I Didn’t Know You Cared (BBC-1 1975-1979, Robin Bailey, Liz Smith)

Sitcom I Didn’t Know You Cared detailed episodes in the life of the morose Yorkshire Brandon family, especially that of miserable Uncle Mort. Mr Brandon (John Comer) spends his days trying to avoid the sharp tongue of his wife, played by Liz Smith.

Carter Brandon (initially played by Stephen Rae, later by Keith Drinkel) wants to get through life with as little fuss and bother as possible, while his wife Pat (initially played by Anita Carey, then by Liz Goulding) wants her husband to become a “young executive”.

Meanwhile, Uncle Staveley (initially played by Bert Palmer, later by Lesley Saroney) wanders around with his best mate’s ashes in a cardboard box (“I ‘eard that. Pardon!”).

The programme was based on several novels by Peter Tinniswood – “A Touch Of Daniel (1969)”, “I Didn’t Know You Cared (1973)” and “Except You’re A Bird (1974)”. Uncle Mort also spun off into several radio series and novels.

production details
UK / BBC One / 27×30 minute episodes / Broadcast 27 August 1975 – 26 June 1979

Writer: Peter Tinniswood / Producer: Bernard Thompson

cast
Robin Bailey as Uncle Mort
John Comer as Les Brandon
Liz Smith as Annie Brandon
Stephen Rea as Carter Brandon (series 1 & 2)
Keith Drinkel as Carter Brandon (series 3)
Anita Carey as Pat Partington (series 1 & 2)
Liz Goulding as Pat Partington (series 3)
Bert Palmer as Uncle Stavely (series 1-3)
Leslie Sarony as Uncle Stavely (series 4)
Deirdre Costello as Linda Preston
Gretchen Franklin as Auntie Lil (series 1 & 2)
Vanda Godsell as Mrs Partington