Thompson Family, The – Nostalgia Central

1 9 5 7 – 1 9 5 8 (UK)
18 x 30 minute episodes

Debuting on 23 November 1957, this Saturday night BBC serial was written by children’s author Noel Streatfeild (her first serial for television).

Episodes followed the titular modern suburban family, headed by Mr John Thompson, a struggling architect (initially played by future Doomwatch star John Paul, and then by John Barrie) and his wife, Elizabeth (Marion Jennings), who lived at No. 10 Pond Street.

The good-mannered and respectful Thompson children were Susan (Diana Beevers), aged 14, 11-year-old Andrew (Nigel Lambert) and Caroline (Sandra Michaels, late of The Railway Children).

Sandra’s Railway Children co-star Cavan Kendall appeared as Guy James, the son of a mysterious family that came to stay next door to the Thompsons and who had too much pocket money.

Other characters included Cousin Amy (Edna Morris), a favourite relative from the country.

Despite criticisms that the Thompsons were unreal and snob-conscious in their approach, the initial 10-episode run was extended until 27 June 1958.

Susan Thompson
Diana Beevers
Andrew Thompson
Nigel Lambert
Caroline Thompson
Sandra Michaels
Elizabeth Thompson
Marion Jennings
John Thompson
John Paul (1)
John Barrie (2)
Guy James
Cavan Kendall
Percy James
Peter Stephens
Mrs Fellows
Mary Hignett
Sarah
Elsie Arnold
Rev Charles Masters
Anthony Woodruff
Mr Thompson, Snr
Charles Carson
Mrs Thompson, Snr
Grace Allardyce
Len
Roger Kemp
Cousin Amy
Edna Morris
Gladdie Hicks
Mollie Maureen
Miss Wild
Meriel Hunn
Len’s Mum
Hester Paton-Brown
George Fielding
Douglas Storm
Ron Hicks
Peter Hawkins
Marlene
Margot Hayhoe
Elsie
Ann Wombwell