When Last of the Summer Wine finally ceased production, it had up 32 series, numerous Christmas specials and a 1988 prequel, First of the Summer Wine, with the whole canon being written by just one man: Roy Clarke. Created as a submission for the BBC's Comedy Playhouse in 1973, before the year was up, a full series had hit our screens. A whimsical comedy with a penchant for light philosophy and full-on slapstick, that first run followed the misadventures of three elderly friends tramping around the Yorkshire countryside (the town of Holmfirth and its surroundings). The upper, middle and lowers classes writ large: they were Former Royal Signals Sergeant and notional gang leader Cyril Blamire; flat cap-wearing voice-of-reason Norman 'Cleggy' Clegg and scruffy hormone-riddled layabout Compo Simonite. In a world where men are just over-grown kids, the authority figures come in the shape of some of TV's most formidable women. There's the physically intimidating tea shop owner Ivy, but even she pales in comparison to Nora Batty. With her wrinkled stockings and hair curlers, she's both a bogeyman figure curtailing the trio's fun and became an unlikely lust object for Compo.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/comedy/guide/articles/l/lastofthesummerw_7774090.shtml
Episode # 7
When Blamire takes up photography, no one can hide from his demon lens.
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Length : 27 min
MPT
Episode # 8
Clegg's bike attacks him where it hurts, so he decides it should be returned to where he bought it ? 30 years ago.
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Length : 29 min
MPT
Episode # 9
Neighbour Gloria Is emigrating to Australia. A party is organized to give her a good send-off ? but where can they find a piano?
Thursday, May 16, 2013
Length : 29 min
MPT
Episode # 10
A trio of salesmen is Blamire's latest idea, but Shinyglow cleaner turns out not to be all it is meant to be.
Friday, May 17, 2013
Length : 29 min
MPT
Episode # 604
Howard and Pearl are very concerned when Clegg doesn't answer his door - is he all right? Truly and Billy arrive and find that Clegg is merely writing-up his diaries and doesn't want to be disturbed. Smiler is pining for Hermione, a lost love and Alvin is upsetting Nora Batty by complaining about the depressing drabness of her washing.
Sunday, May 19, 2013
Length : 29 min
MPT2
Episode # 11
When Wally Batty (Joe Gladwin) decides to leave home, Compo seizes the opporunity to woo and win the woman he loves. Easier said than done, of course, where Nora is concerned.
Monday, May 20, 2013
Length : 29 min
MPT
Episode # 12
Can Mouse be conned into buying a round? It may take more than second sight.
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Length : 29 min
MPT
Episode # 13
An expedition in the jungles of Yorkshire by canoe ? if our elderly heroes can catch it! (
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Length : 29 min
MPT
Episode # 14
Compo takes up motorcycling, so look out Barry Sheene -- and the rest of Homfirth!
Thursday, May 23, 2013
Length : 27 min
MPT
Episode # 15
Compo and Clegg are minus one playmate now that Blamire has gone, but things soon look up when Foggy Dewhurst (Brian Wilde) arrives on the scene and makes his presence felt.
Friday, May 24, 2013
Length : 30 min
MPT
Episode # 605
The day starts with Clegg reading in the local paper that a statue of some civic dignitary has been unveiled. Truly, Alvin, and Billy remember when they were at school and would hold their breath as long as possible to see who could stay still the longest. They decide to do this, and create some incredulous interest for two passing walkers.
Sunday, May 26, 2013
Length : 28 min
MPT2
Episode # 16
Stuart has a 'click' in his knee. Has anyone else got one?
Monday, May 27, 2013
Length : 29 min
MPT
Episode # 17
The lads are on a holiday break to Scarborough, but what is the secret of Compo's cardboard box?
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Length : 29 min
MPT
Episode # 18
Despite being on holiday, Compo's nephew persists in being miserable. What can be done to cheer him up?
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
Length : 29 min
MPT
Episode # 19
Foggy decides football is too dangerous, so he goes back to playing golf - even though his clubs have not seen the light of day for years.
Thursday, May 30, 2013
Length : 29 min
MPT
Episode # 20
It is Gordon's wedding day, but how many comings and goings under the threat of Big Malcolm can the assembled guests stand?
Friday, May 31, 2013
Length : 29 min
MPT
01:34 PM
Episode # 6
So they can get around more easily, the trio buys a car from a man named Walter who attempted to teach a dog how to ride a bicycle. But Norman Clegg is the only one of the trio that has a driver's license, and the test drive is unsuccessful when the clunker's brakes fail. This episode, also known as "The New Mobile Trio," was written by Roy Clarke and produced and directed by James Gilbert.
Rebroadcast
Monday, May 13, 2013
Length : 27 min
MPT
07:00 PM
Episode # 603
Clegg has bet an old friend that you can still see the clock in the village over the hills from the top of a certain tree. Unwisely, he sets out to prove that he was right, but gets stuck up the tree and can't get down. Meanwhile, Nora Batty, Ivy, Pearl and Glenda buy a slightly used cooker from Auntie Wainwright for the Church hall. Smiler and Tom (Tom Owen) are charged with delivering the cooker and soon find that its weight makes the handcart uncontrollable - especially on hills, when it passes a police car.
Rebroadcast
Sunday, May 12, 2013
Length : 29 min
MPT2
01:33 PM
Episode # 5
If Nora won't have Compo, what are his chances with a thrice-widowed woman from Bradford?
Rebroadcast
Friday, May 10, 2013
Length : 29 min
MPT
01:33 PM
Episode # 4
A day out at a stately home with Compo's nephew and family. This episode is sometimes called "Pate and Chips."
Rebroadcast
Thursday, May 09, 2013
Length : 27 min
MPT
01:27 PM
Episode # 3
Blamire decides it's time Compo went to church.
Rebroadcast
Wednesday, May 08, 2013
Length : 29 min
MPT
01:32 PM
Episode # 2
A visit to the barbers-but Compo's key is missing. It may be in the library-but where is the librarian?
Rebroadcast
Tuesday, May 07, 2013
Length : 30 min
MPT
01:31 PM
Episode # 1
Taking flowers to his wife's grave, Clegg (Peter Sallis) stops to chat with the vicar. Blamire (Michael Bates) and Compo (Bill Owen) meet up with him to reminisce about life, death and tiddlers.
Rebroadcast
Monday, May 06, 2013
Length : 30 min
MPT
07:00 PM
Episode # 602
Clegg has bet an old friend that you can still see the clock in the village over the hills from the top of a certain tree. Unwisely, he sets out to prove that he was right, but gets stuck up the tree and can't get down. Meanwhile, Nora Batty, Ivy, Pearl and Glenda buy a slightly used cooker from Auntie Wainwright for the Church hall. Smiler and Tom (Tom Owen) are charged with delivering the cooker and soon find that its weight makes the handcart uncontrollable - especially on hills, when it passes a police car.
Rebroadcast
Sunday, May 05, 2013
Length : 29 min
MPT2
01:32 PM
Episode # 109
How do you get a bale of hay back up the hill after you have been the cause of it rolling down? (76)
Rebroadcast
Friday, May 03, 2013
Length : 29 min
MPT
01:33 PM
Episode # 108
Clegg could be the answer to a lonely widow's prayer! meanwhile, who is kissing whom? (75)
Rebroadcast
Thursday, May 02, 2013
Length : 29 min
MPT
01:28 PM
Episode # 107
Seymour offers the trio's services to help Jack Harry and his weeping wife to maneuver his caravan into his drive. (74)
Rebroadcast
Wednesday, May 01, 2013
Length : 29 min
MPT
01:33 PM
Episode # 106
While the trio are on their way to a funeral, Compo loses his pet ferret. (73)
Rebroadcast
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Length : 28 min
MPT
01:32 PM
Episode # 105
Seymour tries to prove that skiing is more than just a winter sport for the rich. (72)
Rebroadcast
Monday, April 29, 2013
Length : 29 min
MPT
07:00 PM
Episode # 601
Alvin is teaching Nora Batty Line Dancing, Howard and Marinaare trying out diving suits, and Barry is hiding from his neighbour - the Repo Man who, although he is completely useless at it, wants to play golf with him. Then, whilst walking by the canal, Clegg, Truly, Alvin and Billy see a strange figure in the nearby reservoir pond wrestling with a large inflatable swan's neck. The man turns out to be Lenny - who is determined to get to Ilkley by canal in his swan boat, and become famous as The Swan Man of Ilkley. But first he must fix a puncture or two.
Rebroadcast
Sunday, April 28, 2013
Length : 29 min
MPT2
01:33 PM
Episode # 104
First appearance of Clem Hemingway, alias Smiler. A visit by a much loved pet seems the only way to bring a smile to Clem's face during a spell in hospital. (71)
Rebroadcast
Friday, April 26, 2013
Length : 29 min
MPT
01:33 PM
Episode # 103
Compo's feet hurt, but why go to visit "The Witch" for a cure? (70)
Rebroadcast
Thursday, April 25, 2013
Length : 29 min
MPT
01:27 PM
Episode # 102
Crusher's final appearance. Is the piece of silver fished out of the canal really a thief's haul? Is there more where it came from? (69)
Rebroadcast
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Length : 29 min
MPT
01:33 PM
Episode # 101
Compo wonders why all the blood rushes to his head when he's turned upside down. Seymour sets out to discover why. (68)
Rebroadcast
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
Length : 29 min
MPT
01:31 PM
Episode # 927
Rebroadcast
Monday, April 22, 2013
Length : 29 min
MPT
07:00 PM
Episode # 510
Truly keeps missing calls on his mobile telephone. When the caller eventually gets through, he is horrified - it is his former wife.
Rebroadcast
Sunday, April 21, 2013
Length : 29 min
MPT2
01:33 PM
Episode # 926
Rebroadcast
Friday, April 19, 2013
Length : 29 min
MPT
01:32 PM
Episode # 925
Rebroadcast
Thursday, April 18, 2013
Length : 29 min
MPT
01:28 PM
Episode # 924
Rebroadcast
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
Length : 29 min
MPT
01:32 PM
Episode # 923
PC Walsh informs PC Cooper that the sergeant is on their back - he's complaining about the amount of crumbs they're leaving in the car. Pearl throws Howard out, so Hobbo suggests putting cucumbers on his eyes to help with the stress. Howard goes to Clegg's for sympathy but it falls on deaf ears.
Rebroadcast
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
Length : 29 min
MPT
01:31 PM
Episode # 922
Hobbo enlists the services of his 'team' to help Toby win back the affections of his ex-wife. Glenda decides to make it her mission to find Morton a woman. Howard sneaks into the library to tell Marina there's a problem with their bike ride that afternoon - Pearl is going out too. Meanwhile, PCs Cooper and Walsh try out a new in-car fryer.
Rebroadcast
Monday, April 15, 2013
Length : 29 min
MPT
07:00 PM
Episode # 509
Nora Batty has never forgiven Audrey Craig for laughing at her hat. Truly decides it's time for the two protagonists to patch things up.
Rebroadcast
Sunday, April 14, 2013
Length : 29 min
MPT2
01:33 PM
Episode # 921
GOODNIGHT SWEET FERRET Pearl (Juliette Kaplan) tells Nelly (June Whitfield) that she is quite certain that Howard (Robert Fyfe) will follow form and completely forget her birthday. Marina (Jean Fergusson) is also interested to know if he has remembered, as he forgot hers last week. Meanwhile, Glenda (Sarah Thomas) is having to convince Barry (Mike Grady) that he won?t look foolish wearing a top hat and tails at a friend?s wedding. When Hobbo hears that an old pal, Heptonstall (Peter Baldwin) is confined to bed with a bad leg and is looking for volunteers, he says he need look no further. He takes his team; Alvin (Brian Murphy) and Entwistle (Burt Kwouk), to see the invalid, whom they find is sleeping in his garden shed. Heptonstall reveals that he wants their help in burying Christine - a loved one - in the church cemetery. They are relieved when the deceased turns out to be a furry creature, and agree to take it out of it?s temporary resting place (in a potato waffle box in a deep freezer) and put it in a decent box for burial. At his home, Hobbo and his team respectfully place the ferret in a fancy chocolate box and retreat to the rear garden to get a shovel. Unfortunately, Howard has remembered Pearl?s birthday and, not having bought her anything, rushes into Hobbo?s house for help. There is nobody about, but, seeing the chocolate box, he sees salvation and borrows it to give to Pearl. The result is predictable, but there is little damage to the box which flies though the air at Howard. At the church, P.C.?s Cooper and Walsh (Ken Kitson and Louis Emerick) see the burial team climbing over the wall carrying the chocolate box and a shovel. They immediately suspect that some voodoo ritual involving dead bodies is about to take place. Hobbo and his team find that they have happened upon a wedding with all the guests assembled outside. Two of the guests are Glenda and Barry, who is now dressed in his top hat and tails. The men see the two policemen climbing over the wall, and hear them say they are looking for someone carrying a chocolate box. Barry is confused when Hobbo appears and hands him the box to hold for a moment. Barry is even more confused when the bride (Bree Martin) ? a lady of generous proportions with a liking for chocolates - sees the box and assumes that it is a gift for her. She settles down to open the box. The policemen are searching the church grounds when they hear a horrific scream. The box comes flying through the air again and hits the terrified policemen. Hobbo quickly convinces the policemen that only a voodoo ritual can save them from evil spirits. In no time at all, they have dug a hole and formally buried Christine to Hobbo?s amusement and satisfaction of Old Heptonstall.
Rebroadcast
Friday, April 12, 2013
Length : 29 min
MPT
01:31 PM
Episode # 920
PCs Cooper and Walsh (Ken Kitson and Louis Emerick) are dismayed when they find that a wing mirror has been stolen from their police car. Fortunately, Aunty Wainwright (Jean Alexander) is on hand to supply a replacement, but they have to buy the pair.
Rebroadcast
Thursday, April 11, 2013
Length : 29 min
MPT
01:27 PM
Episode # 919
IN WHICH ROMANCE SPRINGS A LEAK Hobbo (Russ Abbot), undercover agent for MI5 and former milkman, finds that he is surrounded by males with marital problems. He tells Howard (Robert Fyfe) to count his blessings; he has Pearl (Juliette Kaplan), a good Yorkshire wife with the fine qualities of being nasty and efficient. But Howard feels he is being taken for granted and resents her going out all the time with Nelly (June Whitfield). The divorced Toby (Trevor Bannister), realising how much he misses his ex-wife for all the good work she did around the house, takes Hobbo?s advice and takes her some flowers to try to make up. Hobbo, Alvin (Brian Murphy) and Entwistle (Burt Kwouk) are disappointed when they witness Toby?s humiliating rejection. Taking the discarded flowers, Hobbo, gives them to Howard so that he can give them to Pearl and improve his status. This works well until Pearl finds evidence that the flowers have been recycled. Refusing to be downhearted, Hobbo tells Toby that there was something missing in his ploy to win back his ex-wife. He reminds him that, in the movies, every romantic scene is played with music in the background. With the help of an old Mario Lanza recording and Hobbo conducting his team of miming violinists, how can Toby possibly go wrong?
Rebroadcast
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
Length : 29 min
MPT
01:31 PM
Episode # 918
WILL RANDOLPH MAKE A GOOD IMPRESSION? Hobbo (Russ Abbot) has advertised for a possible suitor for a lonely widow ? Nora Batty?s sister, Stella (Barbara Young). The poor man, who responds is Randolph (James Hunter) who isn?t built for such a mammoth task. When Hobbo, Alvin (Brian Murphy) and Entwistle (Burt Kwouk) take him to see Stella, the man is so terrified he runs off. Howard and Marina (Robert Fyfe and Jean Fergusson) are still hiding at the sound of a motor cycle ? not knowing that Pearl (Juliette Kaplan) has given up motor cycling. Hobbo feels that Randolph needs something to make him attractive to Stella. He does farmyard impressions, but that is not thought to be suitable. However Hobbo is very interested when he learns that Stella? s favourite screen character was the daring Zorro. The river wall? The sudden appearance of Zorro on it? What could be more impressive?
Rebroadcast
Tuesday, April 09, 2013
Length : 29 min
MPT
01:33 PM
Episode # 917
WILL STELLA FIND TRUE LOVE WITH NORRIS FAIRBURN? Hobbo (Russ Abbot) has bought the hunting horn of Sir Guy of Yorkshire from Auntie Wainwright (Jean Alexander) and Entwistle has bought a hog?s hair shaving brush. A blast from his horn surprises Alvin (Brian Murphy) and brings Stella (Barbara Young) out on to her steps. The anger and venom of Stella, concerns Hobbo, who feels that the woman needs a man in her life. But who? Clegg and Truly (Peter Sallis and Frank Thornton) have learned that the village lothario ? Norris Fairburn (David Williams) - is single again, so Hobbo arranges for him to meet them at Ivy?s caf?, where they can check his suitability for Stella. Meanwhile, Howard and Marina (Robert Fyfe and Jean Fergusson) are a bundle of nerves ? having to hide every time they hear a motor cycle, which could be Pearl (Juliette Kaplan) and her new-found sport. The moment comes to take Norris to the caf? to meet Stella, who is visiting Ivy (Jane Freeman). Hobbo informs Stella that she has an admirer, but Stella misunderstands and embraces the wrong suitor. Howard and Marina, on hearing an approaching motor cycle, throw their bikes over a wall and leap after them. They are surprised when they land in the field next to where Pearl and Nelly (June Whitfield) are having a picnic.
Rebroadcast
Monday, April 08, 2013
Length : 29 min
MPT
07:00 PM
Episode # 508
Barry and Glenda exchange addresses with a couple while on holiday. To their surprise, the man shows up at their house without his wife, who has left him.
Rebroadcast
Sunday, April 07, 2013
Length : 29 min
MPT2
01:31 PM
Episode # 916
NOBODY MESSES WITH TONY THE THROAT Howard (Robert Fyfe) is deeply concerned that Pearl (Juliette Kaplan) may be seeing someone else, as she and Nellie (June Whitfield) secretly go off together in the afternoons. In order to find out what is going on, he unwisely enlists the help of Hobbo (Russ Abbot) and his team ? Alvin and Entwistle (Brian Murphy and Burt Kwouk). Meanwhile, Toby (Trevor Bannister) is having ironing problems and is forced to go Auntie Wainwright (Jean Alexander) to buy a good second-hand ironing board. Later. Pearl and Nellie set off again, and Hobbo and his team and Howard, follow at a safe distance. When the ladies disappear into a rather dubious looking Hell?s Angels type den, Howard is even more concerned, but Hobbo decides that they will follow the biker?s and find out, once and for all, what Pearl and Nellie are doing with them.
Rebroadcast
Friday, April 05, 2013
Length : 29 min
MPT
01:32 PM
Episode # 915
There is much discussion in the village as to whether Nelly (June Whitfield) is the natural mother of Hobbo (Russ Abbot). Despite her adamant denials, Hobbo (Russ Abbot) is absolutely certain that she is and greets her as ?Mother?. Hobbo confides in Alvin (Brian Murphy) and Entwistle (Burt Kwouk) that, in order to outwit his hidden enemies, he has become a master of disguise. To demonstrate his genius at this, he calls upon Auntie Wainwright (Jean Alexander) to find an appropriate outfit. Overcome by Hobbo?s disguise, Marina (Jean Fergusson) soon attaches herself to this new interesting character ? much to the annoyance of Howard (Robert Fyfe). Later, when doing some head exercises in the countryside, Hobbo accidentally locks his neck. As Alvin and Entwistle are trying to unlock his neck, PC?s Cooper and Walsh (Ken Kitson and Louis Emerick) are passing, and think that Alvin and Entwistle are torturing him. The police follow the party to a remote pub where they meet Toby (Trevor Bannister) Barry (Mike Grady) and Mort (Christopher Beeny). Very soon, Hobbo?s neck is back in working order.
Rebroadcast
Thursday, April 04, 2013
Length : 29 min
MPT
01:28 PM
Episode # 914
WILL HOWARD CROSS THE ATLANTIC SINGLE-HANDED? Hobbo (Russ Abbot) is convinced that Nellie (June Whitfield) is his natural mother, so, with help of Alvin (Brian Murphy) and Entwistle (Burt Kwouk) he sets about trying to establish where he was born. When Nellie visit?s Pearl (Juliette Kaplan), Howard (Robert Fyfe) is enlisted to wear a microphone which will secretly pick up any information from the ladies chat. Howard has problems of his own ? mainly that Marina (Jean Fergusson) is disappointed at his lack of any spirit of adventure or heroism. But he causes quite a stir when he announces that he is going to row across the Atlantic single-handed. Meanwhile, Barry (Mike Grady) is deeply embarrassed at having to wear a tastelessly striped business suit. Happily, his problem is solved when Toby (Trevor Bannister) calls on his help in clearing a blocked drain. Aunty Wainwright (Jean Alexander) sells Morton (Christopher Beeny) an old tractor tyre, which soon dampens Howard?s hopes of crossing the Atlantic single handed.
Rebroadcast
Wednesday, April 03, 2013
Length : 28 min
MPT
01:32 PM
Episode # 913
Determined to find his real mother, Hobbo (Russ Abbot) does some research at the Library and finds out who his real mother is - and where she lives. With the help of Alvin (Brian Murphy) and Entwistle (Burt Kwouk) and his truck, he takes some flowers and goes to the address. Unimpressed by the appearance of Hobbo and his fond embrace, she ungraciously ejects him and the flowers. Meanwhile, Marina (Jean Fergusson) is distraught when Clegg (Peter Sallis) and Truly (Frank Thornton) call at the library to get the address of someone called ?Agnes? for Howard (Robert Fyfe). To protest at the unreliability of men, she chains herself to a supermarket trolley. Convinced that his mother just wasn?t ready to receive her son after so many years, Hobbo returns later to her house. Unfortunately, in his eagerness, he jumps out of the truck and disappears down a hole in the road. Rescued, he reveals that, as he fell down the hole, he had a vision that he had identified the wrong woman as his mother. When leaving Pearl?s (Juliette Kaplan) house later, Nellie (June Whitfield) overhears Hobbo mention his family name. She tells Hobbo that it is her family name and is astonished when she finds herself being embraced. She denies the possibility of being Hobbo?s mother, but others don?t share her disbelief. Marina learns that Agnes is an Agony Aunt in a newspaper.
Rebroadcast
Tuesday, April 02, 2013
Length : 29 min
MPT
01:32 PM
Episode # 912
SOME ADVENTURES OF THE INVENTOR OF THE MOTH STITCH Alvin (Brian Murphy) and Entwistle (Burt Kwouk) are driving in the truck with Hobbo (Russ Abbot) standing in the back in a surveillance position ? just in case there are enemy agents lurking around. They happen upon Morton (Christopher Beeny) leaning over a bridge staring at the river and contemplating his recent divorce. Hobbo decides that something should be done to help the poor lonely man. Meanwhile, Barry (Mike Grady) is concerned at the keen interest that Glenda (Sarah Thomas) has for the new neighbours who are moving in next door. Later, consumed with curiosity, Glenda insists that they should take the new neighbours some tea and help lift an item of furniture in as a gesture of good neighbourliness. However, Barry is so shocked to find that the new neighbour is none other than his Golf Captain (Trevor Bannister), that he drops a bedside lamp that smashes to the ground. In his surveillance position again, Hobbo sees the deeply depressed Barry walking along the street, and stops the truck and orders Morton to follow. He takes Barry aside and convinces him that he needs a friend and that Morton would be ideal. Barry isn?t at all keen on the idea, but Hobbo drives off with a successful mission accomplished. Later, Barry replaces the Golf Captain?s bedside lamp and introduces him to Morton, who needs a friend and is readily available to help around the house. The Golf Captain ? Toby ? jumps at the offer of someone to carry out those irritating household chores. Leaving an Inn, Hobbo, being the only member of the trio not to have had an alcoholic drink, responsibly declares that he will drive Entwistle?s truck. Behind the wheel, Hobbo demonstrates that his driving skills are as credible as his tall stories, which attracts the interest of PC?s Cooper and Walsh.
Rebroadcast
Monday, April 01, 2013
Length : 29 min
MPT
