehicle was an orange 1969 BMC Morris Mini 1000 Mark 2 (registration RNT 996H) but was destroyed in an off-screen crash at the end. Throughout the sitcom, Bean keeps it locked with a bolt-latch and padlock rather than the lock fitted to the car, which formed a running gag in several episodes; in two episodes, he demonstrated an additional and innovative security measure in that he removes the steering wheel instead of the key which in one episode deterred a car thief. In "Back to School Mr. Bean", Bean's Mini is crushed by a tank as part of a demonstration after he replaced an identical Mini (registration ACW 497V) meant for the demonstration with his own to secure a parking space. After losing it, he removes his padlock and bolt-latch from the remains. Although the Mini has been crushed, it nonetheless reappears in subsequent episodes with the same colours and registration number (SLW 287R) as the car that has been crushed.
There were three Minis painted green and black used in the series, as well as two others painted with the same colour scheme but with no engine that got crushed by the tank. One of the main cars was also crushed by the tank. During filming many parts were swapped from car to car throughout production, including bonnets, wheel trims, grilles, steering wheels, rear lights, occasionally the driver's door, and the seat covers.[19]
After filming ended, one of the original Minis was sold to Kariker Kars to be hired for various events whereupon it was temporarily displayed as a major attraction at the Rover Group's museum. In 1997, it was purchased by the Cars of the Stars Motor Museum and displayed for a number of years, later being sold on to a museum in the United States. The main Mini is privately owned and nearing the end of restoration in the south of England.
To promote Mr. Bean: The Animated Series, a replica of the Mini with the registration number DRW 221T was used. This Mini is currently on display at the National Motor Museum, Beaulieu.[20][failed verification] The London Motor Museum also has a replica on display.
The Mini was going to appear in the first film adaptation of the series under the registration C607 EUW.[21] In the film, Mr. Bean drives his Mini through Harrods in order to avoid a traffic jam. Although the sequence was filmed, it was not included in the final cut.[22][23] In June 2018, the Mini from the first film was sold for US$70,000.[24] The Mini had its debut on the big screen in the film Mr. Bean's Holiday under the registration YGL 572T. Unlike the previous Minis (which were Austin Citron green), it is 'Nissan Amarillo Yellow'.[25] The film also features a second version of the Mini with the same colour scheme but with left-hand drive, driven by Bean's friend Sabine, and registered 207 UHD 75.[26]
The Mini reappeared in Mr. Bean: The Animated Series under the registration STE 952R. In 2015, Mr. Bean returned in a sketch for Comic Relief in which he drives his Mini to attend a funeral. This Mini bore the same registration as the one in the animated spin-off.[27]
The Reliant
Since the pilot episode, Mr. Bean has had a long-running feud with the unseen driver of a three-wheeled, light-blue 1972 Reliant Regal Supervan III (registration GRA 26K), which would usually get turned over, crashed out of its parking space and so forth by Bean in his Mini, who is usually oblivious to the results. These mishaps also became a running gag throughout the series. In "Tee Off, Mr. Bean", Bean is hitchhiking and the Reliant pulls over for him but Bean, who recognizes the car, pretends to not see it until it leaves.
The Reliant reappears in Mr. Bean: The Animated Series under the registration "DUW 742", again victimized by Mr. Bean in his Mini. In the episode "Young Bean", the identity of the Reliant driver is revealed for the first time. In the episode "Car Wars", after being abused by Mr. Bean for many years, the driver becomes angry and fed up, and decides to get his revenge by chasing Mr. Bean and trying to outmaneuver him in various situations, ultimately resulting in Mr. Bean's Mini being crushed by a car crusher.
Other characters
Although Mr. Bean is the only significant character in the programme, others appear usually as foils for his various antics. Other than his girlfriend Irma Gobb (Matilda Ziegler), there are more characters in each episode. However several notable British actors and comedians appear alongside Atkinson in the series as various one-off supporting characters, including Owen Brenman, Richard Briers, Roger Sloman, Angus Deayton, Stephen Frost, Nick Hancock, Christopher Ryan, Paul Bown, Caroline Quentin, Danny La Rue, Roger Brierley, Roger Lloyd-Pack, Rupert Vansittart, David Battley, David Schneider, Richard Wilson and Rudolph Walker. Vansittart and Walker later appeared alongside Atkinson in The Thin Blue Line.[28]
Episodes
All 15 episodes of Mr. Bean were produced by Tiger Aspect Productions. Additionally, the character has been used in one-off sketches, guest appearances and television commercials.
The fourteenth episode, "Hair by Mr. Bean of London", was originally released as a direct-to-video VHS exclusive in 1995, and was not broadcast on television until 25 August 2006 on Nickelodeon.[29]
Broadcast
Mr. Bean originally aired in the United Kingdom on ITV from 1990 to 1995, with reruns later shown on the British variant of Comedy Central, ITV3 and ITV4. Due to its widespread popularity, the series aired in many other countries; in the United States, it aired on HBO starting on 2 April 1992,[30] and also ran on PBS television stations across the United States.[31] Reruns of the series were also shown on Fox Family during the late 1990s, both as segments in the variety series Ohh Nooo! Mr. Bill Presents and as stand-alone episodes.
Music
Mr. Bean features a choral theme tune in the key of C major written by Howard Goodall (adapted from a passage of "Locus iste" by Anton Bruckner) and performed by the Choir of Southwark Cathedral (episodes 2–11 and 14; opening of episode 15) and Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford (episodes 12 and 13; closing of episode 15). The words sung during the title sequences are in Latin:
- "Ecce homo qui est faba" – "Behold the man who is a bean" (sung at beginning)
- "Finis partis primae" – "End of part one" (sung before the commercial break)
- "Pars secunda" – "Part two" (sung after the commercial break and rarely)
- "Vale homo qui est faba" – "Farewell, the man who is a bean" (sung at end)[32]
The theme was later released on Goodall's album Choral Works. Goodall also wrote an accompanying music track for many episodes. The first episode of Mr. Bean did not feature the choral theme tune, but instead an up-beat instrumental piece also composed by Goodall, which was more an incidental tune than a theme. It was used while Bean drove between locations intimidating the blue Reliant, and as such, was sometimes heard in later episodes whenever Bean's nemesis is seen. The instrumental of the theme tune was used in the original series finale of Mr. Bean: The Animated Series titled "Double Trouble".
In the episode "Tee Off, Mr. Bean", Goodall's choral theme tune for another Richard Curtis comedy, The Vicar of Dibley, is heard playing on a car stereo. In "Merry Christmas, Mr. Bean", while playing with Queen's Royal Guards figurines and the nativity set, he hums "The British Grenadiers", which was quoted in the theme to Blackadder Goes Forth.[33]
Mr. Bean appeared in the music video of a 1991 fundraising single for Comic Relief, fronted by Hale and Pace, entitled "The Stonk".[34] Mr. Bean also appeared in the music video for the Boyzone single "Picture of You",[35] which was the main theme song for the first film adaptation.
Mr. Bean also made a Comic Relief record in 1992, entitled "(I Want To Be) Elected" and which was credited to "Mr. Bean and Smear Campaign featuring Bruce Dickinson". It was a cover of the Alice Cooper song of the same name, and reached number 9 in the UK singles chart.[36]
Awards
The first episode won the Golden Rose, as well as two other major prizes at the 1991 Rose d'Or Light Entertainment Festival in Montreux.[37] In the UK, the episode "The Curse of Mr. Bean" was nominated for a number of BAFTA awards; "Best Light Entertainment Programme" in 1991, "Best Comedy" (Programme or Series) in 1991, and Atkinson was nominated three times for "Best Light Entertainment Performance" in 1991 and 1994.[38]
In other media
Mr. Bean: The Animated Series
Seven years following the end of the original live-action series, Mr. Bean reappeared in an animated television series[39] with Rowan Atkinson reprising his role as the title character as well as providing references for all of Bean's animated actions. Much like the original live-action series, the animated spin-off contains little dialogue; although some words are spoken most is either little soundbites or mumbling. The series introduced a list of new characters alongside regulars in the original series (such as Teddy and Irma Gobb), including an unpleasant landlady of Mr. Bean named Mrs. Wicket and her evil one-eyed cat Scrapper. Other characters' voices are provided by Jon Glover, Rupert Degas, Gary Martin and Lorelei King.[40]
From 2002 to 2004, 52 episodes were originally broadcast on ITV1 each consisting of two 11-minute segments. In 2015, CITV commissioned a brand new series of episodes.[41] The new series amended the format in which it featured episodes that had much more dialogue than normal. 78 new episodes began broadcasting from 6 February 2015.
Feature films
Two theatrical feature-length films featuring Mr. Bean have been released, with Atkinson reprising his role as the character in each. The first film, Bean, was directed by Mel Smith, released in 1997 and followed the misadventures of Mr. Bean as he oversaw the transfer of Whistler's Mother to a Los Angeles art gallery. The film broke from the programme's traditional narrative by using a subplot with more developed characters, whereby Bean was not the sole centre of attention but interacted with a suburban Californian family that he stays with during the film. The film was commercially successful, grossing more than US$250 million globally ($45 million in the USA)[42] on a budget estimated at $18 million,[43] despite receiving mixed reviews from critics and holding a 41% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.[44]
The second film, Mr. Bean's Holiday, was directed by Steve Bendelack and released in 2007. The film follows Bean on an eventful journey across France for a holiday in the French Riviera which, after a number of mishaps, culminates in an unscheduled screening of his video diary at the 2006 Cannes Film Festival.[45] The setting was despite an earlier rumour in February 2001 stating that an unused script by Richard Curtis would see him on an Australian misadventure.[46] Production on the film occurred during 2006 and saw its first release in the United Kingdom on 30 March 2007; it premiered in North America on 17 July that year at the Just for Laughs festival in Canada, where the character had been launched 20 years earlier,[5] before being released nationwide over a month later on 24 August. The film is notable for featuring a mixture of traditional film photography and home-shot video camera photography. The film garnered improved critical reception (with a 52% rating on Rotten Tomatoes[47]) and was also commercially successful, grossing nearly US$230 million globally ($33 million in the United States) against a $25 million budget.[48] Mr. Bean's Holiday was originally the last live-action appearance of the character,[49] before reappearing at the 2012 London Olympics opening ceremony five years later.
London 2012 Olympic Summer Games opening ceremony
In 2012, Atkinson reprised his character for a live performance as part of the London 2012 Summer Olympics opening ceremony. In the scene, Mr. Bean works within the London Symphony Orchestra in its performance of "Chariots of Fire", conducted by Simon Rattle. For this scene, Bean does not wear his usual brown tweed sports jacket but the traditional clothing of the musician – white tie and tails. As they perform the piece, Bean is mostly bored with playing the same note repeatedly on the synthesiser and gets jealous of the more interesting part being played on the grand piano. Still bored, he takes out his mobile phone and takes a picture of himself, looking proud. He then sneezes in a comical fashion and tries to retrieve his handkerchief from his bag behind him, finding he cannot reach it while at the synthesizer until he uses an umbrella to maintain his performance. When he finally blows his nose with his serviette, he throws it into the grand piano.
He then falls asleep continuing to play the note. A dream sequence of the opening scene of the film Chariots of Fire shows the characters running across a beach, though Mr. Bean dreams he is running with them. He begins to fall behind, until he hails a car to overtake all the others. Now running in front, Bean ensures he wins the race on the beach by tripping one of the runners trying to overtake him, whereupon he crosses the line with elation, and then wakes up. Finding that the rest of the orchestra have stopped playing while he continued his one recurring note, Bean, with encouragement from Rattle, plays an extended flourish and lastly touches a note that makes a flatulent sound then stops.[50]
Director Danny Boyle later explained: "It wasn't actually Mr. Bean. Strictly speaking, the name of his character was Derek"[51] In 2021's "Happy Birthday Mr. Bean" documentary, Atkinson and Curtis also stated that the performance wasn't actually intended to be the character Mr. Bean,[52] although the official Olympic YouTube channel and the live commentary promoted it as such.[53]
Books
Two books tied-in to the original live-action series were released: Mr. Bean's Diary in 1992 and Mr. Bean's Pocket Diary in 1994. The two books have identical content and differ only in the format in which they are printed. The content of both is a template diary with handwritten content scrawled in by Mr. Bean. They provide some additional information on the setting: for example, they establish that Mr. Bean lives in Highbury and rents his flat from a landlady named Mrs. Wicket.
They confirm the name of Mr. Bean's girlfriend as "Irma Gobb" and also give the name of the other man she actually dances with in "Mr. Bean Goes to Town" (Giles Gummer). An additional book also called Mr. Bean's Diary was released in 2002 to accompany Mr. Bean: The Animated Series; this book was also graded as a children's reader.
Two further books, Mr. Bean's Scrapbook: All About Me in America (1997) and Mr. Bean's Definitive and Extremely Marvelous Guide to France (2007), were released to tie-in with the feature films Bean and Mr. Bean's Holiday respectively.
Other appearances
Rowan Atkinson has appeared in character as Mr. Bean in many television broadcasts, sometimes as a publicity stunt to promote a new episode, DVD or film. A number of short sketches for the Comic Relief telethon have also been produced and Bean also starred in various commercials, music videos and in YouTube videos such as Handy Bean. In 2017 Atkinson appeared in the Chinese film Top Funny Comedian: The Movie a spin-off film of a variety show of the same name; the plot involves a number of Chinese people getting involved in a series of misadventures during a visit to Macau at the same time as Mr. Bean.[54] One of the film's stars, comedian Guo Degang, informed media outlet The Beijinger that due to Atkinson being unable to speak Mandarin, the cast used mainly body language to speak to each other saying that "with facial expressions and gestures we seemed to understand each other, [it] was really an interesting experience, which proves that comedy can cross boundaries."[55] The film was distributed in Chinese territories, but as of 2017, had yet to receive an American or European release.[56]
Home media
The series was available on a number of Thames Television VHS compilations. In the United Kingdom (Region 2), episodes of Mr. Bean were released on a yearly basis by Universal Pictures UK from 2004. The complete collection is now available, including the two feature films and other extras. The episodes were released on VHS by A&E Home Video in the United States in the 2000s. These releases are unique in that they contain the original opening credits for the first three episodes, as seen when originally broadcast on television. In addition, they contain extra scenes which were edited into certain episodes at the request of PBS, in order to extend the run-time for a commercial-free airing. In Canada and the United States, Mr. Bean was released on VHS by Polygram Home Video in the 1990s. In the United States (Region 1), the complete series has been available since 2003 on A&E Home Video as "The Whole Bean". The documentary The Story of Mr. Bean is edited on both the UK and USA DVD sets: it was originally 52 minutes when broadcast on television. However, it is 48 minutes on the UK DVD while only 40 on the American DVD. Most notably, in the UK version, the section detailing The Tall Guy has humorous clips from the film removed. The American DVD features the same edits as the British DVD but is also missing comments by Burt Reynolds on the set of Bean, comments by Jeff Goldblum, some clips from the show Mr. Bean and many others. The record-selling UK videos were withdrawn shortly before the release of Bean, and the DVDs were released on an annual basis since 2004.
In August 2009, an official YouTube channel of the series was launched featuring content from both the original live-action and animated series.[57]
The series was re-released by Shout Factory in North America on 24 March 2015 on DVD to coincide with its 25th anniversary. This set contains digitally remastered episodes (similar to the 2010 British release), the 40-minute The Story of Mr. Bean, additional scenes: "Turkey Weight", "Armchair Sale", "Marching", and "Playing With Matches", "Bus Stop" and "Library" sketches, a trailer for Mr. Bean: The Animated Series and The Best Bits of Mr. Bean, a 72-minute clip show.[58][59]
In popular culture
Various politicians have been mocked for a supposed facial resemblance to Mr. Bean, including Tony Blair,[60] Gordon Brown,[61] Kyriakos Mitsotakis,[62][63] José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero,[64][65] Sam Dastyari,[66][67] and Ed Miliband.[68]
In MythBusters episode 52 – "Mind Control", the idea of painting a room with explosives placed in a tin of paint, as seen in "Do-It-Yourself Mr. Bean", was tested and deemed impossible as adequate coverage was not achieved.[69]
An image of Mr. Bean grinning mischievously has been used as an internet meme for highlighting sexual double entendres, usually accompanied by the statement "If you know what I mean."[70]
In Tetsuo Hara and Buronson's manga Souten no Ken, a parody of Mr. Bean can be found.[71]
See also
- List of films based on British sitcoms
- Brian O'Brian
- The Party (1968 film)
- Uncle Max
- Ernest P. Worrell
Notes
- ^ in association with Thames Television until 1993 and in association with Central Independent Television until 1995.
References
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{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link) - ^ "Pages of the manga Souten no Ken, with a character very similar to Mr. Bean in appearance". Archived from the original on 4 September 2013. Retrieved 15 February 2012.
External links
- Official website
- Mr. Bean on Twitter
- Mr. Bean at IMDb
- Filming locations from Mr. Bean
- Mr. Bean Guest Characters Archived 6 August 2018 at the Wayback Machine
- 1990 British television series debuts
- 1990s British sitcoms
- 1995 British television series endings
- British comedy television shows
- Comic Relief
- British English-language television shows
- ITV sitcoms
- Mr. Bean
- Television series by Banijay
- Television series created by Richard Curtis
- Television series created by Rowan Atkinson
- Television shows adapted into films
- Television shows adapted into novels
- Television shows produced by Thames Television
- Television shows set in London
- Television series by Tiger Aspect Productions