Pardon The Expression, 1965
When you mention Arthur Lowe, you instinctively think of Dad’s Army. However, there were many great comedies to feature Arthur Lowe.
Produced by Granada TV for ITV and running for thirty six episodes over two series. Pardon The Expression was the sitcom spin-off from Coronation Street featuring shopkeeper Leonard Swindley.
The show, despite being a spin off, faired very well, with the first series being well received. However it’s popularity drained midway through series two. This lead to some ITV regions dropping the show from their schedules, bringing it back for the final episodes.
Summary
Leonard Swindley Bidding a fond farewell to Gamma Garments Leonard Swindley takes up the position of Assistant Manager with the Northern branch of national chain store: Dobson and Hawks.
Above him, his manager, Ernest Parbold, suffers from stomach trouble and doesn’t suffer in silence. To him, Swindley is another fly-by-night appointment and he is happy to lay the blame for anything that goes wrong on Swindley, as long as it makes his life easier.
Miss Sinclair is in charge of the floor staff and, together with the canteen manageress, Mrs Edgeley, provides Swindley with some sympathetic support in his new role. However, he is still capable of looking permanently harrassed and over-reaching himself in his search for social acceptance.
In series two the store gets a new manager, replacing Mr Parbold is Mr Hunt.
Clips
Cast
Arthur Lowe – Leonard Swindley
Paul Dawkins – Mr. Parbold (Series 1)
Robert Dorning – Mr Walter Hunt (Series 2)
Betty Driver – Mrs. Edgeley
Joy Stewart – Miss Sinclair
Barbara Young – Pam Plummer (Series 1)
Holly Doone – Mavis Foster (Series 1)
John Le Mesurier – Sir Charles Dobson (Series 2)
Anthony Sharp – Brigadier Hawk (Series 2)
Details
Channel: ITV
Written By: Harry Driver, Vince Powell, Geoffrey Lancashire and Jack Rosenthal
Produced By: Granada Television for ITV
Original Transmission Dates: 2nd June 1965 – 27th June 1966
Where To Watch
Originally available on DVD but with the loss of Network On Air we will have to see what happens with the rights. Selected episodes are available on You Tube
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