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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 4
Episodes
Nowhere to Go
Stan tries to get the rest of the family out of the house so that he can spend some time alone with Suzy the clippie.
The Canteen Girl
Blakey has taken a shine to the canteen girl, Molly. So much so that he has asked her to marry him and live out in the country! However, Stan and Jack know that she has a reputation and will go with anyone after a few drinks. The problem is they have to make Blakey see sense before he leaves the depot.
Dangerous Driving
When an article is printed in the paper saying that bus drivers are at risk from health problems, Mum decides to put Stan on a diet.
The Other Woman
At the busman's social, Arthur is spending he time and money on one of the clippies, Wendy, much to Olive's chagrin. When Olive throws Arthur out, the family thinks he is staying with Wendy, but actually he spends the night in his motorbike sidecar!
Christmas Duty
Stan and Jack end up having to do a shift on Christmas day again.
The 'L' Bus
After too many sleepless nights due to Arthur and Olive's squeaky bed, Stan tries his hand at mending it but unfortunately only suceeds in making it worse! Jack's aunt has a bed to sell but the problem is transporting it to the Butler's house. Fortunately, Stan and Jack is in charge of the 'learner' bus, training new staff, so they use the bus to transport the bed. However, the bus develops mechanical problems and they have to go back to the depot and move the bed onto another bus without Blakey seeing them!
The Kids' Outing
It's the day of the annual kids outing, a job that none of the bus crews want to do.
The Anniversary
It's Arthur and Olive's tenth wedding anniversary and Aunt Maud has bought them a puppy as a present.
The Cover Up
The Butlers furniture needs new covers. But as money is short, Stan suggests using spare bus seat fabric from the Depot. When Blakey makes an unexpected visit, the Butlers try to hide their new cushions!
Safety First
After several buses are nearly involved in accidents while leaving the depot, Blakey decides to introduce a new set of road and depot safety rules.
The Lodger
The Butlers rent out their spare room to the new Traffic Manager. But Olive gets more than she bargained for when she takes him up his breakfast!
The Injury
Stan has an accident while decorating the bathroom. However because the injury was caused at home, he will not be paid sick pay. Jack has an idea, if they can mock up an accident at the depot, the management will have to pay up. A trap is set up on the depot stairs, but Blakey gets there first!
Not Tonight
When Stella, the shapely new waitress in the cantenn, makes a pass at Stan, he's both pleased and surprised.
Top Cast
Reg Varney
Stan Butler
Bob Grant
Jack Harper
Stephen Lewis
Inspector Cyril 'Blakey' Blake
Doris Hare
Mum
Anna Karen
Olive Rudge
