Billy Liar (ITV 1973-1974, Jeff Rawle, Colin Jeavons)

Sitcom Billy Liar was based on the 1963 Tom Courtenay movie of the same name. Young Billy Fisher lives the most humdrum of lives (as far as he is concerned anyway) working as an undertaker’s assistant in a drab northern town. However this kitchen sink Walter Mitty has an extremely vivid imagination which he retreats into at every opportunity he gets. Much to the frustration of his family and girlfriend Barbara.

Keith Waterhouse had written the original novel that led to the movie, which he co-scripted with his writing partner Willis Hall. The pair then created and wrote this version which while not anywhere near as good as the movie does have it’s moments – in particular the fab Colin Jeavons as Billy’s boss Mr Shadrack.

A short edition of the show aired 25 December 1973 as part of the regular, at the time, All Star Comedy Carnivals broadcast on ITV.

The Sunday People 7 July 1974: Coming Back – the controversial comedy series ‘Billy Liar’ which upset some viewers and ITV chiefs with it’s language when it first appeared. The series, starring the then unknown actor Jeff Rawle, received a mixed reception and had to be screened an hour later than intended when the Independent Broadcasting Authority objected to the over-use of the word ‘bloody.’ London Weekend Television are recording another batch of 13 shows – with the same cast.

production details
UK | ITV – London Weekend Television | 25×25 minutes | Broadcast 2 November 1973 – 6 December 1974

Writer: Keith Waterhouse, Willis Hall
Producer: Stuart Allen

cast
JEFF RAWLE as Billy
PAMELA VEAZEY as Mum
GEORGE A. COOPER as Dad
MAY WARDEN as Grandma
COLIN JEAVONS as Mr Shadrack
SALLY WATTS as Barbara