It came as no surprise to see Ronnie Barker slip effortlessly from character to character in this 1973 series. What, however, was amazing was the emergence of two great series from these single comedies: Roy Clarke's Open All Hours and Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais' Porridge (from Prisoner and Escort).Open All Hours
This was our first sight of Arkwright, the miserly Northern shopkeeper who victimises his delivery boy and nephew (played by David Jason). Written by Roy Clarke.
Prisoner and Escort
Fletcher, the career criminal, became Barker's most famous character. In this episode he meets future guards MacKay and Barrowclough. Written by Dick Clement & Ian La Frenais.
My Old Man
Barker plays retired and embittered engine-driver Sam Cobbett, the last tenant to leave his house in a road condemned by the council. Written by Ian La Frenais.
Spanner's Eleven
This Roy Clarke scripted comedy revolves around Albert Spanner, hot dog seller and team coach for the dismal Ashfield Athletic Club. Written by Gerald Frow.
Another Fine Mess
This excellent homage to Laurel and Hardy finds Barker as Ollie teamed with Roy Castle as Stan. Written by Hugh Leonard.
One Man's Meat
Barker, under the pseudonym Jack Goetz, wrote this story of a man desperate to escape a starvation diet imposed by his wife.
I'll Fly You For a Quid
This Clement and La Frenais story finds Barker as gambling Welshman Evan Owen determined to retrieve his late father's winning betting slip.