Last of the Summer Wine Episode Guide (long)
Music Department
With a new series just begun on Sunday, 3 Sept, this seems a good
time to launch this.
Jerry Kohl
LAST OF THE SUMMER WINE
(and FIRST OF THE SUMMER WINE)
Guide compiled by Jerry Kohl
(with thanks to Mike Gingell, Ian Paterson and Loraine Wingham
for their invaluable assistance)
[Version 1.0, dated 5 Sept 1995]
Long-running sitcom (begun in 1973 and still going strong in 1995),
written by Roy Clarke, who has been characterised as "the master of
the inconsequential conversation" (Peter Waymark, in the Times
2.i.88). Elsewhere, Mark Lawson says that Last of the Summer Wine
is "a comedy . . . which sought laughter without exclamation marks"
(the Times, 4.i.86). Bruce Crowther and Mike Pinfold (in _Bring Me
Laughter: Four Decades of TV Comedy_, 1987) write: "Perhaps best
described as typically English whimsy . . . the show was [sic]
slight on action and jokes but built its characters carefully.
Rather than raising laughter, it encouraged its audience to smile
appreciatively." It might be fairer to say that the comic element
in this series mostly arises gradually out of the dialogue,
depending upon a cumulation of wry observations and amusing
character portrayals. The relative sparseness of sight-gags,
pratfalls and one-liners may make it seem low-key in the extreme to
the viewer whose comedy expectations and attention-span have been
conditioned by the conventions of situation comedy as represented
by that (distinguished, I hasten to add) line that runs from Phil
Silvers to Fran Drescher. But the almost unprecedented popular
success of this series is testimony enough to its enduring
qualities, which encompass more than merely a quick laugh.
A NOTE ON FORMS OF REFERENCE
In the following material, episodes are specified by year of first
transmission and episode within that series, for example: 1987:12
represents the final episode of series 9, "When You Take a Good Bite,
Yorkshire Tastes Terrible". Christmas specials (which may have been
transmitted anywhere from the 22nd to the 30th of December) use the
same format, only substituting an "X" for the episode number (e.g.,
1982:X), and New Year's specials (always on 1 Jan.) use "NY" (e.g.,
1985:NY). The pilot episode is designated 1973a; the series which
followed in the same year is 1973b. The reason for preferring this
form to consecutive episode numbers (which are added in parentheses
at the beginning of each series, somewhat against my better
judgement) is that if one or more episodes have been overlooked (or
turn out to be spurious), the consequent changes to the episode
numbers would require tracking down and correcting references to
subsequent episodes all over the guide.
PREMISE AND PRINCIPAL CHARACTERS
The series follows the second-childhood adventures of three old
codgers, one-time school chums now retired, as they wander about
their West Yorkshire village and the surrounding countryside,
conversing idly and usually getting into trouble.
CLEGG, the neatly (if shabbily) dressed philosopher of the trio,
is a widower who retired early from his employment as a lino
salesman. Cautious and sceptical, his is the voice of reason which,
if the others ever paid any heed, would make their lives less
hazardous, but also less interesting.
The unhygienic COMPO occupies the opposite end of the intellectual
spectrum, and is not really retired, having never actually been what
you could call employed. He had once upon a time been married, but
during the War his wife had run off with "a fishing Pole" (1983:X).
He lives in simple squalor with his ferret, occupying lodgings
downstairs from his landlady, the formidable Nora Batty, of the
hair-curlers and wrinkled stockings, for whom Compo professes an
unbridled passion. His clothing has "more holes than a doss-house
blanket" (Blamire, 1975:2) and his idea of sprucing up his wardrobe
is to clean his wellies by "walking through every puddle" (1983:X).
Nevertheless, he is seldom without a tie--though he wears it around
his waist to hold his trousers up.
The third member of the trio was initially BLAMIRE, retired Army
Corporal (48th Royal Signals, in 1973b:5, but in the very next
episode Blamire says "In the 14th Field Signals Regimental Camera
Club, I won the Mrs Colonel Langford OBE Award")--enlisted ranks and
proud of it, a politically conservative snob, lifelong bachelor,
and tireless organiser of other peoples' lives. Actor Michael Bates,
who played Blamire, left after the third series in 1975 (he died in
1978, aged 58), and his character was replaced by FOGGY (Brian
Wilde), also retired Army (Lance Corporal Signwriter), and with many
of the same characteristics. After six series and a handful of
holiday specials, Wilde decided to leave the series, and so in 1986
his character was replaced by SEYMOUR (Michael Aldridge), a retired
school headmaster and crackpot inventor. In 1989 Michael Aldridge
retired from the show and Brian Wilde returned at the beginning of
the 1990 series to resume playing Foggy.
Prominent amongst the many supporting characters who recur
throughout the series are a host of classic Northern harridans.
This rather misogynistic element stems from a long tradition
in Northern comedy, and is also found in Roy Clarke's other well-
known West Yorkshire sitcom, Open All Hours, in which Kathy Staff
also appeared (as Mrs Blewitt, later supplanted by Stephanie Cole
as Mrs Featherstone). ("I don't care where you go, this is God's
number one area for unpleasant women of strong character." --Clegg,
1973b:1. "I don't think I'm really qualified on the ways of women.
They've always seemed to me to be a tough breed, but actually you
have to admire the way that they frighten people, and mend vacuum
cleaners; but to be honest, I always feel more at home with the
goldfish." --Clegg, 1985:5.) The foremost of these comic monsters
is Compo's landlady, NORA BATTY (Kathy Staff), "the world's leading
authority on cold rice pudding", according to Foggy (1985:5).
"She's very 'ard, is Nora. But she turns my knees t'jelly.
Oh-ho-ho-ho! What a Nazi she would've made, eh?" --Compo, 1975:2.
The following exchange, overheard in Sid's cafe one Spring morning
(1985:5), gives both an idea of how the members of the trio regard
Nora, and a flavour of Roy Clarke's writing style, in which the
cumulative effect of the dialogue takes precedence over punchy
one-liners:
Compo: I've seen it comin'. . . . Her "neglected" mood.
Foggy: Well, a *good* mood's the only one she's ever neglected.
Compo: But I don't want her to be in a neglected mood! I don't
want her losin' interest in life!
Foggy: Well I don't think anybody who gets as much pleasure as
she does from hearin' of sudden deaths is ever goin' to
lose interest in life.
Clegg: She's also been a fairly regular contributor to all those
stories about sudden *births*.
Compo: I knew it were comin'. She feels neglected.
Foggy: Well and for a damned good reason. I mean, if you were
*looking* for someone to neglect, she's ideal from every
angle!
LOCATION
This was perhaps the first sitcom to rely on extensive location work
--an innovation that writer Clarke credits to James Gilbert, producer
of the first series (Radio Times, 24.x.93). The locations are filmed
in and around Holmfirth, West Yorkshire (about five miles south of
Huddersfield, nineteen miles Northeast of Manchester, eighteen miles
Northwest of Sheffield). Mr Gilbert's successors as Producer
(Bernard Thompson [series 2], Sydney Lotterby [3-?5], and Alan J. W.
Bell [?6-present]) have happily continued this practice, which gives
the series it's distinctive visual character and incidentally has
turned Holmfirth into a minor tourist attraction, despite such
disparaging observations as: (Clegg) "It's all right up here, but
y'do miss the refinements of life." (Blamire) "Like, Rachmaninov,
and plumbing . . ." (1973b:6).
FIRST OF THE SUMMER WINE
In 1988, the producers tried spinning off a "prequel", titled First
of the Summer Wine, which was not successful enough to extend beyond
two series. An episode guide for this spinoff follows the one for
the parent series.
ROY CLARKE
Roy Clarke's other TV writing credits include:
Ain't Misbehavin' (sitcom, two series, 1994 & 1995)
The Bass Player and the Blonde (play, 1977, remade as a
miniseries 1978)
Bloomfield (three-part drama series, 1983)
The Clairvoyant (1984 comedy play, plus one series 1986)
Don't Tell Father (sitcom, one series, 1992)
The Growing Pains of PC Penrose (sitcom, one series, 1975)
Keeping Up Appearances (sitcom, four series, 1990, 1991, 1992,
1993, plus two Christmas specials, 1991 & 1993)
The Magnificent Evans (sitcom, one series, 1984)
The Misfit (comedy, two series, 1970, 1971)
Open All Hours (sitcom, five series: 1976, 1979, 1981, 1982,
1985, plus Christmas sketch 1982)
Potter (sitcom, four series, 1979, 1980, 1983, 1984)
Pulaski (comdram, one series, 1987)
Rosie (sitcom, successor to Growing Pains of PC Penrose, four
series, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1981).
SOME CHARACTERISTIC PHILOSOPHICAL OBSERVATIONS:
Blamire: "It's all very well to scoff at the afterlife from the
relative security of the tap room at the Red Lion. But then,
nobody's had a mystical experience at the Red Lion."
Clegg: "Maybe not, but it was touch and go once or twice when
they had no bulb in the outside toilet." 1973b:2
Blamire: "So this is heaven then? Or the other place."
Clegg: Well, it can't be the other place."
Blamire: Why not?"
Clegg: "In Yorkshire? It'd be further south, wouldn't it?" 1973b:2
Blamire: "How's the baby?"
Clegg: "Seems nice enough. But I should think they're more
attractive when they've got all their fur." 1973b:3
"I must say, the older I get, the more I like a bloke who knows how
to make a balls-up of things." --clegg, 1975:1
"The thing about growing up is that you get fewer scabs on your
knees, but more internal injuries," --Clegg (watching a toddler
falling off his tricycle), 1983:X
"It just shows: life gets you in the end." --Clegg, 1987:12
"It's true. You can't interfere in peoples' love-lives. The
cemeteries are filled with people who interfered with peoples'
love-lives. People think that it was the black death that swept
Europe, but actually, it was people interfering in peoples'
love-lives. . . . Well, I hated having a love-life. I never knew
what to wear." --Clegg, 1990:10
"Thinking can ruin your health. Which is why, of course, people
turn to politics instead." --Clegg, 1991:4
TRIVIA (Yes, well, somebody always asks)
Licence number of Sid's fish-and-chip bus: PMM 391E
Nora Batty lives at No. 28. Can anyone supply the street name?
=====================================================================
EPISODE GUIDE
This is a guide in progress. Cast information added to many episodes
(enclosed in braces at the end of each episode description) is in
addition to the central three characters: Clegg, Compo, and
Blamire/Foggy/Seymour.
Recurring cast members, whose character-names may be found in the list
immediately below, are identified only by the actor's names. Others have
the character name, where known, added in parentheses.
Additions and corrections are eagerly sought and much appreciated.
However, before reporting conflicts with other sources (particularly
as regards the order of series 1 and the consecutive numbering of
episodes, please refer to the Appendix.
REGULAR AND RECURRING CAST:
The Trio
Peter Sallis . . . . . . Norman Clegg (called "Maurice" in 1975:3)
Bill Owen . . . . . . . Willy "Compo" Simmonite
Michael Bates . . . . . Cyril Blamire (1973a-1975)
Brian Wilde . . . . . . Oliver "Foggy" Dewhurst (1976-85, 1990- )
Michael Aldridge . . . . Seymour Utterthwaite (1986:NY-1989:X)
Recurring cast
Blake Butler . . . . . . Mr Wainwright, the librarian (1973a,
1973b:1,2,6 & 1976:2)
Rosemary Martin . . . . Mrs Partridge, asst. librarian (1973a
1973b:1,2,6)
John Comer . . . . . . . Sid [?Beale--see note, below], cafe owner
(1973a-1983:X)
Jane Freeman . . . . . . Ivy, Sid's wife
Jonathan Linsley . . . . Milburn ("Crusher"), Ivy's nephew
(1985- )
Joe Gladwin . . . . . . Wally Batty (1976- )
Kathy Staff . . . . . . Nora Batty
Gordon Wharmby . . . . . Wesley Pegden (?1983- [1984:X is
at least his 2nd appearance])
Thora Hird . . . . . . . Aunt Edie Pegden, nee Utterthwaite--
Wesley's wife, Seymour's sister (1986:NY- )
Sarah Thomas . . . . . . Glenda, Edie & Wesley's daughter, Barry's
wife (1986:NY- )
Mike Grady . . . . . . . Barry, surname unknown (1986:NY- )
Philip Jackson . . . . . Gordon, Compo's nephew (1976)
Robert Fyfe . . . . . . Howard (?1985:5- )
Juliet Kaplan . . . . . Pearl, Howard's wife (?1985:5- )
Jean Alexander . . . . . Auntie Wainwright (1988:X, 1992:1- )
Jean Fergusson . . . . . Marina, Howard's bit on the side
(1985:5- )
Stephen Lewis . . . . . Smiler, Nora's lodger (1990:10- )
Danny O'Dea . . . . . . Eli (?1987:9- )
Note: Regarding Sid and Ivy's surname, in the early episodes a
nameplate appears above the mail-slot in the cafe door (studio
scenes only). In all of the first-series episodes save one
(1973b:5) it reads "N. R. Beall"; in 1973b:5 and the 1975
episodes, this is changed to "N. Beale" (the initial is not
visible in 1975:2). Apart from the alteration of spelling of
the surname, it seems unlikely that Sid's name could be spelt
with either an N or an R (he is frequently referred to as
"Sidney", so "Sid" is not likely the sort of school nickname
that "Compo" and "Foggy" are). Perhaps Sid inherited the caff
or--more likely--Ivy did, and her *maiden* name was Beall (or
Beale).
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(1) PILOT. "Of Funerals and Fish". Thurs. 4.i.73, 8.00-8.30pm, BBC1
(As part of the "Comedy Playhouse" umbrella series of would-be
pilots--repeated Mon. 5.xi.73, 9.25-9.55, to launch the first
series)
Produced by James Gilbert
The three unlikely lads have cups of tea in a caff, take walks on
the moors, go back to the pub for a pint. Blamire adds a touch of
tailoring to the trio, "There's always been a Blamire in the armed
forces--or W. H. Smith and sons." This edged comment coming from
Clegg, an unsung philosopher of the kind Gray envisaged lying in a
churchyard. Except that it was Mrs Clegg who lay in the
churchyard. The sudden cessation of niggling was, said Clegg,
like suddenly going deaf.
(John Comer, Jane Freeman, Blake Butler, Rosemary Martin}
(2-7) SERIES 1 (1973)
(All episodes on Mondays, 9.25-9.55pm, BBC1)
Produced by James Gilbert
1. "Short Back and Palais Glide". 12.xi.73
Compo loses the key to his flat and, thinking that it happened
while they were in the library, the three geriatrics try to find
Mr Wainwright, the librarian.
{Frank Middlemass (Judd, the barber), James Mellor (policeman),
Blake Butler, Rosemary Martin, John Comer, Jane Freeman, Michael
Logan (Charlie Harris)}
2. "The Inventor of the Forty-Foot Ferret". 19.xi.73
Blamire and Clegg take Compo to Church for the first time.
{Blake Butler, Rosemary Martin, John Comer, Jane Freeman)
3. "Pate and Chips". 26.xi.73
The three old jossers go on an outing with Compo's nephew Chip
and his family, and get thrown out of a stately home.
{John Comer, Jane Freeman, Tony Haygarth (Chip), Margaret Nolan
(Connie) John Barrett (guide), Diana Harker (waitress)}
4. "Spring Fever". 3.xii.73
"The only reason he asks about me washing is so he can talk about
me knickers!" Yes, it's spring, the sap is rising, and Compo's
mind turns to thoughts of . . . who else but Nora Batty? But if
she won't have the lovelorn layabout, how will he fare with the
thrice-widowed gold-digger who rides into town on the Bradford bus?
(John Comer, Jane Freeman, Kathy Staff, Liz Smith (thrice-widowed
"housekeeper"), Clifford Kershaw (salesman in haberdashery), Pat
Bonna (Nora Batty's neighbour)}
5. "The New Mobile Trio". 10.xii.73
Clegg thinks it's time that he and his friends take to the road
in their new car. Well, it was new once upon a time, and for 30
pounds what can you expect?
{John Comer, Jane Freeman, Ronald Lacey (Walter), Mollie Maureen
(Walter's mum), Jim Whelan (car salesman), Max Rawnsley (2nd car
salesman)}
6. "Hail Smiling Morn or Thereabouts". 17.xii.73
Stand aside David Bailey! Look to your laurels Patrick Lichfield!
When Blamire's interest in photography is rekindled by an exhibit
at the local library, nothing is safe from his snap-happy lens.
Even Compo finds himself in focus--well, almost in focus. Then
Clegg gets the idea to use some old camping equipment to wait the
dawn in the field, so Foggy can photograph the sunrise.
{Blake Butler, Rosemary Martin, John Comer, Jane Freeman}
(8-14) SERIES 2 (1975)
(All episodes on Wednesdays, BBC1)
Produced [and directed] by Bernard Thompson
1. "Forked Lightning" 5.iii.75, 9.35-10.05pm
After an embarrassingly public and painful right-where-it-hurts
accident, Clegg is told to get on his bike by the shop where he
bought it--of course that was back in 1946! It's Sid, the Butch
Cassidy of the Ridings, and his magic spanner to the rescue.
{John Comer, Jane Freeman, Kenneth MacDonald (mechanic), Graham
Hamilton (Gordon, mechanic's oov mate), Diana Harker (1st
housewife), Paula Tilbrook (2nd housewife) Doreen Sloane (1st
bus conductress), Cynthia Michaelis (2nd bus conductress)}
2. "Who's That Dancing with Nora Batty Then?" 12.iii.75, 9.25-9.55pm
Roy Clarke's trio of world-relishing layabouts give a party in
Sid's Cafe, on the occasion of Compo's neighbour Gloria and her
husband emigrating to Australia. There, Blamire reveals that he
is to music what Nora's crumpled stockings are to silk tights.
{John Comer, Jane Freeman, Kathy Staff, June Watson (Miss Probert,
new head librarian), Janet Davies (Miss Jones, new assistant
librarian), Jack Woolgar (Shep, the lollipop man), Angela Crow
(Gloria, Compo's about-to-emigrate-to-Australia neighbour)}
3. "The Changing Face of Rural Blamire". 19.iii.75, 9.25-9.55pm
When Blamire encourages Compo and Clegg to join him in full-time
employment, he ends up with egg on his face. Well, not egg
exactly--but Shinyglow, the wonder cleaner that the trio of
salesmen extraordinaire are about to launch on an unsuspecting
public--not to mention themselves.
{John Comer, Jane Freeman, Gerald James (Oswald P. Green),
Jacquie-Ann Carr (receptionist)}
4. "Some Enchanted Evening" 26.iii.75, 9.25-9.55pm
Compo fancies Nora Batty elsewhere than a crowded room, but his
fellow philosophers miss his beautiful mind.
5. "A Quiet Drink" 2.iv.75, 9.25-10.55pm
Well, it depends on what you mean by quiet . . . Blamire, Compo
and Clegg drop into a country pub, gather convivial company--
except for Mouse, a notorious non-buyer of rounds. Clegg takes
up the challenge.
6. "A Ballad for Wind Instruments and Canoe". 9.iv.75, 9.25-9.55pm
They are given a canoe by one Arnpepper, who's cheesed at having
missed a world record. They fancy doing better, even with Blamire
navigating.
7. "Northern Flying Circus". 16.iv.75, 9.35-10.05pm
This week they buy an old motor-bike and dress Compo for the part.
(15-21) SERIES 3 (1976)
(All episodes on Wednesdays, BBC1)
Produced and Directed by Sydney Lotterby
1. "The Man from Oswestry" 27.x.76, 9.35-10.05pm
Blamire has gone off to woo a widow, but his old friend Foggy
Dewhurst comes: Brian Wilde . . . as the ex-army curio and
"fourteen-carat gilt-edged barm-pot".
{John Comer, Jane Freeman, Paul Luty (as Big Malcolm)}
2. "Mending Stuart's Leg" 3.xi.76, 9.25-9.55pm
Foggy puts his military skills to work on Sid's roof and Stuart's
leg alike.
{Reginald Barratt (Stuart), John Comer, Jane Freeman, Blake Butler,
Kate Brown (Miss Moody), Kathy Staff}
3. "The Great Boarding-house Bathroom Caper" 10.xi.76, 9.35-10.05pm
The trio are off for a seaside weekend planned with Foggy's usual
military precision.
{John Comer, Jane Freeman, Philip Jackson, Kathy Staff}
4. "Cheering Up Gordon" 17.xi.76, 9.25-9.55pm
Gordon is Compo's nephew, and the trio are going to cheer him up
with a few tips on pulling the birds--if he teaches them how to fish.
{Philip Jackson, John Comer, Jane Freeman, Kathy Staff, Joe Gladwin,
Liz Goulding (Josie), Kathleen St John (Mabel)}
5. "The Kink in Foggy's Niblick" 24.xi.76, 9.35-10.05pm
Sid challenges Foggy to a round of golf, and so Foggy takes up the
game for the first time since 1939 with predictably hazardous
consequences.
6. "Going to Gordon's Wedding" 1.xii.76, 9.35-10.05pm
The social occasion of Compo's year inspires him to have a bath
and to borrow one of Clegg's suits to go with his wellies.
{Philip Jackson, Liz Goulding (Josie), Kathy Staff}}
7. "Isometrics and After" 8.xii.76, 9.25-9.55pm
Foggy sets about getting Compo and Clegg fitter. Clegg is all
for fitness if he can keep his vest on.
(22-27,29) SERIES 4 (1977-78)
(All episodes on Wednesdays, BBC1)
Produced and Directed by Sydney Lotterby
1. "Ferret Come Home". 9.xi.77, 9.35-10.05pm
Compo's ferret disappears into Nora Batty's clothes basket.
2. "Getting on Sidney's Wire". 16.xi.77, 9.25-9.55pm
Wherein Compo, Clegg and Foggy try to fix Sid's doormat to go off
when someone treads on it.
{John Comer, Jane Freeman, Kathy Staff}
3. "Jubilee". 23.xi.77, 9.25-9.55pm
Last of the year's Royal Jubilee events, planned by Foggy with
Compo and Clegg roped in.
{John Comer, Jane Freeman, John Horsley (vicar)}
4. "Flower Power Cut" 30.xi.77, 9.35-10.05pm
Tonight we see the effect of music on daisies--and Ivy. During
a funeral Clegg claims that flowers respond to kindness, so he
decides to play soothing music to the daisies in Sid's caff--but
Ivy has a low opinion of this idea.
5. "Who Made a Bit of a Splash in Wales Then?" 7.xii.77, 9.35-10.05pm
Foggy goes a-courting and he will ride home with them in a hired
car, reckon Compo and Clegg, off to collect their mate from his
visit to Wales with plans to disrupt Foggy's romantic interlude.
6. "Greenfingers". 21.xii.77, 9.25-9.55pm
Compo's grown fed-up with shop-bought veg, and their lack of
flavour; so have the other two and they're off in search of
some honest farmyard muck to grow their own vegetables.
7. "The Bandit from Stoke-on-Trent". 4.i.78, 9.25-9.55pm
Timothy Bateson joins the regulars. This week we have Foggy
talking against a friend of Compo and Clegg.
(28) NEW YEAR SPECIAL (1978)
Sunday, 1.i.78, 10.15-10.50pm, BBC1
"A Merry Heatwave". Christmas comes but twice this year for the
three friends, faking Yuletide festivities in high summer so as
to make an urgent cinefilm of a real English Christmas. They
can't hang about for the real thing since the home movie is a
pressie for Nora Batty's brother, at death's door down under and
dreaming of one last glimpse of home.
(30) BOXING-DAY SPECIAL (1978)
Tues. 26.xii.78, 10.40-11.10pm
"Small Tune on a Penny Wassail". Christmas offering from Compo,
Clegg and Foggy"
(31-37) SERIES 5 (1979)
(All episodes on Tuesdays, 8.30-9.00pm, BBC1)
Produced [and directed] by Sydney Lotterby
1. "Full Steam Behind" 18.ix.79
Foggy enthusiastically brings Compo and Clegg along to the opening
of the restored steam railway.
{Dodworth Colliery Band, directed by Graham O'Connor}
2. "The Flag and Its Snag" 25.ix.79
Flagwaving takes on a new dimension when Foggy is seized with a
fit of muscular patriotism, determining to grace the highest of
the surrounding hills with a flagpole proudly displaying the
Union Jack.
{John Comer, Jane Freeman, Gordon Gostelow}
3. "The Flag and Further Snags" 2.x.79
Foggy presses on with his patriotic efforts to improve the British
landscape. He now has the flag and flagpole and only needs the
support of the Noble and Ancient Order of Bullocks to complete his
mission.
{John Comer, Jane Freeman, Kathy Staff, Joe Gladwin, Robert Lang,
Stan Richards, Roger Elliott, Maggie Ollerenshaw}
4. "Deep in the Heart of Yorkshire" 9.x.79
Compo and company are puzzled when they see Sid creeping out of
the woods carrying a bedroll. When Wally is caught doing the
same thing, they decide to mount a full investigation.
{John Comer, Jane Freeman, Kathy Staff, Joe Gladwin}
5. "Earnshaw Strikes Again" 16.x.79
Are the terrible trio just in a despondent mood or is the world
really boring? Foggy tries to shake them out of their despondency
but gets little thanks for his efforts.
{John Comer, Jane Freeman, Kathy Staff, David Ryall, John Rolfe,
Peter Schofield}
6. "Here We Go into the Wild Blue Yonder" 23.x.79
Compo nurtures an ambition to go hang-gliding, so pigeon-fancier
Wally Batty builds him a pigeon-shaped glider. Compo turns
chicken but Foggy won't let him duck out.
{John Comer, Jane Freeman, Kathy Staff, Joe Gladwin, Stuart Fell,
John Dair}
7. "Here We Go Again into the Wild Blue Yonder". 30.x.79
Last of the current series. Will Compo get it off to a flying
finish?
(38) CHRISTMAS SPECIAL (1979)
Thurs. 27.xii.79, 8.30-9.00PM, BBC1
"And a Dewhurst up a Fir Tree". Christmas shopping in summer--
including Christmas trees.
(39) CHRISTMAS SPECIAL (1981)
Fri. 25.xii.81, 7.15-7.45pm, BBC1 [rerun Sun. 13.iii.83, 7.15-7.45]
"Whoops" The three old pals in a special (and new) Christmas
story in which they are reunited with some old tearaway schoolday
chums, Chuffer Enright and Splutter Lipinscale. This edition
heralds the start of a new series of Last of the Summer Wine in
the New Year.
(40-46) SERIES 6 (1982)
(All episodes on Mondays, 9.25-9.55pm, BBC1)
1. "In the Service of Humanity". 4.i.82
2. "Car and Garter". 11.i.82
The three old fogies try to help Sid enhance his romantic image.
3. "The Odd Dog Men". 18.i.82
The three old fogies take to professional dog-walking.
4. "A Bicycle Made for Three". 25.i.82
The three old Yorkshiremen take to building cycles when they
realise they cannot afford to buy second-hand machines.
5. "One of the Last Few Places Unexplored by Man". 1.ii.82
Compo's heroism knows no bounds as he vows to have his picture
taken in that holy of holies--Nora Batty's bedroom.
6. "Serenade for Tight Jeans and Metal Detector". 8.ii.82
Foggy decides that Compo is in need of a new pair of trousers.
At the second hand shop he is made to try on a rather tight pair
of jeans and Clegg discovers an old metal detector, this latter
find opening up a whole new horizon for the indolent trio.
7. "From Wellies to Wet Suit". 15.ii.82
Compo borrows a fiver from Foggy so he can buy Sid's second-hand
frogman's outfit in order to explore the wonders of the deep.
When this diversion loses its appeal, it is suggested that Compo
should try water ski-ing.
(47) CHRISTMAS SPECIAL (1982)
"All Mod Conned". 25.xii.82, 6.55-7.30pm
The wonderful trio in a Christmas Special--on a self-catering
cottage jaunt.
(47b) CHRISTMAS SKETCH
A probably less-than-ten-minute sketch as part of :
The Funny Side of Christmas, presented by Frank Muir. Mon.
27.xii.82, 8.05-9.25pm, BBC1. Packaging specially-written
Yuletide scenes as experienced by the stars of Yes Minister,
Last of the Summer Wine, Open All Hours, Sorry!, Reginald Perrin,
Butterflies, and others.
(48-53) SERIES 7 (1983)
(All episodes on Sundays, 7.15-7.45pm, BBC1)
1. "The Frozen Turkey Man". 30.i.83
Compo tries to enlist the help of his chums to help find a box of
doubtful artefacts he buried while still at school.
2. "The White Man's Grave". 6.ii.83
The three old fogies decide to rescue Wally Batty from the tyranny
of Nora, but returning him to the nuptial home proves a little
tricky.
3. "The Waist Land". 13.ii.83
The three old fogies seize the chance to make a quick profit when
they discover there's money to be made in forbidden fruit for
inmates of a health farm desperate for food.
4. "Cheering Up Ludovic". 20.ii.83
Bryan Pringle plays an old friend of the tearaway trio.
[Wally and Nora are in this one, too.]
5. "The Three Astaires". 27.ii.83
Foggy decides to volunteer himself and his two chums to assist
in the annual Church Concert Party. Chaos ensues as Clegg
develops stage fright and Compo loses interest.
6. "The Arts of Concealment". 6.iii.83.
Foggy teaches his reluctant companions the art of army-style
concealment.
(54) CHRISTMAS SPECIAL (1983)
Tues. 27.xii.83, 8.50-10.20pm, BBC1
["Getting Sam Home"--episode title does not appear on screen, but
is found on the box of the BBC Video commercial release, and in
the Radio Times listing for the repeat on 8.v.94. This episode
has two superficial features that set it apart from all the
others: (1) It is the only story that has ever been published
in book form. In fact, it was published first as a novel, and
then adapted for television. (2) The composer, Ronnie
Hazlehurst, added words to his signature tune, which for this
film only is sung by the Mike Sammes Singers, in contrast to the
usual instrumental performance featuring harmonica and guitar.]
Produced and Directed by Alan J. W. Bell
Compo, Foggy and Clegg acquiesce to a request from an old mate,
Sam, to help him have one last fling with the comely
Lily-Bless-Her. Problems arise when Sam dies in the ample arms
of his fancy piece.
{Lynda Baron (Lily Bless Her), John Comer, Jane Freeman, Joe
Gladwin, Kathy Staff, Olive Pendleton (Sybil [Mordroyd]), Peter
Russell (Sam [Samuel H. Mordroyd]), Jim Marsh (Dadsy), Muriel
Rogers (Mamsy), David Williams (Mr. Fairburn), Johnny Leeze
('Our Kid' Colin [Sam's nephew]), Maxton Beesley (Colin's mate),
Christine Cox (cousin Olive), Randal Herley (drunk), Ken Kitson
(police constable), Bill Croasdale (police sergeant), Igor
Gridneff (Mr. Zapojinski), Paula Randell (pub singer)}
(55) CHRISTMAS SPECIAL (1984)
"The Loxley Lozenge". Sun. 30.xii.84, 7.15-7.45pm, BBC1
The lads have another run-in with dare-devil racer Wesley Pegden
and his DIY racing car, the Loxley Lozenge.
(56-61) SERIES 8 (1985--some if not all 1985 episodes are copyright 1984)
Produced and Directed by Alan J. W. Bell
1. "The Mysterious Feet of Nora Batty". Sun. 10.ii.85, 8.10-8.40
2. "Keeping Britain Tidy". Sun. 17.ii.85, 8.05-8.35pm
A dumped mattress leads to the formation of the Dewhurst Campaign
for a Cleaner Countryside.
3. "Enter the Phantom". Sun. 24.ii.85, 8.10-8.40pm
Foggy does motorbike wheelies for Nora Batty.
4. "Catching Digby's Donkey". Sun. 3.iii.85, 8.10-8.40pm
Lance-Cpl Signwriter Dewhurst leads his men into action.
5. "The Woolenmills of Your Mind". Sun. 10.iii.85, 8.10-8.40pm
{Jane Freeman, Joe Gladwin, Jonathan Linsley, Kathy Staff, Jean
Fergusson, Robert Fyfe, Juliette Kaplan, Steve Collins, Sylvia
Stoker}
6. "Who's Looking after the Cafe Then?" Sun. 17.iii.85, 7.15-7.45pm
When his aunt Ivy is called away, Crusher has delusions of
competence--but Ivy knows better than to leave the caff in his
hands. But is it really a better idea to let Foggy hold the fort?
{Jane Freeman, Joe Gladwin, Kathy Staff, Jonathan Linsley, Gordon
Wharmby, Gil Morris, Geoffrey Colvile, Margaret Stallard,
Geoffrey Wilkinson, David Williams}
(62) NEW YEAR'S SPECIAL (1986)
Produced and Directed by Alan J. W. Bell
"Uncle of the Bride". Wed. 1.i.86, 8.15-9.40pm, BBC1
A feature-length episode starring Bill Owen, Peter Sallis and
Michael Aldridge, who plays Seymour, the character who has
replaced Foggy. Compo and Clegg meet Uncle Seymour (the
eponymous uncle), a retired school headmaster and eccentric
inventor, when they attend Wesley's [!! recte: "Barry's"--see
Cast List, above] stag night.
{Thora Hird, Kathy Staff, Joe Gladwin, Jane Freeman, Jonathan
Linsley, Gordon Wharmby, Robert Fyfe, Jean Fergusson, Juliette
Kaplan, Mike Grady, Sarah Thomas}
(63) CHRISTMAS SPECIAL (1986)
"Merry Christmas Father Christmas". Sun. 28.xii.86, 7.15-7.50pm, BBC1
Seymour ropes the other two into his plan to put the magic back
into Christmas, and Compo finds himself launched onto Nora
Batty's roof.
{Kathy Staff, Thora Hird}
(64-75) SERIES 9 (1987)
[At least ten of the episodes are copyright 1986.]
Produced and Directed by Alan J. W. Bell
1. "Why Does Norman Clegg Buy Ladies' Elastic Stockings?" Sun.
4.i.87, 7.15-7.50
First episode finds Seymour in the throes of invention and
expecting his fellow old codgers to assist.
{Thora Hird, Joe Gladwin, Kathy Staff, Jane Freeman, Jonathan
Linsley, Jean Fergusson, Robert Fyfe, Juliette Kaplan, Johnny
Leeze, Gordon Wharmby}
2. "The Heavily Reinforced Bottom". Sun. 11.i.87, 7.15-7.45
Seymour decrees that they need more exercise and Compo performs
a solo version of three men in a boat.
{Thora Hird, Joe Gladwin, Kathy Staff, Jane Freeman, Jonathan
Linsley, Gordon Wharmby, Jean Fergusson, Robert Fyfe, Mike Grady,
Juliette Kaplan, Sarah Thomas, James Duggan}
3. "Dried Dates and Codfanglers". Sun. 18.i.87, 7.15-7.45
Compo offers his thoughts on ferrets, females and love tokens.
{Joe Gladwin, Kathy Staff, Jane Freeman, Jonathan Linsley, Jean
Fergusson, Robert Fyfe}
4. "The Really Masculine Purse". Sun. 25.i.87, 7.15-7.45
Compo decides that if there is one thing worse than a bloke with
a purse, it's being seen in the company of a bloke with a purse.
{Joe Gladwin, Kathy Staff, Jane Freeman, Jonathan Linsley}
5. "Who's Feeling Ejected Then?" Sun. 1.ii.87, 7.15-7.45
Seymour comes up with an unnerving new invention, Compo is
delegated to test it, and Clegg expresses his reservations.
{Joe Gladwin, Kathy Staff, Jane Freeman, Jonathan Linsley, Jean
Fergusson, Robert Fyfe, Mike Grady, Gordon Wharmby, Ina Clough,
Maxton Beesley, Anthony Wingate}
6. "The Ice Cream Man Cometh". Sun. 8.ii.87, 7.15-7.45
And the over-heated tourist parteth with lots of lolly . . . at
least that's the theory behind Seymour's heatwave brainwave.
Aldridge, Owen and Sallis, the try-anything trio, here going into
the stop-me-and-buy-one business.
7. "Set the People Free". Sun. 15.ii.87, 7.15-7.45
Compo, Clegg and Seymour try and free poor old Wally from his
domestic thraldom.
{Joe Gladwin, Kathy Staff, Jane Freeman, Jonathan Linsley, Gordon
Wharmby, Robert Fyfe, Juliette Kaplan, Geoffrey Colvile, Margaret
Stallard}
8. "Go with the Flow". Sun. 22.ii.87, 7.15-7.45
Clegg has a religious experience and Seymour wreaks havoc in the
cafe.
{Joe Gladwin, Kathy Staff, Jane Freeman, Jonathan Linsley, Richard
Vernon (Rev. Beanpeach), Ann Way (Rosemary Beanpeach), John Berlyne,
Elizabeth McGrath}
9. "Jaws". Sun. 1.iii.87, 7.15-7.45
Compo and Clegg rubbish Seymour's latest invention (a waste-
disposal unit with more than ample power reserves, designed
for Edie's kitchen) as a waste of time--and have to eat their
words.
{Thora Hird, Joe Gladwin, Kathy Staff, Jane Freeman, Gordon
Wharmby, Danny O'Dea, Ray Blake, Anthony Collin, Gordon Dulieu,
William Ilkley, Nick Mercer}
10. "Edie and the Automobile". Sun. 8.iii.87, 7.15-7.45
Can Seymour succeed in teaching Edie to drive?
{Thora Hird, Joe Gladwin, Kathy Staff, Jane Freeman, Jonathan
Linsley, Mike Grady, Robert Fyfe, Juliette Kaplan, Sarah Thomas,
Gordon Wharmby}
11. "Wind Power". Sun. 15.iii.87, 7.15-7.45
The trio are off to harness all that free energy in the wind.
{Thora Hird, Joe Gladwin, Kathy Staff, Jane Freeman, Jonathan
Linsley, Gordon Wharmby}
12. "When You Take a Good Bite, Yorkshire Tastes Terrible". Sun.
22.iii.87, 7.15-7.45
Clegg decides that they should "do the three pubs" in memory of
Bill Henry Duffield, who died in America when he fell out of an
aeroplane. "They say America's the land of opportunity: 'E
would never of fell out of an aeroplane 'round 'ere!" (Wally
Batty)
{Kathy Staff, Joe Gladwin, Jane Freeman, Jonathan Linsley, Thora
Hird, Robert Fyfe, Juliette Kaplan, Gordon Wharmby}
(76) CHRISTMAS SPECIAL (1987)
Produced and Directed by Alan J. W. Bell.
Sun. 27.xii.87, 7.15-8.35pm, BBC1
"Big Day at Dream Acres". Compo and Clegg are not interested in
Gary and Vi's annual garden party--until they learn that Nora
Batty is going to be a waitress and that Seymour is in charge
of the public address system. [Photo in the Times captioned
"Ray McAnally as the enigmatic tramp in Last of the Summer Wine",
and photo in the Guardian captioned "Heathcliffe (the donkey) and
friends" (the "friends" being Clegg, the tramp, Nora Batty, ?,
and Compo.)
{Thora Hird, Kathy Staff, Jane Freeman, Ray McAnally (Tramp)}
(77-82) SERIES 10 (1988)
(Guardian erroneously describes this as the *eleventh* series.
All episodes on Sundays, 7.15-7.45pm)
Produced and Directed by Alan J. W. Bell
1. "The Experiment". 16.x.88
2. "The Treasure of the Deep". 23.x.88
Will the candlestick in the canal lead Seymour into the country
set?
3. "Dancing Feet". 30.x.88
Not enjoying an outing in Wesley's car, in the Yorkshire Dales.
4. "That Certain Smile". 6.xi.88
5. "Downhill Racer". 13.xi.88
The old codgers go on the piste.
6. "Day of the Welsh Ferret". 20.xi.88
Compo's pet upsets a funeral.
(83) CHRISTMAS SPECIAL (1988)
Sat. 24.xii.88, 8.00-9.00pm, BBC1
"C.R.U.M.s". Compo, Clegg and Seymour, dressed as Father
Christmases, are collecting for the church when they are landed
with an errand of mercy to protect the formidable Aunty
Wainwright who has had a premonition that her second-hand shop
is to be broken into on Christmas Eve.
Introducing Jean Alexander as Aunty Wainwright.
(84-90) SERIES 11 (1989)
(All episodes on Sundays, 7.15-7.45pm)
Produced and Directed by Alan J. W. Bell
1. "Come Back Jack Harry Teesdale". 15.x.89
2. "The Kiss and Mavis Poskit". 22.x.89
Nora and Edie try to pair Clegg off with Mavis Poskit.
{Kathy Staff, Thora Hird}
3. "Oh Shut Up and Eat Your Choc-Ice". 29.x.89
4. "Who's That Bloke with Nora Batty, Then?" 5.xi.89
The word in the village is that Nora Batty has a sweetheart,
or as Edie puts it, "something in trousers".
{Kathy Staff, Thora Hird}
5. "Happy Anniversary, Gough and Jessie". 12.xi.89
6. "Getting Barry Higher in the World". 19.xi.89
Seymour demonstrates the art of kite-making.
7. "Three Men and a Mangle". 26.xi.89
The last of the series finds Compo being invited into Nora
Batty's bedroom, an experience that Seymour will not easily
forget.
(91) CHRISTMAS SPECIAL (1989)
Sat. 23.xii.89, 8.30-9.20pm, BBC1
"What's Santa Bought for Nora, Then?". Despite financial snags,
Compo is determined to show his affection for Nora Batty by
giving her a present at the Christmas party. But after visiting
the perfume counter and then the jewellery section of a department
store, Compo realises the enormity of his task.
(92-101) SERIES 12 (1990)
(All episodes on Sundays, 7.15-7.45pm, BBC1)
Produced and Directed by Alan J. W. Bell
1. "Return of the Warrior". 2.ix.90
Brian Wilde rejoins the series as Foggy Dewhurst.
2. "Come in Sunray Major". 9.ix.90
Foggy supplies Compo and Clegg with ex-army radios through which
they can keep in touch.
3. "The Charity Balls". 16.ix.90
Who better than Roy Clarke's Pennine pensioners to participate
in a charity dribble?
4. "Walking Stiff Can Make You Famous". 23.ix.90
Foggy decides to invent bicycle polo, with a view to making a
mint.
{Thora Hird, Jane Freeman, Kathy Staff, Jean Fergusson, Robert
Fyfe, Juliette Kaplan, Sarah Thomas, Gordon Wharmby, Danny O'Dea}
5. "That's Not Captain Zero". 30.ix.90
That is Trevor Peacock as the Human Cannonball, who gets too well
primed, and gives Compo his chance to explode into show business.
6. "Das (Welly) Boot". 7.x.90
Three men, a boat, and a toaster. Foggy restores an old boat and
attempts to use it as a water taxi, but when the boat is launched,
all Compo wants to do is get Nora Batty on board.
{Thora Hird, Mike Grady, Kathy Staff, Jane Freeman, Juliette
Kaplan, Robert Fyfe, Jean Fergusson, Sarah Thomas, Gordon Wharmby}
7. "The Empire That Foggy Nearly Built". 14.x.90
Foggy decides he will be a driving force in the car-park business.
All he needs are some spaces and a couple of helpers.
{Thora Hird, Kathy Staff, Jane Freeman, Juliette Kaplan, Robert
Fyfe, Jean Fergusson, Sarah Thomas, Gordon Wharmby}
8. "The Last Surviving Maurice Chevalier Impression". 21.x.90
A fake French accent is assumed--and though 'Allo 'Allo's Gorden
Kaye makes a guest appearance, it shouldn't be assumed that he's
the one putting it on. (It's Compo, pretending to be a celebrity
to impress Nora Batty.)
9. "Roll On". 28.x.90
Foggy refuses to accept that he's too old for barrel-rolling and
begins serious training on some nursery slopes.
10. "A Landlady for Smiler". 4.xi.90
A new character, Smiler, with a face like a bad knee, according
to Nora Batty, has an accommodation problem, which the
irrepressible trio try to solve. And we investigate one of the
great mysteries of our time: what does Compo keep in his
matchbox--and why does he put salt on it?
{Kathy Staff, Jane Freeman, Stephen Lewis, Jean Fergusson,
Juliette Kaplan, Robert Fyfe, Chris Breeze}
(102) CHRISTMAS SPECIAL (1990)
Thurs. 27.xii.90, 8.00-8.30pm, BBC1
[Untitled] With Bill Owen, Peter Sallis, Brian Wilde.
Barry gets locked in the pub over the night of Christmas and
decides to celebrate. The next morning he has a hangover and
is too scared to go home, which proves an opportune moment for
Foggy to intervene with his Christmas present--a bleeper.
[RT: It's Boxing Day, and Barry is in big trouble. Will Foggy's
prized Christmas present come to the rescue?]
(103-108) SERIES 13 (1991)
Guardian confirms this as the 13th series, but further offers
that it begins with episode no. 101 [see Appendix].
Produced and Directed by Alan J. W. Bell
1. "Quick Quick Slow" Fri. 18.x.91, 8.00-8.30pm
Compo is forlorn, as she of the wrinkled stockings has taken in
a morose and much-reviled lodger called Smiler.
{Thora Hird, Jane Freeman, Kathy Staff, Stephen Lewis, Jean
Fergusson}
2. "Give Us a Lift" Fri. 25.x.91, 8.00-8.30pm
Compo is convinced that hills have gotten steeper or gravity
heavier. So Foggy invents a new mode of ascent.
{Thora Hird, Jane Freeman, Kathy Staff, Stephen Lewis, Jean
Fergusson, Robert Fyfe}
3. "Was That Nora Batty Singing?" Fri. 1.xi.91, 8.00-8.30pm
She's acting strangely and Compo is worried.
{Thora Hird, Jane Freeman, Kathy Staff}
4. "Cashflow Problems" Fri. 8.xi.91, 8.00-8.30pm
Compo is short of the readies. Then he remembers he is owed a
shilling--by the school bully, Biff Hemingway, who took it off
him fifty and more years ago. Enlisting Foggy's military
expertise, they set off to find Biff's present whereabouts.
{Thora Hird, Kathy Staff, Jane Freeman, Jean Fergusson, Robert
Fyfe, Juliette Kaplan, Sarah Thomas, Gordon Wharmby, Ian
Fairburn, Roger Grainger, Hope Johnstone, Danny O'Dea, Graham
Rigby, Alan Starkey, Michael Wardle}
5. "Passing the Earring" Fri. 15.xi.91, 8.00-8.30pm
Little Howard finds Marina's earring tangled in his lambswool
sweater and unwisely asks Clegg to help him hide the evidence.
6. "Pole Star" Fri. 29.xi.91, 8.00-8.30pm
Unable to reach Nora's washing line, let alone her heart, Compo
accepts some dubious advice from Foggy on pole vaulting.
{Thora Hird, Jane Freeman, Kathy Staff, Stephen Lewis, Jean
Fergusson, Robert Fyfe, Juliette Kaplan, Sarah Thomas, Danny
O'Dea, Tony Nelson}
(109) CHRISTMAS SPECIAL (1991)
Sun. 22.xii.91, 7.15-7.45pm, BBC1
"Situations Vacant". Foggy thinks that Compo's trousers are out
of control and Clegg thinks they are haunted. Either way,
there's no doubt Compo needs a new pair, especially if he is to
become a one-man courier service.
(110-119) SERIES 14 (1992)
Produced and Directed by Alan J. W. Bell
1. "By the Magnificent Thighs of Ernie Burniston". Sun. 25.x.92,
7.15-7.45pm
Howard asks Clegg to deliver a card to the sexy Marina, and
Compo's failing fitness fills him with gloom.
{Jean Alexander, Thora Hird, Jane Freeman, Kathy Staff, Robert
Fyfe, Jean Fergusson}
2. "Errol Flynn Used to Have a Pair Like That". Sun. 1.xi.92,
7.15-7.45pm
When Compo overhears Nora Batty confiding that it was Errol
Flynn's riding outfit that used to turn her on, he looks out his
old motorcycle leathers and sets off to serenade her.
{Jean Alexander, Jane Freeman, Thora Hird, Kathy Staff}
3. "The Phantom of the Graveyard". Sun. 8.xi.92, 7.15-7.45pm
Compo, Clegg and Foggy reflect on the passing of Old Sylvester,
a fondly remembered school-teacher. But before they can pay
their respects at his funeral, Foggy insists that they must get
a new suit for Compo--and have a few formal drinks in Old
Sylvester's memory.
{Jean Alexander, Jane Freeman, Thora Hird, Kathy Staff, Jean
Fergusson, Robert Fyfe, Juliette Kaplan, Stephen Lewis, Sarah
Thomas, Danny O'Dea}
4. "The Self-Propelled Salad Strainer". Sun. 15.xi.92, 7.15-7.45pm
Compo has discovered that Nora Batty was seen leaving the village
carrying a suitcase, so he decides that the time has come to
declare his deep love for her by saying it with flowers.
{Jean Alexander, Jane Freeman, Thora Hird, Kathy Staff}
5. "Ordeal by Trousers". Sun. 22.xi.92, 7.15-7.45pm
The question is, are Foggy's war stories fact or fiction? Compo
thinks forcing him to undergo an old schoolboy equivalent of a
medieval trial will get to the truth.
6. "Happy Birthday Howard". Sun. 29.xi.92, 7.15-7.45pm
Marina bullies Clegg into delivering an oversize love token, in
the form of a giant panda, to Howard without arousing the
suspicions of his wife, Pearl. Yorkshire women being what they
are, Clegg is probably in very deep water.
7. "Who's Got Rhythm?" Sun. 6.xii.92, 7.15-7.45pm
When Compo gets short of brass he finds he's extremely musical.
8. "Camera Shy". Sun. 13.xii.92, 7.15-7.45pm
Compo buys a stuffed owl, Clegg a cup and saucer, and Foggy
acquires a camcorder, which he uses to photograph country
ramblers (e.g., Howard and Marina in one of their clandestine
encounters in the countryside).
9. "Wheelies". Sun. 20.xii.92, 7.15-7.45pm
Maybe the invention of the wheel wasn't such a good thing after
all. Meanwhile, Clegg has developed a phobia about Auntie
Wainwright's shop.
10. "Stop That Castle!". Sat. 26.xii.92, 7.45-8.15pm
In this last, festive episode of the series the geriatric trio
are put in charge of the annual gala parade.
(120-129) SERIES 15 (1993)
Produced and Directed by Alan J. W. Bell
1. "How to Clear Your Pipes". Sun. 24.x.93
Compo's passion for Nora Batty is undimmed, and might be
reciprocated, reckons Foggy, who devises an assault course
to bring Compo up to the standard of Rudolph Valentino, but
Clegg can't see why he should join in.
2. "Where There's Smoke, There's a Barbecue". 31.x.93
A portable gas barbecue promises idyllic feasts in the
countryside--if they can master the gas pressure valve.
3. "The Black Widow". 7.xi.93
Too much home-brew at Ernie Mordue's funeral tea leaves Compo
and Foggy with a bad hangover and Clegg with a good woman.
How is Clegg to be rescued from the clutches of the deadly
Mrs Jack Attercliffe?
4. "Have You Got a Light, Mate?" 14.xi.93
When Howard wants the china shepherdess in Auntie Wainwright's
window as a gift for a certain lady friend, it is Clegg who gets
the job of buying it.
5. "Stop That Bath". 21.xi.93
For once, Howard has a cast-iron excuse for being out without
permission. (It's a cast-iron bathtub)
6. "Concerto for Solo Bicycle". 28.xi.93
A bike accident gives Foggy an idea: he will make a fortune out
of "bicycle safety underwear".
7. "Springing Smiler". 5.xii.93
Foggy, Clegg and a rather enthusiastic Compo accept the challenge
of springing Smiler, Nora Batty's ex-lodger.
8. "There Are Gypsies at the Bottom of Our Garden". 12.xii.93
When Foggy's trained ear identifies the tapping sound coming from
the woods as that of the giant woodpecker, he loses no time in
exploiting this wonder of nature with the help of Wesley and a
tour bus.
9. "Aladdin Gets on Your Wick". 19.xii.93
Foggy is inspired by the sight of a windsurfer slicing through
the water. But where can he get a bit of wood big enough for
three to stand on?
10. "Welcome to Earth". Mon. 27.xii.93, 8.35-9.05pm
Extraterrestrial encounters for the irrepressible trio, and a
reported sighting of John Cleese. The old codgers amble into
a circle of standing stones, only to be welcomed by a member of
the Heckmondwike Extra-terrestrial Club, who has calculated that
visitors from outer-space are expected at any moment. Foggy is
worried that the aliens will consider them a 'sloppy mob' of
yokels. Meanwhile Howard and Marina have taken up wild-flower
collecting so that they can be alone at last.
(130-138) SERIES 16 (1995a)
Produced and Directed by Alan J. W. Bell
(First episode is a New Year special by virtue of length, but is
announced as the first of a new series.)
1. "The Man Who Nearly Knew Pavarotti". Sun. 1.i.95, 7.00–8.00pm
Norman Wisdom, as Billy Ingleton the demon pianist, gives Foggy
the chance to prove his outstanding talents as a concert promoter.
2. "The Glory Hole". Sun. 8.i.95, 7.05–7.35pm
Foggy commandeers a little bit of wartime nostalgia when he finds
a hole in the road which brings back memories of the conflict.
Despite Compo and Clegg's lack of interest, he lays claim to an
old siren which he then exchanges for a genuine cedar flagpole.
{Kathy Staff, Jane Freeman, Thora Hird, Jean Alexander, Jean
Fergusson, Robert Fyfe, Juliette Kaplan, Danny O'Dea, Sarah
Thomas, Gordon Wharmby, Richard Mapletoft (Browser)}
3. "Adopted by a Stray". Sun. 15.i.95, 7.00–7.30
Compo, Clegg and Foggy are delighted when a stranger makes them
a present of his old van, until they find out what is inside.
{Kathy Staff, Jane Freeman, Thora Hird, Jean Alexander, Jean
Fergusson, Robert Fyfe}
4. "The Defeat of the Stoneworm". Sun. 22.i.95, 7.00–7.30
Panic hits the neighbourhood when Howard discovers an outbreak
of a little-known household pest.
{Kathy Staff, Jane Freeman, Thora Hird, Jean Alexander, Jean
Fergusson, Robert Fyfe, Juliette Kaplan}
5. "Once in a Moonlit Junkyard". Sun. 29.i.95, 7.05–7.35
A sinister-looking biker arrives in town and puts fear into the
heart of Compo, until he makes a rather startling discovery.
{Kathy Staff, Jane Freeman, Thora Hird, Jean Alexander, Jean
Fergusson, Freddie Davies}
6. "The Space Ace". 5.ii.95
When alcohol interrupts the training programme of Yorkshire's
first trainee astronaut, Foggy knows just the man to take over.
{Kathy Staff, Jane Freeman, Thora Hird, Jean Alexander}
7. "The Most Powerful Eyeballs in West Yorkshire". 12.ii.95
Howard fails to hypnotise Pearl and prompts Foggy to demonstrate
how to influence people--and lose friends.
{Kathy Staff, Jane Freeman, Thora Hird, Jean Fergusson, Robert
Fyfe, Juliette Kaplan, Danny O'Dea, Sarah Thomas, Gordon Wharmby}
8. "The Dewhirsts of Ogleby Hall". 19.ii.95
Foggy discovers that he may be a member of the aristocracy.
{Kathy Staff, Jane Freeman, Thora Hird, Jean Alexander, Jean
Fergusson, Robert Fyfe, Juliette Kaplan, Stephen Lewis, Danny
O'Dea, Sarah Thomas}
9. "The Sweet Smell of Excess". Sun. 26.ii.95, 7.00-7.30
Following a trip to the seaside, Compo becomes hooked on the
trampoline--in more ways than one.
{Kathy Staff, Jane Freeman, Thora Hird, Jean Alexander, Jean
Fergusson, Robert Fyfe, Juliette Kaplan, Danny O'Dea, Sarah
Thomas, Gordon Wharmby}
(139- ) SERIES 17 (1995b)
[Radio Times erroneously reports this as "the 18th series".]
Produced and Directed by Alan J. W. Bell
1. "Leaving Home Forever, or Till Teatime". Sun. 3.ix.95, 7.00-7.30
Howard finds that lipstick on his collar is a sure way of
becoming homeless.
{Kathy Staff, Jane Freeman, Thora Hird, Jean Alexander, Jean
Fergusson, Robert Fyfe, Juliette Kaplan, Sarah Thomas, Danny
O'Dea}
2. "". Sun. 10.ix.95, 7.00–7.30
Foggy's decision to go trekking across the moors coincides with
Auntie Wainwright's special offer of grocery delivery bicycles.
{Jane Freeman, Jean Alexander}
[etc., further details to be added as they become available]
===================================================================
FIRST OF THE SUMMER WINE
by Roy Clarke
Spinoff from Last of the Summer Wine, in which we see what the old
codgers were like in 1939 as mere lads of 18.
Regular Cast:
Richard Lumsden . . . . . . . . . Foggy Dewhurst
Paul Wyett . . . . . . . . . . . . Compo ?Simmon
Paul McLain . . . . . . . . . . . Seymour Utterthwaite
David Fenwick . . . . . . . . . . Norman Clegg
Peter Sallis . . . . . . . . . . . Mr Clegg, Norman's father
Maggie Ollerenshaw . . . . . . . . ?
Linda Davidson . . . . . . . . . . Anita Pillsworth
Gary Whitaker . . . . . . . . . . Wally Batty
Helen Patrick . . . . . . . . . . Nora Renshaw
(1) PILOT, Sun. 3.i.88, 7.15-8.00pm
When a character leans over a bridge and wonders whether you
can go to hell for fishing on a Sunday and gets the retort,
"Do you think hell's going to be open on a Sunday?", we can
only be in Roy Clarke country. The focus is on the young Norman
Clegg, his taciturn decorator father, and a mother who reads
Picturegoer and wants the boy to be like Freddie Bartholomew.
There are the seeds, too, of the future life of the Battys.
(2-7) SERIES 1 (1988)
(All episodes on Sundays, 7.15-7.45pm)
1. "Taller Exercises". 4.ix.88
"Does tha ever think we'll get th'hang of lasses?" asks Sherbert
mournfully in this new series about Compo, Clegg and Seymour when
they were nowt but lads.
2. "The Just Doesn't Suit". 11.ix.88
The way they were back in '39, with Seymour pressing his suit
while Clegg holds the fort in Gents' Wear. (Seymour is trying
to make headway with the wealthy and beautiful Miss Deborah
Norbury, but is continually foiled by her mother.)
3. "The Way of the Warrior". 18.ix.88
In preparation for the Second World War, Foggy is turning
himself into 'a total fighting machine'.
4. "Snuff and Stuff". 25.ix.88
Young Clegg discovers that Mr Scrimshaw is a secret snuff
taker and sets about finding his hiding place.
5. "The Great Indoors". 2.x.88
Foggy mounts a military exercise and his mum becomes a camp
follower.
6. "Youth Wanted". 9.x.88
Unless he's Compo . . . Paul Wyett as the keen and even clean
lad chasing a vacancy at the Co-op.
(8-13) SERIES 2 (1989)
(All episodes on Sundays, 7.15-7.45pm)
1. "Not Thee Missus". 3.ix.89
It's 1939 but young Clegg, Compo and Seymour forget Hitler and
concentrate on the local girls.
2. "Compo Drops In". 10.ix.89
It is July 1939, the day after the annual Co-op dance, and young
Norman Clegg is still in a state of euphoria after being walked
home after the dance by Anita Pillsworth. Seymour has dreams of
being a fighter pilot.
3. "The Gypsy Fiddler". 17.ix.89
When Compo's mother receives a gypsy caravan in lieu of payment
of a debt, the gang decide to use it to further Wally's courtship
of Nora Renshaw. Meanwhile, Seymour unwittingly strikes a
romantic chord in the heart of Lena (Judy Flynn).
4. "Ain't Love Dangerous?" 24.ix.89
Seymour is still romantically pursuing Deborah Norbury despite
her mother's opposition and he applies part of Foggy's army
training techniques to help deliver a box of chocolates to the
object of his desire.
5. "". 1.x.89
Foggy bemoans the fact that his Territorial Army training
doesn't include seeing a dead body. His chums try to rectify
the omission.
6. "Quiet Wedding". 8.x.89
On September 3, 1939, young Clegg wonders why, on a Sunday, you
are not allowed to play football but can start a war. Though
everyone has been expecting the Nazis to invade Poland, the
unseemly haste in which Clegg's cousin Brad had been married at
the Register Office the day before came as a complete surprise.
==========================================================================
APPENDIX
(Notes on episode order, etc.)
The episode transmission dates are drawn mainly from the television
listings in four newspapers: the Guardian, the Times, the Sunday
Times, and the Observer. These are very occasionally confirmed by
reviews in the following day's papers, but a degree of uncertainty
remains, due to the possibility of error or last-minute schedule
changes (see note on series 15, below).
Series 1.
Stephen Dawson, in a brief guide found on the Tardis site, lists
the six titles for this series as:
12-Nov-73 The Inventor of the Forty Foot Ferret
19-Nov-73 Hail Smiling Morn or Thereabouts
26-Nov-73 Spring Fever
3-Dec-73 Pate and Chips
10-Dec-73 Short Back and Palais Glide
17-Dec-73 The New Mobile Trio
But this order is demonstrably wrong for episodes 2, 3 and 4, at
least. The first volume of the BBC video release says it is
"taken from the beginning of the first series", and since episode
3 is confirmed by the Sunday Times description and episode 2 by a
detailed review in next day's Guardian (including several quoted
lines: "[Mr Wainwright:] 'That body was made for pleasure, Mrs
Partridge.' [Compo:] 'How will you know you are dead?' [Blamire:]
'You're supposed to take the hint when they bury you.' And on the
Almighty: 'There has got to be something stronger than the
unions.' Anything from the thought processes of a tapeworm to the
probable impact of the unhygienic Compo and his ferret, if released
on an unsuspecting Canada"), I have assumed the others in the first
two volumes of the commercial video are also in the original order.
The titles for the first three, however, are not printed on the box
and must be deduced from their contents, since they were spliced
together into a "movie" for the commercial release. These episodes
also lack titles in the syndicated (Canadian) release. The Sunday
Times less clearly describes episodes 4 and 6, but the former must
be "Spring Fever", which is the only episode from this series
with Nora Batty in it (she appears in the photo in the Sunday
Times, captioned "Love among the geriatrics: Bill Owen and
housekeeper"), and also is the only one with a housekeeper--who
is *not* Nora Batty, as shown in the photo, but rather is played
by Liz Smith. The first episode of the series has scenes both in
a barber-shop and at a dance-hall (="Short Back and Palais Glide"),
and in episode 3 Compo's nephew is named Chip, while Blamire takes
pride of the fact that whereas Clegg's sandwiches are merely cheese,
he himself has packed pate sandwiches (="Pate and Chips"). The
titles of 4-6 are provided with the episodes on the commercial
video. For what it's worth, the third volume of the commercial
video does have the first three episodes of the next series, in
their original order.
Series 13, episode 1.
The Guardian says that this series begins with episode no. 101. In
order to accept this, however, it would be necessary either to
disregard two of the one-off specials (as somehow "non-canonical"),
or to show that two episode listings in the papers prior to this
one were duds. The only good candidate is no. 38 (the 1979 Christmas
special), which sounds suspiciously like a repeat of the 1978 New
Year's Day special (no. 28), except for the different title, and
different length. No. 92 (series 12, episode one), was listed in
the Guardian with no. 93's title, but Ian Paterson confirms the
episodes shown, from videotapes made on each of those dates.
Since I have not given the short Christmas sketch from 27.xii.82
a separate number, that one is not a possible suspect. On the
other hand, the allegation of episode number, coming as it does
from the Guardian (renowned for many things, but not, alas,
for accuracy), may not be taken too seriously. See also below,
concerning series 15.
Series 15.
"This new series . . . will include the 100th episode", according
to a feature article in the Radio Times, 23.x.93, but even assuming
this means the 100th *regular series* episode, and therefore
leaving out the fourteen one-offs (*including* the pilot), the first
episode of this series would still be the 106th.
There are serious errors in the listings for this series, in the
Radio Times as well as the newspapers, which disagree with each
other on several occasions. The order of episodes has,
fortunately, been confirmed from videotapes of the episodes
actually transmitted, thanks to Ian Paterson.
--
+----------------------------+--------------------------------------------+
|Jerry Kohl, Managing Editor | "You're the Managing Editor, Harry! You're |
|Perspectives of New Music | the man who commands trust and respect!" |
|p...@u.washington.edu | --Russell Spam (Hot Metal, season 1, ep. 5)|
emma...@gmail.com
> At last, the guide that at least three people have been waiting for.
> With a new series just begun on Sunday, 3 Sept, this seems a good
> time to launch this.
>
> Jerry Kohl
>
First, thank you for such detailed information. I have been a fan of LOTSW for many years since it was first aired in the US. I found this site when Googling for the name NR BEALL that appeared on the mail slot at Sid and Ivy's cafe.
Second, I have a comment and a question on your post. Compo stated that his wife ran off with A FIZZING POLE, not a fishing pole. The word fizzing was used as a euphemism for an obscene word that wasn't then or can't now be used on American television, and only in R-Rated movies. The character Smiler also used the word fizzing in the episode A Certain Smiler. When he was visited by the trio, he said he was stuck in fizzing hospital where they were treating him about four times a fizzing day. Compo later went on to say his wife ran off with a CHUFFING Pole. I take that to roughly mean the same thing.
You also commented that Nora Batty was Compo's landlady. In what episode(s) was that ever mentioned? I do not remember any episodes where it was said Compo was Nora's tenant. I thought he was just another resident in the same building. Clem "Smiler" Hemingway did become Nora's tenant after he and his wife divorced.
If anyone is still out there, reading this, I would appreciate some clarification. Thanks, from the US.