Last of the Baskets

Last of the Baskets

1971 - United Kingdom

After 93 mis-spent years, the 12th Earl of Clogborough (Richard Hurndall) is ready and willing to say farewell to his ramshackle stately home, a mountain of unpaid bills, and his lasty remaining flunky Redvers Bodkin (Arthur Lowe). But first the heir to his title must be found. That heir turns out to be an uncouth boiler maker who is blissfully unaware of his aristocratic fate; Clifford Basket (Ken Jones). 

Moving into home and title with his equally uncouth mother in tow (Patricia Hayes), Clifford enjoys the high life much to the distain of the snooty butler who has to bring him bottles of brown ale on a silver platter. But soon enough they have to concern themselves with much weightier matters such as paying the bills and stopping the mansion from collapsing into the Pennines.

Published on December 29th, 2018. Written by Laurence Marcus for Television Heaven.

Read Next...

Bless Me Father

Arthur Lowe swapped his Home Guard uniform for Sacred Vestments to play a mischievous and cheerful eccentric in this gem of a comedy.

Also starring Arthur Lowe

David Croft and Dad's Army Cast

Writer and producer David Croft had the Midas touch when it came to comedy and the shows that he created and wrote with alternating creative partners Jimmy Perry and Jeremy Lloyd were comedy gold for the decades. But how did two of the most popular fare on the big screen?

Also starring Arthur Lowe

Mr. Aitch

Harry Aitch wants status more than money. If status means he's got to have money then he'll go out and get the money. Any way that's practically legal. But he spends most of the time conning himself...

Also tagged British Sitcom

Cannon TV series

Private detective Frank Cannon would get paid top dollar to investigate, which allowed him to indulge in his personal luxuries such as food, expensive cars and food.

Also released in 1971

Potter

Arthur Lowe's last television series may well have laid the ground for Keeping Up Appearances

Also starring Arthur Lowe

The Arthur Haynes Show

Britain's foremost sketch-show comedian of the early 1960s in his own series.

Also starring Patricia Hayes

Mr Digby Darling

Mr Digby's PA is hopelessly devoted to him while he remains totally oblivious to her feelings.

Also tagged British Sitcom

Behind the Fridge

A one-off special featuring a series of sketches portraying the eccentricities of the British courtesy of Peter Cook and Dudley Moore.

Also released in 1971

Morecambe and Wise - Top Ten Guests

Over the years, Morecambe and Wise entertained some of the most famous top-name celebrity guests performing sketches and comedy dance routines. Here are ten - they’re all the right guests, just not necessarily in the right order

Also starring Arthur Lowe