Thank You Jeeves

Written by P. G. Wodehouse

Narrated by Paxton Whitehead and Full Cast

A delightful comedy from the wonderful world of Wodehouse! The perpetually misguided Bertie finds himself embroiled in a madcap adventure sparked by the abrupt departure of his beloved Jeeves. Featuring ‘Hizzoner’ Richard Riordan as blustering American millionaire J. Washburn Stoker.

An L.A. Theatre Works full-cast performance featuring Gregory Cooke, Kenneth Danziger, Alastair Duncan, Dominic Keating, Richard Riordan, Guy Siner, Simon Templeman, Jennifer Tilly and Paxton Whitehead.

• Language: English
• Publisher: L.A. Theatre Works
• Release date: Jan 1, 2001
• ISBN: 9781580815222

P. G. Wodehouse

Sir Pelham Grenville Wodehouse (1881-1975) was an English author. Though he was named after his godfather, the author was not a fan of his name and more commonly went by P.G Wodehouse. Known for his comedic work, Wodehouse created reoccurring characters that became a beloved staple of his literature. Though most of his work was set in London, Wodehouse also spent a fair amount of time in the United States. Much of his work was converted into an “American” version, and he wrote a series of Broadway musicals that helped lead to the development of the American musical. P.G Wodehouse’s eclectic and prolific canon of work both in Europe and America developed him to be one of the most widely read humorists of the 20th century.

Reviews for Thank You Jeeves

[shanaqui_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is my first exposure to Jeeves and Wooster, and I have to say, for one of the novels people keep telling me isn't the best, it's pretty damned good. I'll confess it didn't make me laugh aloud, but I was smiling the entire time I read it. I love Jeeves (who must be a sort of cousin to Lord Peter's Bunter) and the entire silly situation Bertie Wooster manages to get himself into. And it's all so impeccably written, too.Note: It is inevitably of its time, however, and the references to negroes and the issue of various characters going round in, essentially, blackface -- which comprises a fair chunk of the humour -- may irritate.

[Ricki · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Beautifully performed, very amusing. A good listen. What more can I say?

[themulhern · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The first in publication order of the true novels that I have listened to. Tremendously funny in parts.It's not the plot, it's the language that makes for the hilarity. "lit-com" not "sit-com".

[eyejaybee · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This was the first full length novel featuring Jeeves and Bertie Wooster, whose adventures had already secured widespread popularity through several short stories, and it shows Wodehouse on fine form. As the novel opens, Bertie is obsessed with a banjolele that he has recently purchased, and which he is playing at every opportunity. As might be expected, this has not been well received by those forced to listen, and his neighbours in the apartment block they share have not been reticent in expressing their displeasure. Following an ultimatum from the building's manger either to cease playing the instrument, or find alternative accommodation, Bertie, as a self-professed man of iron will, decides to move on. However, when he recounts this decision to Jeeves, adding that he will, instead, take a small cottage in the country, Jeeves drops his own bombshell, announcing that he would not be able to cope with the impact of Bertie's playing of the banjolele in the confines of a small cottage, and that he must, therefore, tender his resignation. After that, things become really complicated!As always with Wodehouse, this is beautifully written, flawlessly plotted and deliciously removed from any semblance of reality. It might not quite match up to the absolute classics in the Jeeves and Wooster series, such as 'Right Ho, Jeeves', 'The Code of ther Woosters' and 'Joy in the Morning', but it comes very close!

[eadieb-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is a classical witty tale and an excellent read. If you like P.G.Wodehouse, you will definitely like this one. Great humour and characters.

[kale.dyer · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Laugh out loud funny and thoroughly British.

[johnthefireman · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Another brilliantly funny offering from P G Wodehouse, this one a full length novel.Jeeves leaves Bertie's service, and the upper-class twit has to make do with his new man, Brinkley. As usual there is romantic interest, numerous misunderstandings, and Jeeves eventually saves the day.

[wisewoman_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

When Bertie insists upon playing the banjolele, to the distress of his neighbors and his impeccable valet Jeeves, Jeeves is forced to take drastic action. And by drastic action, I mean he leaves B.'s service (!). But Bertie is entirely dedicated to his art, and decides to rent one of his friend Lord Chuffnell's cottages so as to pursue his banjolele studies away from the madding (and maddened) crowd... only to learn that Jeeves has taken employment as Chuffy's valet at Chuffnell Hall. Right-ho, then.There is the usual romantic imbroglio; a former fiancée of Bertie's, Pauline Stoker, enters the picture as Chuffy's guest while her father, the American millionaire J. Washburn Stoker, considers the purchase of Chuffnell Hall. Of course Pauline and Chuffy proceed to fall madly in love, and when they fall out, it's up to Bertie to set things to rights again. Only, without Jeeves, it's a deuced awkward business, wot?Modern readers may be put off by the casual racism scattered throughout the story. This was originally published in serial form in 1933–4, so allowances should be made; Wodehouse didn't have the influences under which we operate. And there is a purpose for the inclusion of the "Negro minstrels," as Bertie's impersonation of one of them is a pivotal plot point. Finally, none of it is intentionally malicious; it is all quite incidental and offhand. Racism still isn't okay, but I think there's a difference between intentional agendas and unconscious references to the prevailing views of the day.This story is prefaced by Wodehouse's anecdote of his attempt to dictate it into a newfangled recording device instead of typing it. He got through chapter three or so before stopping to give it a listen. Apparently the result was disastrously unfunny, like a dry schoolmaster with a nasally voice attempting to tell jokes. I wonder if Wodehouse saw himself at all in Bertie's wounded dignity, when informed that his banjolele-playing was causing pain to his hearers!I listened to this on audiobook, read by Alexander Spencer. Spencer is good, but he does less distinct character voices than Jonathan Cecil, whose Wodehouse narrations I prefer. Still, Spencer fully gets the humor and I found that his character intonations improved as the story went on.As may be guessed, Bertie's efforts fail miserably and it's not until Jeeves assumes control that a happy ending is had by all. The formula is predictable, but Wodehouse always manages to deliver exquisitely funny characters and situations. It's good medicine.

[therebelprince · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The first of the eleven Jeeves and Wooster novels, Thank You, Jeeves bolts out of the gate, instantly funnier than the best of the (very funny) 33 short stories that preceded it. The novel opens with Bertie's horror at being forced to choose between his current flat and his beloved instrument, the banjolele, which his neighbours will not stomach. He makes the only reasonable choice - the banjolele, of course - only to find Jeeves handing in his notice. From there, it's one long descent into madness!

[steve02476 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Silly, fun, but a recurring part of the plot had to do with Bertie and another character being in “blackface” basically having been inspired by minstrels that were performing nearby - and most of the story in that regards has to do with the fact that they find they can’t remove it. Certainly nothing that would be in a book now, but I didn’t think it was being racist, just oblivious. I guess the difference there might not be so obvious. I dunno. Listened to it from audiobook format.

[mialro_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Cracked up throughout, like straight up bursting out laughing pretty much every page. One word: BANJOLELE. I must read the others. Only qualms: blackface is a plot point! Not once but twice!! And the N-word is dropped casually, constantly, by every character except for Jeeves (perfect human being and the best). Oh 1930s.

[fionaanne · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Having been written in the 1930s, there are certain aspects of this book which have not aged well. There is a distressing use of the term "ni**er minstrels" in the first chapter, although only by the least sympathetic characters; Jeeves and his erstwhile employer both employ the enlightned-at-that-time "Negro minstrels" to describe this group which never actually makes an appearance in the book but who's existence provides an impetus for two characters to don blackface. Kind of an interesting historical study of how such things were viewed by the upper crust.

[maydacat_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

If you’ve ever wondered how Wooster would survive without Jeeves to bail him out of his predicaments, the answer is, not well. This installment gives you the scoop on a “Jeeves-less” existence for Bertie, and neither seems to be happy without the other. Bertie ends up with a new valet, Brinkley, who would win the worst valet ever contest, if there were such a thing. Jeeves still can’t stop himself from advising and rescuing Bertie. It’s all good – if outlandish – fun, and a great read for escapism. In the end, Jeeves finds his purpose in life – to quietly be superior to the fumbling Bertie – and Bertie finds he can finally relax, knowing that Jeeves is there in the background, waiting to save Bertie’s bacon whenever necessary. Well done, Sir Wodehouse!

[leslie398 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I absolutely love these stories! I guess it helps to be an anglophile, but OMG they are funny!

[octothorp-605797 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The first full-length, plotted novel in the Jeeves series shows off what he can do for, with especially good results in comic effect of situation and running gags, and the language-and-literature jokes are starting to emerge. Marred by racialized language and situations.

[pilgrimjess · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

"I mean, if you're asking a fellow to come out of a room so that you can dismember him with a carving knife, it's absurd to tack a 'sir' on to every sentence. The two things don't do together."Bertie Wooster has taken up a musical instrument, the banjolele but when his playing sparks complaints from his London neighbours rather than countenance abandoning his art Bertie decides to move to the country where there are fewer people to annoy. When it becomes clear that Bertie will continue to make his music within the confines of a small cottage, his man-servant, Jeeves, offers his resignation rather than accompany him. Undeterred, Bertie pursues his plan anyway.The cottage is rented from his old school friend, Lord Chuffnell, who resides in a stately pile nearby. On hearing that Jeeves has left Bertie's service, Chuffy hires him for himself. On arrival at Chuffnell Regis Bertie discovers that Chuffy has fallen madly in love with an American heiress, Pauline Stoker, who was once engaged to Bertie until her father put a swift end to their planned nuptials after hearing tales of Bertie’s madcap exploits from Bertie's old nemesis Sir Roderick Glossop. What is more all of these characters are now residing nearby.Throw into the mix a pair of over-zealous policemen, two young boys who could only be loved by their mothers and you get the usual mixture of farce and misplaced good intentions. Throughout it all Jeeves remains calm and only he can ultimately save the day.Now I should point out that this book was written in the 1930's and as such does contain numerous racial slurs that today's readers would find distasteful. Also I should point out that I am a great fan of Mr Wodehouse's writings, usually finding myself laughing out loud in public. However, whether or not it was the racial epithets or something else I'm not sure but I do know that I found that particular tale fell a little flat for me. Maybe I have just become immunised to this kind of humour and although it did at times make me smile, in general I found it just a tad predictable. That said and done if you are looking for a bit of escapism amongst the privileged classes with clever writing and no sex or violence then this is a fun and easy read.

[glennbell_1 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

The story is a British situational comedy. While the story is amusing, it is also ridiculous and offensive. The characters, which propose to be high class are involved in lying, breaking and entering, theft, and kidnapping. The obvious racism and proposterous reactions to a black person make the story unbelievable. I cannot recommend this book.

[john257hopper · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I had never read any P G Wodehouse before, but this will not be my last, and it was a very enjoyable light-hearted read, a bit of a relief from grimmer reading matter (though with some of the outdated racial attitudes of the time, albeit not maliciously intended). This was the author's first full length Jeeves novel, published in 1934, though Jeeves himself is absent from large parts of it, having left his master Bertie Wooster's service as he cannot stand the latter's playing on his newly acquired banjolele (a cross between a banjo and a ukelele). The story is very funny, of course, and much of the dialogue hilarious and mannered; I remember seeing the TV adaptation featuring Hugh Laurie and Stephen Fry in the 1990s, and Fry was the perfect Jeeves with his deadpan dry wit. Good stuff, though perhaps slightly long-winded in places.

[philsyphe · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

The first installment in the Jeeves series that isn’t a collection of short stories. Unfortunately, this novel is a little disappointing. Main reason being, Jeeves is pushed into the background for much of the time.Still, as you’d expect from any Wodehouse book, there’s enough quality humour to keep the reader entertained. It’s just not as entertaining as it could’ve been.

[brakketh-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Laugh out loud funny and thoroughly British.

[pferdina · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Classic Jeeves and Wooster. Bertie learns to play the banjolele and gets kicked out of his apartment building. Retreating to a country cottage near his old school chum, Chuffy, he runs into delightfully pretty Pauline and her irascible father J. Washburn Stoker as well as Sir Roderick Glossop. Butter figures prominently in the story, but everything turns out OK in the end, of course.

[quibee · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is Bertie's and Jeeves' first full length novel.
In a shock move, Jeeve ceases to be Berties valet in a difference of opinion about Bertie insisting on playing the banjolele out in the country.
There are misunderstandings and lovers torn asunder, as is usual in these stories, and Bertie comes to an understanding with a long-time enemy.
A fun read, but a bit of language we're uncomfortable with nowadays.

[bookconcierge · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Book on CD performed by Jonathan Cecil

In this full-length novel, Jeeves gives notice after yet another nearby resident complains of Bertie Wooster’s incessant banjolele playing. It seems that while Jeeves has somewhat smoothed relations with the neighbor, he cannot stand listening to the instrument any longer himself. Just as Bertie has agreed to go to the country estate of his school friend Baron Chuffnell, he learns that Jeeves has taken a position in Chuffy’s household. Say what?! Good thing Jeeves is still nearby, because an American millionaire and his lovely daughter are also staying in the vicinity of the country estate aboard their yacht. Bertie had become briefly engaged to Pauline Stoker when visiting America but they parted when her father objected to the match. Now she is engaged to Chuffy, but one misunderstanding after another puts everything in a twist. Until Jeeves calmly and capably sorts it all out.

This was a delightful romp. Lighthearted, fun, entertaining and extremely visual. I will warn modern readers, however, Bertie and another character don blackface for much of the second half of the novel. The dialogue includes one particular racist slur that would never be used so casually today; the book was originally written in 1934 and the audio edition I had did not edit the words for modern sensitivity. Had someone been able to rewrite these scenes to use a different device that was not so racially demeaning I would probably rate it higher.

Jonathan Cecil does a marvelous job narrating the audio version. His pacing is very good and his skill with voices breathes life into the laid-back Bertie, the blustering Mr Stoker, and the inimitable Jeeves.

[tgraettinger_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Classic Bertie and Jeeves. I just love the language and the voice of Bertie - cracks me up. Good story involving Bertie's pal Chuffie and the would-be fiancee Pauline Stoker - plus a handful of other great characters, including the banjolele.

[kristelh_15 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Hilarious, fun read.

[rubyscarlett-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Hilarious, apart from a very peculiar and distressing black face episode. This is endlessly quotable and the best read to cheer one up.

[jmoncton_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

What a fun book! Jeeves is the epitome of the ideal British valet. Not only is he always ready with whatever item Bertie Wooster desires, he can quote Shakespeare, and in this story, he successfully gets Bertie out of some difficult romantic snafus. Perfect British comedy.

[teaswirls · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Wodehouse is a genius. The duo of Jeeves and Wooster is utterly hilarious and wonderful.

[atimco-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

When Bertie insists upon playing the banjolele, to the distress of his neighbors and his impeccable valet Jeeves, Jeeves is forced to take drastic action. And by drastic action, I mean he leaves B.'s service (!). But Bertie is entirely dedicated to his art, and decides to rent one of his friend Lord Chuffnell's cottages so as to pursue his banjolele studies away from the madding (and maddened) crowd... only to learn that Jeeves has taken employment as Chuffy's valet at Chuffnell Hall. Right-ho, then.There is the usual romantic imbroglio; a former fiancée of Bertie's, Pauline Stoker, enters the picture as Chuffy's guest while her father, the American millionaire J. Washburn Stoker, considers the purchase of Chuffnell Hall. Of course Pauline and Chuffy proceed to fall madly in love, and when they fall out, it's up to Bertie to set things to rights again. Only, without Jeeves, it's a deuced awkward business, wot?Modern readers may be put off by the casual racism scattered throughout the story. This was originally published in serial form in 1933–4, so allowances should be made; Wodehouse didn't have the influences under which we operate. And there is a purpose for the inclusion of the "Negro minstrels," as Bertie's impersonation of one of them is a pivotal plot point. Finally, none of it is intentionally malicious; it is all quite incidental and offhand. Racism still isn't okay, but I think there's a difference between intentional agendas and unconscious references to the prevailing views of the day.This story is prefaced by Wodehouse's anecdote of his attempt to dictate it into a newfangled recording device instead of typing it. He got through chapter three or so before stopping to give it a listen. Apparently the result was disastrously unfunny, like a dry schoolmaster with a nasally voice attempting to tell jokes. I wonder if Wodehouse saw himself at all in Bertie's wounded dignity, when informed that his banjolele-playing was causing pain to his hearers!I listened to this on audiobook, read by Alexander Spencer. Spencer is good, but he does less distinct character voices than Jonathan Cecil, whose Wodehouse narrations I prefer. Still, Spencer fully gets the humor and I found that his character intonations improved as the story went on.As may be guessed, Bertie's efforts fail miserably and it's not until Jeeves assumes control that a happy ending is had by all. The formula is predictable, but Wodehouse always manages to deliver exquisitely funny characters and situations. It's good medicine.

[jrtanworth · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

One of the very funniest of the Bertie Wooster and Jeeves series. Because of his dedication to learning the "banjolele", which everyone else, even Jeeves, finds insufferable, Bertie finds himself with a new man"Brinkley" and is caught up in a hilarious series of events that can only be resolved by Jeeves at last. Thank you, P.G. Wodehouse.