Bowler
- TV sitcom
- ITV1
- 1973
- 13 episodes (1 series)
Cockney spiv Stanley Bowler has visions of grandeur, but finds that money can't buy class. Stars George Baker, Fred Beauman, Renny Lister and Gretchen Franklin.
Series 1
1. The Ides Of March
Sunday 29th July 1973
As Stanley Bowler resumes his life outside of prison, his ambitious plans to better himself are frowned upon by his friends - is he going soft and, if so, how hard is soft?
2. Members Only
Sunday 5th August 1973
When Bowler is denied membership of an exclusive gentleman's club, he decides to open one of his own - but where will someone of his social aspirations find members classy enough to join?
3. Come Round Any Old Time
Sunday 12th August 1973
After helping a man out, Bowler is aghast when he leaves town without giving him a forwarding address. After all, he expects a chap to become his chum if he helps him!
4. They Never Comeback
Sunday 19th August 1973
The beauty of the fight game is the thrill of not knowing who will overcome his opponent by sheer force. Even more thrilling for Bowler is knowing that he has backed the winner ... in advance!
5. Faithfully Yours
Sunday 26th August 1973
It has never occurred to Bowler that his ex-wife, Doreen, would be "unfaithful" to him - equally Doreen has never contemplated a new romance. But when Bowler joins the 'Jet Set' she meets a sailor and things start to develop.
6. On The Fiddle
Sunday 2nd September 1973
Bowler is now a patron of the arts because he has been made aware of their propensity to become knighted. His protégée is the violinist son of his piano tuner and Bowler has backed him all the way to the Festival Hall - whatever it takes!
7. The Monarch Of The Glen
Sunday 9th September 1973
With his social climbing hitting a brick wall in London, Bowler decides to buy a house in Scotland in the hope of becoming a Laird. He even has the kilt to try and enlist some "clansmen"!
8. Thou Shalt Not Grass
Sunday 16th September 1973
Doreen has got herself a job and Bowler is unimpressed - he gets her the sack. Each time she gets a new job he does the same and this cycle seems to suit Bowler until somebody other than him gets her the sack!
9. Sweet And Sour Charity
Sunday 23rd September 1973
Bowler catches the charity bug after returning a young lad to his children's home. He becomes a benefactor to the home and wallows in the new prestige but his social climbing gets in the way.
10. R.I.P.
Sunday 30th September 1973
When Bowler's uncle dies, he promises him a classy farewell. He is determined that the funeral should go with elegance and style - but the best laid plans...
11. Family Tree
Sunday 7th October 1973
Bowler is convinced that he has 'blue blood' in his family and he eventually finds a Duke de Bouleur in his family tree. Unfortunately, he also unearths a few skeletons.
12. Bowler's Analysis
Sunday 14th October 1973
When Bowler retains a psychiatrist he believes it will elevate him above the mainstream. When Doreen accuses him of having delusions of grandeur, he finds himself on the couch and the advice is to give up his pretentious ways ...
13. Without Let Or Hindrance
Sunday 21st October 1973
There is much resistance to Bowler's plans of a Peruvian pony trekking holiday .. in fact every one is against it! Reg, Doreen and his mother all prefer the Costa Brava and hope that Bowler's "practice session" in England will put him off!