Scott Free – Nostalgia Central

1 9 5 7 (UK)
6 x 30 minute episodes

Terry Scott’s first starring role in a comedy series centred on the activities of two out-of-work, third-rate variety actors (the other was Norman Vaughan) sent by their agent to act as entertainment officers in the seedy, broken-down seaside resort of Bogmouth.

Terry and Norman were abetted by Wallas Eaton and Henry Longhurst as they struggled valiantly to organise entertainment events to provide publicity for the town, such as the (entirely made-up) ancient ceremonies of “Mulching the Snird” and “Clipping the Ship”.

Rotherham actress Marcia Ashton played the pretty daughter of Longhurst’s alderman, Councillor Bland, and guests included Stanley Unwin, Gilbert Harding and Johnny Vyvyan.

Many of the plots in the short-lived BBC series were based on Terry’s experiences in seaside rep, but – despite Terry taking a real hammering in an all-in wrestling sequence in one episode – the critics were not kind.

Terry
Terry Scott
Norman
Norman Vaughan
Gribble
Wallas Eaton
Councillor Bland
Henry Longhurst
Bland’s Daughter
Marcia Ashton