On The Buses

[Rondadoronron]

Originally Posted by Demdike@Cult Labs

I felt it took a nosedive just after the opening credits of the first episode.

MTDS another one's got thru thre barbed wire,you man machine gun turrents ill get the dogs,he won't get far with a dobermans jaws around his knackers

[Demdike@Cult Labs]

Originally Posted by Rondadoronron

Still waiting for this to happen Ron.

It's Blakes 7 all over again.

[Rondadoronron]

"The Early Shift" 28 February 1969


Reg Varney as Stan Butler
Bob Grant as Jack Harper
Anna Karen as Olive Rudge
Cicely Courtneidge as Mum (Mabel Butler) (series 1)
Doris Hare as Mum (Mabel Butler) (series 2–7)
Stephen Lewis as Inspector Cyril "Blakey" Blake
Michael Robbins as Arthur Rudge

These early black and white episodes,have a Steptoe feel to them,its slightly more
rerstrained than its 70s birds and shaggin that came with the movies.Mr Varney looks
posatively youthful,mum is played by Cicely Courtneidge who gives a slightly warmer performance
than Doris Hare,Jack is very much a side character with most of the early stories revolving
around Stan's family.Blakely is also notably gurning and catchphrase free in these early episodes.

[Demdike@Cult Labs]

Aren't you going to do a brief episode synopsis and your thoughts on the episodes?

[Rondadoronron]

Originally Posted by Demdike@Cult Labs

Aren't you going to do a brief episode synopsis and your thoughts on the episodes?

Yeah not sure wether to do all 74 episodes or just around up of each series.

[Demdike@Cult Labs]

Originally Posted by Rondadoronron

Yeah not sure wether to do all 74 episodes or just around up of each series.

Perhaps a brief synopsis of each episode so we know what's going on in the stills, then you can give us your thoughts at the end of each series.

Should be good. I look forward to it.

[Sam]

Has anyone read I 'ate you Butler - The Making of On the Buses by Tex Fisher? Essential reading for an OTB fanatic . I think the author was about 19 when he wrote it -if that's not a sign of misspent youth, I don't know what is

[Rondadoronron]

Originally Posted by Sam

Has anyone read I 'ate you Butler - The Making of On the Buses by Tex Fisher? Essential reading for an OTB fanatic . I think the author was about 19 when he wrote it -if that's not a sign of misspent youth, I don't know what is

Nope,but have just ordered it.

[Vampix]

Originally Posted by Demdike@Cult Labs

I felt it took a nosedive just after the opening credits of the first episode.

I'll 'ave you Demdike

[Sam]

I've been watching the post-On The Buses Reg Varney vehicle Down the Gate, which I got on DVD for Christmas. This was clearly an attempt to re-capture the success of 'On The Buses' and has a similar set-up, following the misadventures of 'Reg Varnell' (seriously!) working at Billingsgate Fish Market and his ongoing battles with his snobby Brother-in-Law. Reg has a couple of pals from the markets but this is sorely missing a lecherous side-kick of Jack Harper's standards. Nevertheless, 'On the Buses' fans should find a lot to enjoy!

The DVD from Network is sadly VHS-quality, taken from Reg Varney's personal video collection (taped from the TV broadcasts - how self-obsessed!). Still good to see this forgotten gem get a release!