Введение
Британский телевизионный ситком
British television sitcom
«О, доктор Бичинг!» – это телевизионный ситком BBC, написанный Дэвидом Крофтом и Ричардом Спендлавом и снятый для BBC. После выхода пилотного эпизода в августе 1995 года было принято решение о полном производстве, и ситком выходил в эфир в течение двух сезонов с 8 июля 1996 года по 28 сентября 1997 года. Сериал рассказывает о жизни сотрудников вымышленной станции Хэтли на сельской ветке, которые ищут способы сохранить свою станцию открытой после появления новостей о планах доктора Ричарда Бичинга по закрытию многих веток и соответствующих станций. В съемках ситкома использовались внешние сцены, снятые на железнодорожной станции Арли на железной дороге Северн-Вэлли. Этот сериал стал последней из трех комедий, написанных Крофтом в соавторстве и с участием многих актеров из его предыдущих работ «Привет, привет!» и «Вы звонили, мсье?», а также последним полнометражным ситкомом, созданным им. Несмотря на хорошие первоначальные рейтинги, шоу было закрыто после двух сезонов из-за серьезной конкуренции с другими программами на BBC.
Oh, Doctor Beeching! is a BBC television sitcom, written by David Croft and Richard Spendlove, and produced for the BBC. After a pilot for the programme was broadcast in August 1995, full production was green lighted, with the sitcom running for two series from 8 July 1996 to 28 September 1997. The series focuses on the lives of the staff who run the fictional station of Hatley on a rural branch line who find themselves looking for the means to keep their station open in the wake of news that Dr. Richard Beeching has promoted plans for the closing of many branch lines and their respective stations. Filming of the sitcom included exterior shots taken at Arley railway station on the Severn Valley Railway. The series was the last of three comedies that Croft co wrote to feature many of the same actors from his previous works of Hi de Hi! and You Rang, M'Lord?, and the last full series sitcom for him to create. Despite good initial viewing figures, the show was axed after two series following extensive problems competing with other programming on the BBC.
Производство
После работы над You Rang, M'Lord? Дэвид Крофт разорвал связи с BBC в 1993 году из-за критики в отношении его работы, включая отсутствие повторов его шоу, особенно первого сериала, который, по мнению продюсера, был необходим для формирования аудитории. Пилотный эпизод имел успех, когда был показан в 1995 году, что привело BBC к заказу ситкома на два сезона; однако трансляция ситкома была отложена до 1996 года. Съемки как пилотного эпизода, так и сериала велись с использованием внешних планов, снятых на железнодорожной станции Арли, с использованием сохранившейся инфраструктуры железной дороги Северн-Вэлли как для локации, так и для локомотива LMS Ivatt Class 2 2-6-0, № 46521, который находился на линии; впоследствии локомотив был продан Великой Центральной железной дороге и передавался в аренду другим железным дорогам после завершения съемок. Стоимость использования линии и локомотива существенно повлияла на бюджет шоу, фактически потребовав от BBC выделить на него больше средств, чем на другие программы во время производства. На первый взгляд он кажется утонченным, но оказывается, что он знаком с управляющей буфетом станции, поскольку у них был страстный роман, который происходил за спиной ее бойфренда (позже мужа) Джека Скиннера. Он все еще испытывает к ней похотливые чувства и в нескольких эпизодах пытается убедить ее уйти от Джека. Сотрудники станции по-разному реагируют на него – большинство терпимы, но Джек и Гарри, дежурный по стрелке, испытывают к нему сильную неприязнь, которая лишь немного смягчается по ходу сериала.
Following his work on You Rang, M'Lord?, David Croft severed his ties with the BBC in 1993 over criticism that their treatment of his work, including the lack of repeats for his shows, particularly the first series, which the producer felt was needed to build up its audience. The pilot proved a success when aired in 1995, leading the BBC to commission the sitcom for two series; although broadcast of the sitcom was delayed until 1996. Filming for both the pilot and the series relied on exterior shots filmed at Arley railway station, taking advantage of the preservation work of the Severn Valley Railway for both the location and a LMS Ivatt Class 2 2 6 0, No 46521, which resided on the line; the locomotive was later sold on to the Great Central Railway and loaned to other railways after the series had concluded. The cost of using the line and the locomotive had a notable impact on the show's budget, effectively requiring the BBC to provide it with more money than other programming during its production. On the surface, he seems refined, but it turns out that he knows the station's buffet manager because they had a passionate affair, which was going on behind her boyfriend (later husband) Jack Skinner's back. He still has lecherous thoughts about her and in several episodes he tries his best to get her to leave Jack. The station staff react to him in different ways – most are tolerant of him, but Jack and Harry, the signalman, take an intense dislike to him, which only slightly mellows as the series goes on. Jack Skinner (Paul Shane) Head Porter and Deputy Stationmaster – He is deeply in love with his beautiful wife, May, but gets very jealous whenever she comes into close contact with other men, especially Cecil. He heartily dislikes Cecil and shows it. He is an ex soldier with a limp from a wound he supposedly received during the war – only in Episode 9 we learn that his leg was wounded when he was thrown out of a pub and the landlord's wife slammed the door on his foot, not during a battle, although Ethel changed the story to him jumping on a German tank to shove a land mine down it and a big German trapped his foot in the door. Ethel Schumann (Su Pollard) Ticket Clerk – She is scatter brained and sometimes muddles her words. She often gets frustrated with Jack for his jealousy of May. She is also a flirt – she has a son from her marriage to a now deceased American soldier named Earl, whom she frequently refers to in the earlier episodes. She is desperate for another boyfriend and frequently makes advances to the station's guard, Percy, who appreciates her advances, but seems more interested in the regular commuter, Amy. She is the only one who knows of Cecil and May's war time fling once May tells her. Harry Lambert (Stephen Lewis) Signalman – He is eternally miserable, with Stephen Lewis portraying the character very much like "Blakey" in On the Buses. He never smiles and often sees the down side of things, never being seen happy. He hates his job, often calling the trains "ruddy". Because trains come through Hatley only a few times a day, he operates numerous sidelines from his box: growing vegetables, mending bikes and clocks, rearing farm animals (pigs, turkeys and chickens) for the staff's dinners, giving haircuts and taking bets. They are all illegal, yet all the staff, including Gloria, know about them, are customers and keep their mouths shut. Cecil does not know, as he would make it stop. There is a recurring gag, where Harry will say, "if they poke their noses around, they will get the flat end o' my tongue", that person comes and he starts sucking up to them. He often resists Vera's advances. May Skinner (née Blanchflower) (Julia Deakin) Buffet Manageress – She had a passionate affair with Cecil Parkin before she married Jack, which ended when Cecil was called up to serve in the Army. She appears to genuinely love Jack, but she seems to still have buried feelings for Cecil. She frequently resists Cecil's advances, but occasionally relents, even letting him kiss her in Episode 10, but states that it must never happen again. In early episodes it is hinted that Cecil is the father of her daughter, Gloria, but this is proved to be false in Episode 11. The character of May was played by Sherrie Hewson in the original pilot episode shown in August 1995. Because of her role in Coronation Street, Hewson was unable to continue with the role of May in the series proper, so the character was recast to Julia Deakin. When the pilot episode was repeated as the first episode of the first series in July 1996, Hewson's scenes as May were reshot with Deakin in the role. Vera Plumtree (Barbara New) Cleaner – She helps the staff by cleaning their homes and washing linen for them. She has a lot in common with Ethel: she muddles her words and frequently talks about her unnamed late husband, who was an engine driver. She is fond of Harry, but he is not interested in her. Wilfred Schumann (Paul Aspden, credited as Paul Aspen) Porter – Ethel's son. Most of the time he comes across as extremely stupid. He is often verbally abused and hit around the head by Jack. Wilfred joins the Army in one episode so as to allow Ethel to elope with her new American airmen boyfriend, but she ends the relationship. Wilfred was born in 1946, making him 17. Gloria Skinner (Lindsay Grimshaw) – Jack and May's daughter. A rebellious teenager, very fond of short skirts and the company of older men. Jack is over protective and will let no man in the station take Gloria out. Gloria was born in February 1945, making her 18. Percy (Terry John) Guard – the main station flirt. He flirts with every woman he comes into contact with, except Vera. But he seems to prefer Amy above others: he takes her out on several dates during the series, often leaving Ethel in the lurch. We learn in Episode 14 that he keeps promising to take Ethel out, but never does. Arnold Thomas (Ivor Roberts) Train Driver – An older train driver. He is the star of the penultimate episode, where he goes to great lengths to make sure he is not sacked. He has a wife called Jessica, who appears to be forgetful. He alludes to her in almost every episode, but she only appears briefly in an uncredited role in Episode 13. The actress was Ivor Roberts' real life wife also. Ralph (Perry Benson) Fireman and Trainee Driver – Works with Arnold – the two often engage in comic banter. Ralph can be as daft as Wilfred and is slow at learning to drive – but he drives the train perfectly in the final episode. One episode centres around him – in Episode 14 he threatens to go on strike. It is also revealed that he has a crush on Gloria. Amy (Tara Daniels), best school friend of Gloria's, she appears in most of the episodes. She is often the object of Percy's desires. Mr Orkindale (Richard Spendlove) District Inspector – Senior to Parkin, calls staff by Christian names and fancies May. Dislikes Mr Parkin as much as everyone else and in Episode 17 cheats him out of a place on the bowls club outing just so he can have a few extra drinks.
Джек Скиннер (Пол Шейн) – Главный носильщик и помощник начальника станции. Он глубоко влюблен в свою красивую жену Мэй, но сильно ревнует, когда она близко общается с другими мужчинами, особенно с Сесилом. Он не любит Сесила и не скрывает этого. Он бывший солдат, хромающий из-за раны, предположительно полученной на войне, – только в 9-м эпизоде мы узнаем, что его нога была повреждена, когда его вышвырнули из паба, а жена трактирщика захлопнула дверь ему на ногу, а не в бою, хотя Этель изменила историю, рассказав, что он прыгнул на немецкий танк, чтобы засунуть туда мину, и большой немец прищемил ему ногу дверью.
Following his work on You Rang, M'Lord?, David Croft severed his ties with the BBC in 1993 over criticism that their treatment of his work, including the lack of repeats for his shows, particularly the first series, which the producer felt was needed to build up its audience. The pilot proved a success when aired in 1995, leading the BBC to commission the sitcom for two series; although broadcast of the sitcom was delayed until 1996. Filming for both the pilot and the series relied on exterior shots filmed at Arley railway station, taking advantage of the preservation work of the Severn Valley Railway for both the location and a LMS Ivatt Class 2 2 6 0, No 46521, which resided on the line; the locomotive was later sold on to the Great Central Railway and loaned to other railways after the series had concluded. The cost of using the line and the locomotive had a notable impact on the show's budget, effectively requiring the BBC to provide it with more money than other programming during its production. On the surface, he seems refined, but it turns out that he knows the station's buffet manager because they had a passionate affair, which was going on behind her boyfriend (later husband) Jack Skinner's back. He still has lecherous thoughts about her and in several episodes he tries his best to get her to leave Jack. The station staff react to him in different ways – most are tolerant of him, but Jack and Harry, the signalman, take an intense dislike to him, which only slightly mellows as the series goes on. Jack Skinner (Paul Shane) Head Porter and Deputy Stationmaster – He is deeply in love with his beautiful wife, May, but gets very jealous whenever she comes into close contact with other men, especially Cecil. He heartily dislikes Cecil and shows it. He is an ex soldier with a limp from a wound he supposedly received during the war – only in Episode 9 we learn that his leg was wounded when he was thrown out of a pub and the landlord's wife slammed the door on his foot, not during a battle, although Ethel changed the story to him jumping on a German tank to shove a land mine down it and a big German trapped his foot in the door. Ethel Schumann (Su Pollard) Ticket Clerk – She is scatter brained and sometimes muddles her words. She often gets frustrated with Jack for his jealousy of May. She is also a flirt – she has a son from her marriage to a now deceased American soldier named Earl, whom she frequently refers to in the earlier episodes. She is desperate for another boyfriend and frequently makes advances to the station's guard, Percy, who appreciates her advances, but seems more interested in the regular commuter, Amy. She is the only one who knows of Cecil and May's war time fling once May tells her. Harry Lambert (Stephen Lewis) Signalman – He is eternally miserable, with Stephen Lewis portraying the character very much like "Blakey" in On the Buses. He never smiles and often sees the down side of things, never being seen happy. He hates his job, often calling the trains "ruddy". Because trains come through Hatley only a few times a day, he operates numerous sidelines from his box: growing vegetables, mending bikes and clocks, rearing farm animals (pigs, turkeys and chickens) for the staff's dinners, giving haircuts and taking bets. They are all illegal, yet all the staff, including Gloria, know about them, are customers and keep their mouths shut. Cecil does not know, as he would make it stop. There is a recurring gag, where Harry will say, "if they poke their noses around, they will get the flat end o' my tongue", that person comes and he starts sucking up to them. He often resists Vera's advances. May Skinner (née Blanchflower) (Julia Deakin) Buffet Manageress – She had a passionate affair with Cecil Parkin before she married Jack, which ended when Cecil was called up to serve in the Army. She appears to genuinely love Jack, but she seems to still have buried feelings for Cecil. She frequently resists Cecil's advances, but occasionally relents, even letting him kiss her in Episode 10, but states that it must never happen again. In early episodes it is hinted that Cecil is the father of her daughter, Gloria, but this is proved to be false in Episode 11. The character of May was played by Sherrie Hewson in the original pilot episode shown in August 1995. Because of her role in Coronation Street, Hewson was unable to continue with the role of May in the series proper, so the character was recast to Julia Deakin. When the pilot episode was repeated as the first episode of the first series in July 1996, Hewson's scenes as May were reshot with Deakin in the role. Vera Plumtree (Barbara New) Cleaner – She helps the staff by cleaning their homes and washing linen for them. She has a lot in common with Ethel: she muddles her words and frequently talks about her unnamed late husband, who was an engine driver. She is fond of Harry, but he is not interested in her. Wilfred Schumann (Paul Aspden, credited as Paul Aspen) Porter – Ethel's son. Most of the time he comes across as extremely stupid. He is often verbally abused and hit around the head by Jack. Wilfred joins the Army in one episode so as to allow Ethel to elope with her new American airmen boyfriend, but she ends the relationship. Wilfred was born in 1946, making him 17. Gloria Skinner (Lindsay Grimshaw) – Jack and May's daughter. A rebellious teenager, very fond of short skirts and the company of older men. Jack is over protective and will let no man in the station take Gloria out. Gloria was born in February 1945, making her 18. Percy (Terry John) Guard – the main station flirt. He flirts with every woman he comes into contact with, except Vera. But he seems to prefer Amy above others: he takes her out on several dates during the series, often leaving Ethel in the lurch. We learn in Episode 14 that he keeps promising to take Ethel out, but never does. Arnold Thomas (Ivor Roberts) Train Driver – An older train driver. He is the star of the penultimate episode, where he goes to great lengths to make sure he is not sacked. He has a wife called Jessica, who appears to be forgetful. He alludes to her in almost every episode, but she only appears briefly in an uncredited role in Episode 13. The actress was Ivor Roberts' real life wife also. Ralph (Perry Benson) Fireman and Trainee Driver – Works with Arnold – the two often engage in comic banter. Ralph can be as daft as Wilfred and is slow at learning to drive – but he drives the train perfectly in the final episode. One episode centres around him – in Episode 14 he threatens to go on strike. It is also revealed that he has a crush on Gloria. Amy (Tara Daniels), best school friend of Gloria's, she appears in most of the episodes. She is often the object of Percy's desires. Mr Orkindale (Richard Spendlove) District Inspector – Senior to Parkin, calls staff by Christian names and fancies May. Dislikes Mr Parkin as much as everyone else and in Episode 17 cheats him out of a place on the bowls club outing just so he can have a few extra drinks.
Этель Шуман (Су Поллард) – Кассир. Она рассеянная и иногда путает слова. Она часто расстраивается из-за ревности Джека к Мэй. Она также кокетлива – у нее есть сын от брака с ныне покойным американским солдатом по имени Эрл, о котором она часто упоминает в ранних эпизодах. Она отчаянно ищет нового бойфренда и часто делает намеки на охранника станции, Перси, который ценит ее внимание, но, кажется, больше заинтересован в постоянной пассажирке, Эми. Она единственная, кто знает о давнем романе Сесила и Мэй, когда Мэй ей рассказывает.
Following his work on You Rang, M'Lord?, David Croft severed his ties with the BBC in 1993 over criticism that their treatment of his work, including the lack of repeats for his shows, particularly the first series, which the producer felt was needed to build up its audience. The pilot proved a success when aired in 1995, leading the BBC to commission the sitcom for two series; although broadcast of the sitcom was delayed until 1996. Filming for both the pilot and the series relied on exterior shots filmed at Arley railway station, taking advantage of the preservation work of the Severn Valley Railway for both the location and a LMS Ivatt Class 2 2 6 0, No 46521, which resided on the line; the locomotive was later sold on to the Great Central Railway and loaned to other railways after the series had concluded. The cost of using the line and the locomotive had a notable impact on the show's budget, effectively requiring the BBC to provide it with more money than other programming during its production. On the surface, he seems refined, but it turns out that he knows the station's buffet manager because they had a passionate affair, which was going on behind her boyfriend (later husband) Jack Skinner's back. He still has lecherous thoughts about her and in several episodes he tries his best to get her to leave Jack. The station staff react to him in different ways – most are tolerant of him, but Jack and Harry, the signalman, take an intense dislike to him, which only slightly mellows as the series goes on. Jack Skinner (Paul Shane) Head Porter and Deputy Stationmaster – He is deeply in love with his beautiful wife, May, but gets very jealous whenever she comes into close contact with other men, especially Cecil. He heartily dislikes Cecil and shows it. He is an ex soldier with a limp from a wound he supposedly received during the war – only in Episode 9 we learn that his leg was wounded when he was thrown out of a pub and the landlord's wife slammed the door on his foot, not during a battle, although Ethel changed the story to him jumping on a German tank to shove a land mine down it and a big German trapped his foot in the door. Ethel Schumann (Su Pollard) Ticket Clerk – She is scatter brained and sometimes muddles her words. She often gets frustrated with Jack for his jealousy of May. She is also a flirt – she has a son from her marriage to a now deceased American soldier named Earl, whom she frequently refers to in the earlier episodes. She is desperate for another boyfriend and frequently makes advances to the station's guard, Percy, who appreciates her advances, but seems more interested in the regular commuter, Amy. She is the only one who knows of Cecil and May's war time fling once May tells her. Harry Lambert (Stephen Lewis) Signalman – He is eternally miserable, with Stephen Lewis portraying the character very much like "Blakey" in On the Buses. He never smiles and often sees the down side of things, never being seen happy. He hates his job, often calling the trains "ruddy". Because trains come through Hatley only a few times a day, he operates numerous sidelines from his box: growing vegetables, mending bikes and clocks, rearing farm animals (pigs, turkeys and chickens) for the staff's dinners, giving haircuts and taking bets. They are all illegal, yet all the staff, including Gloria, know about them, are customers and keep their mouths shut. Cecil does not know, as he would make it stop. There is a recurring gag, where Harry will say, "if they poke their noses around, they will get the flat end o' my tongue", that person comes and he starts sucking up to them. He often resists Vera's advances. May Skinner (née Blanchflower) (Julia Deakin) Buffet Manageress – She had a passionate affair with Cecil Parkin before she married Jack, which ended when Cecil was called up to serve in the Army. She appears to genuinely love Jack, but she seems to still have buried feelings for Cecil. She frequently resists Cecil's advances, but occasionally relents, even letting him kiss her in Episode 10, but states that it must never happen again. In early episodes it is hinted that Cecil is the father of her daughter, Gloria, but this is proved to be false in Episode 11. The character of May was played by Sherrie Hewson in the original pilot episode shown in August 1995. Because of her role in Coronation Street, Hewson was unable to continue with the role of May in the series proper, so the character was recast to Julia Deakin. When the pilot episode was repeated as the first episode of the first series in July 1996, Hewson's scenes as May were reshot with Deakin in the role. Vera Plumtree (Barbara New) Cleaner – She helps the staff by cleaning their homes and washing linen for them. She has a lot in common with Ethel: she muddles her words and frequently talks about her unnamed late husband, who was an engine driver. She is fond of Harry, but he is not interested in her. Wilfred Schumann (Paul Aspden, credited as Paul Aspen) Porter – Ethel's son. Most of the time he comes across as extremely stupid. He is often verbally abused and hit around the head by Jack. Wilfred joins the Army in one episode so as to allow Ethel to elope with her new American airmen boyfriend, but she ends the relationship. Wilfred was born in 1946, making him 17. Gloria Skinner (Lindsay Grimshaw) – Jack and May's daughter. A rebellious teenager, very fond of short skirts and the company of older men. Jack is over protective and will let no man in the station take Gloria out. Gloria was born in February 1945, making her 18. Percy (Terry John) Guard – the main station flirt. He flirts with every woman he comes into contact with, except Vera. But he seems to prefer Amy above others: he takes her out on several dates during the series, often leaving Ethel in the lurch. We learn in Episode 14 that he keeps promising to take Ethel out, but never does. Arnold Thomas (Ivor Roberts) Train Driver – An older train driver. He is the star of the penultimate episode, where he goes to great lengths to make sure he is not sacked. He has a wife called Jessica, who appears to be forgetful. He alludes to her in almost every episode, but she only appears briefly in an uncredited role in Episode 13. The actress was Ivor Roberts' real life wife also. Ralph (Perry Benson) Fireman and Trainee Driver – Works with Arnold – the two often engage in comic banter. Ralph can be as daft as Wilfred and is slow at learning to drive – but he drives the train perfectly in the final episode. One episode centres around him – in Episode 14 he threatens to go on strike. It is also revealed that he has a crush on Gloria. Amy (Tara Daniels), best school friend of Gloria's, she appears in most of the episodes. She is often the object of Percy's desires. Mr Orkindale (Richard Spendlove) District Inspector – Senior to Parkin, calls staff by Christian names and fancies May. Dislikes Mr Parkin as much as everyone else and in Episode 17 cheats him out of a place on the bowls club outing just so he can have a few extra drinks.
Гарри Ламберт (Стивен Льюис) – Дежурный по стрелке. Он вечно несчастен, и Стивен Льюис изображает персонажа очень похоже на "Блэки" из "На автобусах". Он никогда не улыбается и часто видит во всем негатив, никогда не бывает доволен. Он ненавидит свою работу, часто называя поезда "проклятыми". Поскольку поезда проходят через Хэтли лишь несколько раз в день, он занимается многочисленными подработками из своего поста: выращивает овощи, ремонтирует велосипеды и часы, разводит сельскохозяйственных животных (свиней, индеек и кур) на ужин для персонала, стрижет волосы и принимает ставки. Все это незаконно, но все сотрудники, включая Глорию, знают об этом, являются его клиентами и хранят молчание. Сесил не знает, иначе он бы это прекратил. Есть повторяющийся гэг, когда Гарри говорит: "Если они сунут свой нос не в свое дело, я им язык отгрызу", и тут же появляется тот, о ком он говорил, и он начинает заискивать перед ним. Он часто сопротивляется ухаживаниям Веры.
Following his work on You Rang, M'Lord?, David Croft severed his ties with the BBC in 1993 over criticism that their treatment of his work, including the lack of repeats for his shows, particularly the first series, which the producer felt was needed to build up its audience. The pilot proved a success when aired in 1995, leading the BBC to commission the sitcom for two series; although broadcast of the sitcom was delayed until 1996. Filming for both the pilot and the series relied on exterior shots filmed at Arley railway station, taking advantage of the preservation work of the Severn Valley Railway for both the location and a LMS Ivatt Class 2 2 6 0, No 46521, which resided on the line; the locomotive was later sold on to the Great Central Railway and loaned to other railways after the series had concluded. The cost of using the line and the locomotive had a notable impact on the show's budget, effectively requiring the BBC to provide it with more money than other programming during its production. On the surface, he seems refined, but it turns out that he knows the station's buffet manager because they had a passionate affair, which was going on behind her boyfriend (later husband) Jack Skinner's back. He still has lecherous thoughts about her and in several episodes he tries his best to get her to leave Jack. The station staff react to him in different ways – most are tolerant of him, but Jack and Harry, the signalman, take an intense dislike to him, which only slightly mellows as the series goes on. Jack Skinner (Paul Shane) Head Porter and Deputy Stationmaster – He is deeply in love with his beautiful wife, May, but gets very jealous whenever she comes into close contact with other men, especially Cecil. He heartily dislikes Cecil and shows it. He is an ex soldier with a limp from a wound he supposedly received during the war – only in Episode 9 we learn that his leg was wounded when he was thrown out of a pub and the landlord's wife slammed the door on his foot, not during a battle, although Ethel changed the story to him jumping on a German tank to shove a land mine down it and a big German trapped his foot in the door. Ethel Schumann (Su Pollard) Ticket Clerk – She is scatter brained and sometimes muddles her words. She often gets frustrated with Jack for his jealousy of May. She is also a flirt – she has a son from her marriage to a now deceased American soldier named Earl, whom she frequently refers to in the earlier episodes. She is desperate for another boyfriend and frequently makes advances to the station's guard, Percy, who appreciates her advances, but seems more interested in the regular commuter, Amy. She is the only one who knows of Cecil and May's war time fling once May tells her. Harry Lambert (Stephen Lewis) Signalman – He is eternally miserable, with Stephen Lewis portraying the character very much like "Blakey" in On the Buses. He never smiles and often sees the down side of things, never being seen happy. He hates his job, often calling the trains "ruddy". Because trains come through Hatley only a few times a day, he operates numerous sidelines from his box: growing vegetables, mending bikes and clocks, rearing farm animals (pigs, turkeys and chickens) for the staff's dinners, giving haircuts and taking bets. They are all illegal, yet all the staff, including Gloria, know about them, are customers and keep their mouths shut. Cecil does not know, as he would make it stop. There is a recurring gag, where Harry will say, "if they poke their noses around, they will get the flat end o' my tongue", that person comes and he starts sucking up to them. He often resists Vera's advances. May Skinner (née Blanchflower) (Julia Deakin) Buffet Manageress – She had a passionate affair with Cecil Parkin before she married Jack, which ended when Cecil was called up to serve in the Army. She appears to genuinely love Jack, but she seems to still have buried feelings for Cecil. She frequently resists Cecil's advances, but occasionally relents, even letting him kiss her in Episode 10, but states that it must never happen again. In early episodes it is hinted that Cecil is the father of her daughter, Gloria, but this is proved to be false in Episode 11. The character of May was played by Sherrie Hewson in the original pilot episode shown in August 1995. Because of her role in Coronation Street, Hewson was unable to continue with the role of May in the series proper, so the character was recast to Julia Deakin. When the pilot episode was repeated as the first episode of the first series in July 1996, Hewson's scenes as May were reshot with Deakin in the role. Vera Plumtree (Barbara New) Cleaner – She helps the staff by cleaning their homes and washing linen for them. She has a lot in common with Ethel: she muddles her words and frequently talks about her unnamed late husband, who was an engine driver. She is fond of Harry, but he is not interested in her. Wilfred Schumann (Paul Aspden, credited as Paul Aspen) Porter – Ethel's son. Most of the time he comes across as extremely stupid. He is often verbally abused and hit around the head by Jack. Wilfred joins the Army in one episode so as to allow Ethel to elope with her new American airmen boyfriend, but she ends the relationship. Wilfred was born in 1946, making him 17. Gloria Skinner (Lindsay Grimshaw) – Jack and May's daughter. A rebellious teenager, very fond of short skirts and the company of older men. Jack is over protective and will let no man in the station take Gloria out. Gloria was born in February 1945, making her 18. Percy (Terry John) Guard – the main station flirt. He flirts with every woman he comes into contact with, except Vera. But he seems to prefer Amy above others: he takes her out on several dates during the series, often leaving Ethel in the lurch. We learn in Episode 14 that he keeps promising to take Ethel out, but never does. Arnold Thomas (Ivor Roberts) Train Driver – An older train driver. He is the star of the penultimate episode, where he goes to great lengths to make sure he is not sacked. He has a wife called Jessica, who appears to be forgetful. He alludes to her in almost every episode, but she only appears briefly in an uncredited role in Episode 13. The actress was Ivor Roberts' real life wife also. Ralph (Perry Benson) Fireman and Trainee Driver – Works with Arnold – the two often engage in comic banter. Ralph can be as daft as Wilfred and is slow at learning to drive – but he drives the train perfectly in the final episode. One episode centres around him – in Episode 14 he threatens to go on strike. It is also revealed that he has a crush on Gloria. Amy (Tara Daniels), best school friend of Gloria's, she appears in most of the episodes. She is often the object of Percy's desires. Mr Orkindale (Richard Spendlove) District Inspector – Senior to Parkin, calls staff by Christian names and fancies May. Dislikes Mr Parkin as much as everyone else and in Episode 17 cheats him out of a place on the bowls club outing just so he can have a few extra drinks.
Мэй Скиннер (урождённая Бланчфлауэр) (Джулия Дикин) – Управляющая буфетом. У нее был страстный роман с Сесилом Паркином до замужества с Джеком, который закончился, когда Сесила призвали в армию. Похоже, она искренне любит Джека, но, кажется, все еще испытывает чувства к Сесилу. Она часто сопротивляется ухаживаниям Сесила, но иногда уступает, даже позволяя ему поцеловать себя в 10-м эпизоде, но заявляет, что это никогда не должно повториться. В ранних эпизодах намекается, что Сесил – отец ее дочери Глории, но в 11-м эпизоде это оказывается ложью. Роль Мэй в оригинальном пилотном эпизоде, показанном в августе 1995 года, сыграла Шерри Хьюсон. Из-за своей роли в "Коронационной улице" Хьюсон не смогла продолжить роль Мэй в сериале, поэтому персонаж был передан Джулии Дикин. Когда пилотный эпизод был повторен в качестве первого эпизода первого сезона в июле 1996 года, сцены с Хьюсон в роли Мэй были пересняты с участием Дикин.
Following his work on You Rang, M'Lord?, David Croft severed his ties with the BBC in 1993 over criticism that their treatment of his work, including the lack of repeats for his shows, particularly the first series, which the producer felt was needed to build up its audience. The pilot proved a success when aired in 1995, leading the BBC to commission the sitcom for two series; although broadcast of the sitcom was delayed until 1996. Filming for both the pilot and the series relied on exterior shots filmed at Arley railway station, taking advantage of the preservation work of the Severn Valley Railway for both the location and a LMS Ivatt Class 2 2 6 0, No 46521, which resided on the line; the locomotive was later sold on to the Great Central Railway and loaned to other railways after the series had concluded. The cost of using the line and the locomotive had a notable impact on the show's budget, effectively requiring the BBC to provide it with more money than other programming during its production. On the surface, he seems refined, but it turns out that he knows the station's buffet manager because they had a passionate affair, which was going on behind her boyfriend (later husband) Jack Skinner's back. He still has lecherous thoughts about her and in several episodes he tries his best to get her to leave Jack. The station staff react to him in different ways – most are tolerant of him, but Jack and Harry, the signalman, take an intense dislike to him, which only slightly mellows as the series goes on. Jack Skinner (Paul Shane) Head Porter and Deputy Stationmaster – He is deeply in love with his beautiful wife, May, but gets very jealous whenever she comes into close contact with other men, especially Cecil. He heartily dislikes Cecil and shows it. He is an ex soldier with a limp from a wound he supposedly received during the war – only in Episode 9 we learn that his leg was wounded when he was thrown out of a pub and the landlord's wife slammed the door on his foot, not during a battle, although Ethel changed the story to him jumping on a German tank to shove a land mine down it and a big German trapped his foot in the door. Ethel Schumann (Su Pollard) Ticket Clerk – She is scatter brained and sometimes muddles her words. She often gets frustrated with Jack for his jealousy of May. She is also a flirt – she has a son from her marriage to a now deceased American soldier named Earl, whom she frequently refers to in the earlier episodes. She is desperate for another boyfriend and frequently makes advances to the station's guard, Percy, who appreciates her advances, but seems more interested in the regular commuter, Amy. She is the only one who knows of Cecil and May's war time fling once May tells her. Harry Lambert (Stephen Lewis) Signalman – He is eternally miserable, with Stephen Lewis portraying the character very much like "Blakey" in On the Buses. He never smiles and often sees the down side of things, never being seen happy. He hates his job, often calling the trains "ruddy". Because trains come through Hatley only a few times a day, he operates numerous sidelines from his box: growing vegetables, mending bikes and clocks, rearing farm animals (pigs, turkeys and chickens) for the staff's dinners, giving haircuts and taking bets. They are all illegal, yet all the staff, including Gloria, know about them, are customers and keep their mouths shut. Cecil does not know, as he would make it stop. There is a recurring gag, where Harry will say, "if they poke their noses around, they will get the flat end o' my tongue", that person comes and he starts sucking up to them. He often resists Vera's advances. May Skinner (née Blanchflower) (Julia Deakin) Buffet Manageress – She had a passionate affair with Cecil Parkin before she married Jack, which ended when Cecil was called up to serve in the Army. She appears to genuinely love Jack, but she seems to still have buried feelings for Cecil. She frequently resists Cecil's advances, but occasionally relents, even letting him kiss her in Episode 10, but states that it must never happen again. In early episodes it is hinted that Cecil is the father of her daughter, Gloria, but this is proved to be false in Episode 11. The character of May was played by Sherrie Hewson in the original pilot episode shown in August 1995. Because of her role in Coronation Street, Hewson was unable to continue with the role of May in the series proper, so the character was recast to Julia Deakin. When the pilot episode was repeated as the first episode of the first series in July 1996, Hewson's scenes as May were reshot with Deakin in the role. Vera Plumtree (Barbara New) Cleaner – She helps the staff by cleaning their homes and washing linen for them. She has a lot in common with Ethel: she muddles her words and frequently talks about her unnamed late husband, who was an engine driver. She is fond of Harry, but he is not interested in her. Wilfred Schumann (Paul Aspden, credited as Paul Aspen) Porter – Ethel's son. Most of the time he comes across as extremely stupid. He is often verbally abused and hit around the head by Jack. Wilfred joins the Army in one episode so as to allow Ethel to elope with her new American airmen boyfriend, but she ends the relationship. Wilfred was born in 1946, making him 17. Gloria Skinner (Lindsay Grimshaw) – Jack and May's daughter. A rebellious teenager, very fond of short skirts and the company of older men. Jack is over protective and will let no man in the station take Gloria out. Gloria was born in February 1945, making her 18. Percy (Terry John) Guard – the main station flirt. He flirts with every woman he comes into contact with, except Vera. But he seems to prefer Amy above others: he takes her out on several dates during the series, often leaving Ethel in the lurch. We learn in Episode 14 that he keeps promising to take Ethel out, but never does. Arnold Thomas (Ivor Roberts) Train Driver – An older train driver. He is the star of the penultimate episode, where he goes to great lengths to make sure he is not sacked. He has a wife called Jessica, who appears to be forgetful. He alludes to her in almost every episode, but she only appears briefly in an uncredited role in Episode 13. The actress was Ivor Roberts' real life wife also. Ralph (Perry Benson) Fireman and Trainee Driver – Works with Arnold – the two often engage in comic banter. Ralph can be as daft as Wilfred and is slow at learning to drive – but he drives the train perfectly in the final episode. One episode centres around him – in Episode 14 he threatens to go on strike. It is also revealed that he has a crush on Gloria. Amy (Tara Daniels), best school friend of Gloria's, she appears in most of the episodes. She is often the object of Percy's desires. Mr Orkindale (Richard Spendlove) District Inspector – Senior to Parkin, calls staff by Christian names and fancies May. Dislikes Mr Parkin as much as everyone else and in Episode 17 cheats him out of a place on the bowls club outing just so he can have a few extra drinks.
Вера Пламтри (Барбара Нью) – Уборщица. Она помогает персоналу, убирая их дома и стирая белье. У нее много общего с Этель: она путает слова и часто говорит о своем покойном муже, который был машинистом. Она питает симпатию к Гарри, но он не отвечает ей взаимностью.
Following his work on You Rang, M'Lord?, David Croft severed his ties with the BBC in 1993 over criticism that their treatment of his work, including the lack of repeats for his shows, particularly the first series, which the producer felt was needed to build up its audience. The pilot proved a success when aired in 1995, leading the BBC to commission the sitcom for two series; although broadcast of the sitcom was delayed until 1996. Filming for both the pilot and the series relied on exterior shots filmed at Arley railway station, taking advantage of the preservation work of the Severn Valley Railway for both the location and a LMS Ivatt Class 2 2 6 0, No 46521, which resided on the line; the locomotive was later sold on to the Great Central Railway and loaned to other railways after the series had concluded. The cost of using the line and the locomotive had a notable impact on the show's budget, effectively requiring the BBC to provide it with more money than other programming during its production. On the surface, he seems refined, but it turns out that he knows the station's buffet manager because they had a passionate affair, which was going on behind her boyfriend (later husband) Jack Skinner's back. He still has lecherous thoughts about her and in several episodes he tries his best to get her to leave Jack. The station staff react to him in different ways – most are tolerant of him, but Jack and Harry, the signalman, take an intense dislike to him, which only slightly mellows as the series goes on. Jack Skinner (Paul Shane) Head Porter and Deputy Stationmaster – He is deeply in love with his beautiful wife, May, but gets very jealous whenever she comes into close contact with other men, especially Cecil. He heartily dislikes Cecil and shows it. He is an ex soldier with a limp from a wound he supposedly received during the war – only in Episode 9 we learn that his leg was wounded when he was thrown out of a pub and the landlord's wife slammed the door on his foot, not during a battle, although Ethel changed the story to him jumping on a German tank to shove a land mine down it and a big German trapped his foot in the door. Ethel Schumann (Su Pollard) Ticket Clerk – She is scatter brained and sometimes muddles her words. She often gets frustrated with Jack for his jealousy of May. She is also a flirt – she has a son from her marriage to a now deceased American soldier named Earl, whom she frequently refers to in the earlier episodes. She is desperate for another boyfriend and frequently makes advances to the station's guard, Percy, who appreciates her advances, but seems more interested in the regular commuter, Amy. She is the only one who knows of Cecil and May's war time fling once May tells her. Harry Lambert (Stephen Lewis) Signalman – He is eternally miserable, with Stephen Lewis portraying the character very much like "Blakey" in On the Buses. He never smiles and often sees the down side of things, never being seen happy. He hates his job, often calling the trains "ruddy". Because trains come through Hatley only a few times a day, he operates numerous sidelines from his box: growing vegetables, mending bikes and clocks, rearing farm animals (pigs, turkeys and chickens) for the staff's dinners, giving haircuts and taking bets. They are all illegal, yet all the staff, including Gloria, know about them, are customers and keep their mouths shut. Cecil does not know, as he would make it stop. There is a recurring gag, where Harry will say, "if they poke their noses around, they will get the flat end o' my tongue", that person comes and he starts sucking up to them. He often resists Vera's advances. May Skinner (née Blanchflower) (Julia Deakin) Buffet Manageress – She had a passionate affair with Cecil Parkin before she married Jack, which ended when Cecil was called up to serve in the Army. She appears to genuinely love Jack, but she seems to still have buried feelings for Cecil. She frequently resists Cecil's advances, but occasionally relents, even letting him kiss her in Episode 10, but states that it must never happen again. In early episodes it is hinted that Cecil is the father of her daughter, Gloria, but this is proved to be false in Episode 11. The character of May was played by Sherrie Hewson in the original pilot episode shown in August 1995. Because of her role in Coronation Street, Hewson was unable to continue with the role of May in the series proper, so the character was recast to Julia Deakin. When the pilot episode was repeated as the first episode of the first series in July 1996, Hewson's scenes as May were reshot with Deakin in the role. Vera Plumtree (Barbara New) Cleaner – She helps the staff by cleaning their homes and washing linen for them. She has a lot in common with Ethel: she muddles her words and frequently talks about her unnamed late husband, who was an engine driver. She is fond of Harry, but he is not interested in her. Wilfred Schumann (Paul Aspden, credited as Paul Aspen) Porter – Ethel's son. Most of the time he comes across as extremely stupid. He is often verbally abused and hit around the head by Jack. Wilfred joins the Army in one episode so as to allow Ethel to elope with her new American airmen boyfriend, but she ends the relationship. Wilfred was born in 1946, making him 17. Gloria Skinner (Lindsay Grimshaw) – Jack and May's daughter. A rebellious teenager, very fond of short skirts and the company of older men. Jack is over protective and will let no man in the station take Gloria out. Gloria was born in February 1945, making her 18. Percy (Terry John) Guard – the main station flirt. He flirts with every woman he comes into contact with, except Vera. But he seems to prefer Amy above others: he takes her out on several dates during the series, often leaving Ethel in the lurch. We learn in Episode 14 that he keeps promising to take Ethel out, but never does. Arnold Thomas (Ivor Roberts) Train Driver – An older train driver. He is the star of the penultimate episode, where he goes to great lengths to make sure he is not sacked. He has a wife called Jessica, who appears to be forgetful. He alludes to her in almost every episode, but she only appears briefly in an uncredited role in Episode 13. The actress was Ivor Roberts' real life wife also. Ralph (Perry Benson) Fireman and Trainee Driver – Works with Arnold – the two often engage in comic banter. Ralph can be as daft as Wilfred and is slow at learning to drive – but he drives the train perfectly in the final episode. One episode centres around him – in Episode 14 he threatens to go on strike. It is also revealed that he has a crush on Gloria. Amy (Tara Daniels), best school friend of Gloria's, she appears in most of the episodes. She is often the object of Percy's desires. Mr Orkindale (Richard Spendlove) District Inspector – Senior to Parkin, calls staff by Christian names and fancies May. Dislikes Mr Parkin as much as everyone else and in Episode 17 cheats him out of a place on the bowls club outing just so he can have a few extra drinks.
Уилфред Шуман (Пол Аспден, в титрах как Пол Эйспан) – Носильщик, сын Этель. Большую часть времени он кажется крайне глупым. Он часто подвергается словесным оскорблениям и получает удары по голове от Джека. Уилфред поступает в армию в одном из эпизодов, чтобы Этель могла сбежать со своим новым американским летчиком, но она заканчивает отношения. Уилфред родился в 1946 году, что делает его 17-летним.
Following his work on You Rang, M'Lord?, David Croft severed his ties with the BBC in 1993 over criticism that their treatment of his work, including the lack of repeats for his shows, particularly the first series, which the producer felt was needed to build up its audience. The pilot proved a success when aired in 1995, leading the BBC to commission the sitcom for two series; although broadcast of the sitcom was delayed until 1996. Filming for both the pilot and the series relied on exterior shots filmed at Arley railway station, taking advantage of the preservation work of the Severn Valley Railway for both the location and a LMS Ivatt Class 2 2 6 0, No 46521, which resided on the line; the locomotive was later sold on to the Great Central Railway and loaned to other railways after the series had concluded. The cost of using the line and the locomotive had a notable impact on the show's budget, effectively requiring the BBC to provide it with more money than other programming during its production. On the surface, he seems refined, but it turns out that he knows the station's buffet manager because they had a passionate affair, which was going on behind her boyfriend (later husband) Jack Skinner's back. He still has lecherous thoughts about her and in several episodes he tries his best to get her to leave Jack. The station staff react to him in different ways – most are tolerant of him, but Jack and Harry, the signalman, take an intense dislike to him, which only slightly mellows as the series goes on. Jack Skinner (Paul Shane) Head Porter and Deputy Stationmaster – He is deeply in love with his beautiful wife, May, but gets very jealous whenever she comes into close contact with other men, especially Cecil. He heartily dislikes Cecil and shows it. He is an ex soldier with a limp from a wound he supposedly received during the war – only in Episode 9 we learn that his leg was wounded when he was thrown out of a pub and the landlord's wife slammed the door on his foot, not during a battle, although Ethel changed the story to him jumping on a German tank to shove a land mine down it and a big German trapped his foot in the door. Ethel Schumann (Su Pollard) Ticket Clerk – She is scatter brained and sometimes muddles her words. She often gets frustrated with Jack for his jealousy of May. She is also a flirt – she has a son from her marriage to a now deceased American soldier named Earl, whom she frequently refers to in the earlier episodes. She is desperate for another boyfriend and frequently makes advances to the station's guard, Percy, who appreciates her advances, but seems more interested in the regular commuter, Amy. She is the only one who knows of Cecil and May's war time fling once May tells her. Harry Lambert (Stephen Lewis) Signalman – He is eternally miserable, with Stephen Lewis portraying the character very much like "Blakey" in On the Buses. He never smiles and often sees the down side of things, never being seen happy. He hates his job, often calling the trains "ruddy". Because trains come through Hatley only a few times a day, he operates numerous sidelines from his box: growing vegetables, mending bikes and clocks, rearing farm animals (pigs, turkeys and chickens) for the staff's dinners, giving haircuts and taking bets. They are all illegal, yet all the staff, including Gloria, know about them, are customers and keep their mouths shut. Cecil does not know, as he would make it stop. There is a recurring gag, where Harry will say, "if they poke their noses around, they will get the flat end o' my tongue", that person comes and he starts sucking up to them. He often resists Vera's advances. May Skinner (née Blanchflower) (Julia Deakin) Buffet Manageress – She had a passionate affair with Cecil Parkin before she married Jack, which ended when Cecil was called up to serve in the Army. She appears to genuinely love Jack, but she seems to still have buried feelings for Cecil. She frequently resists Cecil's advances, but occasionally relents, even letting him kiss her in Episode 10, but states that it must never happen again. In early episodes it is hinted that Cecil is the father of her daughter, Gloria, but this is proved to be false in Episode 11. The character of May was played by Sherrie Hewson in the original pilot episode shown in August 1995. Because of her role in Coronation Street, Hewson was unable to continue with the role of May in the series proper, so the character was recast to Julia Deakin. When the pilot episode was repeated as the first episode of the first series in July 1996, Hewson's scenes as May were reshot with Deakin in the role. Vera Plumtree (Barbara New) Cleaner – She helps the staff by cleaning their homes and washing linen for them. She has a lot in common with Ethel: she muddles her words and frequently talks about her unnamed late husband, who was an engine driver. She is fond of Harry, but he is not interested in her. Wilfred Schumann (Paul Aspden, credited as Paul Aspen) Porter – Ethel's son. Most of the time he comes across as extremely stupid. He is often verbally abused and hit around the head by Jack. Wilfred joins the Army in one episode so as to allow Ethel to elope with her new American airmen boyfriend, but she ends the relationship. Wilfred was born in 1946, making him 17. Gloria Skinner (Lindsay Grimshaw) – Jack and May's daughter. A rebellious teenager, very fond of short skirts and the company of older men. Jack is over protective and will let no man in the station take Gloria out. Gloria was born in February 1945, making her 18. Percy (Terry John) Guard – the main station flirt. He flirts with every woman he comes into contact with, except Vera. But he seems to prefer Amy above others: he takes her out on several dates during the series, often leaving Ethel in the lurch. We learn in Episode 14 that he keeps promising to take Ethel out, but never does. Arnold Thomas (Ivor Roberts) Train Driver – An older train driver. He is the star of the penultimate episode, where he goes to great lengths to make sure he is not sacked. He has a wife called Jessica, who appears to be forgetful. He alludes to her in almost every episode, but she only appears briefly in an uncredited role in Episode 13. The actress was Ivor Roberts' real life wife also. Ralph (Perry Benson) Fireman and Trainee Driver – Works with Arnold – the two often engage in comic banter. Ralph can be as daft as Wilfred and is slow at learning to drive – but he drives the train perfectly in the final episode. One episode centres around him – in Episode 14 he threatens to go on strike. It is also revealed that he has a crush on Gloria. Amy (Tara Daniels), best school friend of Gloria's, she appears in most of the episodes. She is often the object of Percy's desires. Mr Orkindale (Richard Spendlove) District Inspector – Senior to Parkin, calls staff by Christian names and fancies May. Dislikes Mr Parkin as much as everyone else and in Episode 17 cheats him out of a place on the bowls club outing just so he can have a few extra drinks.
Глория Скиннер (Линдси Гримшоу) – Дочь Джека и Мэй. Бунтарка-подросток, любящая короткие юбки и компанию мужчин постарше. Джек чрезмерно заботится о ней и не позволяет никому из работников станции встречаться с Глорией. Глория родилась в феврале 1945 года, что делает ее 18-летней.
Following his work on You Rang, M'Lord?, David Croft severed his ties with the BBC in 1993 over criticism that their treatment of his work, including the lack of repeats for his shows, particularly the first series, which the producer felt was needed to build up its audience. The pilot proved a success when aired in 1995, leading the BBC to commission the sitcom for two series; although broadcast of the sitcom was delayed until 1996. Filming for both the pilot and the series relied on exterior shots filmed at Arley railway station, taking advantage of the preservation work of the Severn Valley Railway for both the location and a LMS Ivatt Class 2 2 6 0, No 46521, which resided on the line; the locomotive was later sold on to the Great Central Railway and loaned to other railways after the series had concluded. The cost of using the line and the locomotive had a notable impact on the show's budget, effectively requiring the BBC to provide it with more money than other programming during its production. On the surface, he seems refined, but it turns out that he knows the station's buffet manager because they had a passionate affair, which was going on behind her boyfriend (later husband) Jack Skinner's back. He still has lecherous thoughts about her and in several episodes he tries his best to get her to leave Jack. The station staff react to him in different ways – most are tolerant of him, but Jack and Harry, the signalman, take an intense dislike to him, which only slightly mellows as the series goes on. Jack Skinner (Paul Shane) Head Porter and Deputy Stationmaster – He is deeply in love with his beautiful wife, May, but gets very jealous whenever she comes into close contact with other men, especially Cecil. He heartily dislikes Cecil and shows it. He is an ex soldier with a limp from a wound he supposedly received during the war – only in Episode 9 we learn that his leg was wounded when he was thrown out of a pub and the landlord's wife slammed the door on his foot, not during a battle, although Ethel changed the story to him jumping on a German tank to shove a land mine down it and a big German trapped his foot in the door. Ethel Schumann (Su Pollard) Ticket Clerk – She is scatter brained and sometimes muddles her words. She often gets frustrated with Jack for his jealousy of May. She is also a flirt – she has a son from her marriage to a now deceased American soldier named Earl, whom she frequently refers to in the earlier episodes. She is desperate for another boyfriend and frequently makes advances to the station's guard, Percy, who appreciates her advances, but seems more interested in the regular commuter, Amy. She is the only one who knows of Cecil and May's war time fling once May tells her. Harry Lambert (Stephen Lewis) Signalman – He is eternally miserable, with Stephen Lewis portraying the character very much like "Blakey" in On the Buses. He never smiles and often sees the down side of things, never being seen happy. He hates his job, often calling the trains "ruddy". Because trains come through Hatley only a few times a day, he operates numerous sidelines from his box: growing vegetables, mending bikes and clocks, rearing farm animals (pigs, turkeys and chickens) for the staff's dinners, giving haircuts and taking bets. They are all illegal, yet all the staff, including Gloria, know about them, are customers and keep their mouths shut. Cecil does not know, as he would make it stop. There is a recurring gag, where Harry will say, "if they poke their noses around, they will get the flat end o' my tongue", that person comes and he starts sucking up to them. He often resists Vera's advances. May Skinner (née Blanchflower) (Julia Deakin) Buffet Manageress – She had a passionate affair with Cecil Parkin before she married Jack, which ended when Cecil was called up to serve in the Army. She appears to genuinely love Jack, but she seems to still have buried feelings for Cecil. She frequently resists Cecil's advances, but occasionally relents, even letting him kiss her in Episode 10, but states that it must never happen again. In early episodes it is hinted that Cecil is the father of her daughter, Gloria, but this is proved to be false in Episode 11. The character of May was played by Sherrie Hewson in the original pilot episode shown in August 1995. Because of her role in Coronation Street, Hewson was unable to continue with the role of May in the series proper, so the character was recast to Julia Deakin. When the pilot episode was repeated as the first episode of the first series in July 1996, Hewson's scenes as May were reshot with Deakin in the role. Vera Plumtree (Barbara New) Cleaner – She helps the staff by cleaning their homes and washing linen for them. She has a lot in common with Ethel: she muddles her words and frequently talks about her unnamed late husband, who was an engine driver. She is fond of Harry, but he is not interested in her. Wilfred Schumann (Paul Aspden, credited as Paul Aspen) Porter – Ethel's son. Most of the time he comes across as extremely stupid. He is often verbally abused and hit around the head by Jack. Wilfred joins the Army in one episode so as to allow Ethel to elope with her new American airmen boyfriend, but she ends the relationship. Wilfred was born in 1946, making him 17. Gloria Skinner (Lindsay Grimshaw) – Jack and May's daughter. A rebellious teenager, very fond of short skirts and the company of older men. Jack is over protective and will let no man in the station take Gloria out. Gloria was born in February 1945, making her 18. Percy (Terry John) Guard – the main station flirt. He flirts with every woman he comes into contact with, except Vera. But he seems to prefer Amy above others: he takes her out on several dates during the series, often leaving Ethel in the lurch. We learn in Episode 14 that he keeps promising to take Ethel out, but never does. Arnold Thomas (Ivor Roberts) Train Driver – An older train driver. He is the star of the penultimate episode, where he goes to great lengths to make sure he is not sacked. He has a wife called Jessica, who appears to be forgetful. He alludes to her in almost every episode, but she only appears briefly in an uncredited role in Episode 13. The actress was Ivor Roberts' real life wife also. Ralph (Perry Benson) Fireman and Trainee Driver – Works with Arnold – the two often engage in comic banter. Ralph can be as daft as Wilfred and is slow at learning to drive – but he drives the train perfectly in the final episode. One episode centres around him – in Episode 14 he threatens to go on strike. It is also revealed that he has a crush on Gloria. Amy (Tara Daniels), best school friend of Gloria's, she appears in most of the episodes. She is often the object of Percy's desires. Mr Orkindale (Richard Spendlove) District Inspector – Senior to Parkin, calls staff by Christian names and fancies May. Dislikes Mr Parkin as much as everyone else and in Episode 17 cheats him out of a place on the bowls club outing just so he can have a few extra drinks.
Перси (Терри Джон) – Охранник, главный флирт на станции. Он флиртует со всеми женщинами, с которыми сталкивается, кроме Веры. Но, кажется, он предпочитает Эми всем остальным: он несколько раз ходит с ней на свидания во время сериала, часто оставляя Этель в затруднительном положении. Мы узнаем в 14-м эпизоде, что он постоянно обещает Этель свидание, но так и не выполняет обещание.
Following his work on You Rang, M'Lord?, David Croft severed his ties with the BBC in 1993 over criticism that their treatment of his work, including the lack of repeats for his shows, particularly the first series, which the producer felt was needed to build up its audience. The pilot proved a success when aired in 1995, leading the BBC to commission the sitcom for two series; although broadcast of the sitcom was delayed until 1996. Filming for both the pilot and the series relied on exterior shots filmed at Arley railway station, taking advantage of the preservation work of the Severn Valley Railway for both the location and a LMS Ivatt Class 2 2 6 0, No 46521, which resided on the line; the locomotive was later sold on to the Great Central Railway and loaned to other railways after the series had concluded. The cost of using the line and the locomotive had a notable impact on the show's budget, effectively requiring the BBC to provide it with more money than other programming during its production. On the surface, he seems refined, but it turns out that he knows the station's buffet manager because they had a passionate affair, which was going on behind her boyfriend (later husband) Jack Skinner's back. He still has lecherous thoughts about her and in several episodes he tries his best to get her to leave Jack. The station staff react to him in different ways – most are tolerant of him, but Jack and Harry, the signalman, take an intense dislike to him, which only slightly mellows as the series goes on. Jack Skinner (Paul Shane) Head Porter and Deputy Stationmaster – He is deeply in love with his beautiful wife, May, but gets very jealous whenever she comes into close contact with other men, especially Cecil. He heartily dislikes Cecil and shows it. He is an ex soldier with a limp from a wound he supposedly received during the war – only in Episode 9 we learn that his leg was wounded when he was thrown out of a pub and the landlord's wife slammed the door on his foot, not during a battle, although Ethel changed the story to him jumping on a German tank to shove a land mine down it and a big German trapped his foot in the door. Ethel Schumann (Su Pollard) Ticket Clerk – She is scatter brained and sometimes muddles her words. She often gets frustrated with Jack for his jealousy of May. She is also a flirt – she has a son from her marriage to a now deceased American soldier named Earl, whom she frequently refers to in the earlier episodes. She is desperate for another boyfriend and frequently makes advances to the station's guard, Percy, who appreciates her advances, but seems more interested in the regular commuter, Amy. She is the only one who knows of Cecil and May's war time fling once May tells her. Harry Lambert (Stephen Lewis) Signalman – He is eternally miserable, with Stephen Lewis portraying the character very much like "Blakey" in On the Buses. He never smiles and often sees the down side of things, never being seen happy. He hates his job, often calling the trains "ruddy". Because trains come through Hatley only a few times a day, he operates numerous sidelines from his box: growing vegetables, mending bikes and clocks, rearing farm animals (pigs, turkeys and chickens) for the staff's dinners, giving haircuts and taking bets. They are all illegal, yet all the staff, including Gloria, know about them, are customers and keep their mouths shut. Cecil does not know, as he would make it stop. There is a recurring gag, where Harry will say, "if they poke their noses around, they will get the flat end o' my tongue", that person comes and he starts sucking up to them. He often resists Vera's advances. May Skinner (née Blanchflower) (Julia Deakin) Buffet Manageress – She had a passionate affair with Cecil Parkin before she married Jack, which ended when Cecil was called up to serve in the Army. She appears to genuinely love Jack, but she seems to still have buried feelings for Cecil. She frequently resists Cecil's advances, but occasionally relents, even letting him kiss her in Episode 10, but states that it must never happen again. In early episodes it is hinted that Cecil is the father of her daughter, Gloria, but this is proved to be false in Episode 11. The character of May was played by Sherrie Hewson in the original pilot episode shown in August 1995. Because of her role in Coronation Street, Hewson was unable to continue with the role of May in the series proper, so the character was recast to Julia Deakin. When the pilot episode was repeated as the first episode of the first series in July 1996, Hewson's scenes as May were reshot with Deakin in the role. Vera Plumtree (Barbara New) Cleaner – She helps the staff by cleaning their homes and washing linen for them. She has a lot in common with Ethel: she muddles her words and frequently talks about her unnamed late husband, who was an engine driver. She is fond of Harry, but he is not interested in her. Wilfred Schumann (Paul Aspden, credited as Paul Aspen) Porter – Ethel's son. Most of the time he comes across as extremely stupid. He is often verbally abused and hit around the head by Jack. Wilfred joins the Army in one episode so as to allow Ethel to elope with her new American airmen boyfriend, but she ends the relationship. Wilfred was born in 1946, making him 17. Gloria Skinner (Lindsay Grimshaw) – Jack and May's daughter. A rebellious teenager, very fond of short skirts and the company of older men. Jack is over protective and will let no man in the station take Gloria out. Gloria was born in February 1945, making her 18. Percy (Terry John) Guard – the main station flirt. He flirts with every woman he comes into contact with, except Vera. But he seems to prefer Amy above others: he takes her out on several dates during the series, often leaving Ethel in the lurch. We learn in Episode 14 that he keeps promising to take Ethel out, but never does. Arnold Thomas (Ivor Roberts) Train Driver – An older train driver. He is the star of the penultimate episode, where he goes to great lengths to make sure he is not sacked. He has a wife called Jessica, who appears to be forgetful. He alludes to her in almost every episode, but she only appears briefly in an uncredited role in Episode 13. The actress was Ivor Roberts' real life wife also. Ralph (Perry Benson) Fireman and Trainee Driver – Works with Arnold – the two often engage in comic banter. Ralph can be as daft as Wilfred and is slow at learning to drive – but he drives the train perfectly in the final episode. One episode centres around him – in Episode 14 he threatens to go on strike. It is also revealed that he has a crush on Gloria. Amy (Tara Daniels), best school friend of Gloria's, she appears in most of the episodes. She is often the object of Percy's desires. Mr Orkindale (Richard Spendlove) District Inspector – Senior to Parkin, calls staff by Christian names and fancies May. Dislikes Mr Parkin as much as everyone else and in Episode 17 cheats him out of a place on the bowls club outing just so he can have a few extra drinks.
Арнольд Томас (Айвор Робертс) – Машинист. Пожилой машинист. Он является звездой предпоследнего эпизода, где он прилагает все усилия, чтобы его не уволили. У него есть жена Джессика, которая, кажется, забывчива. Он упоминает ее почти в каждом эпизоде, но она появляется лишь мельком в эпизоде 13 без указания в титрах. Актриса также была женой Айвора Робертса в реальной жизни.
Following his work on You Rang, M'Lord?, David Croft severed his ties with the BBC in 1993 over criticism that their treatment of his work, including the lack of repeats for his shows, particularly the first series, which the producer felt was needed to build up its audience. The pilot proved a success when aired in 1995, leading the BBC to commission the sitcom for two series; although broadcast of the sitcom was delayed until 1996. Filming for both the pilot and the series relied on exterior shots filmed at Arley railway station, taking advantage of the preservation work of the Severn Valley Railway for both the location and a LMS Ivatt Class 2 2 6 0, No 46521, which resided on the line; the locomotive was later sold on to the Great Central Railway and loaned to other railways after the series had concluded. The cost of using the line and the locomotive had a notable impact on the show's budget, effectively requiring the BBC to provide it with more money than other programming during its production. On the surface, he seems refined, but it turns out that he knows the station's buffet manager because they had a passionate affair, which was going on behind her boyfriend (later husband) Jack Skinner's back. He still has lecherous thoughts about her and in several episodes he tries his best to get her to leave Jack. The station staff react to him in different ways – most are tolerant of him, but Jack and Harry, the signalman, take an intense dislike to him, which only slightly mellows as the series goes on. Jack Skinner (Paul Shane) Head Porter and Deputy Stationmaster – He is deeply in love with his beautiful wife, May, but gets very jealous whenever she comes into close contact with other men, especially Cecil. He heartily dislikes Cecil and shows it. He is an ex soldier with a limp from a wound he supposedly received during the war – only in Episode 9 we learn that his leg was wounded when he was thrown out of a pub and the landlord's wife slammed the door on his foot, not during a battle, although Ethel changed the story to him jumping on a German tank to shove a land mine down it and a big German trapped his foot in the door. Ethel Schumann (Su Pollard) Ticket Clerk – She is scatter brained and sometimes muddles her words. She often gets frustrated with Jack for his jealousy of May. She is also a flirt – she has a son from her marriage to a now deceased American soldier named Earl, whom she frequently refers to in the earlier episodes. She is desperate for another boyfriend and frequently makes advances to the station's guard, Percy, who appreciates her advances, but seems more interested in the regular commuter, Amy. She is the only one who knows of Cecil and May's war time fling once May tells her. Harry Lambert (Stephen Lewis) Signalman – He is eternally miserable, with Stephen Lewis portraying the character very much like "Blakey" in On the Buses. He never smiles and often sees the down side of things, never being seen happy. He hates his job, often calling the trains "ruddy". Because trains come through Hatley only a few times a day, he operates numerous sidelines from his box: growing vegetables, mending bikes and clocks, rearing farm animals (pigs, turkeys and chickens) for the staff's dinners, giving haircuts and taking bets. They are all illegal, yet all the staff, including Gloria, know about them, are customers and keep their mouths shut. Cecil does not know, as he would make it stop. There is a recurring gag, where Harry will say, "if they poke their noses around, they will get the flat end o' my tongue", that person comes and he starts sucking up to them. He often resists Vera's advances. May Skinner (née Blanchflower) (Julia Deakin) Buffet Manageress – She had a passionate affair with Cecil Parkin before she married Jack, which ended when Cecil was called up to serve in the Army. She appears to genuinely love Jack, but she seems to still have buried feelings for Cecil. She frequently resists Cecil's advances, but occasionally relents, even letting him kiss her in Episode 10, but states that it must never happen again. In early episodes it is hinted that Cecil is the father of her daughter, Gloria, but this is proved to be false in Episode 11. The character of May was played by Sherrie Hewson in the original pilot episode shown in August 1995. Because of her role in Coronation Street, Hewson was unable to continue with the role of May in the series proper, so the character was recast to Julia Deakin. When the pilot episode was repeated as the first episode of the first series in July 1996, Hewson's scenes as May were reshot with Deakin in the role. Vera Plumtree (Barbara New) Cleaner – She helps the staff by cleaning their homes and washing linen for them. She has a lot in common with Ethel: she muddles her words and frequently talks about her unnamed late husband, who was an engine driver. She is fond of Harry, but he is not interested in her. Wilfred Schumann (Paul Aspden, credited as Paul Aspen) Porter – Ethel's son. Most of the time he comes across as extremely stupid. He is often verbally abused and hit around the head by Jack. Wilfred joins the Army in one episode so as to allow Ethel to elope with her new American airmen boyfriend, but she ends the relationship. Wilfred was born in 1946, making him 17. Gloria Skinner (Lindsay Grimshaw) – Jack and May's daughter. A rebellious teenager, very fond of short skirts and the company of older men. Jack is over protective and will let no man in the station take Gloria out. Gloria was born in February 1945, making her 18. Percy (Terry John) Guard – the main station flirt. He flirts with every woman he comes into contact with, except Vera. But he seems to prefer Amy above others: he takes her out on several dates during the series, often leaving Ethel in the lurch. We learn in Episode 14 that he keeps promising to take Ethel out, but never does. Arnold Thomas (Ivor Roberts) Train Driver – An older train driver. He is the star of the penultimate episode, where he goes to great lengths to make sure he is not sacked. He has a wife called Jessica, who appears to be forgetful. He alludes to her in almost every episode, but she only appears briefly in an uncredited role in Episode 13. The actress was Ivor Roberts' real life wife also. Ralph (Perry Benson) Fireman and Trainee Driver – Works with Arnold – the two often engage in comic banter. Ralph can be as daft as Wilfred and is slow at learning to drive – but he drives the train perfectly in the final episode. One episode centres around him – in Episode 14 he threatens to go on strike. It is also revealed that he has a crush on Gloria. Amy (Tara Daniels), best school friend of Gloria's, she appears in most of the episodes. She is often the object of Percy's desires. Mr Orkindale (Richard Spendlove) District Inspector – Senior to Parkin, calls staff by Christian names and fancies May. Dislikes Mr Parkin as much as everyone else and in Episode 17 cheats him out of a place on the bowls club outing just so he can have a few extra drinks.
Ральф (Перри Бенсон) – Кочегар и стажер машиниста. Работает с Арнольдом – они часто вступают в комичные перепалки. Ральф может быть таким же глупым, как Уилфред, и медленно учится водить – но в финальном эпизоде он идеально управляет поездом. Один из эпизодов посвящен ему – в 14-м эпизоде он угрожает бастовать. Также выясняется, что он влюблен в Глорию.
Following his work on You Rang, M'Lord?, David Croft severed his ties with the BBC in 1993 over criticism that their treatment of his work, including the lack of repeats for his shows, particularly the first series, which the producer felt was needed to build up its audience. The pilot proved a success when aired in 1995, leading the BBC to commission the sitcom for two series; although broadcast of the sitcom was delayed until 1996. Filming for both the pilot and the series relied on exterior shots filmed at Arley railway station, taking advantage of the preservation work of the Severn Valley Railway for both the location and a LMS Ivatt Class 2 2 6 0, No 46521, which resided on the line; the locomotive was later sold on to the Great Central Railway and loaned to other railways after the series had concluded. The cost of using the line and the locomotive had a notable impact on the show's budget, effectively requiring the BBC to provide it with more money than other programming during its production. On the surface, he seems refined, but it turns out that he knows the station's buffet manager because they had a passionate affair, which was going on behind her boyfriend (later husband) Jack Skinner's back. He still has lecherous thoughts about her and in several episodes he tries his best to get her to leave Jack. The station staff react to him in different ways – most are tolerant of him, but Jack and Harry, the signalman, take an intense dislike to him, which only slightly mellows as the series goes on. Jack Skinner (Paul Shane) Head Porter and Deputy Stationmaster – He is deeply in love with his beautiful wife, May, but gets very jealous whenever she comes into close contact with other men, especially Cecil. He heartily dislikes Cecil and shows it. He is an ex soldier with a limp from a wound he supposedly received during the war – only in Episode 9 we learn that his leg was wounded when he was thrown out of a pub and the landlord's wife slammed the door on his foot, not during a battle, although Ethel changed the story to him jumping on a German tank to shove a land mine down it and a big German trapped his foot in the door. Ethel Schumann (Su Pollard) Ticket Clerk – She is scatter brained and sometimes muddles her words. She often gets frustrated with Jack for his jealousy of May. She is also a flirt – she has a son from her marriage to a now deceased American soldier named Earl, whom she frequently refers to in the earlier episodes. She is desperate for another boyfriend and frequently makes advances to the station's guard, Percy, who appreciates her advances, but seems more interested in the regular commuter, Amy. She is the only one who knows of Cecil and May's war time fling once May tells her. Harry Lambert (Stephen Lewis) Signalman – He is eternally miserable, with Stephen Lewis portraying the character very much like "Blakey" in On the Buses. He never smiles and often sees the down side of things, never being seen happy. He hates his job, often calling the trains "ruddy". Because trains come through Hatley only a few times a day, he operates numerous sidelines from his box: growing vegetables, mending bikes and clocks, rearing farm animals (pigs, turkeys and chickens) for the staff's dinners, giving haircuts and taking bets. They are all illegal, yet all the staff, including Gloria, know about them, are customers and keep their mouths shut. Cecil does not know, as he would make it stop. There is a recurring gag, where Harry will say, "if they poke their noses around, they will get the flat end o' my tongue", that person comes and he starts sucking up to them. He often resists Vera's advances. May Skinner (née Blanchflower) (Julia Deakin) Buffet Manageress – She had a passionate affair with Cecil Parkin before she married Jack, which ended when Cecil was called up to serve in the Army. She appears to genuinely love Jack, but she seems to still have buried feelings for Cecil. She frequently resists Cecil's advances, but occasionally relents, even letting him kiss her in Episode 10, but states that it must never happen again. In early episodes it is hinted that Cecil is the father of her daughter, Gloria, but this is proved to be false in Episode 11. The character of May was played by Sherrie Hewson in the original pilot episode shown in August 1995. Because of her role in Coronation Street, Hewson was unable to continue with the role of May in the series proper, so the character was recast to Julia Deakin. When the pilot episode was repeated as the first episode of the first series in July 1996, Hewson's scenes as May were reshot with Deakin in the role. Vera Plumtree (Barbara New) Cleaner – She helps the staff by cleaning their homes and washing linen for them. She has a lot in common with Ethel: she muddles her words and frequently talks about her unnamed late husband, who was an engine driver. She is fond of Harry, but he is not interested in her. Wilfred Schumann (Paul Aspden, credited as Paul Aspen) Porter – Ethel's son. Most of the time he comes across as extremely stupid. He is often verbally abused and hit around the head by Jack. Wilfred joins the Army in one episode so as to allow Ethel to elope with her new American airmen boyfriend, but she ends the relationship. Wilfred was born in 1946, making him 17. Gloria Skinner (Lindsay Grimshaw) – Jack and May's daughter. A rebellious teenager, very fond of short skirts and the company of older men. Jack is over protective and will let no man in the station take Gloria out. Gloria was born in February 1945, making her 18. Percy (Terry John) Guard – the main station flirt. He flirts with every woman he comes into contact with, except Vera. But he seems to prefer Amy above others: he takes her out on several dates during the series, often leaving Ethel in the lurch. We learn in Episode 14 that he keeps promising to take Ethel out, but never does. Arnold Thomas (Ivor Roberts) Train Driver – An older train driver. He is the star of the penultimate episode, where he goes to great lengths to make sure he is not sacked. He has a wife called Jessica, who appears to be forgetful. He alludes to her in almost every episode, but she only appears briefly in an uncredited role in Episode 13. The actress was Ivor Roberts' real life wife also. Ralph (Perry Benson) Fireman and Trainee Driver – Works with Arnold – the two often engage in comic banter. Ralph can be as daft as Wilfred and is slow at learning to drive – but he drives the train perfectly in the final episode. One episode centres around him – in Episode 14 he threatens to go on strike. It is also revealed that he has a crush on Gloria. Amy (Tara Daniels), best school friend of Gloria's, she appears in most of the episodes. She is often the object of Percy's desires. Mr Orkindale (Richard Spendlove) District Inspector – Senior to Parkin, calls staff by Christian names and fancies May. Dislikes Mr Parkin as much as everyone else and in Episode 17 cheats him out of a place on the bowls club outing just so he can have a few extra drinks.
Эми (Тара Дэниелс) – Лучшая подруга Глории, появляется в большинстве эпизодов. Она часто является объектом желаний Перси.
Following his work on You Rang, M'Lord?, David Croft severed his ties with the BBC in 1993 over criticism that their treatment of his work, including the lack of repeats for his shows, particularly the first series, which the producer felt was needed to build up its audience. The pilot proved a success when aired in 1995, leading the BBC to commission the sitcom for two series; although broadcast of the sitcom was delayed until 1996. Filming for both the pilot and the series relied on exterior shots filmed at Arley railway station, taking advantage of the preservation work of the Severn Valley Railway for both the location and a LMS Ivatt Class 2 2 6 0, No 46521, which resided on the line; the locomotive was later sold on to the Great Central Railway and loaned to other railways after the series had concluded. The cost of using the line and the locomotive had a notable impact on the show's budget, effectively requiring the BBC to provide it with more money than other programming during its production. On the surface, he seems refined, but it turns out that he knows the station's buffet manager because they had a passionate affair, which was going on behind her boyfriend (later husband) Jack Skinner's back. He still has lecherous thoughts about her and in several episodes he tries his best to get her to leave Jack. The station staff react to him in different ways – most are tolerant of him, but Jack and Harry, the signalman, take an intense dislike to him, which only slightly mellows as the series goes on. Jack Skinner (Paul Shane) Head Porter and Deputy Stationmaster – He is deeply in love with his beautiful wife, May, but gets very jealous whenever she comes into close contact with other men, especially Cecil. He heartily dislikes Cecil and shows it. He is an ex soldier with a limp from a wound he supposedly received during the war – only in Episode 9 we learn that his leg was wounded when he was thrown out of a pub and the landlord's wife slammed the door on his foot, not during a battle, although Ethel changed the story to him jumping on a German tank to shove a land mine down it and a big German trapped his foot in the door. Ethel Schumann (Su Pollard) Ticket Clerk – She is scatter brained and sometimes muddles her words. She often gets frustrated with Jack for his jealousy of May. She is also a flirt – she has a son from her marriage to a now deceased American soldier named Earl, whom she frequently refers to in the earlier episodes. She is desperate for another boyfriend and frequently makes advances to the station's guard, Percy, who appreciates her advances, but seems more interested in the regular commuter, Amy. She is the only one who knows of Cecil and May's war time fling once May tells her. Harry Lambert (Stephen Lewis) Signalman – He is eternally miserable, with Stephen Lewis portraying the character very much like "Blakey" in On the Buses. He never smiles and often sees the down side of things, never being seen happy. He hates his job, often calling the trains "ruddy". Because trains come through Hatley only a few times a day, he operates numerous sidelines from his box: growing vegetables, mending bikes and clocks, rearing farm animals (pigs, turkeys and chickens) for the staff's dinners, giving haircuts and taking bets. They are all illegal, yet all the staff, including Gloria, know about them, are customers and keep their mouths shut. Cecil does not know, as he would make it stop. There is a recurring gag, where Harry will say, "if they poke their noses around, they will get the flat end o' my tongue", that person comes and he starts sucking up to them. He often resists Vera's advances. May Skinner (née Blanchflower) (Julia Deakin) Buffet Manageress – She had a passionate affair with Cecil Parkin before she married Jack, which ended when Cecil was called up to serve in the Army. She appears to genuinely love Jack, but she seems to still have buried feelings for Cecil. She frequently resists Cecil's advances, but occasionally relents, even letting him kiss her in Episode 10, but states that it must never happen again. In early episodes it is hinted that Cecil is the father of her daughter, Gloria, but this is proved to be false in Episode 11. The character of May was played by Sherrie Hewson in the original pilot episode shown in August 1995. Because of her role in Coronation Street, Hewson was unable to continue with the role of May in the series proper, so the character was recast to Julia Deakin. When the pilot episode was repeated as the first episode of the first series in July 1996, Hewson's scenes as May were reshot with Deakin in the role. Vera Plumtree (Barbara New) Cleaner – She helps the staff by cleaning their homes and washing linen for them. She has a lot in common with Ethel: she muddles her words and frequently talks about her unnamed late husband, who was an engine driver. She is fond of Harry, but he is not interested in her. Wilfred Schumann (Paul Aspden, credited as Paul Aspen) Porter – Ethel's son. Most of the time he comes across as extremely stupid. He is often verbally abused and hit around the head by Jack. Wilfred joins the Army in one episode so as to allow Ethel to elope with her new American airmen boyfriend, but she ends the relationship. Wilfred was born in 1946, making him 17. Gloria Skinner (Lindsay Grimshaw) – Jack and May's daughter. A rebellious teenager, very fond of short skirts and the company of older men. Jack is over protective and will let no man in the station take Gloria out. Gloria was born in February 1945, making her 18. Percy (Terry John) Guard – the main station flirt. He flirts with every woman he comes into contact with, except Vera. But he seems to prefer Amy above others: he takes her out on several dates during the series, often leaving Ethel in the lurch. We learn in Episode 14 that he keeps promising to take Ethel out, but never does. Arnold Thomas (Ivor Roberts) Train Driver – An older train driver. He is the star of the penultimate episode, where he goes to great lengths to make sure he is not sacked. He has a wife called Jessica, who appears to be forgetful. He alludes to her in almost every episode, but she only appears briefly in an uncredited role in Episode 13. The actress was Ivor Roberts' real life wife also. Ralph (Perry Benson) Fireman and Trainee Driver – Works with Arnold – the two often engage in comic banter. Ralph can be as daft as Wilfred and is slow at learning to drive – but he drives the train perfectly in the final episode. One episode centres around him – in Episode 14 he threatens to go on strike. It is also revealed that he has a crush on Gloria. Amy (Tara Daniels), best school friend of Gloria's, she appears in most of the episodes. She is often the object of Percy's desires. Mr Orkindale (Richard Spendlove) District Inspector – Senior to Parkin, calls staff by Christian names and fancies May. Dislikes Mr Parkin as much as everyone else and in Episode 17 cheats him out of a place on the bowls club outing just so he can have a few extra drinks.
Мистер Оркиндейл (Ричард Спендлав) – Районный инспектор, вышестоящий по отношению к Паркину, обращается к персоналу по имени и питает симпатию к Мэй. Не любит мистера Паркина так же, как и все остальные, и в 17-м эпизоде обманывает его, лишая места на экскурсии в боулинг, чтобы самому выпить лишнего.
Following his work on You Rang, M'Lord?, David Croft severed his ties with the BBC in 1993 over criticism that their treatment of his work, including the lack of repeats for his shows, particularly the first series, which the producer felt was needed to build up its audience. The pilot proved a success when aired in 1995, leading the BBC to commission the sitcom for two series; although broadcast of the sitcom was delayed until 1996. Filming for both the pilot and the series relied on exterior shots filmed at Arley railway station, taking advantage of the preservation work of the Severn Valley Railway for both the location and a LMS Ivatt Class 2 2 6 0, No 46521, which resided on the line; the locomotive was later sold on to the Great Central Railway and loaned to other railways after the series had concluded. The cost of using the line and the locomotive had a notable impact on the show's budget, effectively requiring the BBC to provide it with more money than other programming during its production. On the surface, he seems refined, but it turns out that he knows the station's buffet manager because they had a passionate affair, which was going on behind her boyfriend (later husband) Jack Skinner's back. He still has lecherous thoughts about her and in several episodes he tries his best to get her to leave Jack. The station staff react to him in different ways – most are tolerant of him, but Jack and Harry, the signalman, take an intense dislike to him, which only slightly mellows as the series goes on. Jack Skinner (Paul Shane) Head Porter and Deputy Stationmaster – He is deeply in love with his beautiful wife, May, but gets very jealous whenever she comes into close contact with other men, especially Cecil. He heartily dislikes Cecil and shows it. He is an ex soldier with a limp from a wound he supposedly received during the war – only in Episode 9 we learn that his leg was wounded when he was thrown out of a pub and the landlord's wife slammed the door on his foot, not during a battle, although Ethel changed the story to him jumping on a German tank to shove a land mine down it and a big German trapped his foot in the door. Ethel Schumann (Su Pollard) Ticket Clerk – She is scatter brained and sometimes muddles her words. She often gets frustrated with Jack for his jealousy of May. She is also a flirt – she has a son from her marriage to a now deceased American soldier named Earl, whom she frequently refers to in the earlier episodes. She is desperate for another boyfriend and frequently makes advances to the station's guard, Percy, who appreciates her advances, but seems more interested in the regular commuter, Amy. She is the only one who knows of Cecil and May's war time fling once May tells her. Harry Lambert (Stephen Lewis) Signalman – He is eternally miserable, with Stephen Lewis portraying the character very much like "Blakey" in On the Buses. He never smiles and often sees the down side of things, never being seen happy. He hates his job, often calling the trains "ruddy". Because trains come through Hatley only a few times a day, he operates numerous sidelines from his box: growing vegetables, mending bikes and clocks, rearing farm animals (pigs, turkeys and chickens) for the staff's dinners, giving haircuts and taking bets. They are all illegal, yet all the staff, including Gloria, know about them, are customers and keep their mouths shut. Cecil does not know, as he would make it stop. There is a recurring gag, where Harry will say, "if they poke their noses around, they will get the flat end o' my tongue", that person comes and he starts sucking up to them. He often resists Vera's advances. May Skinner (née Blanchflower) (Julia Deakin) Buffet Manageress – She had a passionate affair with Cecil Parkin before she married Jack, which ended when Cecil was called up to serve in the Army. She appears to genuinely love Jack, but she seems to still have buried feelings for Cecil. She frequently resists Cecil's advances, but occasionally relents, even letting him kiss her in Episode 10, but states that it must never happen again. In early episodes it is hinted that Cecil is the father of her daughter, Gloria, but this is proved to be false in Episode 11. The character of May was played by Sherrie Hewson in the original pilot episode shown in August 1995. Because of her role in Coronation Street, Hewson was unable to continue with the role of May in the series proper, so the character was recast to Julia Deakin. When the pilot episode was repeated as the first episode of the first series in July 1996, Hewson's scenes as May were reshot with Deakin in the role. Vera Plumtree (Barbara New) Cleaner – She helps the staff by cleaning their homes and washing linen for them. She has a lot in common with Ethel: she muddles her words and frequently talks about her unnamed late husband, who was an engine driver. She is fond of Harry, but he is not interested in her. Wilfred Schumann (Paul Aspden, credited as Paul Aspen) Porter – Ethel's son. Most of the time he comes across as extremely stupid. He is often verbally abused and hit around the head by Jack. Wilfred joins the Army in one episode so as to allow Ethel to elope with her new American airmen boyfriend, but she ends the relationship. Wilfred was born in 1946, making him 17. Gloria Skinner (Lindsay Grimshaw) – Jack and May's daughter. A rebellious teenager, very fond of short skirts and the company of older men. Jack is over protective and will let no man in the station take Gloria out. Gloria was born in February 1945, making her 18. Percy (Terry John) Guard – the main station flirt. He flirts with every woman he comes into contact with, except Vera. But he seems to prefer Amy above others: he takes her out on several dates during the series, often leaving Ethel in the lurch. We learn in Episode 14 that he keeps promising to take Ethel out, but never does. Arnold Thomas (Ivor Roberts) Train Driver – An older train driver. He is the star of the penultimate episode, where he goes to great lengths to make sure he is not sacked. He has a wife called Jessica, who appears to be forgetful. He alludes to her in almost every episode, but she only appears briefly in an uncredited role in Episode 13. The actress was Ivor Roberts' real life wife also. Ralph (Perry Benson) Fireman and Trainee Driver – Works with Arnold – the two often engage in comic banter. Ralph can be as daft as Wilfred and is slow at learning to drive – but he drives the train perfectly in the final episode. One episode centres around him – in Episode 14 he threatens to go on strike. It is also revealed that he has a crush on Gloria. Amy (Tara Daniels), best school friend of Gloria's, she appears in most of the episodes. She is often the object of Percy's desires. Mr Orkindale (Richard Spendlove) District Inspector – Senior to Parkin, calls staff by Christian names and fancies May. Dislikes Mr Parkin as much as everyone else and in Episode 17 cheats him out of a place on the bowls club outing just so he can have a few extra drinks.
Гостевые появления
Другие актеры, ранее работавшие с Дэвидом Крофтом, появились в эпизодических ролях. Феликс Боунесс, известный по сериалу "Хай-Ди-Хай!", несколько раз сыграл роль кондуктора Берни Блеасдейла. Виндзор Дэвис появился в финальном эпизоде в роли мэра Клумберфилда, когда персонал станции воссоздал церемонию открытия станции к ее столетнему юбилею. Джеймс Пертуи, сын актера Билла Пертуи, также появился в этом финальном эпизоде в роли фотографа. Салли Грейс сыграла невесту мистера Паркина, Эдну, в седьмом эпизоде. Хью Ллойд появился в одном эпизоде в роли шофера.
Other actors who had previously collaborated with David Croft made guest appearances. A former Hi De Hi! regular Felix Bowness made a number of appearances as train guard Bernie Bleasdale. Windsor Davies appeared in the final episode as the mayor of Clumberfield, when the station staff re enacted the station's opening for its 100th anniversary. James Pertwee, son of the actor Bill Pertwee, made an appearance as a photographer in this final episode also. Sally Grace appeared in Episode 7 as Mr Parkin's fiancée, Edna. Hugh Lloyd made an appearance in one episode as a chauffeur.
Отмена
Пилотный выпуск "О, доктор Бичинг!" оказался очень популярным после выхода в эфир 14 августа 1995 года, значительно превзойдя по популярности пилотные выпуски комедийных сериалов, созданных в 1990-х годах. После выхода первого сезона рейтинги оставались высокими, но ко второму сезону количество зрителей снизилось. Когда программу закрыли, ответственность возложили на BBC по двум причинам. Внутренняя политика на телеканале привела к тому, что многие союзники Дэвида Крофта покинули свои посты к началу второго сезона, лишив его надежды на продолжение шоу, поскольку руководство телеканала стало сомневаться в стоимости производства каждого эпизода. Кроме того, сериал "О, доктор Бичинг!" не получил повторных показов первого сезона, как это было принято ранее, а расписание второго сезона оказалось затрудненным. Хотя был сделан перерыв для прямой трансляции Чемпионата мира по легкой атлетике 1997 года в Афинах 3 и 10 августа, решение показать другую программу перед возобновлением сериала, в сочетании с внезапной смертью принцессы Дианы в том же месяце, привело к потере зрительской аудитории к моменту продолжения показа эпизодов в сентябре.
The pilot for Oh, Doctor Beeching! proved popular when it was aired on 14 August 1995, far greater than comedy pilots created in the 1990s. When the first series was aired, it continued to hold favorable ratings, but by the second series, viewing figures dropped. When the programme was axed, blame was placed on the BBC, in regards to two areas. Internal politics at the broadcaster meant that many of David Croft's allies had gone by the time the second series had begun, leaving him little hope of keeping the show going as the broadcaster began to question the cost of production for each episode. In addition, Oh, Doctor Beeching! received no repeats of its first series as had happened before, and the scheduling of the second series was effectively complicated although a hiatus was provided for live coverage of the 1997 Athletics World Championship in Athens on 3 and 10 August, the decision to allow another programme to air before the series resumed, coupled with the sudden death of Diana, Princess of Wales that same month, meant the series lost viewers by the time episodes continued in September.
Домашний релиз
Первая серия была выпущена на VHS и DVD в 2004 году, а вторая серия – только на DVD в 2005 году. Упаковка первой серии была несколько вводящей в заблуждение, поскольку утверждалось, что она "включает пилотный эпизод", но на самом деле содержала переработанную первую серию, а не оригинальную версию пилота. В некоторые эпизоды были внесены изменения из-за проблем с авторскими правами на музыку. В 2009 году был выпущен полный бокс-сет, содержащий оба сериала и все 19 эпизодов (включая оригинальный пилотный эпизод), распространявшийся компанией Acorn Media UK. Позже он был снят с производства, но вновь стал доступен в 2017 году.
The first series was released on VHS and DVD in 2004 and the second series on DVD only, in 2005. The packaging of the first series was slightly misleading by stating that it "included the pilot", but it really contained the revised first episode and not the original version of the pilot. Edits are made to certain episodes because of copyright music issues. A complete box set containing both series and all 19 episodes (also including the original pilot) was made available, distributed by Acorn Media UK in 2009. It was later discontinued but it was made available again in 2017.