Bowler (ITV 1973, George Baker, Fred Beauman)

Sitcom. Spin off from The Fenn Street Gang. In that Bowler was Peter Craven’s dodgy boss. This series saw working class Bowler determined to worm his way into society.

production details
United Kingdom / ITV – London Weekend Television / 13×30 minutes / 29 July – 19 October 1973 Sundays 7.25pm mostly but some Fridays 7.30pm

Writers: John Esmonde, Bob Larbey / Producers: Philip Casson, Derrick Goodwin

regular cast
Stanley Bowler…………………………… GEORGE BAKER
Reg…………………………………………. FRED BEAUMAN
Doreen Bowler……………………………. RENNY LISTER
Mum………………………………………… GRETCHEN FRANKLIN

THE EPISODES

1.THE IDES OF MARCH
Fresh out of prison Stanley Bowler sets about retaking control of his ‘business interests’, and is determined to move in higher circles, his gang members however are not so keen and decide to assume control for themselves.

Mr Berger…………………………………….. JEFFREY SEGAL
Terry…………………………………………… BRIAN HALL
Pickaxe………………………………………. MICHAEL BRENNAN
Freddie……………………………………….. FREDDIE EARLLE
Nigel………………………………………….. JOHNNY WADE
Man…………………………………………… PETER GREENE
Les……………………………………………. RICHARD SHAW
Warder……………………………………….. MICHAEL STAINTON

2.MEMBERS ONLY
Bowler believes one of the customers of his casino could provide him with an entree into a high class members only club but after being turned down decides to set up a club of his own.

Marco………………………………………….. PAUL WHITSUN-JONES
Man…………………………………………….. ROGER BRIERLY
Steward……………………………………….. MICHAEL EARL
President……………………………………… ANTHONY SHARP
Committee Member………………………… JOHN STUART
Greta………………………………………….. WENDY RICHARD
Herbie…………………………………………. DEREK DEADMAN
Willie………………………………………….. MAURICE BUSH
Commander…………………………………. WILLOUGHBY GRAY

3.COME ROUND ANY OLD TIME
Hartley, a new business associate, invites Bowler to a dinner party at his country home.

Hartley………………………………………… JULIAN HOLLOWAY
Rosie………………………………………….. MEADOWS WHITE
Porter………………………………………….. KENNETH WALLER
Lt General…………………………………….. MICHAEL BILTON
Lady……………………………………………. MARGOT LISTER

4.THEY NEVER COME BACK
Reg hands in his notice as Bowler’s valet after the lads at the gym accuse him of being a pansy so Bowler decides to get himself a proper Gentleman’s gentleman.

Chippie Carpenter…………………………. REGINALD MARSH
Albert………………………………………… TONY BODEN
Masher………………………………………. PERCY HERBERT
Rupert……………………………………….. PETER HALLIDAY
Scoutmaster………………………………. JAY NEILL

5.FAITHFULLY YOURS
Stanley is put out when Doreen, his estranged wife, falls for Billy, a merchant seaman, and decides to beat her at her own game.

Natasha……………………………………… LYNN DALBY
Denzil………………………………………… RICHARD FRASER
Caroline……………………………………… HAL DYER
Isaac…………………………………………. VIC WISE
Billy………………………………………….. JOHNNY BRIGGS

6.ON THE FIDDLE
Bowler decides to help his piano tuner’s son, a virtuoso violinist, become a star.

Mr Benskin…………………………………. REGINALD BARRATT
Edward Benskin…………………………… KEITH DRINKEL
Manager…………………………………….. FREDDIE JONES
Artie………………………………………….. ERIC MASON
Nigel…………………………………………. JOHNNY WADE
Newscaster………………………………… TIM BRINTON

7.MONARCH OF THE GLEN
Bowler comes over all Scottish and decides to buy an estate in the Highlands.

Supt Chamberlain…………………………. CHRISTOPHER BENJAMIN
Miss McLaren………………………………. EFFIE MORRISON
Landlord……………………………………… ALISTAIR HUNTER
Angus………………………………………… ANGUS LENNIE

8.THOU SHALT NOT GRASS
Doreen plans revenge on Bowler after he gets her the sack from her new job.

Head Waiter………………………………….. ROBERT HARTLEY
Bishop………………………………………… JOHN SHARP
Police Inspector…………………………….. RICHARD BORTHWICK
Supt Chamberlain………………………….. CHRISTOPHER BENJAMIN
Mr Amiss…………………………………….. HOWARD GOORNEY
Snr Officer…………………………………… ARNOLD DIAMOND

9.SWEET AND SOUR CHARITY
In a new mood of generosity ‘Uncle Stanley’ Bowler decides to help the kids at a children’s home.

Gilpin………………………………………….. JOHNATHON ELSOM
Supt Chamberlain………………………….. CHRISTOPHER BENJAMIN
William……………………………………….. ANTHONY McCAFFERY
Matron………………………………………… ANNE CUNNINGHAM
Linda………………………………………….. MAXINE GORDON
Jane…………………………………………… BRIDGET ARMSTRONG
Marcus……………………………………….. JULIAN FOX
Barman………………………………………. FREDERICK HALL
Robin…………………………………………. JEFFREY GARDINER
Tramp………………………………………… REG LYE

10.R.I.P
When Bowler’s Uncle Bill dies Stanley typically lets the funeral arrangements get out of hand.

Uncle Bill…………………………………….. JACK WOOLGAR
Maestro………………………………………. JOHN BARRARD
Undertaker…………………………………… PRESTON LOCKWOOD
Vicar………………………………………….. DAVID ROWLANDS
Man…………………………………………… JACOB WITKIN

11.THE FAMILY TREE
Bowler researches his family tree convinced that there is blue blood somewhere in his ancestry.

Marcus………………………………………… KEVORK MALIKYAN
Stephanie…………………………………….. SALLY STEPHENS
Prof Franklin…………………………………. AUBREY MORRIS
Mr Porter…………………………………….. PETER GREENE
Miss Hoffman………………………………. JO KENDALL
Woman………………………………………. IRIS FRY
Alfie…………………………………………… ALFIE CURTIS

12.BOWLER’S ANALYSIS
Bowler decides it would be trendy for his ‘staff’ to undergo analysis but it’s really Stanley who needs the treatment.

Receptionist…………………………………. ZULEMA DENE
Dr Mumby…………………………………… MICHAEL SHEARD
Santa…………………………………………. PADDY JOYCE
Miss Ibbotson………………………………. VALERIE LEON

13.WITHOUT LET OR HINDRANCE
Stanley is planning an extravagant holiday but can’t persuade anyone to go with him.

Stable Owner……………………………… ARNOLD PETERS
Brasso……………………………………… TED BURNETT
Rocky………………………………………. ALFIE CURTIS
Driller……………………………………….. BRIAN MAXINE
Lino…………………………………………. LEONARD EBBS
Milkman…………………………………… JAMES McMANUS