Open All Hours Season 1 Episode 2 A Mattress on Wheels

In this episode of Open All Hours, titled "A Mattress on Wheels," viewers are introduced to the eccentricities of Arkwright's attempts to expand his business. When a young couple comes in looking for a new bed, Arkwright's scheming mind begins to turn with ideas of how to get rid of his current stock. In his usual fashion, he invents an elaborate story of how mattresses were once used as wheels in medieval times, and this particular mattress has been infused with a special oil that makes it an excellent mode of transportation.

As the couple starts to eye the door, Arkwright pulls out all the stops, even going so far as to let them test drive the mattress down the road. Needless to say, hilarity ensues as the couple struggle to control the unwieldy mattress and avoid crashing into various objects along the way.

Meanwhile, Nurse Gladys is busy trying to keep Arkwright's niece Stephanie out of trouble. Stephanie, who has been tasked with manning the shop while Arkwright is off on his wild goose chase, seems more interested in chatting up a handsome customer than actually making any sales. Nurse Gladys tries to keep her on track, but it's clear that Stephanie has her own ideas about how to run the business.

Back at the shop, Arkwright's plan hits a snag when the couple returns with the mattress in tatters and a list of damages caused by their wild ride. Arkwright tries to worm his way out of the situation, but as always, Nurse Gladys is there to save the day. With her usual no-nonsense attitude, she negotiates a deal with the couple that leaves both parties satisfied (and Arkwright considerably poorer).

As the episode draws to a close, viewers are left with the impression that Arkwright's schemes may not always be successful, but they are always entertaining. With Nurse Gladys and Stephanie by his side, there's no telling where his next adventure will take him, but it's sure to be a wild ride.