The Beiderbecke Affair (TV Mini Series)

We Call It the White Economy (1985)

Terence Rigby: Big Al

Photos 

Quotes 

• Big Al : [On his mail order business]  We call it the white economy. Those people in Whitehall prefer to call it the BLACK economy. We're trying to improve its image!

• Det. Sgt. Hobson : [Surveying Big Al's smashed greenhouse]  Do you have any explanation for this?

  Big Al : Not really.

  Det. Sgt. Hobson : Not even any comments, reactions?

  Big Al : Well somebody smashed all the windows.

  Det. Sgt. Hobson : Yes...?

  Big Al : Well bearing in mind it's a greenhouse, that's a bit fundamental.

  Det. Sgt. Hobson : Do you draw any conclusions from this?

  Big Al : Well, technically speaking, as a greenhouse, it's knackered, isn't it?

  Det. Sgt. Hobson : Who might have done such a thing?

  Big Al : I'd say it was either somebody who doesn't like me... or doesn't like greenhouses... or doesn't like both. Unless it's a purely arbitrary bit of disruption, in which case it's somebody who doesn't like HIMSELF... or herself... or themselves, if there's more than one. So that narrows it down a bit, doesn't it?

• Big Al : [Totting up the additional LP records Trevor wants to buy]  I make it that you owe us for 19 records at two quid a throw, equals 38 quid less cash discount and goodwill. Call it 35 quid - how's that?

  Trevor Chaplin : [Astonished at the bargain and starts to dig out cash from his pocket]  That's amazing!

  Big Al : Good, I like to amaze people! You don't have to pay right now.

  Trevor Chaplin : No, I don't like being in debt.

  Jill Swinburne : His old mother used to say 'Neither a borrower nor a lender be'.

  Trevor Chaplin : No she didn't. It's what I believe in...

  Trevor Chaplin : [to Jill, realising he's not got quite enough cash]  Can you lend us a quid?

• Rev. Booth : [after Det. Sgt. Hobson has raided Big Al's merchandise store in the church cellar]  It's quite a compliment: it proves we're doing something useful!

  Big Al : [a la Descartes]  I am raided by the police, therefore I am!

  Rev. Booth : [Referring to himself]  It's nice to know one exists.

  Big Al : You'll be on the police computer now. That means you REALLY exist. I am on the computer, therefore I am!

  Rev. Booth : I didn't know you were a philosopher.

  Big Al : I'm just an enthusiastic amateur - it's not really my trade. Strictly speaking, YOU'RE the professional!