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Andrew T. Smith @andrewtsmith.bsky.social · 20h

The late 1970s UK western craze is explored in today's #clarkeaday, the Summer Wine episode "Deep in the Heart of Yorkshire", first screened on 9/10/79. Featuring some of my favourite visuals of the series, including Sid looking like Lou Costello.

Andrew T. Smith @andrewtsmith.bsky.social · 1d

On 8/10/89, 'First of the Summer Wine' concluded after one special & two series. Roy had more prequel stories to tell & counts the cancellation as one of the big disappointments of his career. As with 'Last of' years later, 'First of' finishes with a wedding #clarkeaday

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Andrew T. Smith @andrewtsmith.bsky.social · 2d

One of my favourites of the genre is the tie-in to the Dad's Army film from 1971. Lots of inner monologue and a rather serious tone underlying the comedy.

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Andrew T. Smith @andrewtsmith.bsky.social · 2d

I'd forgotten about the strike. Had that not happened and production and broadcast stayed on track, Summer Wine likely would have ended after three series.

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Andrew T. Smith @andrewtsmith.bsky.social · 2d

Though the date is a little fuzzy, the 7th of October 1974 appears to be the original publication date for Roy Clarke's 'Last of the Summer Wine' novel. Thoughtful, funny, and with words you couldn't say on a 1970s BBC sitcom, it is a wonderful book. #clarkeaday

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Andrew T. Smith @andrewtsmith.bsky.social · 3d

The 'Keeping Up Appearances' episode "Onslow's Birthday" was first shown on 6/10/1992. @dirtyfeed.org has written some essential articles on what Onslow was watching on TV during various episodes of the series that you can start reading here: tinyurl.com/2vwmrj9t #clarkeaday

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Reposted by Andrew T. Smith

The Twelve Hour Foundation @12hrfoundation.bsky.social · 5d

Huge thanks to @bobfischer.bsky.social and all at @mulgraveaudio.bsky.social for the #Patchwuff album and postcard. We were thrilled have played a tiny part in the project, which features both Sandra Kerr (of Bagpuss fame) and Valerie Singleton. Check out all releases:
mulgraveaudio.bandcamp.com

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Andrew T. Smith @andrewtsmith.bsky.social · 5d

For today's #clarkeaday we have "False Witness", which aired on Sky1 on 5/10/94. This is the 4th episode of 'The Wanderer', a centuries spanning 'Highlander'-esque fantasy, the title sequence is something to behold. The strangest Roy Clarke project of all?

Andrew T. Smith @andrewtsmith.bsky.social · 6d

If one was asked to explain 20th century British sitcom to an alien, one could do worse than to show our new overlords this image from "Richard's New Hobby", an episode of Keeping Up Appearances" first screened on 4/10/92 on BBC1. Just needs a vicar, really. #clarkeaday

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Andrew T. Smith @andrewtsmith.bsky.social · 6d

Indeed!

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Andrew T. Smith @andrewtsmith.bsky.social · 6d

And Hetty Wainthropp! And Talking Heads!

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Andrew T. Smith @andrewtsmith.bsky.social · 6d

The above photo is of her in the studio with Vincent Price for the recording of the cast album of the Broadway show 'Darling of the Day' – well worth a listen.

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Andrew T. Smith @andrewtsmith.bsky.social · 6d

I'm the biggest admirer of Roy Clarke out there, but it's fair to say that it is impossible to imagine Keeping Up Appearances working without the force of talent that was Patricia Routledge. And that series only represents a fraction of her body of work. RIP

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Andrew T. Smith @andrewtsmith.bsky.social · 7d

Hyacinth Bucket terrorises the police in "Looking At Properties", first broadcast on BBC1 on 3/10/1993. This episode was part of a short-lived Keeping Up Appearances series four arc in which the Buckets looked for a place in the country. #clarkeaday

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Andrew T. Smith @andrewtsmith.bsky.social · 7d

For today's #clarkeaday we have 'Pulaski', first broadcast on BBC1 on 2/10/1987. This was the latest of Roy's attempts to crack crime drama – his first literary love. RT did their best to explain the series within a series concept for their cover that week.

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Reposted by Andrew T. Smith

Karl Benson @karlbenson.bsky.social · 9d

I was away over the weekend and my copy of 'Patchwuff' was waiting for me. I played it last night. Wow.

It's a magical record and, rather like Celia Johnson, I think I must have something in my eye...

Cap well and truly doffed to all concerned.

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Andrew T. Smith @andrewtsmith.bsky.social · 8d

Thank you for the kind words, Karl.

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Andrew T. Smith @andrewtsmith.bsky.social · 8d

01/10/1984 – The third episode of Bob Hoskins and Frances de la Tour starring "Flickers" is broadcast. Alcoholic stars, nude photography, and a lack of capital all conspire to derail Arnie Cole's first moving picture production. #clarkeaday

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Andrew T. Smith @andrewtsmith.bsky.social · 8d

For good reasons that will reveal themselves in time, I am restarting my #clarkeaday posts. The prolific Roy Clarke has penned so many books, tv series, radio productions, films, and plays that is just about possible to showcase one for every day of the year. Let's begin again...

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Andrew T. Smith @andrewtsmith.bsky.social · 8d

Thank you so much :)

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Reposted by Andrew T. Smith

RABlack Art @rablackart.bsky.social · 9d

I’ve just listened to this lovely creation from @mulgraveaudio.bsky.social and I think it’s really something to treasure. Sandra Kerr’s music is so perfect.

Thanks to everyone involved.

My hand holding the 10 inch vinyl record of Patchwuff performed by Valerie Singleton with music by Sandra Kerr.

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Reposted by Andrew T. Smith

Scarred For Life @scarredforlife.bsky.social · 10d

Northwest weirdies! Join us and @bobfischer.bsky.social for our GHOST STORY SPECIAL at Dukes Lancaster on Wednesday 29 October - a big group chat about all things spooky!

Tickets: bit.ly/3HK5duQ