Blackadder
- TV sitcom
- BBC One
- 1983 - 2000
- 26 episodes (4 series)
The Blackadder dynasty has run through English history since time immemorial, seemingly always hampered by a Baldrick, and often a Percy and Melchett. Stars Rowan Atkinson, Tony Robinson, Tim McInnerny, Hugh Laurie, Stephen Fry and more.
- 1988 Specials, Christmas Special repeated tomorrow at 3:05am on BBC4
Streaming rank this week: 80
Episode menu
The Black Adder, Episode 4 - The Queen Of Spain's Beard
In need of more land and alliances across Europe, the King arranges a speedy marriage between the Spanish Infanta, Maria, and Edmund. However, whilst she appears besotted with her betrothed, the Duke of Edinburgh is horrified and resolves to get out of the ceremony any way he can.
Further details
King Richard IV is in need of forging an alliance with Spain. In order to prevent war and draw the two countries together, the King declares that Edmund must marry a Spanish Princess.
Notes
This episode was originally shown out of order, as episode 2. However, as the series is chronological, this was noticeable and it was broadcast 4th in repeats, and issued as episode 4 on video and DVD since. We have reflected this intended 'correct' order rather than the initial broadcast.
Broadcast details
- Date
- Wednesday 22nd June 1983
- Time
- 9:25pm
- Channel
- BBC One
- Length
- 35 minutes
Cast & crew
| Rowan Atkinson | Edmund, Duke of Edinburgh |
| Tony Robinson | Baldrick |
| Tim McInnerny | Percy |
| Brian Blessed | King Richard IV |
| Robert East | Harry, Prince of Wales |
| Elspet Gray | The Queen |
| Patrick Allen | Narrator |
| Miriam Margolyes | Infanta Maria Escalosa of Spain |
| Jim Broadbent | Don Speekingleesh, An Interpreter |
| Jane Freeman | Mrs. Applebottom |
| John Rapley | Rev. Lloyd |
| Howard Lew Lewis | Mr. Applebottom |
| Stephen Tate | Lord Chiswick |
| Kenn Wells | 1st Messenger |
| Richard Mitchley | 2nd Messenger |
| David Nunn | 3rd & 4th Messengers |
| Willoughby Goddard | Archbishop |
| Natasha King | Princess Leia of Hungary |
| Harriet Keevil | Lady on Ramparts |
| Richard Curtis | Writer |
| Rowan Atkinson | Writer |
| William Shakespeare | Writer (Additional Material) |
| Martin Shardlow | Director |
| John Lloyd | Producer |
| Mike Jackson | Editor |
| Mykola Pawluk | Editor |
| Chris Hull | Production Designer |
| Howard Goodall | Composer |
| Nigel Curzon | Production Designer |