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On the Buses
Overview
On the Buses is a British comedy series created by Ronald Wolfe and Ronald Chesney, broadcast in the United Kingdom from 1969 to 1973. The writers' previous successes with The Rag Trade and Meet the Wife were for the BBC, but the corporation rejected On the Buses, not seeing much comedy potential in a bus depot as a setting. The comedy partnership turned to a friend, Frank Muir, Head of Entertainment at London Weekend Television, who loved the idea; the show was accepted and despite a poor critical reception became a hit with viewers.
Status
Ended
Network
ITV1, London Weekend Television
Seasons & Episodes
Series 1
Episodes
The Early Shift
The bus crews go on strike because of disagreements with the management. It causes no end of trouble at work and at home. Stan is hailed hero of the day.
The New Conductor
When Stan sees his new clippie Iris all his nervousness goes, and they end up on a date together. He tells mum he is working an extra shift so he can take Iris out. What will Arthur and Mum think when he takes her home after the pub?
Olive Takes a Trip (aka Olive's First Day)
To help with the family income, Olive gets a job as a clippie. She gets put on Stan's bus, against his wishes. The trouble is Olive does not travel well!
Bus Driver's Stomach
Sitting on the bus engine all day has given Stan an over acidic stomach, known at the depot as 'bus drivers stomach'. When Blakey announces medical checks for the staff, Stan has to try and get himself fit to pass the medical, even if it means giving up greasy fried food!
The New Inspector
Stan is in need of some extra cash, so he applies for a position as an Inspector, but soon starts to worry about what the other lads will think of him.
The Canteen
After complaints are made about it, the bus crews decide to take over the running of the canteen and make Olive the new cook.
The Darts Match
Stan and Jack are challenged to a darts match by two clippies, Iris and Jenny. Stan feels he's a bit out of practice and so spends all his spare time practicing his darts playing. When he drops one of his darts in Olive's stew, he has to use a new set which he is not used to. His darts playing has the added problem of Iris' flirting during the match!
Top Cast
Reg Varney
Stan Butler
Bob Grant
Jack Harper
Stephen Lewis
Inspector Cyril 'Blakey' Blake
Doris Hare
Mum
Anna Karen
Olive Rudge
