The Lovers
 Richard Beckinsale and Paula Wilcox starred in this comedy
success, created and written by Jack Rosenthal, as Mancunian
boyfriend and girlfriend of two years (on and off), Geoffrey
"Bubbles Bon Bon" and Beryl.
Geoffrey desperately tried to get his evil way with his
virginal (but slightly teasing) girlfriend Beryl, while she in
turn repelled his every stratagem and attack, determined to stay
chaste until her wedding night.
Geoffrey was constantly egged on by his Westland Bank workmate
Roland (played by Robin Nedwell of the Doctor In The House
series), but Beryl would entertain no thoughts of what she termed
"Percy Filth".
Played with a delightfully observed air of charm and innocence
by the central duo, The Lovers was a warm and witty spin on
the traditional "Boy meets Girl" storyline given an
added layer of humour by its deftly subtle swipes at the myth of
"permissive society" and the "free love"
generation.
Sadly, only two series were made - a total of 13 shows in 1970
and 1971 - but for the young stars (Wilcox was 20, Beckinsale was
23) it was the start of highly successful television careers.
She
went on to star alongside in the long running sitcom Man About
The House, and he starred in Rising Damp with Leonard
Rossiter and Porridge with Ronnie Barker.
Tragically. Richard Beckinsale's career was cut short by a
fatal heart attack at the appallingly young age of 31.
As he had done with The Dustbinmen before it, Jack
Rosenthal withdrew from his creation once it was
established. In the second series, scripted by Geoffrey Lancashire, the
lovers decide to take the plunge and become engaged, although it
remains an on-off relationship at best.
A feature film version was released in 1972. This was better
than most of the small-to-big-screen transfers, with both the
stars reprising their TV roles, and Jack Rosenthal returning as
writer. Herbert Wise directed.
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