Sykes (1972)
Sykes is a British sitcom that aired on BBC 1 from 1972 to 1979. Starring Eric Sykes and Hattie Jacques, it was written by Sykes, who had previously starred with Jacques in Sykes and A... and Sykes and a Big, Big Show. Forty-three of the 1970s colour episodes were remakes of scripts for the 1960s black and white series, such as "Bus" based on 'Sykes and a Following' from 1964 and the episode "Stranger" with guest star Peter Sellers based on 'Sykes and a Stranger' from 1961. Sykes had the same premise as Sykes and A... with Sykes, Jacques, Richard Wattis and Deryck Guyler reprising their former identical roles. The series was brought to an end by the death of Hattie Jacques of a heart attack on 6 October 1980.
-
Episode 1 - Burglary
Release Date: 1972-09-14A series of burglaries misses the Sykes household and Mr Brown is the first to point out that they can have nothing worth stealing. Eric counters by saying he has a dog; but when he does buy one his troubles really begin.
-
Episode 2 - Uncle
Release Date: 1972-09-21Eric is in his neighbour's black books, an embarassing affair at the golf club guest-night having affected his status. But when Eric reveals his uncle's identity Mr Brown attitude suddenly changes.
-
Episode 3 - Walk
Release Date: 1972-09-28When Eric takes up walking he soon begins to think big. Mr Brown is not easily convinced of his abilities, so Eric decides to walk to Brighton.
-
Episode 4 - Menace
Release Date: 1972-10-05Amanda, aged ten, arrives to stay for a weekend. Painfully recalling her sister's love of practical jokes Eric can't believe she's as innocent as she looks.
-
Episode 5 - Boat
Release Date: 1972-10-12Mr Brown is persuaded to lend his new boat to Eric, who finds navigation harder than talking about the South China Seas.
-
Episode 6 - Stranger
Release Date: 1972-10-19Eric and Hattie are visted by a stranger who has returned to honour a childhood promise.
-
Episode 7 - Football
Release Date: 1972-10-26The local football team needs a referee - kindly but firm, worthy of respect. They choose Eric.
-
Episode 8 - Job
Release Date: 1972-11-02Eric abandons domestic chores to join Hattie at the local factory.
-
Episode 9 - Ankle
Release Date: 1972-11-09As Eric takes out the rubbish to the dustbin a gust of wind distributes it on to Mr Brown's footpath.
-
Episode 10 - Mouse
Release Date: 1972-11-16Eric and Hattie are alarmed to find that they have a mouse in the house. Eric tries several ways of getting rid of it but none succeed and he has to call in the big guns.
-
Episode 11 - Dream
Release Date: 1972-11-23After being bitten by a dog Eric consults his doctor and is suddenly afflicted by a less easily treated malady.
-
Episode 12 - Marriage
Release Date: 1972-11-28When Hattie advertises for some eligible bachelors Eric realises that without her his life would be difficult.
-
Episode 13 - Cat
Release Date: 1972-12-07Hattie gets a kitten and Eric ends up looking for tiddles on a roof belonging to Major Crombie-Crombie - who hates cats.
-
Episode 14 - Journey
Release Date: 1972-12-14Eric and Hattie, after a holiday in Scotland with Mr Brown, speed home on the Glasgow night sleeper and end up in Darlington.
-
Episode 15 - Lodger
Release Date: 1972-12-21Mr Brown has the decorators in and decides to stay next door with Eric and Hattie.
-
Episode 16 - Cafe
Release Date: 1972-12-28Eric buys a transport cafe, turns it into a smart roadhouse and loses customers. To do well Eric must makes things more earthy.