What is the primary genre and origin country of the television series *Mr. Bean*?

The television series *Mr. Bean* is a British sitcom that originated in the United Kingdom. It is known for its unique blend of physical comedy and minimal dialogue, making it accessible to a global audience.

Who created the character and television series *Mr. Bean*, and who produced it?

The character and television series *Mr. Bean* were created by Rowan Atkinson and Richard Curtis. The show was produced by Tiger Aspect Productions, a British production company.

Who stars as the title character in the *Mr. Bean* television series?

Rowan Atkinson stars as the title character, Mr. Bean, in the television series. His performance is central to the show's physical comedy and unique characterization.

How many episodes did the original live-action *Mr. Bean* television series comprise, and what were its original broadcast dates?

The original live-action *Mr. Bean* television series consisted of 15 episodes. It originally aired on ITV in the United Kingdom, beginning on January 1, 1990, and concluding on December 15, 1995.

What was the inspiration behind the creation of the Mr. Bean character?

The character of Mr. Bean was developed by Rowan Atkinson while he was pursuing his master's degree at the University of Oxford. Atkinson described the character as embodying 'a child in a grown man's body'.

Which actors and writers were involved in the creation and writing of the *Mr. Bean* series?

Rowan Atkinson and Richard Curtis created the series. The episodes were co-written by Atkinson, Curtis, and Robin Driscoll, with Ben Elton co-writing the pilot episode.

What is the distinctive appearance of the character Mr. Bean?

Mr. Bean is typically seen wearing his trademark tweed jacket and a skinny red tie. He also often wears a digital calculator watch, contributing to his unique and memorable look.

How does Mr. Bean typically communicate, and what is notable about his speech?

Mr. Bean rarely speaks in the series. When he does, it is usually only a few mumbled words delivered in a comically low-pitched voice, which adds to the character's eccentric charm.

What are some of the everyday activities Mr. Bean attempts, and what is the source of humor in these situations?

Mr. Bean attempts various simple activities like decorating, swimming, or using a television. The humor arises from his original, often absurd, solutions to these tasks and his disregard for others while solving them.

What is the significance of the opening title sequence of *Mr. Bean*, including the choir and Latin phrase?

The opening title sequence features Mr. Bean falling from the sky in a beam of light, accompanied by a choir singing "Ecce homo qui est faba," which translates to 'Behold the man who is a bean.' This sequence, performed by the Southwark Cathedral choir, highlights the character's unusual and somewhat otherworldly nature.

How did the *Mr. Bean* series achieve widespread international appeal?

The series achieved widespread international appeal primarily because it uses very little intelligible dialogue. This reliance on physical comedy makes the show accessible and understandable to audiences worldwide, regardless of their English language proficiency.

Who is Irma Gobb, and what is her relationship with Mr. Bean?

Irma Gobb is Mr. Bean's long-suffering girlfriend, played by Matilda Ziegler. Although she appears in only three episodes, Bean treats her rather inconsiderately, viewing her more as a companion than a romantic partner, which eventually leads to her departure.

What is Teddy's significance to Mr. Bean?

Teddy is Mr. Bean's beloved teddy bear and is treated as his best friend. Mr. Bean often pretends Teddy is alive, buying it Christmas presents and caring for it, even using it as a tool in various schemes.

What happened to Teddy after the filming of *Mr. Bean* concluded?

After filming ended, Rowan Atkinson donated Teddy to Gyles Brandreth's teddy bear museum in Stratford-upon-Avon. The teddy bear was later sold at auction for £180 in 2008.

Describe Mr. Bean's iconic car and its role in the series.

Mr. Bean's iconic car is a citron-green 1977 British Leyland Mini 1000 Mark 4 with a matte black bonnet. This distinctive vehicle was central to many of Bean's antics, including unusual driving methods and elaborate security measures.

What were some of the unique security measures Mr. Bean employed for his Mini?

Mr. Bean famously locked his Mini using a bolt-latch and padlock instead of the car's actual lock. He also removed the steering wheel in one instance to deter potential car thieves, showcasing his eccentric approach to problem-solving.

What is the recurring gag involving Mr. Bean's Mini and the three-wheeled car?

A recurring gag involves Mr. Bean's Mini and a light-blue 1972 Reliant Regal Supervan III, driven by an unseen driver with whom Bean has a feud. Bean frequently causes the Reliant to overturn or crash, often without realizing the consequences.

Who composed the distinctive theme music for *Mr. Bean*?

The choral theme music for *Mr. Bean* was composed by Howard Goodall. It was adapted from a passage of Anton Bruckner's "Locus iste" and performed by cathedral choirs.

What are the Latin phrases sung in the *Mr. Bean* theme tune, and what do they mean?

The Latin phrases sung in the theme tune are "Ecce homo qui est faba," meaning 'Behold the man who is a bean,' and "Vale homo qui est faba," meaning 'Farewell, the man who is a bean.' These phrases add a unique, almost ceremonial quality to the show's opening and closing.

Which episode of *Mr. Bean* was originally released as a direct-to-video exclusive before its television broadcast?

The fourteenth episode, "Hair by Mr. Bean of London," was initially released as a direct-to-video VHS exclusive in 1995. It was later broadcast on television on August 25, 2006, on Nickelodeon.

What awards did the *Mr. Bean* series receive?

The first episode of *Mr. Bean* won the Golden Rose at the 1991 Rose d'Or Light Entertainment Festival. Additionally, Rowan Atkinson received multiple BAFTA nominations for his performance as Mr. Bean.

How did Rowan Atkinson initially feel about continuing to play Mr. Bean as he got older?

In 2012, Rowan Atkinson expressed his intention to retire the character, stating that he felt "someone in their fifties being childlike becomes a little sad." However, he later changed his mind and indicated he would not retire the role.

What is *Mr. Bean: The Animated Series*, and when did it premiere?

*Mr. Bean: The Animated Series* is a spin-off that premiered seven years after the original live-action series concluded. Rowan Atkinson reprised his role as the voice of Mr. Bean and provided references for the character's animated actions.

What were the plot summaries of the two feature films based on *Mr. Bean*?

The first film, *Bean* (1997), followed Mr. Bean's misadventures while overseeing the transfer of *Whistler's Mother* to a Los Angeles art gallery. The second film, *Mr. Bean's Holiday* (2007), depicted Bean's eventful holiday journey across France, culminating at the Cannes Film Festival.

How was Mr. Bean incorporated into the 2012 Summer Olympics opening ceremony?

Rowan Atkinson reprised his role as Mr. Bean (though referred to as 'Derek' by the director) in a comedic performance with the London Symphony Orchestra during the 2012 Summer Olympics opening ceremony. He played the synthesizer part for "Chariots of Fire," incorporating signature Bean-esque antics.

What books have been released in connection with the *Mr. Bean* franchise?

Several books have been released, including *Mr. Bean's Diary* and *Mr. Bean's Pocket Diary*, which provide additional details about the character's life. Books were also released to tie in with the feature films, such as *Mr. Bean's Scrapbook* and *Mr. Bean's Definitive and Extremely Marvelous Guide to France*.

What is the significance of the Reliant Regal Supervan III in the context of *Mr. Bean*?

The light-blue 1972 Reliant Regal Supervan III is the vehicle of Mr. Bean's recurring nemesis. Bean's interactions with this car, often resulting in it being overturned or damaged, became a notable running gag throughout the series.

What notable British actors made guest appearances in the *Mr. Bean* series?

The series featured numerous notable British actors in supporting roles, including Angus Deayton, Stephen Frost, Caroline Quentin, Roger Lloyd-Pack, and Richard Wilson, among others.

How was the *Mr. Bean* series distributed and broadcast in the United States?

In the United States, *Mr. Bean* aired on HBO starting in 1992 and was also broadcast on PBS television stations. It was also shown on Fox Family during the late 1990s.

What is the nature of Mr. Bean's relationship with his teddy bear, Teddy?

Teddy is Mr. Bean's inanimate teddy bear, whom Bean treats as his best friend and a living companion. Bean often engages in imaginative play with Teddy, including buying it gifts and using it as a prop or tool.

What happened to one of the original Minis used in the series after filming concluded?

After filming, one of the original Minis was sold and displayed in museums, including the Cars of the Stars Motor Museum, before eventually being sold to a museum in the United States. Another main Mini is currently undergoing restoration in England.

How did the *MythBusters* television show reference *Mr. Bean*?

The show *MythBusters* tested the concept of painting a room with explosives, as seen in the *Mr. Bean* episode "Do-It-Yourself Mr. Bean." They found that the method was impractical for achieving adequate coverage.

What is the significance of the phrase "Ecce homo qui est faba" in relation to Mr. Bean?

The phrase "Ecce homo qui est faba" is sung in Latin during the opening credits of *Mr. Bean*. It translates to 'Behold the man who is a bean,' directly referencing the character's name and adding a unique, almost biblical, undertone to his introduction.

What was the critical and commercial reception of the film *Bean* (1997)?

The film *Bean* was commercially successful, grossing over $250 million globally on a budget of $18 million. However, it received mixed reviews from critics, holding a 41% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

What was the critical and commercial reception of the film *Mr. Bean's Holiday* (2007)?

*Mr. Bean's Holiday* garnered improved critical reception compared to the first film, with a 52% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. It was also a commercial success, earning nearly $230 million globally against a $25 million budget.

What is the origin of the name "Mr. Bean"?

The name "Mr. Bean" was not decided until after the first episode was produced. Various other vegetable-inspired names, such as "Mr. Cauliflower," were considered before settling on "Bean."

Which other comedy series did Rowan Atkinson and Richard Curtis collaborate on?

Rowan Atkinson and Richard Curtis also collaborated on the acclaimed historical sitcom *Blackadder*. This collaboration highlights their successful partnership in creating popular British comedy.

What is the nature of Mr. Bean's interactions with his Mini's security features?

Mr. Bean's interactions with his Mini's security, such as the padlock and removing the steering wheel, were a running gag. These eccentric methods demonstrated his unique approach to protecting his vehicle.

How did Rowan Atkinson use the "Just for Laughs" festival in Montreal in 1987?

Rowan Atkinson used the "Just for Laughs" festival in Montreal as a testing ground for his Mr. Bean character. He specifically chose to perform on the French-speaking bill to gauge how his physical comedy would resonate with a non-English speaking international audience.

What is the significance of the phrase "a child in a grown man's body" in relation to Mr. Bean?

Rowan Atkinson described Mr. Bean as "a child in a grown man's body." This description encapsulates the character's immature behavior, simplistic view of the world, and often childish solutions to everyday problems.

What role did Howard Goodall play in the *Mr. Bean* series?

Howard Goodall composed the iconic choral theme music for *Mr. Bean*, adapting it from a piece by Anton Bruckner. He also wrote accompanying music tracks used throughout many episodes.

What was the context of Mr. Bean's appearance at the 2012 Summer Olympics opening ceremony?

During the 2012 London Olympics opening ceremony, Rowan Atkinson reprised his role in a comedic segment where Mr. Bean played the synthesizer with the London Symphony Orchestra during their performance of "Chariots of Fire." Although promoted as Mr. Bean, Atkinson and Curtis later clarified the character was intended to be 'Derek'.

What is the significance of the "alien aspect" mentioned in relation to Mr. Bean?

Rowan Atkinson acknowledged that Mr. Bean has a "slightly alien aspect." This observation is reflected in the animated series, where a storyline features aliens resembling Mr. Bean, hinting at a possible extraterrestrial origin, though this is never explicitly confirmed.

What happened to Mr. Bean's Mini in the episode "Back to School Mr. Bean"?

In "Back to School Mr. Bean," Mr. Bean's Mini was crushed by a Chieftain tank as part of a demonstration. He had swapped his own Mini for the one intended for the demonstration to secure a parking space.

What was the initial broadcast of "Hair by Mr. Bean of London"?

"Hair by Mr. Bean of London" was initially released as a direct-to-video VHS exclusive in 1995. It was not broadcast on television until August 25, 2006, on Nickelodeon.

What is the purpose of the "In popular culture" section in the article?

The "In popular culture" section details how the character of Mr. Bean has been referenced or parodied in various forms of media and public discourse, including comparisons to politicians, appearances on shows like *MythBusters*, and its use as an internet meme.

What is the significance of the *Mr. Bean's Diary* books?

*Mr. Bean's Diary* and *Mr. Bean's Pocket Diary* are books that provide additional background information on the character, establishing his residence in Highbury and his landlady, Mrs. Wicket, as well as confirming his girlfriend's name as Irma Gobb.

What was the fate of Teddy, Mr. Bean's teddy bear, after the show?

After filming concluded, Teddy was donated by Rowan Atkinson to a teddy bear museum. It was later sold at auction in 2008 for £180.

How did the *Mr. Bean* series utilize a laugh track?

Similar to other live-action sitcoms of its era, *Mr. Bean* featured a laugh track. This is notable because the series primarily relies on physical comedy and minimal dialogue, making the laugh track a key element of its broadcast presentation.

What is the context of the comparison of various politicians to Mr. Bean?

Several politicians, including Tony Blair, Gordon Brown, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, Sam Dastyari, Ed Miliband, and Michael Gove, have been mocked for a supposed facial resemblance to Mr. Bean. This highlights the character's recognizable and often humorous facial expressions.

What was the original title card for *Mr. Bean* from 1992 to 1995?

The original title card for *Mr. Bean* from 1992 to 1995 featured an image of the character's distinctive title card. This visual element is iconic and immediately recognizable to fans of the series.

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The Genesis of Bean

Academic Roots

The character of Mr. Bean originated during Rowan Atkinson's postgraduate studies at the University of Oxford. A sketch featuring the character was performed at the Edinburgh Fringe festival in the early 1980s. Atkinson's early performances, including a similar character named Robert Box in the 1979 sitcom Canned Laughter, laid the groundwork for the iconic persona.^[2]

International Testing Ground

In 1987, Atkinson tested the character's physical comedy at the "Just for Laughs" festival in Montreal. He deliberately chose to perform on the French-speaking bill, despite his act containing no French dialogue, to gauge the character's universal appeal and effectiveness with a non-English speaking audience.^[4]

Naming and Influences

The character's name, "Mr. Bean," was finalized after the pilot episode was produced, with earlier considerations including "Mr. Cauliflower." Atkinson cited influences from physical comedy legends like Jacques Tati (Monsieur Hulot) and Peter Sellers, particularly his portrayals of bumbling characters. The series' reliance on visual gags and minimal dialogue drew parallels to early silent films.^[2]^[7]

Key Figures and Props

Mr. Bean

The titular character, Mr. Bean, is portrayed as a childlike adult, often solving mundane problems with bizarre and disruptive methods. He resides in Flat 2, 12 Arbour Road, Highbury, and is recognizable by his signature tweed jacket and red tie. His profession remains ambiguous, though he is depicted as a guard at the National Gallery in the film adaptation. Bean rarely speaks, communicating primarily through mumbled sounds and expressive physical comedy.^[12]

Teddy

Teddy is Mr. Bean's beloved, inanimate teddy bear and constant companion. Despite being a simple toy, Bean treats Teddy as if alive, often involving him in his schemes and ensuring he receives Christmas presents. Teddy has endured numerous "injuries" throughout the series, including decapitation and being used as a paintbrush, highlighting Bean's peculiar attachment.^[14]

The Iconic Mini

Mr. Bean's distinctive citron-green 1977 British Leyland Mini 1000, with its black bonnet and unique padlock security, is central to many comedic situations. Its frequent destruction and Bean's elaborate methods of driving (including from a rooftop armchair) became running gags. Several Minis were used during production, often modified or swapped between scenes.^[16]^[17]

The Reliant Regal

A recurring element is Mr. Bean's ongoing, one-sided feud with the driver of a light-blue Reliant Regal Supervan III. Bean's Mini frequently causes the three-wheeled car to overturn or be damaged, often unintentionally. This rivalry, stemming from the pilot episode, became a signature running gag throughout the series.^[18]

Irma Gobb

Mr. Bean's girlfriend, Irma Gobb (played by Matilda Ziegler), appears in a few episodes. Bean treats her with considerable indifference, viewing her more as a companion than a romantic partner. Their relationship culminates in "Merry Christmas, Mr. Bean" when Bean fails to propose, leading to their permanent separation.^[14]

Series Overview

Episode Count

The original live-action series comprised 15 episodes, produced by Tiger Aspect Productions. The final episode, "Hair by Mr. Bean of London," was initially released direct-to-video before its television broadcast.^[29]

Episode List

A comprehensive list detailing each episode, including titles and broadcast dates, is available through external resources. This allows for a structured review of the series' progression.

View Episode List ➡️

Distribution and Reach

UK Broadcast

Mr. Bean originally aired on ITV in the United Kingdom from January 1, 1990, to December 15, 1995. Subsequent reruns were broadcast on channels like Nickelodeon UK, ITV3, and ITV4.^[1]

International Acclaim

The series achieved significant international popularity, being sold in 245 territories worldwide. Its minimal dialogue made it highly accessible globally. In the United States, it aired on HBO and various PBS stations.^[30]^[31]

The Iconic Score

Theme Composition

The distinctive choral theme tune was composed by Howard Goodall, adapted from Anton Bruckner's "Locus iste." Performed by the choirs of Southwark Cathedral and Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford, the Latin lyrics translate to "Behold the man who is a bean" and "Farewell, the man who is a bean."^[32]

Instrumental and References

While the choral theme is most recognized, an upbeat instrumental piece by Goodall was used in the pilot and occasionally in later episodes. The series also features musical references, including themes from The Vicar of Dibley and "The British Grenadiers."^[33]

Accolades and Recognition

Major Awards

The pilot episode received the Golden Rose award at the 1991 Rose d'Or Light Entertainment Festival. Additionally, the episode "The Curse of Mr. Bean" earned multiple BAFTA award nominations, including for Best Light Entertainment Programme and Best Comedy.^[37]^[38]

Transmedia Presence

Animated Series

Seven years after the original series concluded, Mr. Bean: The Animated Series launched in 2002, with Rowan Atkinson reprising his voice role. The series, featuring minimal dialogue, introduced new characters like Mrs. Wicket and her cat, Scrapper.^[39] A new series format with more dialogue aired from 2015.^[41]

Feature Films

Two successful feature films, Bean (1997) and Mr. Bean's Holiday (2007), expanded the character's narrative. Both films garnered significant box office revenue and mixed-to-positive critical reception, grossing over $250 million and $230 million respectively.^[42]^[46]

Olympic Performance

In 2012, Atkinson reprised his role as Mr. Bean during the opening ceremony of the London Olympics. His comedic performance featured him playing a single note repeatedly on a synthesizer during the London Symphony Orchestra's rendition of "Chariots of Fire," culminating in a dream sequence referencing the film's iconic beach run.^[49]

Cultural Resonance

Memes and Parody

Mr. Bean's expressive face has been widely adopted as an internet meme, often used to signify sexual double entendres with the caption, "If you know what I mean." The character's distinct appearance has also led to comparisons with various public figures.^[69]

Media Analysis

The show's comedic techniques have been analyzed in popular media, such as the television series MythBusters. They tested Bean's "Do-It-Yourself Mr. Bean" method of painting a room with explosives, ultimately debunking its feasibility.^[68]

Further Exploration

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References

In association with Thames Television until 1993 and in association with Central Independent Television until 1995.

A full list of references for this article are available at the Mr. Bean Wikipedia page

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Academic Disclaimer

Important Notice

This content has been synthesized by an AI model for educational purposes, drawing upon publicly available data. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy and adherence to the source material, it is intended as a supplementary resource and not a definitive academic publication.

This is not professional media analysis. The information provided should not substitute consultation with media studies professionals or primary source verification. Always consult official documentation and scholarly sources for rigorous academic research.

The creators assume no liability for errors, omissions, or actions taken based on the information presented herein.

Mr. Bean: The Art of Awkwardness

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

The Genesis of Bean 💡

🎓 Academic Roots

🌍 International Testing Ground

🤔 Naming and Influences

Key Figures and Props 🧸

👤 Mr. Bean

🧸 Teddy

🚗 The Iconic Mini

🚗 The Reliant Regal

👩‍💼 Irma Gobb

Series Overview 📺

🔢 Episode Count

🔗 Episode List

Distribution and Reach 🌐

🇬🇧 UK Broadcast

🌍 International Acclaim

The Iconic Score 🎶

🎵 Theme Composition

🎼 Instrumental and References

Accolades and Recognition 🏆

⭐ Major Awards

Transmedia Presence 🎬

🌟 Animated Series

🎞️ Feature Films

🏅 Olympic Performance

Cultural Resonance 💬

😂 Memes and Parody

🧪 Media Analysis

Further Exploration 🔍

📚 Related Topics

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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Academic Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

The Genesis of Bean

Academic Roots

International Testing Ground

Naming and Influences

Key Figures and Props

Mr. Bean

Teddy

The Iconic Mini

The Reliant Regal

Irma Gobb

Series Overview

Episode Count

Episode List

Distribution and Reach

UK Broadcast

International Acclaim

The Iconic Score

Theme Composition

Instrumental and References

Accolades and Recognition

Major Awards

Transmedia Presence

Animated Series

Feature Films

Olympic Performance

Cultural Resonance

Memes and Parody

Media Analysis

Further Exploration

Related Topics

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Academic Disclaimer

Important Notice