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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 3
Episodes
First Aid
Blakey decides that all the Bus Crews, including Stan and Jack, must pass a first aid course .
The Cistern
A noisy cistern in the Butler household is just the start of the troubles. Buying a new loo isn't the problem, it's how to get it home from the shop!
The Inspector's Niece
Sally is the Inspector's niece and is put on Stan's bus as the new clippie. How will Stan cope with her Uncle Blakey watching?
Brew It Yourself
Stan plans on brewing his own beer to save money. Trouble is, once he's tested it, he also goes back to work, where Blakey spots him and notices he's drunk. So when Blakey pulls Stan in for a breath test, it's up to Jack to find a way for him to pass the test without being caught.
Busman's Perks
Arthur and Olive's bedroom needs decorating, so the Butlers decide to paint the room the same colour as the Luxton Town and District Buses to save money.
The Snake
A social night at the depot by the overseas busmen's club invites everyone to their evening. With an exotic dancer on the bill Stan and Jack are sure to enjoy themselves.
Mum's Last Fling
Mum gets a new boyfriend and starts to go out a lot, leaving the family to fend for themselves.
Radio Control
Blakey comes up with the idea of installing a two way radio system on the buses to keep tabs on where they are at all times, so Stan and Jack have to come up with a plan to get rid of it.
Foggy Night
Stan and Jack's bus is caught in thick fog which causes problems for them, especially as Blakey and the Butler family are also on board.
The New Uniforms
Stan and Jack have been chosen as guinea pigs for the Company's tasteful new grey uniform. They are set against the idea until they realise it's just the job for pulling the ladies!
Going Steady
Stan has been seeing Blakey's niece, Sally. When Stan announces that he wants to marry her, Blakey insists that he and Sally meet Stan's family. So when Stan invites them round for dinner, all the family act posh, until Sally starts criticizing everything that Stan does and says.
The Squeeze
Money is so tight in the Butler household, that they decide to sell various things to raise some cash, including Arthur's motorbike and side car.
On the Make
Edna the clippie has been thrown out of her home by her landlady. Feeling sorry for her, Stan persudes his family to take her in as a lodger. But his intentions are not entirely honourable as he hopes that it means that they might get closer. However he does not bargain on Edna bringing Coco her great dane!
Top Cast
Reg Varney
Stan Butler
Bob Grant
Jack Harper
Stephen Lewis
Inspector Cyril 'Blakey' Blake
Doris Hare
Mum
Anna Karen
Olive Rudge
