Bless This House (British TV series) - Revision history

Kurt: /* See also */

2023-02-14T16:16:11Z

Kurt at 16:12, 14 February 2023

2023-02-14T16:12:27Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:12, 14 February 2023
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	~~{{Short description\|ITV sitcom (1971–76)}}~~
	~~{{Use British English\|date=May 2014}}~~
	~~{{Use dmy dates\|date=July 2020}}~~
	{{Infobox television		{{Infobox television
	\| image = Bless This House Titles (Series 1-3).jpg		\| image = Bless This House Titles (Series 1-3).jpg
	\| caption = ''Bless this House'' titles as used in the first three series.		\| caption = ''Bless this House'' titles as used in the first three series.
	\| genre = [[w:Situation comedy\|Sitcom]]		\| genre = [[Situation comedy\|Sitcom]]
	\| camera =		\| camera =
	\| runtime = 30 minutes<br>(including commercials)		\| runtime = 30 minutes<br>(including commercials)
	\| picture_format = 4:3		\| picture_format = 4:3
	\| creator = [[w:Vince Powell\|Vince Powell]]<br>[[w:Harry Driver\|Harry Driver]]		\| creator = [[Vince Powell\|Vince Powell]]<br>[[Harry Driver\|Harry Driver]]
	\| starring = [[Sid James]]<br>[[Diana Coupland]]<br>[[Robin Stewart]]<br>[[w:Sally Geeson\|Sally Geeson]]<br>[[Anthony Jackson (actor)\|Anthony Jackson]]<br>[[Patsy Rowlands]]		\| starring = [[Sid James]]<br>[[Diana Coupland]]<br>[[Robin Stewart]]<br>[[Sally Geeson\|Sally Geeson]]<br>[[Anthony Jackson (actor)\|Anthony Jackson]]<br>[[Patsy Rowlands]]
	\| producer = [[w:William G. Stewart\|William G. Stewart]]		\| producer = [[William G. Stewart\|William G. Stewart]]
	\| company = [[w:Thames Television\|Thames Television]]		\| company = [[Thames Television\|Thames Television]]
	\| distributor = [[w:Fremantle (company)\|Fremantle]]		\| distributor = [[Fremantle (company)\|Fremantle]]
	\| theme_music_composer = [[w:Geoff Love\|Geoff Love]]		\| theme_music_composer = [[Geoff Love\|Geoff Love]]
	\| country = United Kingdom		\| country = United Kingdom
	\| language = English		\| language = English
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	\| num_episodes = 65		\| num_episodes = 65
	}}		}}
	'''''Bless This House''''' is a British sitcom that aired on [[w:ITV (TV network)\|ITV]] from 2 February 1971 to 22 April 1976. Starring [[Sid James]] and [[Diana Coupland]], it was created by [[w:Vince Powell\|Vince Powell]] and [[w:Harry Driver\|Harry Driver]], but mainly written by other hands including [[w:Dave Freeman (British writer)\|Dave Freeman]] and [[w:Carla Lane\|Carla Lane]]. It was made for the ITV network by [[w:Thames Television\|Thames Television]]. In 2004, ''Bless This House'' was ranked by a [[w:British Broadcasting Corporation\|BBC]] poll as the 67th [[w:Britain's Best Sitcom\|Best British Sitcom]].		'''''Bless This House''''' is a British sitcom that aired on [[ITV (TV network)\|ITV]] from 2 February 1971 to 22 April 1976. Starring [[Sid James]] and [[Diana Coupland]], it was created by [[Vince Powell\|Vince Powell]] and [[Harry Driver\|Harry Driver]], but mainly written by other hands including [[Dave Freeman (British writer)\|Dave Freeman]] and [[Carla Lane\|Carla Lane]]. It was made for the ITV network by [[Thames Television\|Thames Television]]. In 2004, ''Bless This House'' was ranked by a [[British Broadcasting Corporation\|BBC]] poll as the 67th [[Britain's Best Sitcom\|Best British Sitcom]].

	==Synopsis ==		==Synopsis ==
	''Bless This House'' centres on life in Howard Road, [[w:New Malden\|New Malden]], where travelling stationery salesman Sid Abbott{{refn\|the spelling of their surname varies; the opening credits of early series one episodes spell it "Abbot" while in the [[w:closing credits\|closing credits]] it is spelt "Abbott}} and his wife Jean live with their teenagers: Mike is fresh from [[w:art school\|art college]] and more pre-occupied with protests than finding a job; and trendy schoolgirl Sally. Mike is 18 and Sally is 16, at the series' start. Sid and Jean constantly battle to comprehend the new generation's permissive ways and are usually out-of-touch. Their neighbours and best friends are Trevor Lewis and his wife Betty.		''Bless This House'' centres on life in Howard Road, [[New Malden\|New Malden]], where travelling stationery salesman Sid Abbott{{refn\|the spelling of their surname varies; the opening credits of early series one episodes spell it "Abbot" while in the [[closing credits\|closing credits]] it is spelt "Abbott}} and his wife Jean live with their teenagers: Mike is fresh from [[art school\|art college]] and more pre-occupied with protests than finding a job; and trendy schoolgirl Sally. Mike is 18 and Sally is 16, at the series' start. Sid and Jean constantly battle to comprehend the new generation's permissive ways and are usually out-of-touch. Their neighbours and best friends are Trevor Lewis and his wife Betty.

	A total of 65 episodes of ''Bless This House'' were produced between 1971 and 1976.		A total of 65 episodes of ''Bless This House'' were produced between 1971 and 1976.

	==Cast==		==Cast==
	*[[Sid James\|Sidney James]] as Sid Abbott. Jean Abbott's husband and an [[w:Arsenal F.C.]] fan.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CTxzTdcDalM&t=932 bless this house Get me to the match on time] YouTube</ref> He likes to believe he is in control of his household, but finds he has to sneak out to go to the football or the pub. He often tries to avoid occasions he doesn't want to attend, but this often backfires on him.		*[[Sid James\|Sidney James]] as Sid Abbott. Jean Abbott's husband and an [[Arsenal F.C.]] fan.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CTxzTdcDalM&t=932 bless this house Get me to the match on time] YouTube</ref> He likes to believe he is in control of his household, but finds he has to sneak out to go to the football or the pub. He often tries to avoid occasions he doesn't want to attend, but this often backfires on him.
	*[[Diana Coupland]] as Jean Abbott. Sid's wife, who believes she can talk him into or out of anything. She always knows what he's up to and sees through his schemes.		*[[Diana Coupland]] as Jean Abbott. Sid's wife, who believes she can talk him into or out of anything. She always knows what he's up to and sees through his schemes.
	*[[Robin Stewart]] as Mike Abbott. Jean and Sid's son, their firstborn. He is an artist but he always avoids employment because "it's a drag."		*[[Robin Stewart]] as Mike Abbott. Jean and Sid's son, their firstborn. He is an artist but he always avoids employment because "it's a drag."
	*[[w:Sally Geeson\|Sally Geeson]] as Sally Abbott. Jean and Sid's daughter, Mike's little sister. Sid and Jean constantly worry about her relationships with "boys." She calls Sid "Daddy" and Jean "Mummy." Sally married Bless This House producer [[w:William G. Stewart\|William G. Stewart]] in 1976 and had two children during their 10 years of marriage.		*[[Sally Geeson\|Sally Geeson]] as Sally Abbott. Jean and Sid's daughter, Mike's little sister. Sid and Jean constantly worry about her relationships with "boys." She calls Sid "Daddy" and Jean "Mummy." Sally married Bless This House producer [[William G. Stewart\|William G. Stewart]] in 1976 and had two children during their 10 years of marriage.
	*[[Anthony Jackson (actor)\|Anthony Jackson]] as Trevor Lewis. The Abbotts' next-door neighbour and Sid's best friend.		*[[Anthony Jackson (actor)\|Anthony Jackson]] as Trevor Lewis. The Abbotts' next-door neighbour and Sid's best friend.
	*[[Patsy Rowlands]] as Betty Lewis. Trevor's wife and Jean's best friend. Jean and Betty usually gang up on their husbands if they don't do the right things.		*[[Patsy Rowlands]] as Betty Lewis. Trevor's wife and Jean's best friend. Jean and Betty usually gang up on their husbands if they don't do the right things.

	==Production==		==Production==
	The show was produced and directed by [[w:William G. Stewart\|William G. Stewart]], later the host of Channel 4’s ''[[w:Fifteen to One\|15 to 1]]'' [[w:gameshow\|gameshow]], and had [[w:theme music\|theme music]] written by [[w:Geoff Love\|Geoff Love]]. A comic strip version was also produced, written by [[w:Angus Allan\|Angus Allan]] and printed in TV comic ''[[w:Look-in\|Look-in]]''. The first seven episodes were made in black-and-white due to the [[w:Colour Strike\|ITV colour strike]]. Every episode was recorded in Studio 1 at the Thames Television studios based in Teddington.<ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://www.mola.org.uk/blog/teddington-studios-celebrated\|title=Teddington Studios celebrated\|website=MOLA\|access-date=23 November 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web\|url=http://www.teddington.tv/site_history.htm\|title=\| Teddington Studios \| Recent Productions \|\|website=www.teddington.tv\|access-date=23 November 2020}}</ref>		The show was produced and directed by [[William G. Stewart\|William G. Stewart]], later the host of Channel 4’s ''[[Fifteen to One\|15 to 1]]'' [[gameshow\|gameshow]], and had [[theme music\|theme music]] written by [[Geoff Love\|Geoff Love]]. A comic strip version was also produced, written by [[Angus Allan\|Angus Allan]] and printed in TV comic ''[[Look-in\|Look-in]]''. The first seven episodes were made in black-and-white due to the [[Colour Strike\|ITV colour strike]]. Every episode was recorded in Studio 1 at the Thames Television studios based in Teddington.<ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://www.mola.org.uk/blog/teddington-studios-celebrated\|title=Teddington Studios celebrated\|website=MOLA\|access-date=23 November 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web\|url=http://www.teddington.tv/site_history.htm\|title=\| Teddington Studios \| Recent Productions \|\|website=www.teddington.tv\|access-date=23 November 2020}}</ref>

	The series ended abruptly in 1976, when just four days after broadcast of the final episode of the sixth series, Sid James collapsed on stage at the [[w:Sunderland Empire\|Sunderland Empire]] during a performance of ''The Mating Season'' after failing to respond to a cue. James had suffered a [[w:Myocardial infarction\|heart attack]] and later died on the way to the hospital.		The series ended abruptly in 1976, when just four days after broadcast of the final episode of the sixth series, Sid James collapsed on stage at the [[Sunderland Empire\|Sunderland Empire]] during a performance of ''The Mating Season'' after failing to respond to a cue. James had suffered a [[Myocardial infarction\|heart attack]] and later died on the way to the hospital.

	At the time of James's death, plans were in place for a seventh and eighth series of the show and a second feature film . Ironically, James had told his co-star Diana Coupland, "it's such fun and so successful, we'll still be working on ''Bless This House'' till one of us kicks the bucket."<ref>{{cite web		At the time of James's death, plans were in place for a seventh and eighth series of the show and a second feature film . Ironically, James had told his co-star Diana Coupland, "it's such fun and so successful, we'll still be working on ''Bless This House'' till one of us kicks the bucket."<ref>{{cite web
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	==Film==		==Film==
	{{Main\|Bless This House (film)}}		{{Main\|Bless This House (film)}}
	A film version of the TV series was made in 1972. While it still starred Diana Coupland and Sid James as the Abbotts, [[w:Robin Askwith\|Robin Askwith]], who had previously appeared in the TV series, played Mike instead of TV series regular Robin Stewart due to the latter being unable to find time to appear in the film, having already been booked for the summer season on Bournemouth Pier. In addition, it featured "new" neighbours played by [[Terry Scott]] and [[June Whitfield]]. June later guest starred in an episode of the regular series, although as a different character. The part of Trevor was also recast with [[Peter Butterworth]] replacing Jackson. All the original actors returned for series three. Additionally, Mike gets married at the end of the film; this had no effect on the storylines in the television series.		A film version of the TV series was made in 1972. While it still starred Diana Coupland and Sid James as the Abbotts, [[Robin Askwith\|Robin Askwith]], who had previously appeared in the TV series, played Mike instead of TV series regular Robin Stewart due to the latter being unable to find time to appear in the film, having already been booked for the summer season on Bournemouth Pier. In addition, it featured "new" neighbours played by [[Terry Scott]] and [[June Whitfield]]. June later guest starred in an episode of the regular series, although as a different character. The part of Trevor was also recast with [[Peter Butterworth]] replacing Jackson. All the original actors returned for series three. Additionally, Mike gets married at the end of the film; this had no effect on the storylines in the television series.

	==Home media==		==Home media==
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	==See also==		==See also==
	[[w:List of films based on British television series\|List of films based on British television series]]		[[List of films based on British television series\|List of films based on British television series]]

	== References ==		== References ==

Kurt: /* Production */

2022-08-16T15:28:30Z

Production

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:28, 16 August 2022
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	==Production==		==Production==
	The show was produced and directed by [[William G. Stewart]], later the host of Channel 4’s ''[[Fifteen to One\|15 to 1]]'' [[gameshow]], and had [[theme music]] written by [[Geoff Love]]. A comic strip version was also produced, written by [[Angus Allan]] and printed in TV comic ''[[Look-in]]''. The first seven episodes were made in black-and-white due to the [[Colour Strike\|ITV colour strike]]. Every episode was recorded in Studio 1 at the Thames Television studios based in Teddington.<ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://www.mola.org.uk/blog/teddington-studios-celebrated\|title=Teddington Studios celebrated\|website=MOLA\|access-date=23 November 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web\|url=http://www.teddington.tv/site_history.htm\|title=\| Teddington Studios \| Recent Productions \|\|website=www.teddington.tv\|access-date=23 November 2020}}</ref>		The show was produced and directed by [[w:William G. Stewart\|William G. Stewart]], later the host of Channel 4’s ''[[w:Fifteen to One\|15 to 1]]'' [[w:gameshow\|gameshow]], and had [[w:theme music\|theme music]] written by [[w:Geoff Love\|Geoff Love]]. A comic strip version was also produced, written by [[w:Angus Allan\|Angus Allan]] and printed in TV comic ''[[w:Look-in\|Look-in]]''. The first seven episodes were made in black-and-white due to the [[w:Colour Strike\|ITV colour strike]]. Every episode was recorded in Studio 1 at the Thames Television studios based in Teddington.<ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://www.mola.org.uk/blog/teddington-studios-celebrated\|title=Teddington Studios celebrated\|website=MOLA\|access-date=23 November 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web\|url=http://www.teddington.tv/site_history.htm\|title=\| Teddington Studios \| Recent Productions \|\|website=www.teddington.tv\|access-date=23 November 2020}}</ref>

	The series ended abruptly in 1976, when just four days after broadcast of the final episode of the sixth series, Sid James collapsed on stage at the [[Sunderland Empire]] during a performance of ''The Mating Season'' after failing to respond to a cue. James had suffered a [[Myocardial infarction\|heart attack]] and later died on the way to the hospital.		The series ended abruptly in 1976, when just four days after broadcast of the final episode of the sixth series, Sid James collapsed on stage at the [[w:Sunderland Empire\|Sunderland Empire]] during a performance of ''The Mating Season'' after failing to respond to a cue. James had suffered a [[w:Myocardial infarction\|heart attack]] and later died on the way to the hospital.

	At the time of James's death, plans were in place for a seventh and eighth series of the show and a second feature film . Ironically, James had told his co-star Diana Coupland, "it's such fun and so successful, we'll still be working on ''Bless This House'' till one of us kicks the bucket."<ref>{{cite web		At the time of James's death, plans were in place for a seventh and eighth series of the show and a second feature film . Ironically, James had told his co-star Diana Coupland, "it's such fun and so successful, we'll still be working on ''Bless This House'' till one of us kicks the bucket."<ref>{{cite web

Kurt: /* Cast */

2022-08-16T15:26:43Z

Cast

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:26, 16 August 2022
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	==Cast==		==Cast==
	*[[Sid James\|Sidney James]] as Sid Abbott. Jean Abbott's husband and an [[Arsenal F.C.]] fan.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CTxzTdcDalM&t=932 bless this house Get me to the match on time] YouTube</ref> He likes to believe he is in control of his household, but finds he has to sneak out to go to the football or the pub. He often tries to avoid occasions he doesn't want to attend, but this often backfires on him.		*[[Sid James\|Sidney James]] as Sid Abbott. Jean Abbott's husband and an [[w:Arsenal F.C.]] fan.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CTxzTdcDalM&t=932 bless this house Get me to the match on time] YouTube</ref> He likes to believe he is in control of his household, but finds he has to sneak out to go to the football or the pub. He often tries to avoid occasions he doesn't want to attend, but this often backfires on him.
	*[[Diana Coupland]] as Jean Abbott. Sid's wife, who believes she can talk him into or out of anything. She always knows what he's up to and sees through his schemes.		*[[Diana Coupland]] as Jean Abbott. Sid's wife, who believes she can talk him into or out of anything. She always knows what he's up to and sees through his schemes.
	*[[Robin Stewart]] as Mike Abbott. Jean and Sid's son, their firstborn. He is an artist but he always avoids employment because "it's a drag."		*[[Robin Stewart]] as Mike Abbott. Jean and Sid's son, their firstborn. He is an artist but he always avoids employment because "it's a drag."
	*[[Sally Geeson]] as Sally Abbott. Jean and Sid's daughter, Mike's little sister. Sid and Jean constantly worry about her relationships with "boys." She calls Sid "Daddy" and Jean "Mummy." Sally married Bless This House producer [[William G. Stewart]] in 1976 and had two children during their 10 years of marriage.		*[[w:Sally Geeson\|Sally Geeson]] as Sally Abbott. Jean and Sid's daughter, Mike's little sister. Sid and Jean constantly worry about her relationships with "boys." She calls Sid "Daddy" and Jean "Mummy." Sally married Bless This House producer [[w:William G. Stewart\|William G. Stewart]] in 1976 and had two children during their 10 years of marriage.
	*[[Anthony Jackson (actor)\|Anthony Jackson]] as Trevor Lewis. The Abbotts' next-door neighbour and Sid's best friend.		*[[Anthony Jackson (actor)\|Anthony Jackson]] as Trevor Lewis. The Abbotts' next-door neighbour and Sid's best friend.
	*[[Patsy Rowlands]] as Betty Lewis. Trevor's wife and Jean's best friend. Jean and Betty usually gang up on their husbands if they don't do the right things.		*[[Patsy Rowlands]] as Betty Lewis. Trevor's wife and Jean's best friend. Jean and Betty usually gang up on their husbands if they don't do the right things.

Kurt: /* Film */

2022-08-16T15:18:05Z

Film

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:18, 16 August 2022
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	==Film==		==Film==
	{{Main\|Bless This House (film)}}		{{Main\|Bless This House (film)}}
	A film version of the TV series was made in 1972. While it still starred Diana Coupland and Sid James as the Abbotts, [[Robin Askwith]], who had previously appeared in the TV series, played Mike instead of TV series regular Robin Stewart due to the latter being unable to find time to appear in the film, having already been booked for the summer season on Bournemouth Pier. In addition, it featured "new" neighbours played by [[Terry Scott]] and [[June Whitfield]]. June later guest starred in an episode of the regular series, although as a different character. The part of Trevor was also recast with [[Peter Butterworth]] replacing Jackson. All the original actors returned for series three. Additionally, Mike gets married at the end of the film; this had no effect on the storylines in the television series.		A film version of the TV series was made in 1972. While it still starred Diana Coupland and Sid James as the Abbotts, [[w:Robin Askwith\|Robin Askwith]], who had previously appeared in the TV series, played Mike instead of TV series regular Robin Stewart due to the latter being unable to find time to appear in the film, having already been booked for the summer season on Bournemouth Pier. In addition, it featured "new" neighbours played by [[Terry Scott]] and [[June Whitfield]]. June later guest starred in an episode of the regular series, although as a different character. The part of Trevor was also recast with [[Peter Butterworth]] replacing Jackson. All the original actors returned for series three. Additionally, Mike gets married at the end of the film; this had no effect on the storylines in the television series.

	==Home media==		==Home media==

Kurt at 15:17, 16 August 2022

2022-08-16T15:17:11Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:17, 16 August 2022
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	\| picture_format = 4:3		\| picture_format = 4:3
	\| creator = [[w:Vince Powell\|Vince Powell]]<br>[[w:Harry Driver\|Harry Driver]]		\| creator = [[w:Vince Powell\|Vince Powell]]<br>[[w:Harry Driver\|Harry Driver]]
	\| starring = [[Sid James]]<br>[[Diana Coupland]]<br>[[Robin Stewart]]<br>[[Sally Geeson]]<br>[[Anthony Jackson (actor)\|Anthony Jackson]]<br>[[Patsy Rowlands]]		\| starring = [[Sid James]]<br>[[Diana Coupland]]<br>[[Robin Stewart]]<br>[[w:Sally Geeson\|Sally Geeson]]<br>[[Anthony Jackson (actor)\|Anthony Jackson]]<br>[[Patsy Rowlands]]
	\| producer = [[w:William G. Stewart\|William G. Stewart]]		\| producer = [[w:William G. Stewart\|William G. Stewart]]
	\| company = [[w:Thames Television\|Thames Television]]		\| company = [[w:Thames Television\|Thames Television]]
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	==See also==		==See also==
	[[List of films based on British television series]]		[[w:List of films based on British television series\|List of films based on British television series]]

	== References ==		== References ==

Kurt at 15:13, 16 August 2022

2022-08-16T15:13:05Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:13, 16 August 2022
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	\| image = Bless This House Titles (Series 1-3).jpg		\| image = Bless This House Titles (Series 1-3).jpg
	\| caption = ''Bless this House'' titles as used in the first three series.		\| caption = ''Bless this House'' titles as used in the first three series.
	\| genre = [[Situation comedy\|Sitcom]]		\| genre = [[w:Situation comedy\|Sitcom]]
	\| camera =		\| camera =
	\| runtime = 30 minutes<br>(including commercials)		\| runtime = 30 minutes<br>(including commercials)
	\| picture_format = 4:3		\| picture_format = 4:3
	\| creator = [[Vince Powell]]<br>[[Harry Driver]]		\| creator = [[w:Vince Powell\|Vince Powell]]<br>[[w:Harry Driver\|Harry Driver]]
	\| starring = [[Sid James]]<br>[[Diana Coupland]]<br>[[Robin Stewart]]<br>[[Sally Geeson]]<br>[[Anthony Jackson (actor)\|Anthony Jackson]]<br>[[Patsy Rowlands]]		\| starring = [[Sid James]]<br>[[Diana Coupland]]<br>[[Robin Stewart]]<br>[[Sally Geeson]]<br>[[Anthony Jackson (actor)\|Anthony Jackson]]<br>[[Patsy Rowlands]]
	\| producer = [[William G. Stewart]]		\| producer = [[w:William G. Stewart\|William G. Stewart]]
	\| company = [[Thames Television]]		\| company = [[w:Thames Television\|Thames Television]]
	\| distributor = [[Fremantle (company)\|Fremantle]]		\| distributor = [[w:Fremantle (company)\|Fremantle]]
	\| theme_music_composer = [[Geoff Love]]		\| theme_music_composer = [[w:Geoff Love\|Geoff Love]]
	\| country = United Kingdom		\| country = United Kingdom
	\| language = English		\| language = English
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	\| num_episodes = 65		\| num_episodes = 65
	}}		}}
	'''''Bless This House''''' is a British sitcom that aired on [[ITV (TV network)\|ITV]] from 2 February 1971 to 22 April 1976. Starring [[Sid James]] and [[Diana Coupland]], it was created by [[Vince Powell]] and [[Harry Driver]], but mainly written by other hands including [[Dave Freeman (British writer)\|Dave Freeman]] and [[Carla Lane]]. It was made for the ITV network by [[Thames Television]]. In 2004, ''Bless This House'' was ranked by a [[British Broadcasting Corporation\|BBC]] poll as the 67th [[Britain's Best Sitcom\|Best British Sitcom]].		'''''Bless This House''''' is a British sitcom that aired on [[w:ITV (TV network)\|ITV]] from 2 February 1971 to 22 April 1976. Starring [[Sid James]] and [[Diana Coupland]], it was created by [[w:Vince Powell\|Vince Powell]] and [[w:Harry Driver\|Harry Driver]], but mainly written by other hands including [[w:Dave Freeman (British writer)\|Dave Freeman]] and [[w:Carla Lane\|Carla Lane]]. It was made for the ITV network by [[w:Thames Television\|Thames Television]]. In 2004, ''Bless This House'' was ranked by a [[w:British Broadcasting Corporation\|BBC]] poll as the 67th [[w:Britain's Best Sitcom\|Best British Sitcom]].

	==Synopsis ==		==Synopsis ==
	''Bless This House'' centres on life in Howard Road, [[New Malden]], where travelling stationery salesman Sid Abbott{{refn\|the spelling of their surname varies; the opening credits of early series one episodes spell it "Abbot" while in the [[closing credits]] it is spelt "Abbott}} and his wife Jean live with their teenagers: Mike is fresh from [[art school\|art college]] and more pre-occupied with protests than finding a job; and trendy schoolgirl Sally. Mike is 18 and Sally is 16, at the series' start. Sid and Jean constantly battle to comprehend the new generation's permissive ways and are usually out-of-touch. Their neighbours and best friends are Trevor Lewis and his wife Betty.		''Bless This House'' centres on life in Howard Road, [[w:New Malden\|New Malden]], where travelling stationery salesman Sid Abbott{{refn\|the spelling of their surname varies; the opening credits of early series one episodes spell it "Abbot" while in the [[w:closing credits\|closing credits]] it is spelt "Abbott}} and his wife Jean live with their teenagers: Mike is fresh from [[w:art school\|art college]] and more pre-occupied with protests than finding a job; and trendy schoolgirl Sally. Mike is 18 and Sally is 16, at the series' start. Sid and Jean constantly battle to comprehend the new generation's permissive ways and are usually out-of-touch. Their neighbours and best friends are Trevor Lewis and his wife Betty.

	A total of 65 episodes of ''Bless This House'' were produced between 1971 and 1976.		A total of 65 episodes of ''Bless This House'' were produced between 1971 and 1976.

Kurt: 1 revision imported

2022-08-16T14:26:51Z

1 revision imported

← Older revision	Revision as of 09:26, 16 August 2022
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en>MalnadachBot: Fixed Lint errors - replaced obsolete center tags. (Task 12)

2022-06-19T10:33:58Z

Fixed Lint errors - replaced obsolete center tags. (Task 12)

New page

{{Short description|ITV sitcom (1971–76)}}
{{Use British English|date=May 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2020}}
{{Infobox television
| image = Bless This House Titles (Series 1-3).jpg
| caption = ''Bless this House'' titles as used in the first three series.
| genre = [[Situation comedy|Sitcom]]
| camera =
| runtime = 30 minutes (including commercials)
| picture_format = 4:3
| creator = [[Vince Powell]] [[Harry Driver]]
| starring = [[Sid James]] [[Diana Coupland]] [[Robin Stewart]] [[Sally Geeson]] [[Anthony Jackson (actor)|Anthony Jackson]] [[Patsy Rowlands]]
| producer = [[William G. Stewart]]
| company = [[Thames Television]]
| distributor = [[Fremantle (company)|Fremantle]]
| theme_music_composer = [[Geoff Love]]
| country = United Kingdom
| language = English
| network = ITV
| first_aired = {{start date|1971|2|2|df=yes}}
| last_aired = {{end date|1976|4|22|df=yes}}
| num_series = 6
| num_episodes = 65
}}
'''''Bless This House''''' is a British sitcom that aired on [[ITV (TV network)|ITV]] from 2 February 1971 to 22 April 1976. Starring [[Sid James]] and [[Diana Coupland]], it was created by [[Vince Powell]] and [[Harry Driver]], but mainly written by other hands including [[Dave Freeman (British writer)|Dave Freeman]] and [[Carla Lane]]. It was made for the ITV network by [[Thames Television]]. In 2004, ''Bless This House'' was ranked by a [[British Broadcasting Corporation|BBC]] poll as the 67th [[Britain's Best Sitcom|Best British Sitcom]].

==Synopsis ==
''Bless This House'' centres on life in Howard Road, [[New Malden]], where travelling stationery salesman Sid Abbott{{refn|the spelling of their surname varies; the opening credits of early series one episodes spell it "Abbot" while in the [[closing credits]] it is spelt "Abbott}} and his wife Jean live with their teenagers: Mike is fresh from [[art school|art college]] and more pre-occupied with protests than finding a job; and trendy schoolgirl Sally. Mike is 18 and Sally is 16, at the series' start. Sid and Jean constantly battle to comprehend the new generation's permissive ways and are usually out-of-touch. Their neighbours and best friends are Trevor Lewis and his wife Betty.

A total of 65 episodes of ''Bless This House'' were produced between 1971 and 1976.

==Cast==
*[[Sid James|Sidney James]] as Sid Abbott. Jean Abbott's husband and an [[Arsenal F.C.]] fan.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CTxzTdcDalM&t=932 bless this house Get me to the match on time] YouTube</ref> He likes to believe he is in control of his household, but finds he has to sneak out to go to the football or the pub. He often tries to avoid occasions he doesn't want to attend, but this often backfires on him.
*[[Diana Coupland]] as Jean Abbott. Sid's wife, who believes she can talk him into or out of anything. She always knows what he's up to and sees through his schemes.
*[[Robin Stewart]] as Mike Abbott. Jean and Sid's son, their firstborn. He is an artist but he always avoids employment because "it's a drag."
*[[Sally Geeson]] as Sally Abbott. Jean and Sid's daughter, Mike's little sister. Sid and Jean constantly worry about her relationships with "boys." She calls Sid "Daddy" and Jean "Mummy." Sally married Bless This House producer [[William G. Stewart]] in 1976 and had two children during their 10 years of marriage.
*[[Anthony Jackson (actor)|Anthony Jackson]] as Trevor Lewis. The Abbotts' next-door neighbour and Sid's best friend.
*[[Patsy Rowlands]] as Betty Lewis. Trevor's wife and Jean's best friend. Jean and Betty usually gang up on their husbands if they don't do the right things.

==Production==
The show was produced and directed by [[William G. Stewart]], later the host of Channel 4’s ''[[Fifteen to One|15 to 1]]'' [[gameshow]], and had [[theme music]] written by [[Geoff Love]]. A comic strip version was also produced, written by [[Angus Allan]] and printed in TV comic ''[[Look-in]]''. The first seven episodes were made in black-and-white due to the [[Colour Strike|ITV colour strike]]. Every episode was recorded in Studio 1 at the Thames Television studios based in Teddington.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mola.org.uk/blog/teddington-studios-celebrated|title=Teddington Studios celebrated|website=MOLA|access-date=23 November 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.teddington.tv/site_history.htm|title=| Teddington Studios | Recent Productions ||website=www.teddington.tv|access-date=23 November 2020}}</ref>

The series ended abruptly in 1976, when just four days after broadcast of the final episode of the sixth series, Sid James collapsed on stage at the [[Sunderland Empire]] during a performance of ''The Mating Season'' after failing to respond to a cue. James had suffered a [[Myocardial infarction|heart attack]] and later died on the way to the hospital.

At the time of James's death, plans were in place for a seventh and eighth series of the show and a second feature film . Ironically, James had told his co-star Diana Coupland, "it's such fun and so successful, we'll still be working on ''Bless This House'' till one of us kicks the bucket."<ref>{{cite web
|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/obituaries/diana-coupland-424214.html
|title=Diana Coupland (obituary)
|date=14 November 2006
|work=INDEPENDENT
|publisher=Independent Digital News & Media Limited
|access-date=31 December 2021}}</ref>

==Film==
{{Main|Bless This House (film)}}
A film version of the TV series was made in 1972. While it still starred Diana Coupland and Sid James as the Abbotts, [[Robin Askwith]], who had previously appeared in the TV series, played Mike instead of TV series regular Robin Stewart due to the latter being unable to find time to appear in the film, having already been booked for the summer season on Bournemouth Pier. In addition, it featured "new" neighbours played by [[Terry Scott]] and [[June Whitfield]]. June later guest starred in an episode of the regular series, although as a different character. The part of Trevor was also recast with [[Peter Butterworth]] replacing Jackson. All the original actors returned for series three. Additionally, Mike gets married at the end of the film; this had no effect on the storylines in the television series.

==Home media==
[[File:Bless-This-House.jpg|thumb|right|Cover of complete third series DVD]]All six series of ''Bless This House'' have been released on DVD in the UK including a Box Set containing all six series plus the feature film through Network DVD.

In Australia, Series 1<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ezydvd.com.au/DVD/bless-this-house-the-complete-1st-series/dp/804721 |title=Archived copy |access-date=29 August 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130914013344/http://www.ezydvd.com.au/DVD/bless-this-house-the-complete-1st-series/dp/804721 |archive-date=14 September 2013 }}</ref> was released on 2 April 2009, Series 2<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ezydvd.com.au/DVD/bless-this-house-series-2/dp/6118192 |title=Buy Bless This House: Series 2 on DVD-Video from |publisher=EzyDVD.com.au |date=22 April 2013 |access-date=12 March 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924005931/http://www.ezydvd.com.au/DVD/bless-this-house-series-2/dp/6118192 |archive-date=24 September 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref> on 3 October 2012 and Series 3<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ezydvd.com.au/DVD/bless-this-house-series-3/dp/6138027 |title=Buy Bless This House: Series 3 on DVD-Video from |publisher=EzyDVD.com.au |date=22 April 2013 |access-date=12 March 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924005935/http://www.ezydvd.com.au/DVD/bless-this-house-series-3/dp/6138027 |archive-date=24 September 2015 }}</ref> on 6 March 2013, no further individual seasons have been released. A Complete Series 1-6 Box Set<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ezydvd.com.au/DVD/bless-this-house-series-1-6/dp/6145701 |title=Buy Bless This House: Series 1-6 on DVD-Video from |publisher=EzyDVD.com.au |date=22 April 2013 |access-date=12 March 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924005922/http://www.ezydvd.com.au/DVD/bless-this-house-series-1-6/dp/6145701 |archive-date=24 September 2015 }}</ref> was released on 6 November 2013. Via Vision Entertainment obtained the rights to the series and will release 'The Complete Series' on 9 December 2020.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Bless This House" – The Complete Series" – DVD|url=https://www.madman.com.au/catalogue/view/54807/bless-this-house-the-complete-series|access-date=2020-10-02|website=Madman Entertainment|language=en-US}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! DVD !! Release date
|-
| {{center|The complete series 1}} || {{center|24 October 2005}}
|-
| {{center|The complete series 2}} || {{center|30 January 2006}}
|-
| {{center|The complete series 3}} || {{center|17 April 2006}}
|-
| {{center|The complete series 4}} || {{center|10 July 2006}}
|-
| {{center|The complete series 5}} || {{center|22 January 2007}}
|-
| {{center|The complete series 6}} || {{center|30 April 2007}}
|-
| {{center|The complete series 1 to 6 box set}} || {{center|2 February 2009}}
|}
ITV3 started repeating the series on 17 June 2020, with minor edits.

==Series overview==

*Series 1: 2 February 1971 to 20 April 1971 (12 episodes)
*Series 2: 21 February 1972 to 15 May 1972 (12 episodes)
*Series 3: 22 January 1973 to 28 May 1973 (12 episodes)
*Series 4: 20 February 1974 to 10 April 1974 (6 episodes)
*Series 5: 14 October 1974 to 16 December 1974 (10 episodes)
*Series 6: 29 January 1976 to 22 April 1976 (13 episodes)

==Episodes==

===Series 1 (1971)===

* "The Generation Gap" – 2 February 1971
* "Mum’s The Word" – 9 February 1971
* "Father’s Day" – 16 February 1971
* "Be It Ever So Humble" – 23 February 1971
* "Another Fine Mess" – 2 March 1971
* "For Whom The Bells Toll" – 9 March 1971
* "The Woman’s Place" – 16 March 1971
* "The Day of Rest" – 23 March 1971
* "Make Love…Not War!" – 30 March 1971
* "Charity Begins at Home" – 6 April 1971
* "If The Dog Collar Fits…Wear It!" – 13 April 1971
* "The Morning After, The Night Before" – 20 April 1971

===Series 2 (1972)===

* "Two Heads Are Better Than One" – 21 February 1972
* "Love Me, Love My Tree" – 28 February 1972
* "It’s All In The Mind" – 6 March 1972
* "Another Lost Weekend" – 13 March 1972
* "Parents Should Be Seen And Not Heard" – 20 March 1972
* "Strangers In The Night" – 27 March 1972
* "Get Me To The Match On Time" – 10 April 1972
* "Wives and Losers" – 17 April 1972
* "Never Again on Sunday" – 24 April 1972
* "People In Glass Houses" – 1 May 1972
* "A Rolls By Another Name" – 8 May 1972
* "A Touch Of The Unknown" – 15 May 1972

===Series 3 (1973)===

* "It Comes To Us All In The End" – 22 January 1973
* "Tea For Two And Four For Tea" – 5 February 1973
* "To Tell Or Not To Tell" – 12 February 1973
* "Blood Is Thicker Than Water" – 19 February 1973
* "One Good Turn Deserves A Bother" – 26 February 1973
* "The Loneliness Of The Short Distance Walker" – 5 March 1973
* "Watch The Birdie" – 12 March 1973
* "Aitishoo! Aitishoo! We All Fall Down" – 30 April 1973
* "Entente Not So Cordiale" – 7 May 1973
* "Will The Real Sid Abbott Stand Up Please" – 14 May 1973
* "I’m Not Jealous, I’ll Kill Him" – 21 May 1973
* "A Girl’s Worst Friend Is Her Father" – 28 May 1973

===Series 4 (1974)===

* "Money Is The Root Of" – 20 February 1974
* "And They Will Come Home…" – 27 February 1974
* "Who’s Minding The Baby?" – 20 March 1974
* "A Beef In His Bonnett" – 27 March 1974
* "The Bells Are Ringing" – 3 April 1974
* "The First 25 Years Are The Worst" – 10 April 1974

===Series 5 (1974)===

* "They Don’t Write Songs Like That Anymore" – 14 October 1974
* "The Gypsy’s Warning" – 21 October 1974
* "The Biggest Woodworm In The World" – 28 October 1974
* "Home Tweet Home" – 4 November 1974
* "You’re Never Too Old To Be Young" – 11 November 1974
* "The Policeman, The Paint and The Pirates" – 18 November 1974
* "Happy Birthday Sid" – 25 November 1974
* "Freedom Is" – 2 December 1974
* "'Mr Chairman'" – 9 December 1974
* "And Afterwards At…" – 16 December 1974

===Series 6 (1976)===

* "The Frozen Limit" – 29 January 1976
* "Beautiful Dreamer" – 5 February 1976
* "Fish With Everything" – 12 February 1976
* "The Naked Paperhanger" – 19 February 1976
* "Remember Me?" – 26 February 1976
* "Something Of Value" – 4 March 1976
* "Men Of Consequence" – 11 March 1976
* "Skin Deep" – 18 March 1976
* "Friends And Neighbours" – 25 March 1976
* "Well, Well, Well…" – 1 April 1976
* "The Phantom Pools Winner" – 8 April 1976
* "A Matter Of Principle" – 15 April 1976
* "Some Enchanted Evening" – 22 April 1976

==See also==
[[List of films based on British television series]]

== References ==
<references />

==External links==
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20090422000518/http://www.blessthishouse.net/ blessthishouse.net - Unofficial fan site].
*{{IMDb title|0066633|Bless this house}}.
*{{British Comedy Guide|tv|bless_this_house|Bless this house}}.
*[http://www.phill.co.uk/comedy/bless/ ''Bless this house''] at British TV comedy.
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20110911063626/http://www.britishclassiccomedy.co.uk/2010/10/meet-the-abbott-family-its-bless-this-house/ ''Bless this house''] at British classic comedy.

{{Vince Powell}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Bless This House}}
[[Category:1971 British television series debuts]]
[[Category:1976 British television series endings]]
[[Category:1970s British sitcoms]]
[[Category:English-language television shows]]
[[Category:ITV sitcoms]]
[[Category:Television series by Fremantle (company)]]
[[Category:Television shows produced by Thames Television]]
[[Category:Television shows set in London]]
[[Category:Television shows adapted into films]]
[[Category:Television shows shot at Teddington Studios]]

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:16, 14 February 2023
Line 169:		Line 169:
	* "A Matter Of Principle" – 15 April 1976		* "A Matter Of Principle" – 15 April 1976
	* "Some Enchanted Evening" – 22 April 1976		* "Some Enchanted Evening" – 22 April 1976

	~~==See also==~~
	~~[[List of films based on British television series\|List of films based on British television series]]~~

	== References ==		== References ==