Pinwright's Progress
| Pinwright's Progress | |
|---|---|
| Starring | James Hayter Clarence Wright Sara Gregory Daphne Maddox |
| Country of origin | United Kingdom |
| No. of episodes | 10 |
| Production | |
| Running time | 30 minutes |
| Original release | |
| Network | BBC Television Service |
| Release | 29 November 1946 – 16 May 1947 |
Pinwright's Progress was a British sitcom that aired on the BBC Television Service from 1946 to 1947 and was the world's first regular half-hour televised sitcom.[1] The ten episodes, which aired fortnightly in alternation with Kaleidoscope, were broadcast live from the BBC studios at Alexandra Palace. Still photographs are all that remain of the show's transmitted form.
Pinwright's Progress was written by Rodney Hobson, produced and directed by John Glyn-Jones and the script editor was Ted Kavanagh, who also wrote the BBC radio comedy series It's That Man Again.
Cast
- James Hayter - Mr J. Pinwright
- Clarence Wright - Aubrey
- Sara Gregory - Miss Doolittle
- Daphne Maddox - Miss Peasbody
- Doris Palmer - Mrs Sigsbee
- Leonard Sharp - Ralph
- Charles Irwin - Salesman
Outline
J. Pinwright is the proprietor of Macgillygally's Stores. He has a hated rival, and his staff only add to his problems by attempting to be helpful. Ralph, the messenger boy, is a deaf octogenarian.
Episodes
Episode 1 (November 29th 1946). J. Pinwright is the proprietor of the smallest multiple store in the world, and viewers will have a fortnightly chance to see his progress from disaster to disaster. He has a pretty daughter and a hated rival, and his difficulties are increased by his staff's efforts to be helpful.
Episode 2 (December 13th 1946). Christmas is coming and so, not to be beaten by his hated rival, the owner of Macgillygally's Stores, Mr. Pinwright prepares his Christmas Bazaar. There is trouble though, partly occasioned by the sudden appearance of three robed and bearded Father Christmases - one of whom is a fugitive from the law. Mrs. Sigsbee however lends tone to the proceedings by appearing in costume as the Fairy Queen and all ends well - or does it?
Episode 3 (December 27th 1946). Mr. Pinwright intends to lure post-Christmas shoppers by a handsome gift to the store's fiftieth customer - cigars or nylons, cash customers only considered. In addition he opens a brand new snack bar but some pills palmed off on him by that cunning salesman throw all his plans into confusion.
Episode 4 (January 10th 1947). “Cash Criisis”
Episode 5 (January 24th 1947). “Fashions and Pashuns”
Episode 6 (February 7th 1947). “Strained Relations”
Episode 7 (February 21st 1947). “The Gypsy’s Warning”
Episode 8 (March 21st 1947). “Gone to Seed”
Episode 9 (May 2nd 1947). “Radio Activity”
Episode 10 (May 16th 1947). “Staggered Holidays”
References
- General
- Vahimagi, Tise. British Television: An Illustrated Guide. Oxford University Press / British Film Institute, 1994. ISBN 0-19-818336-4.
- Mark Lewisohn, "Radio Times Guide to TV Comedy", BBC Worldwide Ltd, 2003
- Specific
- ^ Lewisohn, Mark (2003). "Radio Times Guide to TV Comedy". BBC Worldwide Ltd.