Roy Kinnear and Patsy Rowland

Inside George Webley

1968 - United Kingdom

The late great Roy Kinnear starred as George Meredith Webley, in this Yorkshire Television produced sitcom about a bank clerk who was guaranteed to add the word pooper to party and crushing to bore. 

George worked for the aptly named Meanside and Beestley Savings Bank in Leeds and in his spare time (actually in his work time, too) thought it his duty to bore everyone rigid, including his long-suffering wife, Rosemary (Patsy Rowlands), with trivia, perpetually worrying about everything in the world and complaining that he had suffered every illness known to man. George was the eternal pessimist and approached life with the attitude that if something was going to go wrong - it would! 

The series was the first of several collaborations between Keith Waterhouse and Willis Hall, which included a TV adaptation of the latter's solo novel 'Billy Liar' (Billy), Diana Dors' sitcom Queenie's Castle and an adaptation of Barbara Euphan Todd's eternal scarecrow stories featuring Worzel Gummidge (as played by Jon Pertwee). It was also notable for including something of a who's who of British character actors and comedians such as James Bolam, Peter Butterworth, Les Dawson, Clive Dunn, Hattie Jacques, Roy Hudd, Dandy Nichols, Graham Stark and Max Wall. 

Published on December 23rd, 2018. Written by Laurence Marcus for Television Heaven.

Read Next...

Arabian Knights

Animated series of stories set round the ancient city of Baghdad which is under the rule of the evil Sultan Bakaar, who has usurped the throne from the rightful inheritance of the young Prince Turham

Also released in 1968

Curry and Chips

Poorly received sitcom by Johnny Speight who attempted (and many would say failed) to highlight the stupidity of racism.

Also tagged Britcom

Kindly Leave the Kerb

A failed sitcom - three times over. Despite the sublime talents of Ronnie Barker, Richard O'Sullivan, Peter Jones, Peter Butterworth, Brian Murphy and Roy Kinnear, no one could raise a laugh from this dreary comedy concept

Also starring Roy Kinnear

Best of Enemies

Television's first attempt to poke fun at the world of politics from within the Houses of Parliament in a situation comedy...

Also released in 1968

The Caesars

Historical period drama detailing the murder, sex and madness that will forever have a place in the annals of ancient history.

Also released in 1968

Patsy Rowlands

British actress who successfully navigated the paths between television, cinema and theatre and became an unsung hero before she was finally recognised as a national treasure

Also starring Patsy Rowlands

The Loner tv series

Trilogy of dark comedic plays about a man coming from nowhere, going nowhere, and about what happens to him in transit

Also starring Roy Kinnear

The Champions

Adventure/fantasy series about three secret agents endowed with extra sensory powers.

Also released in 1968