MovieChat Forums > Look Around You (2002) Discussion > 'Jane Grey' reference

'Jane Grey' reference

posted 17 years ago by mminic
6 replies | jump to latest

Series 1, episode 2, "Water"

In Experiment 2, they use a "Jane Grey's pipe" to transfer nitrogen gas into a beaker of water (to let it "mafipulate" for five minutes).

Surely the tube is not actually called a "Jane Grey's pipe." What does it mean?

But the most curious thing, what is the significance of the silver box and the harpsichord music when the scientist gently puts away the pipe?

(Ok, I see that Jane Grey is a Queen of England. But I'm American, and a poor student of history, so I have no other context to place this in.)

[–] servo-9 17 years ago

I've often wondered that myself, but if the term Jane Grey Pipe is made up, it's very evocative of the bizarre names given to many of the apparatus used in my school in Science class.

Can't actually remember any now, but they caused some hilarity at the time.

[–] papusxl 17 years ago

Whilst researching the show, I came across the comment that the shows creators wanted to give every piece of equipment used a name. I don't think any of them have any particular meaning, other than to sound vaguely authentic.

By the way, thanks for exposing me to this show. I'm obsessed with it now, to the point that I created my own "Look Around You" book cover based on the titular copybook. If you'd like your own, let me know!

[–] mminic 17 years ago

You're welcome.

Yes, I agree that the names they give the equipment all sound somewhat authentic. After all, I recall some actual names used in science classes back when I was in school (for example, Florence flask, or Bunsen burner).

But there's more to the Jane Grey's pipe, because they make the big production out of it, placing it in the box, and pausing to play the music. The scientist (the "hand") is also deliberately delicate with it, and sort of caresses the box when it's done. Either the writer's are just insane, or there must be SOME meaning to this!

[–] gravyspider 17 years ago

Goodness me, I don't think it has some hidden significance (apart from referecing the historical Jane Gray, of course). It's just a phrase that's out of place to make you laugh, like the amazingly overelaborate experiments. The comedy is in the details.

[–] servo-9 17 years ago

yeah - it's pointless looking for a literal explanation. The Elizabethan music etc are just a bit of silliness because of the name Jane Grey.

[–] kitchenaut-1 15 years ago

Yep, the commentary makes it clear that it's just more nonsense. It just makes me think of Blackadder when I see it.