Budgie (ITV 1971-1972, Adam Faith, Iain Cuthbertson)

Well remembered comedy drama series that focused on petty crook Budgie who is always on the lookout for bigger things, but Soho underworld boss Charlie Endell keeps him exactly where he wants him. Adam Faith is superb in the lead role and the series itself has a real melancholic heart that makes a proper classic.

There was a sequel several years later called Charles Endell Esq.

production details
UK / ITV – London Weekend Television / 26×50 minutes / Broadcast 9 April 1971 – 14 July 1972

Creators: Keith Waterhouse, Willis Hall

cast
Iain Cuthbertson as Charlie Endell
Adam Faith as Budgie Bird
Georgina Hale as Jean Bird
Lynn Dalby as Hazel Fletcher
John Rhys-Davies as Laughing Spam Fritter

SEASON ONE
1. OUT
2. SOME MOTHERS’ SONS
3. BRAINS
4. GRANDEE HOTEL
5. IN DEEP
6. COULD DO BETTER
7. BEST MATES
8. EVERYBODY LOVES A BABY
9. A PAIR OF CHARLIES
10. FIDDLER ON THE HOOF 1
11. FIDDLER ON THE HOOF 2
12. SUNSET MANSIONS
13. AND IN AGAIN

SEASON TWO
1. DREAMING OF THEE
2. AND THE LORD TAKETH AWAY
3. LOUIE THE RING IS DEAD AND BURIED IN KENSAL GREEN CEMETERY
4. THE JUMP-UP BOYS
5. OUR STORY SO FAR
6. DO ME A FAVOUR
7. GLORY OF FULHAM
8. 24000 BALL POINT PENS
9. KING FOR A DAY
10. THE OUTSIDE MAN
11. THE MAN OUTSIDE
12. BRIEF ENCOUNTER
13. RUN RABBIT, RUN RABBIT, RUN, RUN, RUN