British Comedy Guide

Early 1980s sitcom set in the 1950s

Firstly what an awsome site you have here, so many threads about shows I'd long forgotten about, keep up the good work.

I'm trying to find a title to a show that I think went out in the early eighties on either Beeb 1 or 2 and it was on fairly late certainly after 9:30pm and only lasted 1 series. I think it was set shortly after the second world war or in the early fifties. I really can't remember much about it other than it revolved around a group of blokes who had formed a sort of club amongst themselves and they helped one another or friends out in times of need but I'm sure they had a motto and a sort of secret handshake type Selwyn Froggit thumbs up thing they did. I think the characters were working class type blokes who enjoyed a "good cuppa" before getting down to sorting the problems out. I'm not sure but it may have had a voice over by someone who was one of the guys sons and he was recounting there comedic adventures.
Sorry I can't give any more info but I was in my mid teens when it was on and used to watch it after having staggered back from the pub after a couple of pints of cider.

I think this is First of the Summer Wine, set in the Second World War, all the Summer Wine characters in it as young lads. Peter Sallis who played Norman Clegg in Last of the Summer Wine played Norman's Dad in this show. Does this ring any bells: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J7m5_vhSP2M

I thought that but isn't it a bit 40ish.

Well that's it, but it seems very much like it. It could also be The Last Salute, which was nineties in the 1950s.

I can only think of Shine on Harvey Moon, but that doesn't fit the description.

It does and I remember watching it but that unfortunately isn't the show I'm thinking of. It definitely revolved around the main cast being in this club or gang (but not in a violent sense) and they were all middle aged builders and removal men that type of working background. It was very much "life was much simpler/better back then" you could leave your door open and the sun always shone etc etc. I don't ever remember seeing it repeated and have never stumbled across it in reference books or anything.
I thought this might be it https://www.comedy.co.uk/tv/big_jim_figaro_club/ it sounds kinda right but without seeing it I'm really not sure.

Quote: Dolly Dagger @ May 18 2009, 8:29 PM BST

Shine on Harvey Moon.

Lovey

Quote: Dolly Dagger @ May 18 2009, 8:29 PM BST

I can only think of Shine on Harvey Moon, but that doesn't fit the description.

Bingo! Cos that one had a season set post war.

Loved that show great bit of dramedy.

Big Jim and the Figaro Club is repeated on BBC7 the digital radio station.

I really don't remember this show, but looks like you can buy it...

http://www.purenostalg1a.co.uk/shop/article_C01/Big-Jim-_-The-Figaro-Club.html?shop_param=cid%3D4%26aid%3DC01%26

Yep that's it! Reading the synopsis on that page brings it all back. Thanks guys gonna order the play and keep my eyes open in case they ever release the series.
After nearly 30 years I can finally place this deamon to rest!

Quote: Jack Massey @ May 18 2009, 8:27 PM BST

Well that's it, but it seems very much like it. It could also be The Last Salute, which was nineties in the 1950s.

It's also about 20 years too late. ;)

Quote: Dolly Dagger @ May 18 2009, 8:41 PM BST

I really don't remember this show, but looks like you can buy it...

http://www.purenostalg1a.co.uk/shop/article_C01/Big-Jim-_-The-Figaro-Club.html?shop_param=cid%3D4%26aid%3DC01%26

What an interesting site! Exact same selection of things I've seen elsewhere recently, but a bit pricier. Pity it's not at all clear what exactly that DVD includes.

Now this reminds me of something where it was narrated by a bloke talking about growing up in the post war period. It was about the same time as Harvey Moon but I do remember June Brown being in it pre Dot COtton as a sort of tart with a heart aunt. (Very vague memories)

I've tried googling it and got nowhere. The one I'm thinking about was split between the present and the fifties. Something like "Time After Time" but that's not coming up either.

Now And Then. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0085066/

I contacted them and the disc contains the pilot play and all 5 episodes of the series so I ordered it last night.
Once again thanks guys for your help.

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