"Last of the Summer Wine" (1973)TV series 1973-????

Seasons:

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29

Release Date:

12 November 1973 (UK)

Genre:

Comedy

Plot:

Three old men from Yorkshire who have never grown up face the trials of their fellow town citizens and everyday life and stay young by reminiscing about the days of their youth and attempting feats not common to the elderly.

Plot Keywords:

British | Eccentric | Elderly | Old Man | Senior Citizen

Awards:

1 win & 8 nominations

Cast

Peter Sallis	...	Norman Clegg / ... (271 episodes, 1973-2008)
Jane Freeman	...	Ivy (248 episodes, 1973-2008)
Kathy Staff	...	Nora Batty / ... (231 episodes, 1973-2008)
Robert Fyfe	...	Howard (199 episodes, 1985-2008)
Juliette Kaplan	...	Pearl (194 episodes, 1985-2008)
Jean Fergusson	...	Marina (188 episodes, 1985-2008)
Bill Owen	...	William 'Compo' Simmonite / ... (185 episodes, 1973-2000)
Sarah Thomas	...	Glenda / ... (184 episodes, 1986-2008)
Thora Hird	...	Edie Pegden / ... (149 episodes, 1986-2003)
Jean Alexander	...	Auntie Wainwright / ... (146 episodes, 1988-2008)
Gordon Wharmby	...	Wesley Pegden / ... (134 episodes, 1982-2002)
Mike Grady	...	Barry / ... (131 episodes, 1986-2008)
Stephen Lewis	...	Smiler / ... (128 episodes, 1988-2007)
Brian Wilde	...	Foggy Dewhirst / ... (116 episodes, 1976-1997)
Frank Thornton	...	Truly / ... (111 episodes, 1997-2008)

Also Known As:

The Library Mob (UK) (working title)

Runtime:

30 min

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Colour:

Colour

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono

Certification:

Australia:G | Australia:PG (some episodes) | USA:TV-PG

Filming Locations:

Higgin Brigg, Holmfirth, West Yorkshire, England, UK

Company:

British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)

Trivia:

By 1976, it was clear that Michael Bates was ill. The cancer which was to eventually kill him, meant the strenuous walking through the hills became impossible. He was written out of the series and his noticeable gap was filled by Brian Wilde, who had already become known as Mr. Barrowclough in "Porridge" (1974). Michael Bates did continue to appear in his other success, "It Ain't Half Hot Mum" (1974), but died soon after.

Quotes:

[the boys are climbing a hill that provides a spectacular view of the surrounding countryside]
Walter "Foggy" Dewhurst: Every time I come up here, the spirit soars! You can't help thinking what a wonderful place it would be to set up a machine gun! Give me a small squad of hand-picked men and I could defend this place indefinitely!
Norman Clegg: How long have you been a nature lover, Foggy?

Movie Connections:

Referenced in Soul Music (1997) (V)

Wonderful show.

Several of listeners or watchers felt the series would not be as good without Compo. But this is not the case. We in Australia are seeing on UK TV, a pay channel, The new episodes from 2002 to 2004. BBC listeners are now seeing the new 2005 series.

Unfortunately UK TV does not have the rights to episodes from 1973 to 2001. It is the greatest show ever and Roy Clark is a genius, he also wrote "Keeping up Appearances" I have both DDVs from Amazon.A hope some of the old episodes will soon appear. There is a ready market out there.

The great strength of British sitcoms over American is the small number of episodes made each year. Let us hope Roy does not tire of the series.