Laughterlog.com

by Mark McKay
(updated from LAUGH MAGAZINE #5, 1992)

In 1947 the recently demobbed Windmill theatre graduate, Jimmy Edwards, got his first regular radio booking in a series called Navy Mixture. This seems rather incongruous given that he spent the war as a pilot with the RAF and still sported the trade-mark handlebar moustache. Jim appeared in a lecture spot with material written by Frank Muir; the producer was Charles Maxwell; the show’s commère (female compère) was a young Australian radio prodigy, Joy Nichols and on two occasions (November 3 and December 8) the guest star was a fellow countryman of Joy’s, Dick Bentley, whose scripts were penned by Denis Norden. The components for one of the most successful British radio shows were in place. After the series ended, Maxwell joined Muir and Norden to plan a new program featuring Joy, Dick and Jimmy. The Keynotes, a top vocal group of the time, were approached but were reluctant to join a show whose cast and writers were all unknowns. It seemed like a recipe for disaster.

The first Take It From Here broadcast was on 23rd March 1948, coinciding with Jimmy’s twenty-eighth birthday, but seemed to pass by unnoticed according to reactions the next day. In fact the audience figures for the whole series were low, but largely thanks to Charles Maxwell’s support, it lasted six months. The shows settled into a format which was to see them through the next five series as well, and already familiar characters emerged, such as Dick Bentley’s poet who always began his monologue with the strangulated cry “Oh Mavis!”, and Joy’s husky-voiced Miss Arundel, who interpreted every remark as a reference to her red-blooded fiancé, Gilbert.

TIFH was still not widely known at the end of the first series, but shortly into the second series, with a variety of voices provided by Wallas Eaton for the first time, came the unexpected death of Tommy Handley and the end of his famous radio show ITMA, leaving its repeat time slots vacant. TIFH filled the Saturday lunch spot and, gathering regular ITMA devotees, started to achieve national popularity. The shows were typically divided into three spots: the opening ‘stage patter’, where issues such as Jim’s waistline or Dick’s cigarette advertising deal were discussed, a ‘gimmick’ sketch on a recent news event or a series of sketches on a particular topic (eg: country life, education or popular music) and finally a film parody. Muir & Norden tackled these in reverse order, allowing them to include topical references in the gimmick and the opening dialogue.

Muir & Norden delighted in puns, and later continued to indulge with their own radio show My Word. TIFH scripts were liberally injected with exchanges such as this between King Henry VIII and his valet: ‘Cornelius, I must find a man who is minded to show his fealty towards me’ – ‘Me, your majesty, me! No man is more fealty-minded than I am!’. Another favourite mirth-raiser was the personal reference, and not a show went by without a gag about Dick’s age. So there was Jimmy unable to count the candles on Dick’s birthday cake because the heat drove him back, Jimmy agreeing that Dick is his oldest friend: ‘There are friends I’ve known longer, but you’re the oldest!’, and in TIFH’s contribution to a special gala radio show for the coronation, Dick is informed that he was asked to attend because he is the only actor on the BBC who’s been an Elizabethan both times! Jim, of course, also comes in for a serve, common topics being his girth and his nasal appendages. In one opening, Joy is praising window boxes with flowers in full bloom: ‘It must be lovely to lean out of the window and have a mass of sweet smelling foliage growing right under your nose, Jimmy’ – ‘Aren’t you being rather personal, dear?’

Catchphrases had been a staple ingredient in comedy shows of the period, and TIFH continued the tradition, Jim winding up with the lion’s share. He began his monologues with ‘Greetings, gentlefolk!’ (which he was able to modify when addressing a party of opticians to ‘Greetings focal gents!’) and if the audience failed to respond, his school-masterly cry ‘Wake up at the back there!’ was always effective. Dick would be put in his place with ‘Gently, Bentley’ (which later became the title of a Muir­/Norden penned show for Dick) or ‘Black Mark Bentley!’ and when Wallas Eaton mentioned a girl supposedly from Jim’s past, Jim’s reaction was ‘What a ghastly name!’. Wallas’s character was ‘Old Wal from The Buildings’, who saw through Jimmy’s ‘posh talk’, being familiar with his working class background, and always urging him to ‘Take the plunge, Jim Edwards’ and ‘Learn a trade’.

Other program conventions such as the trite theme song and the staid closing credits were perverted: the TIFH theme boasted that this was the show with ‘every minute packed with seconds’, and the announcements at the end were of the ilk: ‘Frank Muir & Denis Norden wrote the script in a weekend and Charles Maxwell produced it in a weak moment’, or for a special broadcast from the Naval barracks at Portsmouth: ‘Charles Maxwell captained the crew, while Frank Muir and Denis Norden as usual pumped the bilge’. Amongst the closing credits was the name Herbert Mostyn, which was not in fact a real person but rather the middle names of Frank and Denis respectively and represented their contributions, reading odd lines or taking on regular small parts.

With increasing popularity during the third series, impresario Jack Hylton suggested that the show could transfer to the stage, and the three stars appeared at the top of a variety bill at the Victoria Palace for a short while before moving to the Prince of Wales theatre. After a summer season at Blackpool, the show opened at the Adelphi in London on 31st October 1950 under the negotiated title Take It From Us. It was a spectacular production with a troupe of chorus girls, an adagio act, lavish sets, solo spots for Joy, Dick and Jimmy (the latter with assistance from his euphonium) and a finale sketch ‘Friends, Romans, Countrymen’ or ‘What A Sphinx!’, adapted by future Carry On script-writer, Talbot Rothwell from a radio script by Muir and Norden. The show was a success, as proven by its long run of 580 performances over a period of a year, and it closed with only Jimmy remaining of the three principals.

After the sixth series, in 1953, Joy Nichols decided to depart, returning to Australia and taking a rest to help the career of her husband, Wally Peterson. She was replaced by two girls: Alma Cogan to sing (and act in occasional small parts) and an unknown young actress, June Whitfield, to perform alongside Dick and Jimmy. Betty Marsden, of Beyond Our Ken and Round The Home fame was a runner-up for the job. Hence it was a ‘completely new’ TIFH that went out on 12th November, however Jimmy reassured the audience: ‘Don’t worry everybody – next week it’s back to the tried and true’. And indeed this program featured a new segment which might have only lasted for a week or two, but for the following it soon acquired. It was to run for the next seven years, ultimately as the main feature and the most famous contribution to Take It From Here.

Sickened by the plethora of really nice radio families in shows such as Meet The Huggetts and Life With The Lyons, who spent each week solving minor domestic problems, Muir and Norden invented a fairly awful family, all of whom were ‘shifty, obstinate, argumentative and dim’ – they were the Glums. Mr. Glum was the boozy, brash, irascible head of the household, portrayed by Jimmy and modelled on the landlord of the Market Gardener pub in Barnes. His missus was played by Alma Cogan, usually as a muffled whine from an upstairs room, but in the first episode she is actually heard to speak (clearly), and sounds inappropriately pleasant. Their son is the intellectual dwarf Ron (Dick Bentley), who became more stupid and gormless as the series progressed, much in the same fashion as another Australian, Bill Kerr in Hancock’s Half Hour. Ron’s fiancée, Eth (June Whitfield) is very plain in looks, but not being a Glum (yet) she is much more industrious, intelligent and honest, displaying total loyalty to Ron, her one hope for marriage.

In the first episode Eth is introduced to the family which includes grandmother who came to live with them the war ‘The zeppelins frightened her, you know’. Ron informs his father that he and Eth are the future and they have modern ideas on marriage. Mr. Glum is shocked: ‘Is this the golden-haired boy in the sailor’s suit what used to climb onto his dad’s knee and recite Goblin Market?’ — ‘I’ve grown up dad – that was last Christmas! I’ve met Eth now and become a man!’ – ‘When?! ‘When was that?! Where’s me strap?’ By the fourth show the Glums segment was preceded by its own little sig tune, usually the signal for Eth’s pining wail ‘Oh Ron!’ as, sitting with Ron on the sofa, she explained what was upsetting her. Pa Glum timed his entrance brilliantly, arriving with his surprised cry of ‘Hello, hello, hello!’ just as Ron was making his unproductive attempts to get passionate with his intended (or ‘converting a try’ as his boorish dad expressed it). The writers soon became surprised at the number of letters they received from young engaged couples, who saw the Ron and Eth situations mirroring their own lives. Engagement in those days was a dubious state: it was described in one episode as ‘like trying to drive a car with one foot on the accelerator and one foot on the brake’. Updating this simile, Denis Norden sees modern-day engagements as driving with both feet flat to the floor on the accelerator!

Wallas Eaton temporarily hung up his ‘Old Wal’ hat, and became the spluttering newspaper letter-writer, ‘Disgusted of Tunbridge Wells’, who literally showers his listeners with complaints. For the next season however, Wal was back but now as one of the nouveau riche with pots of money, allowing him to buy his wife a diamond tiara to prevent her hair from dangling when she was frying fish.

Recordings took place on Sunday afternoons at the Paris Studio in Lower Regent Street, the audience filing in at 8.00pm. Frank Muir started the warm-up, followed by Dick Bentley who introduced the others: ‘Jimmy, for instance. His horses occupy a large part of his life, and most of his drawing room…’ At 8.30 it was all over and all that was needed was an OK from the recording engineers. By 1956 there had been only two sessions when a part of the show required re-recording. The first was due to the needle sticking or some other technical reason, and the second was when Jimmy tripped over the cables lying on the stage, pulling them out of their sockets and leaving the Keynotes singing into a dead microphone!

The spirit of TIFH continued in the theatre, but without the original cast. Back in 1952, a follow-up to Take It From Us was planned, but Joy had temporarily left to have her baby and Dick had a disagreement over the billing, so Tony Hancock was brought in to become the second comic. The show was London Laughs at the Adelphi Theatre in London, which featured two sketches written by Muir and Norden: ‘A Seat in the Circle’ and ‘Polly Does Everything’. This proved to be a successful partnership and consequently they were back at the Adelphi on 16th November 1954 for the West End opening of The Talk of the Town. Featured were several items from the 7th series: Jim expounded the principles of “Jimmunism” in ‘Vote for Jim!’ (which became more pertinent in 1964 when Edwards stood for election as the Tory candidate for North Paddington), and ‘Judge For Yourself’ saw Jim as a lecherous and heavily biased judge from the same school as Peter Cook’s judge twenty-five years later in The Secret Policeman’s Ball. The court was convening a breach of promise case concerning a gaiety girl, and Justice Jim made it quite clear to the jury who he had his money on: ‘You have to decide in your own minds whether the chinless wonder here is guilty, which he is, or not guilty, which he isn’t’.

The 10th series began with a celebration, the 250th episode, and the Glums became the main feature at the end of each show, a flashback story recounted by Mr. Glum into the uninterested ear of Ted, the barman of his local. After a duet by Dick and June (Alma had left after the last series) the listener would be transported into the pub and above the noise of the crowd Wallas Eaton would insist ‘Time, gentlemen please! – Drink up, Mr. Glum’. There followed some classic stories, many involving Ron in a predicament of his own design, with a sixpence stuck up his nostril, a Yul Brynner haircut, his head stuck between park railings, or marooned all night on an island in the middle of the Serpentine. On other occasions it was Mr. Glum who was out of luck, deserted by his wife after he pawned her teeth, or suffering the indignity of getting his toe stuck in the bath plug hole. In this latter saga, Eth’s assistance is required, but there is a problem with Mr. Glum’s delicate situation, so Ron is ordered to empty packets of gravy browning into the bath till the water becomes so opaque they’d have got a ‘U’ certificate from any censor in the country.

With the following two seasons the musical contribution was reduced to one song by the Keynotes. This was preceded by a long sketch with different characters each week, similar to the film parodies that used to close the program. The historical and mythological classics were explored, with skits on the Roman occupation of Britain and Homer’s Odyssey, maintaining the intellectual reputation of the show. Another sketch ‘The Cartwright Affair’ later surfaced on The Cream of TIFH LP, for which the cast re-recorded some favourite pieces before a specially invited audience. The closing Glums episode was dispensed with in the show of 26th March 1958, which marked the 10th anniversary of TIFH and an excellent excuse to wallow in nostalgia. Jim remembers earlier members of the cast: ‘David Dunhill, the madcap of the announcers’ common room – I used to call him “Dunners”. Frank Cantell, our first orchestra conductor – I used to call him “Canters”. Joy Nichols – I used to call her … “Miss Nichols”.’ Perhaps to compensate for this Glums deficiency, two shows were entirely devoted to the famous family. As the years rolled by, Ron and Eth were still “going steady” (‘Any steadier and they’d be motionless’, was Mr. Glum’s opinion) and listeners were kept wondering whether it would go any further. They came the closest to matrimony with the last show of the 12th series, but an uncovered manhole in front of the church soon put paid to that.

This show represented the last written by Frank Muir and Denis Norden, however TIFH was to run for one more series with the same cast, but with scripts by Barry Took and Eric Merriman, who had been writing Beyond Our Ken, and production by Charles Chilton. Took and Merriman disagreed over what was good for the program and split up, leaving Merriman to write the middle section, The Sunday TIFH magazine, while Took joined with an uncredited Marty Feldman to provide the Glums and the opening sketch, in which Dick Bentley was planning construction of a Richard Bentley theatre along the same lines as Bernard Miles’s Mermaid. One major problem lay in the fact that most of the possible situations for the Glums had already been done, and so old plots such as Ron’s amnesia, resurfaced. The sacred institution of Mrs. Glum’s silence was maintained, although her shoes could now be heard shuffling across the floor. The last program went out on 3rd March 1960, with the Glums emigrating for Australia.

The end of Take It From Here however, did not mean the end of the Glums. Pa Glum went on to make an EP record Pa Glum Sings, which featured Jimmy’s beer-soaked voice accompanying pub-singalong-type songs, one of which, a version of Leslie Sarony’s ‘Rhymes’, had the honour of being banned by the BBC! Then the whole family was reunited on BBC TV in 1962 for an episode of Six More Faces of Jim called ‘The Face of Fatherhood’, Jimmy and June Whitfield playing their old roles and Ronnie Barker appearing unconvincingly as Ron. Later came a record release of old Glum segments from TIFH and then in 1978, the young television producer Simon Brett brought them regularly to television, as a 10 minute segment weekly from 7th October, as part of the Bruce Forsyth show. The next year they were in their own London Weekend Television series, featuring Jimmy as Mr. Glum, Patricia Brake who was perfect as Eth and Ian Lavender less accurately as Ron. The scripts were updated by Muir and Norden from the original radio versions, each half-hour TV episode containing two stories. Thirteen of these stories were published that year by Robson Books. More recently, for the first time complete episodes of TIFH have been released on double cassette sets and the shows are still being repeated on radio stations around the world – a fitting tribute to the first post-war comedy series to provide intense enjoyment and amusement forty years on.

Episode Guide 

Take It From Here ran for thirteen seasons amassing some 325 episodes.

The BBC’s Transcription Service issued 282 of these, from all but the first series, for broadcast overseas (noted below as “TS”), and in the late-1960’s repackaged 104 programs (edited to 27 minutes, and in some cases made up of segments from different broadcasts) as a “best of’ collection (noted as “TSr”). This latter batch were taken from series 7 to 12 only, and are still being aired some fifty years after the show completed its run.

Cast:  Dick Bentley, Jimmy Edwards, Joy Nichols (series 1 to 6), June Whitfield (series 7 to 13), Wilfred Babbage (series 1, first 5 shows only), Clarence Wright (series 1, shows 8 to 29), Wallas Eaton (series 2 to 13)

Musical performers: The Keynotes (series 1 to 12), Alma Cogan (series 7 to 9), Sid Phillips Band (series 13, first 8 shows), Toni Eden (series 13, first 12 shows), The Polka Dots (series 13, shows 9 to 20)

Writers: Frank Muir and Denis Norden (series 1 to 12),
Eric Merriman, Barry Took and Marty Feldman (series 13)

Takes It From Here can be divided into four eras:

I  series 1 to 6 (featuring Joy Nichols)
Of the 200-odd episodes, BBC Archives kept only 7 shows. All the Transcription service versions have now been destroyed. Most surviving recordings come from TS versions located in Australia (either the original TS discs, or as amateur off-air acetate discs)

II series 7 to 9 (featuring Alma Cogan as vocalist, with the Glums appearing as a short segment in the middle of each show)
Of the 70-odd episodes, BBC Archives kept 2 shows (and a Glums segment). The original TS versions are now believed destroyed … however, in the late-1960s, a specially-edited highlights package (of over 50 shows) was issued. They are still in existence.
Off-air acetate recordings survive of most of the TS versions.

III series 10 to 12 (the golden years, with the Glums now the main feature at the end of each show)
BBC Archives kept 16 shows (plus a further 11 Glums segments). The original TS versions are believed destroyed, but the 1960s best-of package contained a further 50-odd shows from this era. They are still in existence.
Copies of most of the original TS discs are now in collector hands in Australia.

IV series 13 (new musical breaks and writers)
BBC Archives kept nothing and has destroyed the TS versions (only 13 shows were issued). However copies of all these original TS discs are now in collector hands. Of the other 7 editions, BBC studio recordings somehow exist of 3 episodes and amateur off-air recordings survive of the other 4.

(In the following listing, the best or most complete surviving edition is noted after the broadcast date. If nothing is noted, the entire programme is believed lost.)

1/1       March 23 1948
Producer cancels show
Keynotes: Lullaby of Broadway
Jimmy’s play
Joy and Dick: You’re The Prettiest Thing
Trial of Madame Z 
1/2       March 30 1948
Introducing comedy and a name
Keynotes: Easter Parade
Dick and Joy Read a romantic script
Joy: Experience
Life in Africa – White Congo
1/3       April 6 1948
Jim and Dick practice name dropping
Keynotes: Ballin’ the Jack
Dick Wants to Do Drama
Joy and Dick: Yah-ta-ta
It Always Rains on my Seventh Upturned Executioner  
1/4       April 13 1948
Jim and Dick are looking for digs
Keynotes: Side by Side
Alan Dean offers accommodation
Joy: Why Shouldn’t It Happen to Us
Matinee on the Bounty
1/5       April 20 1948
Locked in by the landlady
Keynotes: Missouri Waltz
Dick Wants To Marry Joy
Joy and Dick: Will It Ever Really Be Like This?
Low Geste 
1/6       April 27 1948
Inviting BBC producer to renew the contract
Keynotes: I Don’t Know Why
Dick’s Party Plan
Joy: Mrs Lowsborough-Goody
Stooge Coach  
1/7       May 4 1948
Party Preparations
Joy: The Song’s Gotta Come from the Heart
Alan Wants a part in the play
The Wimpoles of Barrett St
1/8       May 11 1948
Party Cleanup
Chance of writing for a magazine
Keynotes: Bye Bye Blackird
Jim, editor TIFH Magazine?
Joy: The Crow and the Blackbird
The Three Musketeers
1/9       May 18 1948
A Musical Evening
Keynotes: Let’s Do It
Quiz questions for Alan Dean
The Search for Four Feathers or the lives of a Windmill Dancer
1/10     May 25 1948
Publicity Photo of Dick
Keynotes: Carolina in the Morning
Dick Sells Clothes
Joy: I love a Mystery
The Big House or Up the River without a Paddle
1/11     June 1 1948
Payment by Laughter Scale
Keynotes: Miss Anabelle Lee
Keynotes whip-round for Dick
Joy: Big Brass Band From Brazil
Frankenstein – The Ghoul and Boris Show
1/12     June 8 1948
Snitzelpuff Powder
Keynotes: The Knick Knack Song
Mousetraps
Joy: It’s a Quiet Town
He’s Knocked the Odd Man Out or You Always Hurt the One You Glove
1/13     June 15 1948
TIFH Music Festival
Keynotes: You’re In Kentucky Sure As You’re Born
Singing for the Music Festival
Joy: His Rocking horse Ran Away
Goodbye Mr Chips or We’ll Meet A Cane
1/14     June 22 1948
Kiddies Week
Keynotes: Pardon Me Pretty Baby
Addressing a Child
Joy: The Froggie and the Catfish
Milk Train to Cowes or the Upper Berth of a Nation
1/15     June 29 1948
The London Chronicle
Keynotes: Wrap Your Troubles in Dreams
Forever Amber
Joy: Bread and Butter Woman
Buffalo Bentley Rides Again
1/16     July 6 1948
Holiday Seaside Week
Keynotes: I’ll Never Say Never Again
Holiday Camp
Joy: Dance Ballerina
Trouble at Mill or Loom 504
1/17     July 13 1948
Chief of 3rd Programme is in the Audience
Keynotes: In The Shade of an Old Apple Tree
Eugene Interludes ‘Strange O’Neil’
Joy: There Ought to be a Society
Crime Does Not Pay but the Hours Are Good
1/18     July 20 1948
Focus on Britain Week
Keynotes: Peggy O’Neil
Can’t Read in Bed
Joy: Woody Woodpecker
Egg Bound or I think that I shall never see a film without Psychiatry
1/19     July 27 1948
The Olympics Welcome Committee
Keynotes: Nebraska
Design of Bitter or Sweet Lives
Joy: There’s No Business Like Show Business
There’s No Business like Snow Business or Freeze a Jolly Good Fellow
1/20     August 3 1948
Focus on Bank Holiday
Keynotes: When the Red, Red Robin Comes Bob, Bob, Bobbin’ Along
Rude Picture Machine
Joy: Miss Johnson Phoned again Today
What’s Cooking on the Range
1/21     August 10 1948 (Archive copy survives)
21 Today                                                                                            
Focus on parties                                                                                             
Keynotes: Tiptoe Through the Tulips         
Harry Hickory: Superstitions
Hot Dog Opera
Joy: Be a clown                          
Late Night Final
1/22     August 17 1948
Romance Week
Keynotes: If Had a Talking Picture of You
Insurance Policy
Joy: I’m gonna see a lot more of You
White Congo or If you Go Zulu I’ll Go Mosere
1/23     August 24 1948 (Archive copy survives)
Jim and Dick, Songwriters
Focus On Leisure
Keynotes: Ballin’ The Jack
Harry Hickory: Meeting the Milkman            
Yes-no Quiz contestant           
The Second Mrs Fraser
Joy: Daddy Surprise Me   
My Sister and I … or There’s Nurse to Follow
1/24     August 31 1948
Focus on Radio
Keynotes: By the Light of the Silvery Moon
Wally’s Working Party
Joy: Music Master
If you knew Swansea or How Green is this Corn
1/25     September 7 1948
Focus on Entertainment
Keynotes: Let’s Do it
Hamlet in Hollywood
Joy: Sipping Cyder by the Zyder Zee
No Room at the White Horse Inn or Why My Caravan Has Rusted
1/26     September 14 1948
Gardening
Focus on Careers
Keynotes: I’m Sitting on Top of the World
Marriage Advice Bureau
Joy: The Dicky Bird Song
Boobs on Broadway or Variety is the Slice of TIFH
1/27     September 21 1948
Late Night Start – Focus on Nightlife
Keynotes: Put Your Arms Around Me Honey
Playwriting Competition
Joy: Cuanto Le Gusta
Debenture Unlimited or If It’s a Crime, I’m Guilt-Edged
1/28     September 28 1948
Radio Times 25th Anniversary – Focus on Better Listening
Keynotes: I’d Love to Live in Loveland
Spychology
Joy: Betty Blue
TIFH With Father
1/29     October 5 1948
Last Programme – Preparation for Playing the Albert Hall
Keynotes: Crazy Rhythm
Forming Vocal Quartet
Joy: Le Mariposa (may have been changed before broadcast)
The Best Years of our TIFH or This Slap Happy Breed 

2/1       December 28 1948
Competition from other shows           
Introducing Jim’s protégé, Wal
Keynotes: Ain’t She Sweet
Holiday Hiccup          
Joy: Yes-No Samba         
Once Aboard the Lugger or Man the TIFH Boats
2/2       January 4 1949
New Year’s resolutions          
Keynotes: The Lady from 29 Palms
Scrapheap for 1948    
Joy: A Little Bird            
On a Highland with You or Sporran Affair
2/3       January 11 1949 (Archive copy survives)
Listener Research forms
Keynotes: The Object of My Affection        
Results of listener research     
Joy: Put Your Shoes on Lucy
The Bentley Boy or It’s That Rattigan
2/4       January 18 1949 (copy of TS 4 survives)
Jim’s letter of proposal           
Keynotes: Every Little While        
Country life                
Joy: The Maharajah or Magador  
You’re the Crime in my Café or They Made me a Milkshake
2/5       January 25 1949 (copy of TS 5 survives)
Willoughby’s Wonderful Whiffs
Keynotes: Little Girl
Advertising     
Joy and Alan Dean: The Pussycat Song
Forever Edwards or Amber ‘Neath the Urges
2/6       February 1 1949 (copy of TS 6 survives)
Insurance policy         
Keynotes: Takin’ Miss Mary to the Ball
Education       
Joy and Dick: The Five Forty-Five 
The Scarlet Pimple or Once a Jolly Gag-Man
2/7       February 8 1949
Dick’s flat       
Keynotes: We Just Couldn’t Say Goodbye
The Press       
Home life of Dick Barton       
Joy: Hang on the Bell Nellie         
How Red was my River or Driving the Herd to Texas
2/8       February 15 1949
Joy’s clothes   
Keynotes: Ukulele Lady
Sport   
Joy: A Man Could Be a Wonderful Thing
The Goony Pig or Zombie and Son
2/9       February 22 1949 (copy of TS 9 survives)
Dick’s call-up 
Keynotes: Manyana        
The Law
Joy, Dick and Jimmy: Me and Johnny
Much Binding in Morocco or Bentley Le Boko
2/10     March 1 1949 (copy of TS 10 survives)
Dick’s black eye
Keynotes: Walkin’ my Baby Back Home
Spring 
Joy: Put ‘Em in a Box, Tie ‘Em with a Ribbon …
Boy Meets Earl or Little Lord Bentleyboy
2/11     March 8 1949
(unknown)      
Keynotes: You, You’re Driving Me Crazy    
(unknown)      
Joy: The Crystal Gazer    
Lumbago Comes to Tarzan
2/12     March 15 1949
(unknown)
Keynotes: Three Little Words
(unknown)      
Joy: You Was
Obnoxious
2/13     March 22 1949  (from the Royal Naval Barracks, Portsmouth) (Archive copy survives)
Joy is missing 
Keynotes: Crazy Rhythm  
Recruiting
Joy and Keynotes: Sunflower       
Desert Island Risks or The Navy Blue Lagoon
2/14     March 29 1949
(unknown)      
Keynotes: I’ve Told Ev’ry Little Star
(unknown)      
Joy: Lavender Blue
A Song to Forget or Only Ten More Chopin Days to Easter 
2/15     April 5 1949
(unknown)      
Keynotes: Have You Ever Been Lonely?
(unknown)      
Joy: Somebody’s Lying                
The Healing TIFH or Forceps Favourites
2/16     April 12 1949
(unknown)      
Keynotes: Easter Parade 
(unknown)
Joy: My Mother’s Wedding Day    
Lousy Come Home or My Dogs are Killing Me
2/17     April 19 1949 (copy of TS 17 survives)
Jim getting plump       
Keynotes: In the Park in Paree
Bank Holidays
Joy and Dick: Hold Me Just a Little Bit Closer Dear 
Forever Caramba or Siesta Parade
2/18     April 26 1949 (copy of TS 18 survives)
Joy the girl boxer       
Keynotes: The Keeper
Fashion          
Joy: The Apple Song
The Way to the Czars or Strictly Off the Russian
2/19     May 3 1949 (copy of TS 19 survives)
Guest artist idea
Keynotes: Down by the Station
Popular Music            
Joy and Keynotes: Alphabet Song 
Utility Crepe or All That Glitters is Nat Gould
2/20     May 10 1949 (copy of TS 20 survives)
Dick’s birthday           
Keynotes: Remember Me
British Industries Fair
Joy: The W2/edding of Lili Marlene 
Another Part of the Forrest or The Corny Green
2/21     May 17 1949
(unknown)      
Keynotes: Tip Toe Through the Tulips
(unknown)      
Joy: There’s Nothing to Do in Sleepyville
A Far Distant Shaw or Corn in Egypt
2/22     May 24 1949 (copy of final sketch survives)
(unknown)      
Keynotes: My Heart Stood Still
(unknown)      
Joy: Candy Kisses
Tiptoe Through the Juleps or That’s What I Loathe About the South
2/23     May 31 1949
(unknown)      
Keynotes: The Japanese Sandman 
(unknown)      
Joy: Argentine Story
Frankenstein Jr. or Return of the Tin Man
2/24     June 7 1949
(unknown)      
Keynotes: What Can I Say Dear After I’ve Said I’m Sorry
(unknown)      
Joy and Dick: I Do, I Do, I Do       
Circus Playhouse or Rings Under Your Eyes
2/25     June 14 1949 (copy of the final sketch survives)
(unknown)
Keynotes: Rhythm of the Rain       
(unknown)
Joy: Rainy Day in Paris   
Pest Pilot or Let’s Get High
2/26     June 21 1949
(unknown)      
Keynotes: Rolling Round the World           
(unknown)      
Joy: The Bullfrog           
Trilby or Hatter’s Parcel
2/27     June 28 1949
(unknown)      
Keynotes: Just One of Those Things
(unknown)
Joy: Busy Doing Nothing
Eggo-Bound or I Think That I Shall Never See a Film Without Psychiatry     

3/1       October 11 1949 (copy of TS 27 survives)
Dressing rooms
Keynotes: Kiss Me Sweet
Mirror of the Week: pickle presser, Think Yourself out of This
Joy: My One and Only Highland Fling
Strorse in Your Hair or Goodnight Buchanan
3/2       October 18 1949 (copy of TS 28 survives)
Joy’s new flat 
Keynotes: Confidentially
Mirror of the Week: salt pincher, economic terms, Lady Godiva statue, El Alamein reunion
Joy: Wedding Day
Sixty Seconds Got Together or Till the Clouts Roll By
3/3       October 25 1949 (copy of TS 29 survives)
Dick is ill in bed
Keynotes: Hopscotch Polka
Mirror of the Week: store sucker, U.N. Day, Rank Studios auction, crossword compilers
Joy: La Seine
Africa Squeaks or Ayesha, That’s my Baby
3/4       November 1 1949 (copy of TS 30 survives)
The duel
Keynotes: That’s my Weakness Now
Mirror of the Week: Underground step giver, fireworks, Halloween party
Joy: Leprechaun Lullaby 
Mrs. Vinegar Rides Again or Family Shower
3/5       November 8 1949
(unknown)
Keynotes: Winter Wonderland
Mirror of the Week: (unknown)
Joy: Top of the Morning  
Did Your Mother Come From Oiland or The Gusher Girl    
3/6       November 15 1949
(unknown)      
Keynotes: Dem Dry Bones
Mirror of the Week: (unknown)
Joy: Dreamer’s Holiday
Hail, Smiling Maugham or The Goon and Sixpence
3/7       November 22 1949
(unknown)      
Keynotes: Snowy White Snowy     
Mirror of the Week: (unknown)
Joy: (unknown)  
I’m Just Wild About Haroun or Sorry, Turkish Only 
3/8       November 29 1949
(unknown)
Keynotes: The Girl in the Green Hat
Mirror of the Week: (unknown)          
Joy: It’s What You Do with What You Got
Discoveries of 1492 or Now, Now, Voyager!
3/9       December 6 1949
(unknown)      
Keynotes: The Teddy Bears’ Picnic
Mirror of the Week: (unknown)
Dick: Kathleen
The Browning Version or From Bard to Verse
3/10     December 13 1949
(unknown)      
Keynotes: The Cab
Mirror of the Week: (unknown)
Joy: Scottish Samba
When My Baby Swears at Me or She’s a Real Trouper
3/11     December 20 1949
(unknown)
Keynotes: Miss Annabelle Lee
Mirror of the Week: (unknown)
Joy: The Merry Christmas Polka
Stooge or Good Old Marley   
3/12     December 27 1949
(unknown)      
Keynotes: Three Little Words
Mirror of the Week: (unknown)
Joy: Dear Hearts and Gentle People
Low Jest or Under Two Gags
3/13     January 3 1950 (copy of TS 39 survives)
Dress shop
Keynotes: The Dickie Bird Hop
Mirror of the Week: sardine fitter, New Year resolutions, folk dance festival
Joy: I Wanna Be a Cowgirl in the Movies
Crime on my Hands or Gendarme Thing After Another
3/14     January 10 1950 (copy of TS 40 survives)
Jimmy’s horse
Dick and Keynotes: Railway Song
Mirror of the Week: Underground board man, schoolboy exhibition, literary luncheon, food drama
Joy: Why Not Now?
Russian Boots or The Red Shoes
3/15     January 17 1950
(unknown)      
Keynotes: The Wedding of the Painted Doll
Mirror of the Week:  (unknown)
Joy: Canadian Capers    
Love in a Cold Climate or An Icicle Made for Two   
3/16     January 24 1950
(unknown)      
Keynotes: Let’s Call the Whole Thing Off   
Mirror of the Week: (unknown)
Joy: Don’t Ever Marry for Money  
Bentley Takes the Count or Me and My Chateau
3/17     January 31 1950 (copy of TS 43 survives)
Jim’s conjuring
Keynotes:  Grandfather’s Clock
Mirror of the Week: cheese holesaler, children’s TV announcer auditions, film awards voting, cocktail mixing
Joy: My Friend Irma
Chilblain’s Hour or From Bed to Nurse
3/18     February 7 1950 (copy of TS 44 survives)
Babysitting Dunhill’s son
Keynotes: Policemen’s Holiday
Mirror of the Week: peach shaver, airmen’s mess, ice skating, detective story verse
Joy and Dick: Didn’t We  
Nights at the Pin Table or No Tilting
3/19     February 14 1950
(unknown)      
Keynotes: (unknown)
Mirror of the Week: (unknown)
Joy: It’s Nice to Have a Man About the House
The Wearing of the Green or Did Your Muffler Come From Ireland?
3/20     February 21 1950
(unknown)
Keynotes: We’re a Couple of Swells
Mirror of the Week: (unknown)
Joy: The Photographer and the Stenographer
Mind Over Mata or What’s Your Hari?
3/21     February 28 1950 (copy of TS 47 survives)
Jim’s slimming campaign
Keynotes: Six Times a Week and Twice on Sunday
Mirror of the Week: giving ladies the air, unsuccessful candidate, laundress contest, UNO musical
Joy: Music, Music, Music (with music by Jim and Dick)
My Friend Elizabeth or Lizzie Come Home
3/22     March 7 1950 (copy of TS 48 survives)
Dick’s greyhound
Keynotes: I Said My Pyjamas
Mirror of the Week: meteorologist, Shakespeare festival, love, courtship and marriage
Joy:  Quicksilver
Ten Little Diggers or Starlight Shower
3/23     March 14 1950
(unknown)
Keynotes: Ain’t She Sweet + My Hat’s on the Side of my Head
Mirror of the Week: (unknown)
Joy: Cherry Stones
The King’s Raspberry or Le Roi A Laugh     
3/24     March 21 1950
(unknown)      
Keynotes: Sweet Hortense            
Mirror of the Week: (unknown)
Joy: (If I’d Known You Were Coming) I’d Have Baked a Cake 
Song of India or Little Delhi Daydream
3/25     March 28 1950
(unknown)      
Keynotes: Whistling Rufus
Mirror of the Week: (unknown)          
Joy: C’est Si Bon
Six Crimes a Week and Vice on Sundays
3/26     April 4 1950
(unknown)      
Keynotes: I’ve Got Spurs That Jingle, Jangle, Jingle 
Mirror of the Week: (unknown)
Joy: But Me, I Love You   
The Ideal Holmes Exposition or Watson in London   
3/27     April 11 1950
(unknown)
Keynotes: The Keeper
Mirror of the Week: (unknown)
Joy: Enjoy Yourself
Quarter Latin or There’s But One Place For Me, Nero
3/28     April 18 1950
(unknown)      
Keynotes: Chooin’ Gum   
Mirror of the Week: (unknown)
Joy: The Old Piano Roll Blues
R.L.S. More Or Less or Two Men, One Wrong
3/29     April 25 1950
(unknown)
Keynotes: The Trek Song + Sarie Marie
Mirror of the Week: (unknown)
Joy: Hey Heighbour        
F.A. Didn’t Care or I Get A Kick Out Of You           
3/30     May 2 1950
(unknown)      
Keynotes: Oh You Sweet One + Clementine
Mirror of the Week: (unknown)
Joy: Lock, Stock and Barrel
If I Can Scalp Somebody as I Go Along or The Lost Wigend
3/31     May 9 1950
(unknown)      
Keynotes: Frere Jacque   
Mirror of the Week: (unknown)
Joy and Dick: Dearie
Government Filter or State Cigarette 
3/32     May 16 1950
(unknown)
Keynotes: Tiddley Winkie Woo
Mirror of the Week: (unknown)
Joy: Way Back Home
The Hollywood Story or Flimsy Lot   
3/33     May 23 1950
(unknown)
Keynotes: (unknown)
Mirror of the Week: (unknown)
Joy: Wheels on the Waggon
Wrecker’s Rendezvous or Smuggle up a Little Closer
3/34     May 30 1950 (copy of TS 59 survives)
Educating Archie opening
The Scarlet Pimple or Orczy Keep Your Tale Up (encore from series 2)
Keynotes: Let’s Do It
Mirror of the Week: ox-puncher
Circus Playtime or Rings Under Your Eyes (encore from series 2)
Joy (assisted by Dick and Jimmy): Chug-a-Lugg
A Far Distant Shaw or The Corn in Egypt (encore from series 2)

4/1       October 24 1950 (Archive copy survives)
On the train from Blackpool
Keynotes: Strawberry Fair
BBC Research College: Jim’s tour
Joy: You Can’t Do Wrong Doing Right
Soil Erosion
4/2       October 31 1950 (Archive copy survives)
Dick applies for job as lecturer
Keynotes: Kerry Ellis
BBC Research College: Jim introduces Joy and Dick
Sensational Radio Times headlines    
Human voice recordings        
Joy: The Style to Which I am Accustomed
Juvenile Delinquency
4/3       November 5 1950
(unknown)
Keynotes: Tzena, Tzena (etc.)
(unknown)
Joy and Jimmy: I’m Bashful
The Gypsy Dream Girl
4/4       November 12 1950
(unknown)
Keynotes: Alouette
(unknown)
Joy: My Christmas Wish
The Ti Konki Expedition
4/5       November 19 1950
(unknown)
Keynotes: Early One Morning
(unknown)
Joy: Life is So Peculiar
Housing
4/6       November 26 1950 (copy of TS version survives)
Dick caught snogging in a broom cupboard
Keynotes: John Peel
BBC Research College: library of human effects
Top of the Form
Joy and Dick: You Wonderful You
Now It Can Be Sold
4/7       December 3 1950 (middle segment survives)
(unknown)
Keynotes: Flying Saucer
(unknown)
Operatic weather forecast
Joy: Red Silken Stockings
Drinking
4/8       December 10 1950
(unknown)
Keynotes: Twelve Days of Christmas
(unknown)
Joy: Teasin’
Roland Butter, poet
4/9       December 17 1950 (copy of final sketch survives)
(unknown)
Keynotes: Just the Way You Are
(unknown)
Joy: Blue for a Boy
Tom Brown’s Schooldays
4/10     December 24 1950
(unknown)
Keynotes: Dry Bones
(unknown)
Dick and Jimmy: The Moon Hath Raised
Joy: Looks Like a Cold Winter
A Fairy Tale
4/11     December 31 1950
(unknown)
Keynotes: Gimme Crack Corn
(unknown)
Dick and Jimmy: The Thing
Joy: Lily of Laguna
Gambling
4/12     January 7 1951 (copy of the final sketch survives)
(unknown)
Keynotes: Petite Waltz
(unknown)
Joy: Speak a Word of Love
Pardon My Rigor Mortis
4/13     January 14 1951 (copy of first half of TS 72 survives)
Dick and Maud end their engagement
Keynotes: One, Two, Three A-Lairah
Anthology of Bores: daughter-in-law, old service comrade
Dick Barton in retirement
Joy: Raise Your Voices
The First Half Century or You’re So Much Older Than I
4/14     January 21 1951 (copy of first half of TS 73 survives)
Dick phones Maud
Keynotes: Pigalle
Anthology of bores: girl talking about movie, arguing shopkeeper    
Parent entering son at his old school
Joy: A Bluebird Singing in my Heart
The Ascent of Widow’s Peak
4/15     January 28 1951 (Joy is ill, replaced by Avril Angers) (copy of middle section survives)
Meeting Avril
Keynotes: She Wore a Little Jacket of Blue
Little Stenchley, You’ve Got It Coming to You!
Dick and Avril: Get Out Those Old Records
Sam Wilfred, Big Business Industrialist
4/16     February 4 1951 (copy of final sketch survives)
(unknown)
Keynotes: Can I Canoe You Up the River?
Festival play in action
Joy and Dick: Take a Letter, Miss Smith
Life Story of Dai Brown, Flautist
4/17     February 11 1951 (copy of final sketch survives)
(unknown)
Keynotes: Courtin’ in the Kitchen
(unknown)
Joy: I Do Do Do Do Like You
Hamlet, Prince of Denmark
4/18     February 18 1951
(unknown)
Keynotes: Stumbling
(unknown)
Joy: Tipperary Samba
The Sheikh
4/19     February 25 1951
(unknown)
Keynotes: A Penny a Kiss
(unknown)
Joy and Dick: Clickety Clack
King Solomon’s Mines
4/20     March 4 1951
(unknown)
Keynotes: Ain’t Gonna Grieve
(unknown)
Joy: Always True to You in my Fashion
True Lives Magazine story
4/21     March 11 1951 (copy of TS version survives)
Jim’s slimming course
Keynotes: Give Me the Moonlight
Public opinion poll
Wesley Squelch, memory man
Joy: Sentimental Music
Lady Godiva
4/22     March 18 1951
(unknown)
Keynotes: Da-Dim, Da-Dom
Lady Barbara’s Secret as light comedy
Joy: Zing Zing, Zoom Zoom
Richard the Lion Hearted
4/23     March 25 1951
(unknown)
Keynotes: Mockin’ Bird Hill
(unknown)
Joy: Transatlantic Lullaby
Moonbound
4/24     April 1 1951
(unknown)
Keynotes: Minikins, Monikins, Mitzy Moo
(unknown)
Joy and Dick: Liar Song
Boswell’s London Journal
4/25     April 8 1951
(unknown)
Keynotes: Sparrow on the Treetop
Television in the Home
Joy: Girls Were Made to Take Care of
Census Day
4/26     April 15 1951
(unknown)
Keynotes: Aba Daba Honeymoon
Cards in the home: canasta
Dick and Jimmy: Smile When You Laugh
Construction Boss – Feats of Modern Engineering
4/27     April 22 1951 (copy of middle section survives)
(unknown)
Keynotes: Rose, Rose I Love You
Library of human effects
On Desert Island with Wilfred Pickles, Noel Coward and Charles Boyer
Joy: Love Means Love
BBC Backstage Story
4/28     April 29 1951 (copy of last two sketches survive)
(unknown)
Keynotes: Destiny
The Festival of Britain 2051
Joy: London By Night
Dracula
4/29     May 6 1951
(unknown)
Keynotes: Wimmin’
(unknown)
Joy: I’m in Love with You
Ruffles, the Gentleman Cracksman
4/30     May 13 1951
(unknown)
Keynotes: Ball of Kirriemuir
(unknown)
Joy: I Like It
Politically correct Cowboys and Indians
4/31     May 20 1951
(unknown)
Keynotes: Sweet Jennie Lee
Operatic weather forecast (encore from 4/7)
Joy, Dick and Jimmy: The Unbirthday Song
My Friend Elizabeth or Lizzie Come Home (encore from series 3)

5/1       December 4 1951
(unknown)
Keynotes: Just One of Those Things
(unknown)        
Joy and the Keynotes: I’ve Never Been Loved
The London Telephone Directory
5/2       December 11 1951
(unknown)
Keynotes: Christmas Chopsticks   
(unknown)        
Joy and the Keynotes: I’d Rather Be Me     
Enrico Cupacoco, Tenor
5/3       December 18 1951
(unknown)
Keynotes: You
(unknown)
Joy Nichols: Froggie and the Catfish
Guns Along the Serpentine
5/4       December 25 1951 (copy of final sketch survives)
(unknown)      
Keynotes: Twelve Days of Christmas
(unknown)        
Joy Nichols: Old Soft Shoe           
Scrooge Mark Five     
5/5       January 1 1952 (copy of final sketch survives)
(unknown)
Keynotes: At Sundown
(unknown)
Joy Nichols: Little White Cloud That Cried
Orchestra Husbands  
5/6       January 8 1952
(unknown)
Keynotes: The Trolley Song
(unknown)
Joy Nichols: There’s Always Room at Our House
Shakespeare Sings Again
5/7       January 15 1952 (copy of TS version survives)
Dick’s income tax demand     
Keynotes: Skip to My Lou 
Old Wal: British Consul efficiency drive, sauce bomb, refrigerated starch    
David Dunhill’s photograph of Daphne
Headmaster of Cransby College
Joy Nichols: When the World was Young     
Captain Horation Lawnmower, R.N. 
5/8       January 22 1952 (copy of final sketch survives)
(unknown)      
Keynotes: Down Yonder   
(unknown)        
Joy Nichols: Cowboy Square Dance
Night Train to West Hartlepool          
5/9       January 29 1952 (copy of TS 98 survives)
Farewell gifts for Joy 
Keynotes: Varsity Drag     
Old Wal: choc-ice bars, perfume       
Dunhill pining over Daphne  
Operatic prison scene, without music
Joy Nichols: Speak a Word of Love
No Better Than She Should Be
Welcoming Sally Rogers
5/10     February 5 1952  ((Sally Rogers replaces Joy, who is having a baby) (copy of TS 99 survives)
Welcoming Sally Rogers
Keynotes: Glory of Love   
Old Wal: choc box stocks, hot water pipe attachment
Dunhill’s gift for Sally
Listeners complain about libel in play
Dick, Sally and Keynotes: I Wanna Go Home
Fanny and the King of Salaam 

*** TAKE IT FROM HERE was not broadcast on February 12
owing to the death of King George VI

5/11     February 19 1952  (Sally Rogers replaces Joy) (copy of TS 100 survives)
Sally loves Jimmy
Keynotes: Saturday Rag   
Old Wal: thriller, car radio, ox pincher
The new Dunhill
Any Questions rudeness
Dick Bentley: Play Me a Hurtin’ Tune           
What Mr. Butler Saw  
5/12     February 26 1952  (Sally Rogers replaces Joy)
(unknown)      
Keynotes: The Lady is a Tramp
(unknown)        
Dick and Sally: We Never Talk Much
The Radio Times Story
5/13     March 4 1952  (Sally Rogers replaces Joy)
(unknown)      
Keynotes: Stay Out of the South
(unknown)
Dick: It All Depends on You
And So to Beard
5/14     March 11 1952  (Sally Rogers replaces Joy)
(unknown)      
Keynotes: Anything Goes 
(unknown)        
Dick: Put Your Arms Around Me, Honey
Behind the Big House
5/15     March 18 1952  (Sally Rogers replaces Joy) (copy of TS version survives)
Joy’s baby, Roberta   
Keynotes: I Don’t Care                 
Old Wal: Ideal Home exhibition, the lost chord         
Dunhill’s jokes
We Beg To Differ with ordinary people         
Dick and Sally: Tell Me You Love Me
Underneath the Archer
5/16     March 25 1952  (Sally Rogers replaces Joy)
(unknown)
Keynotes: Tue Loves and False Lovers
(unknown)
Dick: Miss Annabelle Lee 
The Trial of Agnes Dugan      
5/17     April 1 1952  (Sally Rogers replaces Joy)
(unknown)      
Keynotes: North Carolina
(unknown)
Jimmy: Love in Bloom
My Art and I   
5/18     April 8 1952  (Sally Rogers replaces Joy)
(unknown)      
Keynotes: Around the Corner
(unknown)        
Dick: Young and Healthy 
The Fighting Forty Fourth
5/19     April 15 1952
(unknown)
Keynotes: You’re Just in Love       
(unknown)        
Joy Nichols: Look Out for Mr. Stork
Dead Wood Dick        
5/20     April 22 1952 (copy of TS version survives)
Dick’s passion for gardening 
Keynotes: He Had to Get Under      
Old Wal: scouts bob-a-job week, shirt starching at laundry, half-inches string
Dunhill’s jokes
Electing village beauty queen 
Joy Nichols: Sweetheart Serenade 
The African Jack
5/21     April 29 1952
(unknown)
Keynotes: Gandy Dancers Ball
(unknown)
Joy Nichols: Make ‘em Laugh
Big Cars I Love You   
5/22     May 6 1952
(unknown)
Keynotes: Pawnshop on the Corner           
(unknown)
Joy and Dick: Singin’ in the Rain  
Viva Cascara 
5/23     May 13 1952 (copy of TS version survives)
Dick’s birthday
Keynotes: When I Take My Sugar to Tea                   
Old Wal: laundryette, tamhtab
Country folk songs     
Joy Nichols: Dance Me Loose
The Five Finger Exercise
5/24     May 20 1952 (copy of final sketch survives)
(unknown)      
Keynotes: You Brought a New Kind of Love to Me
(unknown)        
Joy and Dick: Moonlight Bay       
Till the Clots Roll By or The Darned Old Piers Story
5/25     May 27 1952 (copy of final sketch survives)
(unknown)      
Keynotes: The Boom Song
(unknown)        
Joy Nichols: Lullaby for Johnny   
Odd Man In    
5/26     June 3 1952 (copy of TS version survives)
After series holiday plans
Old Wal: suntan lotion, dry cleaner’s tab
Keynotes: Gently, Johnny             
Dunhill’s Russian speedcop joke
Tom Brown’s Schooldays (encore from series 4)
Joy Nichols: Pianna Anna               
Lady Godiva (encore from series 4)

6/1       January 5 1953
(unknown)      
Keynotes: Let Yourself Go
(unknown)
Joy: Pot Luck     
Twelve and Six Highgate       
6/2       January 12 1953 (copy of TS version survives)
Married couple domestic comedy idea
Keynotes: Bone Dry           
Old Wal, coronation tour guide: water bus, stand     
David Dunhill’s recitation      
U.S. immigration interrogation
Joy Nichols: Hi-Lili, Hi-Lo               
Desire Under the Milk Marketing Board       
6/3       January 19 1953  (Joy absent with flu) (copy of TS version survives)
150^th programme       
Keynotes: Johnny Goggabee        
Old Wal, coronation tour guide: the comet, penicillin
Dunhill’s acting: Edgar Wallace        
Dick’s pub joke          
Dick Bentley: You Make Me Feel So Young
The Unfurnished Symphony   
6/4       January 26 1953 (copy of TS version survives)
Dick’s spectacles        
Keynotes: Love of my Life             
Old Wal, coronation tour guide: stately homes, poets and artists      
Dunhill’s play: Lady Fandermere’s Win
Dick Bentley: Cecilia        
Rudolf Raisindial        
6/5       February 2 1953 (copy of TS version survives)
Jimmy to adopt Dick as income tax fiddle
Keynotes: If You Knew Susie                       
Old Wal, coronation tour guide: great inventors – railway engine, splitting atom    
Dunhill’s amateur dramatics: Hamlet
Zippo petrol service station    
Dick Bentley: Ain’t We Got Fun
Good Old Chalet        
6/6       February 9 1953 (copy of TS version survives)
Adopting Dick (part 2)           
Keynotes: Barrels ‘n’ Barrels of Roses                      
Old Wal, coronation tour guide: Haymarket, mugs and ashtrays, inventors – steam
Dunhill’s amateur dramatics: Hamlet
Children’s cinema club          
Joy Nichols: Inchworm                    
The Three Hot Sausages
6/7       February 16 1953 (copy of final sketch survives)
(unknown)
Keynotes: Makin’ Whoopee
(unknown)        
Joy: Hippopotamus Song 
Yo-Ho-Ho and a Bottle of Bay Rum  
6/8       February 23 1953
(unknown)
Keynotes: Side by Side    
(unknown)        
Joy: I Talk to the Trees    
Wake Up at the Bach There
6/9       March 2 1953 (copy of TS version survives)
Joy and Dick feel Jim’s fiancée is unsuitable 
Keynotes: How Much is That Doggie in the Window?                           
Old Wal, coronation tour guide: flower seller, souvenirs, inventors – material, water
Guest stays with houseproud couple  
Dick Bentley: What a Beautiful Waste of Time
Low Noon      
6/10     March 9 1953  (Joy absent through illness, replaced by Pearl Carr)
(unknown)      
Keynotes: Downhearted  
(unknown)
Dick and Pearl: I’ll Buy That Dream          
Love is a Dancing Thing
6/11     March 16 1953 (copy of TS version survives)
Births, engagements, weddings
Keynotes: Hot Dog Rag                
Old Wal, coronation tour guide: American navy, examination, smoking
BBC chief meets the only two radio listeners 
Joy Nichols: I’m Gonna Ring the Bell Tonight
Poor Little Rich Boy   
6/12     March 23 1953 (copy of TS version survives)
Jim’s fiancée to replace Dick in TIFH
Keynotes: The Lucky Old Sun       
Old Wal, coronation tour guide: Johnny Ray, exams, famous men of history
Dido and Achilles interrupted by telephone   
Joy Nichols: Pretend                                         
Pride and Orange Juice
6/13     March 30 1953
(unknown)
Keynotes: Pretty Little Black-Eyed Susie      
(unknown)        
Joy: Tell Me You’re Mine 
The Breath of a Nation
6/14     April 6 1953 (copy of TS version survives)
Incriminating photo of Jim’s fiancée in broom cupboard      
Keynotes: Oh, Happy Day
Old Wal, coronation tour guide: Scotland Yard, seat tester, roads    
Stenchley Fair
Joy and Dick: That’s the Way to Write a Love Song   
From Non-Stop Nudes to the B.B.C. (the Jimmy Edwards story)
6/15     April 13 1953 (copy of most of TS version survives)
(unknown)                  
Keynotes: Pardon Me, Pretty Baby
Old Wal, coronation tour guide: Russian embassy, coronation seats
Driving test     
Joy, Dick and Jimmy: The Little Red Monkey
Punch and Yehudi      
6/16     April 20 1953 (copy of TS version survives)
Dick’s astrological predictions
Keynotes: Bottle Me Up                
Old Wal, coronation tour guide: barber’s shop, Buildings street party
Arguments over summer time            
Joy Nichols: If I Had a Penny
Outside of Helen        
6/17     April 27 1953 (copy of TS version survives)
Dick’s car accident    
Keynotes: Seven Lonely Days                      
Old Wal, coronation tour guide: burglars, telephone books, street party, tableaux vivants   
Film stars at guest house
Joy Nichols: Haven’t a Worry
Svengali          
6/18     May 4 1953 (copy of TS version survives)
Dick auctions his stamp collection     
Keynotes: Birth of the Blues         
Old Wal, coronation tour guide: Welfare state, fertilizer barge
Quiz prize of a BBC announcer
Joy and Jim: Tell Me a Story           
Of Martian Men
6/19     May 11 1953 (copy of TS version survives)
Recording after last week’s show
Keynotes: That’s What Makes Paris Paree    
Old Wal, coronation tour guide: Brighton rotunda, street party plans
Minority programme for millionaires
Joy Nichols: Changing of the Guard
Turn the Street Corner Softly 
6/20     May 18 1953 (copy of TS version survives)
Dick to change his style
Keynotes: Tell Us Where the Good Times Are              
Old Wal, coronation tour guide: railway porters, committee plans   
Film clichés: snogging in car, young expectant father, armed services
Joy Nichols: Lovely Weather for Ducks
Hup the Working Classes
6/21     May 25 1953 (copy of final sketch survives)
(unknown)      
Keynotes: Celebration Rag
(unknown)        
Joy: I Do, I Do, I Do        
The Legend of the Willow Pattern Plate
6/22     June 1 1953
(unknown)
Keynotes: A Bushel and a Peck
(unknown)
Joy: Hello Sunshine
The Happiest Days of our TIFH        
6/23     June 8 1953 (copy of final sketch survives)
(unknown)
Keynotes: April in Portugal
(unknown)      
Joy: Till They’ve All Gone Home   
Gwynn and Bear It     
6/24     June 15 1953  (from HMS Indefatigable) (Archive copy survives)
Naval welcome
Keynotes: Rock and Roll
Old Wal: the Buildings have all arrived for the review
Petty Officer, Rating and Wren officer
Joy Nichols: The Fleet’s in Port Again
The Cruel BBC
6/25     June 22 1953 (copy of TS version survives)
Dick’s tattoo show
Keynotes: I Know that You Know               
Old Wal: Ascot races 
Spies on film and in real life   
Joy Nichols: Say Si-Si       
Costume Piece           
6/26     June 29 1953
(unknown)
Keynotes: Just One of Those Things
The African Jack (encore from series 5)
Farewell to Joy
Joy Nichols: G’bye Now
The Darned Ol’ Piers Show (encore from series 5)  

7/1       November 12 1953 (copy of TS 142 survives)
New series changes                
Alma Cogan: Isn’t Life Wonderful              
Disgusted of Tunbridge Wells: cinema, corset ads, Radio Times
Home Service & Light Programme versions of a play
Keynotes: Ricochet            
Glums: Is marriage today an economic anachronism? (Eth introduced)
Alma & Dick: What a Perfect Combination                                                                                  
Pygmalion                  
7/2       November 19 1953 (copy of TS 143 survives)
The two new girls       
Alma Cogan: If I Had a Golden Umbrella     
D of TW: liquorice allsorts, pin-table arcades, cinema trailer
Trailer for Empress of the Undergrowth
Keynotes: Chicka Boom                    
Glums: Is flat life … (The maisonette)
Alma & Dick: A Little Kiss Goodnight
Mona Lisa      
7/3       November 26 1953 (copy of TS 144 survives)
Complaints from the new girls           
Alma: Mr. Tip Toe              
D of TW: chocolate centres, shows for boys in uniform
Convicts’ All-Star Bill
Keynotes: Begorrah
Glums: Does modern interior decoration …  
Alma and Dick: Where You Gonna Be When the Rent Comes Round?    
Broadcasting House searched – The Hooded Terror and Dick Barton
7/4       December 3 1953 (copy of TS 145 survives)
Distinguishing between the girls        
Alma Cogan: Little Fir Tree             
D of TW: noiseless breakfast cereals, malted drinks  
Professional Quiz contestant  
Keynotes: Istanbul             
Glums: Is the cost of living … (Budgets)        
Alma and Dick : Lucky Us 
Trawler Fishing         
7/5       December 10 1953 (copy of TS 146 survives)
Christmas card verses            
Alma Cogan: Little Girl from Little Rock      
D of TW: telephone directories, hotel bills     
Common cold research centre           
Keynotes: I Know an Old Lady        
Glums: Do social and community … (Wedding guest list)     
Alma and Dick: Thank You
Rocketship to the Moon
7/6       December 17 1953 (copy of TS 147 survives)
Christmas presents – cigarette lighters          
Alma Cogan: The Moon is Blue      
D of TW: stain removers, girls at London revues       
Influences on cinema staff: From Here to Eternity, Joan Crawford, Julius Caesar  
Keynotes: Kiss and Cuddle Polka  
Glums: Is frankness a deterrent … (Tact)      
Alma and Dick: Nothing to Do        
The Country Doctor               
7/7       December 24 1953 (copy of opening sketch survives)
Christmas drinks        
Alma Cogan: This Is a Very Special Day       
D o TW: silly season  
Glums: Christmas sardines
Alma & Dick: Let’s Do It   
Fairy Story: The Woodchopper and the Princess      
Keynotes: The Keeper       
7/8       December 31 1953 (copy of TS 149 survives)
Dick’s pipe                 
Alma Cogan: That’s Amore
D of TW: telephone boxes, cinema queues     
Influences on cinema staff: Noel Coward, P.O.W. escapes, Esther Williams
Keynotes: Auld Lang Syne               
Glums: Does sentimentalism … (Eth’s engagement ring)      
Alma and Dick: A Little Kiss            
Dinner for One, Please James
7/9       January 7 1954 (Archive edition survives)
Dick to be pathetic     
Alma Cogan: Sittin’ in the Sun
D of TW: washing-up basins, television
Television Operating theatre  
Keynotes: Kiss Me Again  
Glums: Has culinary … (Eth’s first meal)
Alma and Dick: Makin’ Whoopee   
Rasputin         
7/10     January 14 1954 (copy of TS 151 survives)
School prize giving     
Alma Cogan: A Purple Cow             
D of TW: clean sheets, pyjama jackets, inspector of taxes     
Something for nothing            
Keynotes: Rosa Marie       
Glums: Have the social embellishments … (Pre-wedding anxiety)
Alma and Dick: A Kiss and a Cuddle
The Highwayman
7/11     January 21 1954 (copy of TS 152 survives)
Dick’s biography        
Alma Cogan: Tennessee Wig-walk 
D of TW: salted peanuts, wet paint, washing hands while train at station
Hamlet pantomime     
Keynotes: Comin’ Through the Rye
Glums: Is nostalgia merely … (Ron’s moustache and Mr. Glum’s photos)   
Alma and Dick: Do Something        
The Breach of Promise case
7/12     January 28 1954 (copy of TS 153 survives)
Jim’s income tax demand       
Alma Cogan: Man
D of TW: butter dishes, suitcases       
Holiday Hour – Chapeau sur la bonce
Keynotes: The Jones Boy                  
Glums: Bis Dat Qui … (First wedding present)
Alma and Dick: Would You Like to Take a Walk?       
The Sacred Scarab of Salome
7/13     February 4 1954 (copy of TS 154 survives)
Dick to become full-time singer
Alma Cogan: Pride of the Nancy Lee
D of TW: public telephone system, small change
Telephone calls in films and in real life: Dr. Frobisher the Phantom Killer  
Keynotes: Tennessee Local              
Glums: Is the etiology … (Eth’s cold)
Alma and Dick: Did You Ever Get That Feeling in the Moonlight?
The American Couple            
7/14     February 11 1954 (copy of TS 155 survives)
Jim to cut off his moustache   
Alma Cogan: Eh, Campari               
D of TW: hot water bottles     
B.B.C. auditions         
Keynotes: Early One Morning         
Glums: Will ritualistic taboos
Alma and Dick: Pardon Me, Pretty Baby      
Dr. Chu Manfu           
7/15     February 18 1954 (copy of TS 156 survives)
Comedians to strike
Alma Cogan: Bell Bottom Blues
D of TW: boiled eggs             
Flying saucer in Blackpool    
Keynotes: Doctor, Lawyer and Indian Chief
Glums: Is heredity …
Alma and Dick: Just Keep on Doin’ What You’re Doin’
The Old Tivoli
7/16     February 25 1954 (copy of TSr 11 survives)
Dick is homesick        
Alma Cogan: Flirtation Waltz
D of TW: packets of cornflower, bootlaces    
Social Introductions – in films and in real life
Keynotes: Till We Two are One                       
Glums: Do men make the best husbands … (Eth’s wedding dress)   
Alma and Dick: You’re Getting to be a Habit with Me                               
Shangri-La                 
7/17     March 4 1954 (copy of TS 158 survives)
Standing for Parliament – Jimmunism
Alma Cogan: From the Vine Came the Grape              
D of TW: spoonful of golden syrup, potato crisps      
Switzerland                                         
Keynotes: Solfeggio          
Glums: Is it better to work at a task …           
Alma and Dick: Nevertheless                           
Stenchley United football team           
7/18     March 11 1954 (copy of TS 159 survives)
Jimmunism – part 2                           
Alma Cogan: Make Love to Me       
D of TW: socks, the underground      
Keynotes: My Arms, My Heart, My Love
Post Office advertising                       
Glums: Is it better to be unemployed … (Ron is sacked)        
Alma and Dick: My First Affair       
The Return of the First Husband        
7/19     March 18 1954 (copy of TS 160 survives)
Commercialism                      
Alma Cogan: Cornflakes Jones       
D of TW: halfpenny stamps    
The Critics, with ordinary people       
Keynotes: Loving Spree                    
Glums: If an engaged girl … (Ron’s jealousy)
Alma and Dick: Ten Little Miles from Town                 
Henry VIII                  
7/20     March 25 1954 (copy of TS 161 survives)
Six years of TIFH       
Alma Cogan: Bimbo          
D of TW: ticket clipper, swing doors, late running TV shows
Riders of the Range                
Keynotes: Dime and a Dollar          
Glums: Does higher education … (Night school)      
Alma and Dick: That’s for Me          
Paul Grograin, Painter          
7/21     April 1 1954 (copy of TS 162 survives)
Dick’s Photography                           
Alma Cogan: Cross Over the Bridge              
D o TW: shoelaces, people standing up in cinemas               
Blackmail in films and in real life                   
Keynotes: Somebody Bad Stole De Weddin’ Bell        
Glums: What good is happiness … (The Pools)         
Alma and Dick: That’s What a Rainy Day is for          
Paleolithic Man                                              
7/22     April 8 1954 (copy of TS 163 survives)
A holiday in France?             
Alma Cogan: Such a Night                              
D o TW: women – matches, stockings
Complaints about last week’s “bison” joke   
Keynotes: I Get So Lonely                                
Glums: Is it right for a girl … (Eth knits a pullover)  
Alma and Dick: Tea for Two                            
Tea Room Trio                       
7/23     April 15 1954 (copy of TS 164 survives)
Flowers and Gardening         
Alma Cogan: Said the Little Moment             
D of TW: bathing costumes, ice cream cornets
Russian lyrics to western dance songs
Keynotes: Friends and Neighbours                
Glums: Is it impossible … (Astrology)            
Alma and Dick: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday           
Cornish Smuggling                                        
7/24     April 22 1954 (copy of TS 165 survives, Glums in Archives)
A widow for Jim?                   
Alma Cogan: The Little Shoemaker
D of TW: mayonnaise bottles, women’s magazines, under-20 programmes 
Youth Debate                                     
Keynotes: Jambo, West of Zanzibar                               
Glums: Should a young couple … (Honeymoon plans)         
Alma and Dick: I Love the Way You Say “Goodnight”              
The Student Prince                                         
7/25     April 29 1954 (most of TS version survives)
Planning end-of-series buffet              
Alma Cogan: Chigin Chagin
D o TW: wine gums, X-certificate films
Euclid trailer              
Keynotes: The Catwalk     
Glums: Can one avoid National Service …   
Alma and Dick: You’ve Done Something to my Heart 
The Mystery of the Wax Museum       
7/26     May 6 1954 (copy of first sketch survives)
Helen of Troy  (encore from series 6)
Alma Cogan: Just One of Those Things
Glums: Does love fly out …   
Keynotes: That’s Entertainment      
Jane Austen’s “Pride and Orange Juice” (encore from series 6) 

8/1       December 9 1954 (copy of TS 168 survives)
The 200^th programme
Alma Cogan: I Can’t Tell a Waltz from a Tango
Wealthy Wal: Nigel Mayfair, financier
Library committee discuss racy book 
Keynotes: I Wish I Was Back in the Army      
Glums: Are Ron and Eth married yet?
Alma and Dick: Back in the Old Routine       
Beau Brummell
8/2       December 16 1954 (copy of TS 169 survives)
Dick’s commercial TV offer   
Alma Cogan: Teach Me Tonight     
Wealthy Wal: Smellorama
Department store Santa
Keynotes: Muskrat Ramble
Glums: Is it desirable … (Faults)       
Alma and Dick: I Can’t Believe That You’re in Love  
American Cop Movie 
8/3       December 23 1954 (copy of TS 170 survives)
Christmas present exchange  
Alma Cogan: Two Step Side Step   
Wealthy Wal: Picknicker’s new home perm kit
Office Christmas party – before and after      
Keynotes: The Old Ark’s a-Movering             
Glums: Christmas
Alma and Dick: Two Sleepy People
The Court-Martial of Major Beamish
8/4       December 30 1954 (copy of TSr 26 survives)
Seven years of TIFH – Jim in Dick’s will       
Alma Cogan: Naughty Lady from Shady Lane
Wealthy Wal: tealess tea
Children’s Tea Party  
Keynotes: Top Hat             
Glums: New Year’s Eve         
Alma and Dick: Could Be 
Africa Story    
8/5       January 6 1955 (copy of opening sketch survives)
Dick wants to join the hunt     
Alma Cogan: Mambo Italiano         
Wealthy Wal: do it yourself
Cross-Word drama    
Keynotes: Sobbin’ Women               
Glums: When considering a wedding day … 
Alma and Dick: How About You      
Factory Folk  
8/6       January 13 1955 (copy of TS 173 survives)
Dr. Yaroslav   
Alma Cogan: Much Too Much        
Wealthy Wal: car hooters       
Gems from Guildford and Surbiton   
Keynotes: Frere Jacques  
Glums: If a lady asks a gentleman … 
Alma and Dick: Make Yourself Comfortable
Swiss Family Robinson          
8/7       January 20 1955 (from Bristol) (copy of TS 174survives)
Railway tickets for the cast     
Alma Cogan: Paper Kisses
Wealthy Wal: artefacts
Guide to Bristol
Keynotes: Charlie is my Darling     
Glums: When an engaged couple … (family tiff)
Alma and Dick: Our Love Affair      
The Clifton Suspension Bridge
8/8       January 27 1955 (copy of TS 175 survives)
Dick wants more shows outside London
Alma Cogan: It’s a Woman’s World
Wealthy Wal: hammer chewer
Food Merchant’s Verse Play 
Keynotes: Mobile                               
Glums: If all the world … (Eth phones home)
Alma and Dick: Wrap Your Troubles in Dreams
The Harley Street Surgeon     
8/9       February 3 1955 (copy of TS 176 survives)
Jim loves June
Alma Cogan: Smarter        
Wealthy Wal: diamond tiara, helicopters
Scotland Yard Memoirs          
Keynotes: Spring, Spring, Spring   
Glums: If a woman’s place … (Mrs. Glum’s broken leg)      
Alma and Dick: If You Get What You Want You Don’t Want It 
Mystery of Maltravers Grange           
8/10     February 10 1955 (copy of TS 177 survives)
Jim invites June to a show      
Alma Cogan: Ready, Willing and Able          
Wealthy Wal: invitation to evening out           
Private Confabs: boxers, doctors conferring, bus in traffic jam
Keynotes: Carolina in the Morning               
Glums: If the course of true love … (Family Favourites)       
Alma and Dick: Palsy Walsy            
The New Headmistress
8/11     February 17 1955 (copy of TS 178 survives)
Jim’s dinner with June           
Alma Cogan: Right to be Wrong     
Wealthy Wal: wife’s wardrobe, beauty treatments     
Sea songs for price-conscious housewives     
Keynotes: And Her Mother Came Too           
Glums: Should you do unto others (welcome back Mrs. Glum)
Alma and Dick: ‘Deed I Do
The Escaped Convict 
8/12     February 24 1955 (copy of TSr 27 survives)
Dick’s inferiority complex      
Alma Cogan: Apples, Peaches and Cherries
Wealthy Wal: Aunty Kitty’s    
Private Confabs: batsmen, Lord Mayor’s speech, beauty contest presentation
Keynotes: Crazy Music     
Glums: Is it better to have loved … (Ron’s emigration plans)
Alma and Dick: The Year We Fell in Love     
Hollywood      
8/13     March 3 1955 (copy of TS 180 survives)
Chaperone needed     
Alma Cogan: Tweedle Dee
Wealthy Wal: night time malted milk  
Truth in Radio: fashion parades, interview with American singer     
Keynotes: Under the Bridges of Paris            
Glums: How do you spell … (Ron departs for Australia)      
Alma and Dick: Somebody Loves Me             
Hiawatha
8/14     March 10 1955 (copy of TS 181 survives)
Serenading June with a euphonium   
Alma Cogan: If Anyone Finds This I Love You             
Wealthy Wal: posh dinner party         
Ideal Home Exhibition kitchen section
Keynotes: Kerry Dance     
Glums: If ‘tis human to err … (Ron in trouble with the police)
Alma and Dick: Easy To Remember
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde        
8/15     March 17 1955 (copy of TS 182 survives)
The duel with David Dunhill  
Keynotes: It’s a Great Day for the Irish         
Wealthy Wal: The Wal Foundation    
Glums: When a young man … (Ron on probation)    
Alma Cogan: How Important Can It Be?      
B.O.A. Jim Air Charter Service
8/16     March 24 1955 (copy of TS 183 survives)
The new suave Jim     
Alma Cogan: That’s the Way Love Goes       
Wealthy Wal: wife doesn’t want to be rich     
Jimmy Edwards Ltd. shareholders meeting   
Keynotes: Jennie Jenkins                 
Glums: Is Paris’s latest … (A-Line dresses)   
Alma and Dick: Isn’t it a Lovely Day?
The Probation Officer
8/17     March 31 1955 (copy of most of TS 184 survives)
June hears Jim’s brass band  
Alma Cogan: I’m So Lonely
Wealthy Wal:  
Antique shop in 2155 
Keynotes: Chee Cheroo Chee          
Glums: If we are put on this earth … 
Alma and Dick: You Made Me Love You       
The Strange Affair of Major Dawlish 
8/18     April 7 1955 (copy of TSr 32 survives)
Alma falls for Jim       
Alma Cogan: Tika Tika Tok             
Wealthy Wal: invitation from friends in ‘The Buildings’
BBC fills in during newspaper strike: Astrology, Help service
Keynotes: Easter Parade                  
Glums: Is the trouble about … (the test of time)
Alma and Dick: I May Be Wrong     
The Lighthouse Keepers         
8/19     April 14 1955 (copy of TS 186 survives)
Alma’s love is hopeless          
Alma Cogan: Where Will the Dimple Be?     
Wealthy Wal: inferior decorator
Joke censors               
Keynotes: Heatwave          
Glums: If a young engaged couple (crossword puzzle)          
Alma and Dick: Maybe      
Monte Carlo Casino Tragedy
8/20     April 21 1955 (copy of TS 187 survives)
Jim’s new suit             
Alma Cogan: A Smile is Worth a Million Tears
Wealthy Wal: visiting ‘The Buildings’
Unusual holidays: canal barge, folk song recording 
Keynotes: Pendulum Song                               
Glums: If the child is father … (Ron’s crew cut)        
Alma and Dick: For Me and My Gal
Top-of-the-bill Postman         
8/21     April 28 1955 (copy of TS 188 survives)
Dick asks Charles Maxwell for a raise
Alma Cogan: Crazy Little Mixed-up Heart   
Wealthy Wal: paintings
Unusual holidays: antarctic whaler cruise, Cheshire pot-holing       
Keynotes: Wait Till the Sun Shines, Nellie   
Glums: Is it true that … (planning a Whitsun wedding)
Alma and Dick: I Don’t Know Why 
Pepe Le Moko of the Casbah 
8/22     May 5 1955 (copy of TS 189 survives)
Hypnotism to cure infatuation
Alma Cogan: Dreamboat  
Wealthy Wal: Wallas Palace  
Trailers vs. movies: “No, Roger, No”, war film
Keynotes: Birds and Puppies and Tropical Fish
Glums: Is it true that … (selecting a page boy)          
Alma and Dick: You’ll Never Know                
The Sex-change Experiment   
8/23     May 12 1955 (copy of TS 190 survives)
Palm reading                         
Alma Cogan: I’ve Been Thinking    
Wealthy Wal: wife putting on weight  
Private confabs: in department store, policemen       
Keynotes: Stowaway         
Glums: Is it true that … (wedding present wish list)   
Alma and Dick: I’ll String Along with You   
Lucrezia Borgia         
8/24     May 19 1955 (copy of TSr 38 survives)
Jim’s piglet                 
Alma Cogan: Just One More Time  
Wealthy Wal: etiquette
American tourists       
Keynotes: Load of Hay                      
Glums: Isn’t it odd that … (Ron’s upbringing)           
Alma and Dick: That Old Feeling
Circus Story               
8/25     May 26 1955 (copy of TS 192 survives)
Dick returning to Australia    
Alma Cogan: Keep Me in Mind       
Wealthy Wal: niceties 
Unusual holidays: French hitchhiking, Devil’s Island
Keynotes: Lily of Laguna                 
Glums: Is it true that there are only two basic ideas  
Alma and Dick: We Just Couldn’t Say Goodbye          
King Arthur                
8/26     June 2 1955 (copy of TS 193 survives)
Last show       
Paleolithic Man (encore from series 7)     
Alma Cogan: Bye Bye Blackbird     
Glums: Ron and Eth’s wedding
Keynotes: I Know That You Know  
The Old Tivoli (encore from series 7)

9/1       October 11 1955 (copy of TS 194 survives)
Oath of allegiance      
Keynotes: Bring Your Smile Along 
Glums: at the pictures            
Alma Cogan: I’ve Got You Under My Skin    
Wal: BBC childrens department
Shoddy in Toytown
9/2       October 18 1955 (copy of TS 195 survives)
Future policy  
Keynotes: South Rampart Street Parade       
Glums: running a shop
Alma Cogan: A Man          
Wal: BBC Features department         
Matrimonial Agency
9/3       October 25 1955 (copy of TSr 41 survives)
Collection for June’s wedding
Keynotes: Relax-ay Vous                  
Glums: stock for the sweet shop
Alma Cogan: Don’t Stay Away Too Long     
Wal: BBC classical music department
Madame Butterfly
9/4       November 1 1955 (copy of TSr 42 survives)
Fireworks party          
Keynotes: Ooh-la-la, Boom-boom
Glums: the sweet shop opens 
Alma Cogan: In Love for the Very First Time
Wal: unmentionable things     
The Country Doctor
9/5       November 8 1955 (most of TS version survives)
Wal now a programme controller      
Keynotes: In Madrid          
Glums: the shop takings are stolen    
Alma Cogan: Bring me a Bluebird 
The Iron Duke
9/6       November 15 1955 (copy of TS 199 survives)
Double Your Nothing quiz     
Keynotes: Tina Marie        
Glums: Ron is drunk after the dance  
Alma Cogan: Never Do a Tango with an Eskimo
The Time Machine
9/7       November 22 1955 (copy of TS 200 survives)
New studio                 
Keynotes: Bonny Blue Girl               
Glums: Ron has the flu
Alma Cogan: A Girl Can’t Say        
The Young Lovers      

9/8       November 29 1955  THE SHOW WAS NOT BROADCAST

9/9       December 6 1955 (UK off-air copy survives)
Army and navy song  
Keynotes: Nothing for Christmas   
Glums: electricity blackout     
Alma Cogan: Someone on my Mind               
The Marie Celeste
9/10     December 13 1955  (not issued by the Transcription service)
Insuring TIFH            
Keynotes: Little Boy Fishin’
Glums: Christmas presents
Alma Cogan: Love and Marriage   
The Helping Hand
9/11     December 20 1955 (copy of TS 201 survives)
Christmas and Boxing Day alphabet 
Keynotes: Winter Wonderland        
Glums: going to Eth’s for Christmas 
Alma Cogan: Old St. Nicholas
Christmas Slush Story
9/12     December 27 1955 (copy of TSr 78 survives)
Audience participation
Keynotes: A Guide New Year to Ane an’ all 
Glums: Christmas aftermath  
Alma Cogan: Ooh Bang Jiggily Jang
Robin Hood
9/13     January 3 1956 (copy of TSr 44 survives)
An evening with Bentley          
Keynotes: The Ballad of Davy Crockett        
Glums: New Year’s resolutions
Alma Cogan: I Wanna Dance to a Mambo Combo
The Murder Trial
9/14     January 10 1956 (copy of TSr 45 survives)
Ask Edwards
Keynotes: Scotland the Brave
Glums: The gas manager
Alma Cogan: Life Could Not Better Be
The Pantomime Horse
9/15     January 17 1956 (copy of TSr 46 survives)
Wilful parking 
Keynotes: Moments to Remember   
Glums: Agony column                       
Alma Cogan: What is This Thing Called Love?
The Prison Governor’s Story
9/16     January 24 1956 (copy of TSr 47 survives, opening sketch cut)
Expecting Sabrina      
Keynotes: Crazy Rhythm   
Glums: Elopement plans        
Alma Cogan: Nicolo, Nicolino        
William Tell
9/17     January 31 1956 (copy of TSr 48 survives)
Army initiative test      
Keynotes: Zambezi             
Glums: Elopement day
Alma Cogan: Pick Yourself a Star  
Marple Hal School
9/18     February 7 1956 (copy of TS 208 survives)
Anti-meat League        
Keynotes: Lewis Bridal Song           
Glums: Amateur dramatics    
Alma Cogan: Change of Heart        
World War II Boffin
9/19     February 14 1956 (copy of TS 209 survives)
Iron Curtain culture minister 
Keynotes: Lizzie Borden   
Glums: Ron to play Noel Coward in Private Lives
Alma Cogan: Vitamin U    
Ghost Story
9/20     February 21 1956  (musicians on strike) (Archives has copy of TS 210)
Wallace sacked           
Keynotes: Memories Are Made of This
Glums: Private Lives (part 2) 
Alma Cogan: Banjo’s Back in Town
The Scarlet Pimple
9/21     February 28 1956 (copy of TS 211 survives)
Opera without music  
Keynotes: Varsity Drag     
Glums: Cold spell      
Alma Cogan: Out of Town                
Coffee Bar                  
9/22     March 6 1956 (copy of TSr 53 survives, opening sketch cut)
Musical programme parade   
Keynotes: Ballin’ the Jack               
Glums: the splinter     
Alma Cogan: Willie Can  
Cowboy Story
9/23     March 13 1956 (copy of TSr 54 survives)
Ex-army sergeant examines Bentley  
Keynotes: Hit the Road to Dreamland           
Glums: Ideal Home exhibition
Alma Cogan: Let it Ring                   
Harry’s High Class Hairdressing
9/24     March 20 1956 (copy of TSr 55 survives)
Uncle Cosmo             
Keynotes: You Can’t Be True to Two             
Glums: Consulting the dictionary      
Alma Cogan: Rummy Dumb Bunny 
The David Dunhill Murder
9/25     March 27 1956  (not issued by the Transcription Service)
Travel agent for trip to Paris  
Keynotes: Don’t Ringa Da Bell     
Glums: After Eth’s office dance
Alma Cogan: No, Not Much
Casanova
9/26     April 3 1956  (not issued by the Transcription Service)
Summer plans            
Russian lyrics to western dance songs
Keynotes: Key to my Heart           
Glums: Mrs. Glum leaves
Alma Cogan: All the Way Round the World 
Hiawatha (encore from series 8)

***      December 25 1956     TAKE IT FROM MALTA
starring Dick and Jimmy (no sketch details known)     

10/1     January 2 1957 (copy of TS 215 survives)
250^th show      
Keynotes: Ginger                               
This is Your TIFH      
Dick and June: Who Wants to be a Millionaire?        
Glums: Ron goes on “Money or Nothing”
10/2     January 9 1957 (copy of TS 216 survives, Glums in Archives)
Petrol rationing          
Keynotes: I Saw Esau      
If Lady Godiva’s ride happened today
Dick and June: My Favourite Brunette       
Glums: The lodger     
10/3     January 16 1957 (copy of TS 217 survives, Glums in Archives)
Christmas card returns to Jim
Keynotes: I Dreamed
Booklovers’ corner
Dick and June: That Certain Party
Glums: Ron the babysitter      
10/4     January 23 1957 (copy of TS 218 survives, Glums in Archives)
Dick wins Drexo slogan contest
Keynotes: The Charge of the Light Brigade 
Movie roundup           
Dick: You Make Me Feel so Young   
Glums: The bedroom suite
10/5     January 30 1957 (copy of TS 219 survives)
Income Tax inspector
Keynotes: The Banana Boat Song
Hypochondriac’s guide to ill-health
British Medical Society meeting
Dick and June: Tell Me Pretty Maiden
Glums: locked out
10/6     February 6 1957 (copy of TS 220 survives)
Dick’s recording contract
Keynotes: Africa
Wild Bill Brady for toddlers
Dick and June: Go to Sleep, Go to Sleep, Go to Sleep
Glums: Ron’s will bequest
10/7     February 13 1957 (Archives has copy of TS 221)
Rich American
Keynotes: I Love My Baby
Libel in broadcasting
Dick and June: That’s What Makes Paris Paree       
Glums: Ron gets amnesia
10/8     February 20 1957 (Archives has copy of TS 222)
Efficiency expert
Dick and June: While Strolling in the Park 
Glums: How Ron and Eth first met
Keynotes: Gonna Get Along without You Now
Glums: The good impression
10/9     February 27 1957 (copy of TS 223 survives, Glums in Archive)
Insurance agents
Keynotes: The Money Tree
Dramatic plot hanging on one line of dialogue
Dick and June: Stormy Weather + That’s What a Rainy Day is For
Glums: On the Serpentine
10/10   March 6 1957 (copy of TS 224 survives)
Pilfering interrogation
Keynotes: Give Me More
Book of the month – “My Most Famousest Trials”
Dick and June: I Love the Way you say Goodnight   
Glums: The fancy dress ball
10/11   March 13 1957 (copy of TS 225 survives)
Scriptwriter off sick
Keynotes: I’ve Got a Pocketful of Dreams
The private life of Henry VIII
Dick and June: Whenever There’s Me – There’s You 
Glums: Ron plans to emigrate
10/12   March 20 1957 (copy of TS 226 survives, Glums in Archives)
After last week’s show
Keynotes: Mangoes
Ideal home life
Dick and June: Hello        
Glums: Burgled by Uncle Charlie
10/13   March 27 1957  (UK off-air copy survives) (not issued by the Transcription Service)
Dick wants to join a tennis club
Keynotes: (unknown)
Prime Minister Barnacle
Dick and June: (unknown)
Glums: Ron’s tortoise
10/14   April 3 1957  (from HMS Collingwood, at Portsmouth) (copy of TS 227 survives)
Tape recorder
Keynotes: Rock and Roll
Admiral Cuttlefish
Dick, Jimmy and June: The Waiter and the Porter and the Upstairs Maid
Glums: Ron’s birth certificate
10/15   April 10 1957 (copy of TS 228 survives, Glums in Archives)
French fortnight
Keynotes: Ninety-nine Ways
Summer time argument
Dick and June: Tiptoe Through the Tulips
Glums: Stuck in the bath
10/16   April 17 1957 (copy of TS 229 survives)
Exposed in a scandal magazine
Keynotes: Rum in the Water
The difference between the radio services
Dick and June: Tea for Two
Glums: Ron’s Yul Brynner haircut
10/17   April 24 1957 (copy of TS 230 survives, Glums in Archives)
Boxer Joey Palmer
Keynotes: Spring, Spring, Spring
Inventors’ corner: curved line measurer, flag day chest protector
Dick and June: Too Close for Comfort         
Glums: Consent battle            
10/18   May 1 1957 (copy of TS 231 survives, Glums in Archives)
The knockout
Keynotes: Ten Thousand Bedrooms
The garden fete
Dick and June: You Were Meant for Me      
Glums: Ron’s lucky day
10/19   May 8 1957 (copy of TS 232 survives)
The day before the fight
Keynotes: We Will Make Love
Inventor’s corner: dirt spray, motor bike safety belt
Dick and June: Make Yourself Comfortable
Glums: Dining out
10/20   May 15 1957 (Archives copy survives)
Awaiting a new contract
Keynotes: ‘S Wonderful
Gems from Guildford and Surbiton
Dick and June: Mr. Wonderful
Glums: Visiting Eth’s father     

11/1     January 8 1958 (copy of TS 234survives)
Jim arranges a party in Dick’s flat     
Keynotes: Put a Light in the Window
Glums: Cousin Wilbraham    
11/2     January 15 1958 (copy of TS 235 survives)
Publicity stunts           
Keynotes: The Lovely Ladies of Milano      
Glums: Ron’s tattoo   
11/3     January 22 1958 (copy of TS 236 survives)
Jim’s rich girlfriend    
Keynotes: Scratch, Scratch
Glums: Mrs. Glum leaves
11/4     January 29 1958 (copy of TS 237 survives, Glums in Archives)
Hiring antiques to rent out the flat
Keynotes: Just Born (To Be Your Baby)
Glums:            How Ron and Eth became engaged
11/5     February 5 1958 (copy of TSr 76 survives)
Broken leg compensation fiddle
Keynotes: Dance Around in Your Bones
Glums: House on fire
11/6     February 12 1958 (copy of TS 239 survives, Glums in Archives)
Roman Occupation of Britain
Keynotes: Ha, Ha, Ha
Glums:            Ron caught in the park railings
11/7     February 19 1958 (copy of TS 240 survives)
Shepherd of the Hills
Keynotes: Green Grow the Rushes O
Glums: Bagwash service
11/8     February 26 1958 (copy of TS 241 survives, Glums in Archives)
Memoirs of a Ship’s Purser
Keynotes: Sugartime
Glums:            Ron, the artist’s model
11/9     March 5 1958 (copy of TS 241 survives)
Soho Beat
Keynotes: Oh, Oh, I’m Falling in Love Again
Glums: Train trip to Brighton
11/10   March 12 1958 (Archives copy survives)
The Cartwright Affair
Keynotes: Red River Rose
Glums: Eth’s tax refund
11/11   March 19 1958 (copy of TS 244 survives)
Homer’s Odyssey
Keynotes: Clementine
Glums: The budgerigar teacher
11/12   March 26 1958 (Archives copy survives)
10^th anniversary           
National Health Service song             
Old Wal: staircase steps
Oh Mavis                                
Keynotes: Just One of Those Things
Pygmalion                              
Operatic weather forecast        
11/13   April 2 1958 (Archives copy survives)
Swan Lake                  
Keynotes: Rooney
Glums: Borrowing next door’s furniture
11/14   April 9 1958 (Archives copy survives)
Charles II
Keynotes: When Johnny Comes Marching Home
Glums: Eth’s old flame
11/15   April 16 1958 (Archives copy survives)
The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam
Keynotes: Gretna Green
Glums: Eth accused of stealing
11/16   April 23 1958 (Archives copy survives)
The New Steel Works Boss
Keynotes: I Suddenly
Glums: Ron’s new suit
11/17   April 30 1958 (Archives copy survives)
The Italian Restaurant
Keynotes: A Wonderful Time Up There
Glums: Daddy’s boy
11/18   May 7 1958 (Archives copy survives)
Night Train to Paris                           
Keynotes: The Music Master                     
Glums: A saga of sixpence
11/19   May 14 1958 (copy of TS 252survives)
Inspector Chatsby Investigates
Keynotes: Little Serenade
Glums: Ron’s Grandfather
11/20   May 21 1958 (Archives copy survives)
The Pantomime Horse
Keynotes: What is This Thing Called Love?
Glums: Permission to wed       

12/1     November 27 1958 (copy of TS 254 survives)
Tales of London Airport         
Keynotes: The Lady is a Tramp     
Glums: Moving a bed             
12/2     December 4 1958 (Archives copy survives)
I was Napoleon’s Double       
Keynotes: Light of Love   
Glums: Ron joins the police   
12/3     December 11 1958 (copy of TS 256 survives)
The Female Pirate Captain                
Keynotes: Life is Just a Bowl of Cherries    
Glums: Ron’s dinner suit
12/4     December 18 1958 (copy of TS 258 survives)
Johnny Catarrh           
Keynotes: Beey, Beep
Glums: Christmas raffle
12/5     December 25 1958  (all Glums show) (Archives copy survives)
Glums: Christmas hide-and-seek
Keynotes: If You Knew Susie/Bye Bye Blackbaird/California Here I Come
12/6     January 1 1959 (copy of TS 257 survives)
The Farmer’s Boy
Keynotes: Yellow Bird
Glums: Ron changes his name
12/7     January 8 1959 (copy of TS 260 survives)
The Thing and I
Keynotes: Pick Yourself Up
Glums: Locked in a store
12/8     January 15 1959 (copy of TS 261 survives)
The Tree Surgeon
Keynotes: Honey, Honey
Glums: Trapped in a sofa bed
12/9     January 22 1959 (copy of TS 262 survives)
The Search for the Black Pearl Oyster Bed
Keynotes: This Old Man
Glums: the wedding reception
12/10   January 29 1959 (copy of TS 263 survives)
The Camp on Mud Island
Keynotes: Three O’clock
Glums: Selling the house
12/11   February 5 1959 (copy of TS 264 survives)
Cut and Come Again – Memoirs of a Harley Street Surgeon
Keynotes: Bury the Hatchet            
Glums: Elopement plans
12/12   February 12 1959 (copy of TS 265 survives)
World War II Surrender Document
Keynotes: House of Bamboo
Glums: Inspecting a flat
12/13   February 19 1959 (Archives has copy of TS 266)
The Punch and Judy Story
Keynotes: I Got a Wife
Glums: Mr. Glum’s honeymoon promise
12/14   February 26 1959 (Archives has copy of TS 267)
Trilby (French musical)
Keynotes (and the cast): There’s No Ism Like Hypnotism
Glums: Eternity ring
12/15   March 5 1959 (copy of TS 268 survives)
Twit Conway (So Little Time)
Keynotes: Raspberries and Strawberries
Glums: Ron’s steamship job
12/16   March 12 1959 (all Glums show) (copy of TS 269survives)
Glums: Wedding day
Keynotes: I’m on My Way   

13/1     October 22 1959 (copy of TS 270 survives)
Richard Bentley Theatre: collecting funds     
Sid Phillips Band: medley                
The Sunday TIFH: Pagan Love Rites in outer London
Toni Eden: We Just Couldn’t Say Goodbye 
Glums: Ron feigns amnesia               
13/2     October 29 1959 (copy of TS 271 survives)
Richard Bentley Theatre: the bird sanctuary site       
Sid Phillips Band: Varsity Drag                            
The Sunday TIFH: I Was King of the Underworld    
Toni Eden:  Lullaby in Ragtime                 
Glums: Ron is taken to the pictures    
13/3     November 5 1959 (UK off-air copy survives)
Richard Bentley Theatre: the publicity stunt  
Sid Phillips Band: unknown                            
The Sunday TIFH: Binnie Burke memoirs
Toni Eden: unknown                         
Glums: Ron regains his memory        
13/4     November 12 1959 (copy of TS 272 survives)
Richard Bentley Theatre: a Greek tragedy    
Sid Phillips Band: Sweet Georgia Brown                
The Sunday TIFH: Jim of the Porchester      
Toni Eden: I’ll Take Romance       
Glums: Ron learns French     
13/5     November 19 1959 (UK off-air copy survives)
Richard Bentley Theatre: the prospective builder      
Sid Phillips Band: unknown            
The Sunday TIFH: I was a Boffin for Britain 
Toni Eden: unknown         
Glums: Ron the actor             
13/6     November 26 1959 (UK off-air copy survives)
Richard Bentley Theatre: Jim wants to be in charge of the bars        
Sid Phillips Band: unknown            
The Sunday TIFH: I Practised in the Bush    
Toni Eden: unknown                         
Glums: Ron the athlete
13/7     December 3 1959 (copy of TS 273 survives)
Richard Bentley Theatre: the rolling of beer barrels  
Sid Phillips Band: I Found a New Baby                  
The Sunday TIFH: Stop that Racket!             
Toni Eden: You Brought a New Kind of Love to Me              
Glums: the letter to Mrs. Glum                      
13/8     December 10 1959 (UK off-air copy survives)
Richard Bentley Theatre: the foreman’s complaint    
Sid Phillips Band: unknown            
The Sunday TIFH: Watch this Space 
Toni Eden: unknown         
Glums: Ron the newspaperboy          
13/9     December 17 1959 (BBC studio recording survives)
Richard Bentley Theatre: the archaeological find      
Polka Dots: Opus One                             
The Sunday TIFH: The Wallas Eaton Story   
Toni Eden: Give Me the Simple Life           
Glums: carol singing              
13/10   December 24 1959 (BBC studio recording survives)
Exchanging Christmas presents         
Polka Dots: I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm      
The Sunday TIFH: Room at the Big Top       
Toni Eden: You Deserve               
Glums: Christmas Party        
13/11   December 31 1959 (BBC studio recording survives)
Jim’s indiscretions at the staff party   
Polka Dots: You’ve Done Something to my Heart     
The Sunday TIFH: Georgi                 
Toni Eden: This Can’t Be Love      
Glums: the light that failed
13/12   January 7 1960 (copy of TS 274 survives)
Richard Bentley Theatre: the West Sussex Shakespeare League
Polka Dots: Old Ma
The Sunday TIFH: Around the Floor in 80 Ways
Toni Eden: (Love is) The Tender Trap
Glums: Fancy dress ball
13/13   January 14 1960 (copy of TS 275 survives)
Richard Bentley Theatre: Dickensian one-man show
Polka Dots: The Stanley Steamer
The Sunday TIFH: Cheapside Story
Toni Eden: I Hear Music
Glums: Ron’s new suit
13/14   January 21 1960 (copy of TS 276 survives)
Richard Bentley Theatre: audition by Wapping girl campers
Polka Dots: My Resistance is Low
The Sunday TIFH: Johnny Pizzicato
Dick and June: Slow Boat to China                                   
Glums: Mr. Glum loses a wager
13/15   January 28 1960 (copy of TS 277 survives)
Richard Bentley Theatre: naval surplus
Polka Dots: Little White Bull
The Sunday TIFH: The Love Game
Pa Glum songbook: The Wheel Tappers Song
Glums: Ron learns ju-jitsu
13/16   February 4 1960 (copy of TS 278 survives)
Richard Bentley Theatre: The Corpse Wore Trousers who-dunnit
Polka Dots: April in Paris
The Sunday TIFH: The Horrible Thing on the Isle of Wight
Dick and June: It All Depends on You
Glums: the masked bandit
13/17   February 11 1960 (copy of TS 279 survives)
Richard Bentley Theatre: the escapologist
Polka Dots: I Got Plenty o’ Nuttin’
The Sunday TIFH: Pardon My Glove
Pa Glum songbook: The Legion of the Lost
Glums: Mrs. Glum leaves
13/18   February 18 1960 (copy of TS 280 survives)
Richard Bentley Theatre: Fings is Better than Wot They Woz
Polka Dots: The Point of No Return
The Sunday TIFH: The Greasepaint Jungle
Dick and June: ‘S Wunderful
Glums: Mr. Glum sells the furniture
13/19   February 25 1960 (copy of TS 281 survives)
Richard Bentley Theatre: arranging a crowd for the premiere
Polka Dots: Mi Amore
The Sunday TIFH: The House Trap
Pa Glum songbook: I’m Forever Blowing Bubbles
Glums: swimming lessons
13/20   March 3 1960 (copy of TS 282 survives)
Richard Bentley Theatre: bribing a reviewer
Polka Dots: On the Beach
The Sunday TIFH: Bonjour Trusthouse
Dick, Jimmy and June: The Waiter and the Porter and the Upstairs Maid
Glums: leaving for Australia

The Glums on Television

The Six Faces of Jim: The Face of Fatherhood
(BBC November 15 1962)
With Jimmy Edwards, June Whitfield and Ronnie Barker

Bruce Forsyth’s Big Night
(ITV/LWT Saturdays October 7 to November 18 1978)
Featured a Glums segment starring Jimmy Edwards, Ian Lavender and Patricia Brake, reworking the original 1950’s radio scripts.
October 7 1978
How Ron & Eth first met (from 20/2/57)
October 14 1978
Ron’s birth certificate (3/4/57)
October 21 1978
Ron’s Yul Brynner haircut (17/4/57)
October 28 1978
Mr. Glum’s permission to wed (21/5/58)
November 4 1978
Ron goes on Money Or Nothing (2/1/57)
November 18 1978
The Glums take in a lodger (9/1/57)

The Glums
(ITV/LWT Sundays November 11 to December 30 1979)
Starring Jimmy Edwards, Ian Lavender and Patricia Brake, reworking the original 1950’s radio scripts.
November 11 1979
Mr. Glum stuck in bath (from 10/4/57)
& Ron’s new suit (23/4/58)
November 18 1979
How Ron & Eth got engaged (29/1/58)
& Eth v Mr. Glum consent battle (24/4/57)
November 25 1979
Ron changes his name (1/1/59)
& The Glums are burgled (20/3/57)
December 2 1979
Ron and a saga of sixpence (7/5/58)
& Eth is accused of stealing (16/4/58)
December 9 1979
Ron, the daddy’s boy (30/4/58)
& Ron’s tattoo (15/1/58)
December 16 1979
Ron, the artist’s model (26/2/58)
& Mrs. Glum leaves (22/1/58)
December 23 1979
Ron’s Christmas party hangover
& Mr. Glum’s Christmas raffle (18/12/58)
December 30 1979
Ron & Eth plan to elope (5/2/59)
& Ron’s pet tortoise (27/3/57)

Discography

The Little Red Monkey/Me An’ Johnny
(Parlophone 78rpm single R 3684)
vocals by Joy Nichols, Dick Bentley and Jimmy Edwards.

The Cream of Take It From Here
(Fontana LP TFL 5103/STFL 534)
In 1960, Bentley, Edwards, Whitfield & Eaton rerecorded seven sketches:
A Saga of Sixpence (The Glums)
Inventor’s Corner
Hiawatha
Quiet Evening At Home (The Glums)
The Cartwright Affair
Wanted (The Glums)
The Strange Affair of Major Dawlish

Jimmy Edwards Sings Pa Glum
(Fontana EP TFE 17296)
I’ve Never Seen a Straight Banana
Across The Bridge
I’m Forever Blowing Bubbles
Rhymes

I’ve Never Seen A Straight Banana/Rhymes
(Fontana 45rpm single H 260)

Vintage Variety
(BBC LP REC 134M)
contains an extract from the Glums sketch of 20/2/57

Fifty Years Of Radio Comedy
(BBC LP REC 138M)
Contains an extract from The Cream of Take It From Here remake of the Glums sketch
A Quiet Evening At Home (originally broadcast on 14/4/55)

From Take It From Here – The Glums
(BBC LP REH 161)
contains edited extracts from the Glums sketches of the dates noted:
Boy Meets Girl (20/2/57)
Stigmatised! (17/3/55)
Danger – Man At Work! (4/12/58)
A View from the Park (12/2/58)
A Night Out (23/1/57)
The Lady Vanishes (22/1/58)
A Fine Predicament (10/4/57)
Here Comes the Bridegroom (12/3/59)

Fun At One
(BBC LP 371)
contains an extract from the Glums sketch of 22/1/58

Take It From Here (Volume 1)
(BBC double cassette ZBBC 1113)
contains four complete broadcasts:
March 26 1958
April 9 1958
May 7 1958
May 21 1958

Take It From Here (Volume 2)
(BBC double cassette ZBBC 1217)
contains four complete broadcasts:
February 20 1957
May 15 1957
April 23 1958
January 1 1959 (with the Glums sketch of March 12 1958 substituted)

Video and DVD

Comedy Classics of the 60’s
(Watershed Pictures WSP 1054)
contains an extract from The Six Faces Of Jim: The Face Of Fatherhood

The Glums
(Network 2DVD 7953545)
contains all 8 LWT episodes (and the 6 segments from Bruce Forsyth’s Big Night Out)

Books

Take It From Here
by Frank Muir and Denis Norden
(Insignia Books paperback, 1952)

The Glums
by Frank Muir and Denis Norden
(Robson Books, 1979)
contains the thirteen Glums scripts from the 1950’s reworked for the 1979 television adaptations:
The Sixpence
The Burglar
The Deed Poll
Pilfering
The Engagement
The Elopement
Artist’s Model
Mrs. Glum Leaves
The Job Interview
The Bath
The Tortoise
Daddy’s Boy
The Tattoo

Frank Muir Presents The Book of Comedy Sketches
(compiled) by Frank Muir and Simon Brett
(Elm Tree Books paperback, 1982)
contains four untitled non-Glums Take It From Here sketches (three from the Joy Nichols era and one from June Whitfield’s)

Son of Curried Eggs
(compiled) by Roger Wilmut
(Methuen, 1984)
contains the Glums script from May 7 1958

Film

Double Bunk
(British Lion, 1960)
The characters of Ron and Eth can be heard (off screen) in a brief sequence of this Ian Carmichael film.

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