Bowler
Bowler was a Fenn Street Gang spin-off which, although written after both Please Sir! and The Fenn Street Gang, chronicled the earlier adventures of former pupil Craven's shady boss, Stanley Bowler - the Del Boy of his generation. George Baker (The Ruth Rendell Mysteries) stars as the East End villain with social aspirations, while the series was once again penned by veteran sitcom writers John Esmonde and Bob Larbey. Soap legends Wendy Richard and Johnny Briggs are among the guest stars appearing in this wryly humorous look at one man's attempts to breach the barriers of the English class system. Stanley Bowler has a finger in every profitable pie, and his money can buy everything but the thing he wants most: class. His unstoppable ambition to move in higher social circles sees him embarking on a series of ill-fated schemes - including opening his very own gentlemen's club, conspicuously embracing high culture, and even trying to set himself up as a laird. Sadly, while Bowler stumbles from one faux pas to another, the doors of Society remain very firmly closed.
- 1973-1973
- 1 season
- Comedy
Bowler was a Fenn Street Gang spin-off which, although written after both Please Sir! and The Fenn Street Gang, chronicled the earlier adventures of former pupil Craven's shady boss, Stanley Bowler - the Del Boy of his generation. George Baker (The Ruth Rendell Mysteries) stars as the East End villain with social aspirations, while the series was once again penned by veteran sitcom writers John Esmonde and Bob Larbey. Soap legends Wendy Richard and Johnny Briggs are among the guest stars appearing in this wryly humorous look at one man's attempts to breach the barriers of the English class system. Stanley Bowler has a finger in every profitable pie, and his money can buy everything but the thing he wants most: class. His unstoppable ambition to move in higher social circles sees him embarking on a series of ill-fated schemes - including opening his very own gentlemen's club, conspicuously embracing high culture, and even trying to set himself up as a laird. Sadly, while Bowler stumbles from one faux pas to another, the doors of Society remain very firmly closed.
Season 1 Episode Guide
13 Episodes 1973
Episode 1
The Ides of March
25 mins
Stanley Bowler's attempts to better himself arouse the suspicion of one of his lieutenants. who interprets this ambition as Bowler going soft. The question is, how hard is 'soft"?
Episode 2
Members Only
24 mins
When Bowler tries to join a gentlemen's club, the rungs are cut from beneath his feet by his own commonness. So, working on the principle that 'if you can't beat them, join them', he decides to open one of his own.
Episode 3
Come Round Any Old Time
23 mins
If Bowler helps a chap out, he expects that chap to be a chum. But Hartley breaks the rules of etiquette; he moves out of town without even giving Bowler his new address...
Episode 4
They Never Come Back
24 mins
Cinderella has gone up in the world. No more sculleries or dirty grates for her; she has married her prince and is now living a life of luxury. Then, Buttons turns up - much to her embarrassment.
Episode 5
Faithfully Yours
25 mins
It has never occurred to Bowler that his estranged wife, Doreen, would he unfaithful. It hadn't occurred to Doreen either, until Bowler gets to join the jet set and she meets a certain sailor..
Episode 6
On the Fiddle
23 mins
Bowler sees a chance to hob-nob with the gentry when he's told that patrons of the arts are often knighted. He backs the violinist son of his piano tuner and promises him a date at the Royal Festival Hall - by fair means or foul.
Episode 7
Monarch of the Glen
25 mins
If you're having difficulty climbing the social ladder, move the ladder! With such thoughts in mind, Bowler decides to buy a house in Scotland - and has a kilt to prove it. He's soon dreaming of becoming a laird..
Episode 8
Thou Shalt Not Grass
25 mins
Bowler finds that wife Doreen has taken a job. He disapproves, and shows it by getting her the sack. She finds another job, and he loses her that one, too. It looks as though this will go on forever..
Episode 9
Sweet and Sour Charity
24 mins
"Uncle Stanley" decides to do something to help the kids in a children's home.
Episode 10
R.I.P.
25 mins
It's not what you do, it's the way that you do it: a principle that Bowler applies rigorously, even when arranging a funeral. When his uncle dies, Bowler promises a classy affair. However, there's many a slip 'twixt coffin and grave..
Episode 11
The Family Tree
25 mins
Bowler is convinced that he is blue-blooded. Digging into his family past, he comes up with a Duke de Bouleur - but our would-be aristocrat also finds a skeleton in the family cupboard.
Episode 12
Bowler's Analysis
25 mins
The modern trend for psychoanalysis hasn't escaped Bowler's attention, and he thinks his "staff" ought to undergo treatment. But perhaps it's Stanley who needs the therapy?
Episode 13
Without Let or Hindrance
25 mins
Doreen, Mum and Reg put six firm feet down: they refuse to go on holiday with Bowler and watch him show off. They opt for a Costa Brava package tour, a move that Bowler counters with a Peruvian pony trek.