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Father, Dear Father
Father, Dear Father
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Father, Dear Father
GenreSitcom
Written byBrian Cooke
Johnnie Mortimer
Directed byWilliam G. Stewart
StarringPatrick Cargill
Natasha Pyne
Ann Holloway
Noel Dyson
Sally Bazely
Dawn Addams
Theme music composerGordon Franks
Country of originUnited Kingdom
Original languageEnglish
No. of series7
No. of episodes45
Production
ProducerWilliam G. Stewart
Running time30 minutes
Production companyThames Television
Original release
NetworkITV
Release5 November 1968 (1968-11-05) –
6 February 1973 (1973-02-06)

Father, Dear Father is a British television sitcom produced by Thames Television for ITV from 1968 to 1973 starring Patrick Cargill. It was subsequently made into a spin-off film of the same title released in 1973.

An Australian sequel series of the same name (though usually referred to as Father, Dear Father in Australia to distinguish it from the UK original) followed in 1978. The same year a West German adaptation Oh, This Father starring Willy Millowitsch began, lasting until 1981.

Premise

[edit]

The original series focused on divorced British novelist Patrick Glover (Patrick Cargill) and his daughters, Karen (Ann Holloway) and Anna (Natasha Pyne), a couple of lively girls in their teens. The family lives in Hampstead, London. Another member of the household is the girls' Nanny (Noel Dyson). As well as having to deal with his progeny, Patrick also faces frequent hassles with his ex-wife Barbara (Ursula Howells) and her current husband Bill Mossman (played by Patrick Holt, and later Tony Britton). There is also his brother Philip (Donald Sinden), his mother (Joyce Carey), his agent Georgie Thompson (Sally Bazely Series 1 and 2 and later Dawn Addams Series 4-7), his publisher Ian Smyth (Michael Segal in series 3) and his pet St. Bernard dog 'H. G. Wells'. At the end of the sixth series Anna marries Tim Tanner (Jeremy Child), who then became a regular in the last series.

Cast

[edit]

Episodes

[edit]

Series 1 and 2 are in black & white. Series 3 to 7 are in colour.

Series 1 (1968)

[edit]
No.
overall
No. in
series
TitleOriginal release date
11"The Proposal"5 November 1968 (1968-11-05)
22"Pussies Galore"12 November 1968 (1968-11-12)
33"The Return of the Mummy"19 November 1968 (1968-11-19)
44"Publish and Be Damned"26 November 1968 (1968-11-26)
55"It Won't Be a Stylish Marriage"3 December 1968 (1968-12-03)
66"I Should Have Danced All Night"10 December 1968 (1968-12-10)
77"Lost Weekend"17 December 1968 (1968-12-17)

Series 2 (1969)

[edit]
No.
overall
No. in
series
TitleOriginal release date
81"Unhappy Birthday"27 May 1969 (1969-05-27)
92"We Can't Afford a Carriage"3 June 1969 (1969-06-03)
103"Show Me the Way to Go Home"10 June 1969 (1969-06-10)
114"Thinner Than Water"17 June 1969 (1969-06-17)
125"Baby, Won't You Please Come Home"24 June 1969 (1969-06-24)
136"Divorce English Style"1 July 1969 (1969-07-01)

Series 3 (1970)

[edit]
No.
overall
No. in
series
TitleOriginal release date
141"This Is Your Wife"12 May 1970 (1970-05-12)
152"One Dog and His Man"19 May 1970 (1970-05-19)
163"It's Never Too Late"26 May 1970 (1970-05-26)
174"Nobody's Indispensable"2 June 1970 (1970-06-02)
185"The Suitable Suitor"9 June 1970 (1970-06-09)
196"A Man About the House"16 June 1970 (1970-06-16)

Series 4 (1971)

[edit]
No.
overall
No. in
series
TitleOriginal release date
201"Last Of The Red-Hot Mommas"15 June 1971 (1971-06-15)
212"An Affair To Forget"22 June 1971 (1971-06-22)
223"Housey-Housey"29 June 1971 (1971-06-29)
234"The Reluctant Runaway"6 July 1971 (1971-07-06)
245"Come Back Little Sheba"13 July 1971 (1971-07-13)
256"A Domestic Comedy"20 July 1971 (1971-07-20)
267"The Naked Truth"27 July 1971 (1971-07-27)

Series 5 (1971)

[edit]
No.
overall
No. in
series
TitleOriginal release date
271"Proposed and Seconded"13 September 1971 (1971-09-13)
282"The Life of the Party"20 September 1971 (1971-09-20)
293"Nothing But the Tooth"27 September 1971 (1971-09-27)
304"An Explosive Situation"4 October 1971 (1971-10-04)
315"A Book for the Bishop"11 October 1971 (1971-10-11)
326"A Case for Inspector Glover"18 October 1971 (1971-10-18)

Series 6 (1972)

[edit]
No.
overall
No. in
series
TitleOriginal release date
331"The Cardboard Casanova"13 June 1972 (1972-06-13)
342"Brother, Dear Brother"20 June 1972 (1972-06-20)
353"The Opposite Six"27 June 1972 (1972-06-27)
364"Unaccustomed As I Am"4 July 1972 (1972-07-04)
375"Feud, Glorious Feud"11 July 1972 (1972-07-11)
386"The Engagement"18 July 1972 (1972-07-18)
397"Father of the Bride"25 July 1972 (1972-07-25)

Series 7 (1973)

[edit]
No.
overall
No. in
series
TitleOriginal release date
401"Flat Spin"2 January 1973 (1973-01-02)
412"Home And Away"9 January 1973 (1973-01-09)
423"It's In The Book"16 January 1973 (1973-01-16)
434"The Right Hand Man"23 January 1973 (1973-01-23)
445"Pop Around The Clock"30 January 1973 (1973-01-30)
456"In All Directions"6 February 1973 (1973-02-06)

Australian version

[edit]
Father, Dear Father
Country of originAustralia
Original languageEnglish
No. of episodes14
Production
Running time30 mins
Original release
NetworkATN Channel 7
Release2 April 1978 (1978-04-02) –
28 June 1980 (1980-06-28)

A few years after Karen and Anna have married and left home, Patrick decides to go to Australia to do some research for a book he is writing and takes Nanny along (both Cargill and Dyson reprised the roles). He intends to stay with his brother Jeffrey (Ron Frazer), but Jeffrey unexpectedly has to travel to London for 6 months in connection with his work. Jeffrey comments that he is worried about leaving his daughters, Liz (Sally Conabere) and Sue (Sigrid Thornton), to fend for themselves while he is away and asks if Patrick and Nanny can look after them, and Patrick begrudgingly agrees. Liz and Sue had been looking forward to being free of adult supervision while their father was away, so they're initially unimpressed with the idea. 'H.G.Wells' was replaced by two new St.Bernards, a dog named G.K. (after G.K. Chesterton) and a bitch named 'A.C.' (after Agatha Christie). Wallas Eaton appears in two episodes of the second series as Patrick's Australian publisher, Sam Winterton.

Two 7-episode series were made by Lyle McCabe Productions in association with the Seven Network; like the original, they were produced and directed by William G. Stewart. Gordon Franks' original title music was also re-used. Mortimer and Cooke wrote the first episode, "Once More With Feeling"; the rest of the episodes were written by writers such as Richard Waring and Donald Churchill.[1]

Series 1 (1978)

[edit]
No.
overall
No. in
series
TitleOriginal release date
11"Once More with Feeling"25 June 1978 (1978-06-25)
22"A Home from Home"2 July 1978 (1978-07-02)
33"The Floating Housekeeper"9 July 1978 (1978-07-09)
44"Novel Exercise"16 July 1978 (1978-07-16)
55"A Word of Appreciation"23 July 1978 (1978-07-23)
66"Finding Your Feet"30 July 1978 (1978-07-30)
77"The Lost Sheep"6 August 1978 (1978-08-06)

Series 2 (1980)

[edit]
No.
overall
No. in
series
TitleOriginal release date
81"A Novel Experience"17 May 1980 (1980-05-17)
92"Straight form the Horse's Mouth"24 May 1980 (1980-05-24)
103"Father, Dear Father's Day"31 May 1980 (1980-05-31)
114"Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star"7 June 1980 (1980-06-07)
125"The Wisdom of Patrick"14 June 1980 (1980-06-14)
136"I Talk to the Trees"21 June 1980 (1980-06-21)
147"Thruppling Thursday"28 June 1980 (1980-06-28)

DVD release

[edit]

All seven series of Father, Dear Father (including the feature film) have been released on DVD by Network, A 7-disc box-set of the complete series has also been released. Both series of the Australian Father, Dear Father series have been released in a 2 disc set by Umbrella Entertainment in Australia.

DVD Release date
The Complete Series 1 15 January 2007
The Complete Series 2 13 August 2007
The Complete Series 3 22 October 2007
The Complete Series 4 1 September 2008
The Complete Series 5 8 June 2009
The Complete Series 6 23 August 2010
The Complete Series 7
The Complete Series 1 to 7 + Movie Box Set
8 November 2010

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Father, Dear Father is a British television that aired on ITV from to 1973, centring on the domestic challenges faced by divorced crime novelist Patrick Glover as he raises his two teenage daughters, Anna and Karen, while managing interactions with his ex-wife, live-in , and ageing mother. The series, produced by at , ran for seven series comprising 45 episodes, plus four short specials, and was first broadcast on 5 1968. The show starred in the lead role of Patrick Glover, a often bewildered by family dynamics and his mischievous , H.G. Wells, with portraying his elder daughter Anna and Ann Holloway as the younger Karen. Supporting roles included as the family's nanny and as Glover's ex-wife, Barbara, contributing to the sitcom's blend of misunderstandings, romantic entanglements, and everyday comedic mishaps. Written by and , the programme employed a traditional multi-camera format filmed in colour, reflecting the era's popular domestic comedy style. Father, Dear Father spawned a directed by producer , which retained the core cast and extended the series' premise to the big screen with additional plotlines involving marriage proposals, family tensions, and romantic mix-ups. The sitcom's success led to an Australian continuation series in 1978, again featuring as Glover, now widowed, and adapting the format for local audiences with new supporting characters. Overall, the series captured the humorous struggles of mid-20th-century single fatherhood, earning a place among ITV's enduring family-oriented .

Overview

Premise

Father, Dear Father is a centered on the life of Patrick Glover, a divorced thriller novelist who resides in a home with his two teenage daughters, Karen and Anna, while attempting to balance his demanding writing with the responsibilities of single parenthood. Glover's days are filled with the chaos of raising his rebellious and flirtatious daughters, who often test his patience through their youthful antics and romantic pursuits, all while he navigates occasional visits from his ex-wife and her new husband. The household is supported by a live-in who helps manage the daily domestic affairs, Glover's ageing who frequently interjects with her eccentric opinions, and his mischievous pet dog , adding layers of complication to family routines. The family dynamics revolve around Glover's overprotective yet comically inept parenting style, which frequently clashes with his daughters' desire for independence and excitement in the swinging and scene. Karen and Anna's secretive behaviors and social escapades create ongoing tension, as Glover struggles to maintain authority without stifling their growth, often leading to humorous misunderstandings within the home. The presence of serves as a stabilizing force, handling practical matters, while Glover's mother embodies generational differences, offering outdated advice that exacerbates rather than resolves conflicts. These interactions highlight the absurdities of blended family life post-divorce, where are constantly blurred. Thematically, the series explores the challenges of single fatherhood in mid-20th-century Britain, including generational clashes between conservative parental values and the emerging freedoms of , as well as the comedic pitfalls of romantic entanglements for a public figure like Glover. His attempts at dating, particularly with his publisher Georgie, often intersect disastrously with family obligations, underscoring the difficulties of maintaining a social life amid domestic demands. Recurring motifs include Glover's pulp spy novels bleeding into real-life mishaps, where fictional plots mirror or inspire household farces, and situational arising from concealed family secrets and social that spiral into escalating absurdity.

Production history

Father, Dear Father was developed by the writing duo and , who penned all 45 episodes of the series. The sitcom was produced by for the ITV network, with serving as producer and director for the majority of the episodes. Stewart's involvement extended to overseeing the multi-camera studio format typical of the era's light entertainment . The series premiered on 5 1968 and ran for seven series until 1973, comprising 45 episodes each approximately 30 minutes in length. Filming took place at in , utilizing a traditional setup for the domestic scenes. Patrick was cast in the lead role drawing on his established reputation as a suave stage performer, having gained notice in West End productions. The ensemble, including and Ann Holloway as the daughters, was assembled to capture the show's focus on family dynamics. Minor adjustments occurred during , but the core cast remained consistent throughout the run. The series concluded after its seventh series in 1973, having maintained steady production without further commissions.

Cast and characters

Main cast

Patrick Cargill portrayed the lead role of Patrick Glover, a divorced thriller novelist struggling to manage his household in the sitcom Father, Dear Father (1968–1973). Born on 3 June 1918 in , , Cargill brought a suave yet hapless demeanor to the character, drawing from his extensive theater background that included performances in Noël Coward's plays such as Blithe Spirit and West End productions. His portrayal emphasized Glover's flustered attempts at fatherhood, contributing to the show's farcical tone through subtle comedic timing honed from stage work. Cargill, who died on 23 May 1996 in Richmond, , from a brain tumor at age 77, reprised the role in the 1973 adaptation. Natasha Pyne played Anna Glover, the elder daughter known for her mischievous independence and romantic entanglements that often disrupted her father's life. Born on 9 July 1946 in , , , Pyne's performance highlighted Anna's spirited rebellion within the family dynamic, marking one of her early prominent television roles after starting in theater at the Royal Court in John Osborne's Inadmissible Evidence. Following the series, Pyne pursued a notable career in theater and television, including appearances in Where the Heart Is (2004–2005) and radio adaptations of Agatha Christie works. Ann Holloway depicted Karen Glover, the younger daughter whose youthful naivety added layers of innocence and occasional chaos to the household interactions. Born on 29 January 1947, Holloway transitioned from a background in dance to acting, bringing a fresh, wide-eyed quality to Karen's character that contrasted with her sister's bolder personality. After the series, she took on brief film roles and continued in television, including parts in ("Earthshock," 1982) and (1973). Noel Dyson (born Elsie Noël Dyson) embodied (Matilda Harris), the wise and no-nonsense housekeeper serving as the family's moral compass and source of through her dry wit and steadfast presence. Born on 23 December 1916 in , , , Dyson's performance leveraged her experience as a character actress to deliver sharp timing in scenes balancing the Glover family's antics. She reprised the role in the Australian spin-off Father, Dear Father in Australia (1978). Dyson died on 29 June 1995 in , , from at age 78. The main cast's chemistry was central to the show's appeal, with Cargill's improvisational flair in farcical scenes complementing the daughters' playful energy and Dyson's grounding authority, creating authentic portrayals of domestic interplay.

Supporting cast

The supporting cast in Father, Dear Father provided essential through recurring portrayals of members, household staff, and associates who disrupted the protagonist's life, enhancing the series' farcical elements centered on domestic chaos. Joyce Carey frequently appeared as Patrick Glover's ageing mother, whose overbearing presence introduced generational clashes and snobbish meddling into the household dynamics, often complicating her son's attempts to manage his daughters and career. Her role evolved across multiple series, emphasizing familial tensions that amplified the sitcom's humor about parental responsibilities. Ursula Howells played Barbara Mossman, Patrick's ex-wife, in occasional episodes that sparked custody disputes and lingering romantic entanglements, heightening the emotional and comedic stakes for the central family unit. These appearances, spanning several series, underscored themes of post-divorce awkwardness and contributed to plotlines involving interference in Glover's daily life. The role of , Patrick's literary agent and occasional romantic interest, was initially played by Sally Bazely in series 1 and 2, before took over from series 4 to 7, reflecting a shift in the character's integration into ongoing storylines about professional and personal overlaps. This evolution allowed to drive episodes focused on Glover's writing career and romantic pursuits, often resulting in chaotic interventions. Other recurring supporting roles included as Philip Glover, Patrick's brother, who appeared in select episodes across series 2 to 7, bringing and additional family disruptions to the narrative. Later series introduced figures like as Bill Mossman and as Timothy Tanner, further expanding the circle of influences on Glover's life through business and social ties. Notable guest actors enriched individual episodes with authority figures and love interests, such as Richard Caldicot in various authoritative roles that escalated comedic conflicts, and appearances by established performers like and , who portrayed temporary romantic or familial entanglements to heighten the episodic humor. These guests, often in bit parts, amplified the show's by introducing external pressures on the core family interactions.

Episodes

Series 1 (1968)

The first series of Father, Dear Father aired on ITV from 5 November to 17 1968, consisting of seven episodes that introduced the central family dynamic and comedic premise of divorced thriller novelist Patrick Glover navigating single parenthood with his teenage daughters, Anna and Karen. Produced by and written by Johnny Mortimer and , the series established the show's light-hearted tone through domestic mishaps and generational clashes, filmed primarily at the with exterior shots of the Glover family home in , to ground the narrative in a relatable suburban setting. This debut run quickly garnered positive viewer feedback, leading to a prompt renewal for a second series in 1969, as the episodes averaged strong viewership figures for the era, with one December episode drawing 6.9 million viewers and ranking among the top-rated programs that month. The series introduced core supporting characters, including (Noel Dyson), the family's devoted housekeeper, and (Sally Bazely), Patrick's romantic interest and a family friend, whose first appearances in these episodes set up recurring comedic tensions around domestic stability and adult relationships. Key themes centered on Glover's post-divorce adjustment to parenting, highlighted by his overprotective instincts and failed attempts at re-establishing family routines, alongside light-hearted explorations of the daughters' emerging social lives at school and beyond, such as budding romances and school activities that often disrupt household harmony.
EpisodeTitleAir DateSummary
1The Proposal5 November 1968Patrick, concerned about his daughters' behavior, seeks advice from a priest and decides to propose to Georgie for added family stability, only to back out when Anna and Karen threaten to leave home.
2Pussies Galore12 November 1968The daughters hide a pregnant stray cat in the house, leading Patrick to mistakenly believe one of them is expecting a baby, sparking panic and comedic misunderstandings.
3The Return of the Mummy19 November 1968Patrick's ex-wife Barbara arrives unannounced for an extended stay, forcing him to conceal her presence from her husband Bill, amid awkward family interactions.
4Publish and Be Damned26 November 1968Karen's school essay is mistakenly published as an adult novel, embarrassing Patrick who scrambles to buy up all copies and explain the mix-up to the family.
5It Won't Be a Stylish Marriage3 December 1968Anna announces her engagement to Cyril, prompting Patrick to intervene after misinterpreting the suitor's intentions, ultimately leading to a humorous family reconciliation.
6I Should Have Danced All Night10 December 1968Eager to impress Georgie, Patrick secretly takes dancing lessons but injures his ankle, resulting in a chaotic cover-up when the family discovers his predicament.
7Lost Weekend17 December 1968Patrick plans a weekend getaway to Brighton with Georgie, but a suitcase mix-up causes him to miss Anna's school play, escalating into a frenzy of apologies and family chaos.
These episodes laid the foundational tone of the series, blending with affectionate portrayals of family bonds, and marked the initial on-screen establishment of the Glover household as a hub for ongoing comedic conflicts.

Series 2 ()

The second series of Father, Dear Father aired on ITV from 27 May to 1 July , comprising six black-and-white episodes each approximately 25 minutes in length. Broadcast on evenings, it further developed the comedic tensions within the Glover household, emphasizing misunderstandings and family secrets that tested Patrick Glover's patience as a single father and . This refined the show's format by incorporating more self-contained farcical plots centered on the daughters' independence, while maintaining the core dynamic of parental protectiveness clashing with teenage rebellion. The episodes featured heightened and domestic chaos, with Glover's role as a thriller writer occasionally intersecting with the plot through ironic contrasts to his real-life predicaments. Key themes included the evolving father-daughter relationships amid the girls' emerging romantic and social explorations, such as Anna's brief foray into work, and the use of Glover's professional pressures—implied through his flustered reactions to family crises—as recurring . Nanny's steadfast presence provided grounding humor, with subtle nods to her long-term loyalty to the family adding depth to her character without overt backstory exposition. A unique aspect of this series was its tie-in to ITV's inaugural All Star Comedy Carnival on Christmas Day 1969, where cast members including Noel Dyson appeared in a special sketch, marking the show's first holiday-themed extension and broadening its festive appeal. The season's strong performance sustained the series' early momentum, regularly placing in ITV's London Top Ten ratings and contributing to format adjustments toward more slapstick elements in subsequent runs.
EpisodeTitleAir DateSummary
1Unhappy Birthday27 May 1969Patrick misinterprets secretive phone calls from his doctor and family as news of , unaware they are planning a surprise birthday party; he is diagnosed with German measles and confined to bed, heightening the .
2We Can't Afford a Carriage3 June 1969Facing repair bills after smashing his windscreen, Patrick urges the girls to earn money for a second-hand ; Anna takes a job as a Bunny Girl at a , leading to Patrick's shocked intervention and eventual purchase of the vehicle.
3Show Me the Way to Go Home10 June 1969In a bid for independence, Anna moves into a ; Patrick assumes she is living with a married couple and meddles accordingly, only to discover she is alone, prompting her quick return home.
4Thinner Than Water17 June 1969Patrick uncovers mismatched blood types between himself and Karen via donor cards, sparking suspicions of his late wife's ; the mix-up is revealed as a simple at .
5The Lady Alone24 June 1969Friend Philip leaves a baby with the Glovers while he goes , causing confusion over its origins and coinciding with a delivery; the situation resolves when the child's parents, the O'Briens, arrive to reclaim it.
6Divorce English Style1 July 1969Family solicitor Mr. Byrde visits to verify details of Patrick's from Barbara; misunderstandings lead Bill to believe the marriage is still valid, but documents confirm its legitimacy.

Series 3 (1970)

The third series of Father, Dear Father aired on ITV from 12 May to 16 June 1970, comprising six half-hour episodes written by and . This installment built on the established premise by delving deeper into Patrick Glover's () struggles as a divorced crime novelist navigating dynamics and professional demands, with increased emphasis on interpersonal misunderstandings and romantic entanglements. The series maintained its light-hearted tone while incorporating elements of 1970s , particularly through the daughters' interactions with contemporary youth influences. Key themes in this series revolved around generational gaps, exemplified by Anna (Natasha Pyne) and Karen's (Ann Holloway) budding independence clashing with Patrick's protective instincts, as well as his ongoing career pressures from external expectations in the and industries. For instance, episodes explored suitors and family events that underscored differing views between the older generation's formalities and the younger one's more relaxed attitudes toward relationships and lifestyle choices. (Noel Dyson) continued to serve as a stabilizing force, often mediating conflicts with her no-nonsense wisdom. The series featured notable guest appearances that added layers to the plots, such as reprising her role as Patrick's mother in the first and third episodes, influencing family decisions and heightening comedic tensions. Scripts included subtle adjustments for topical humor, drawing on current cultural shifts like the evolving role of women and family structures in post-1960s Britain, without overshadowing the core domestic comedy.
EpisodeTitleAir DateSummary
3x01This Is Your Wife12 May 1970An American interested in adapting Patrick's insists on meeting his wife, prompting Patrick to enlist a , leading to chaotic deceptions and revelations when the ruse unravels at a dinner party. Guest star: as Mrs. Glover.
3x02One Dog and His Man19 May 1970Patrick's beloved dog chews up pages of his latest manuscript, forcing him to rehome the pet temporarily; complications arise when the dog inadvertently helps thwart a , bringing it back into the fold amid family remorse.
3x03It's Never Too Late26 May 1970Preparations for Karen's christening spiral into confusion when Patrick's ex-wife Barbara arrives, sparking rumors of his remarriage and culminating in a humorous confrontation that clears the air. Guest star: as Mrs. Glover.
3x04Nobody's Indispensable2 June 1970 receives a marriage proposal from an old flame, prompting the family to test their self-sufficiency in her absence; realizing her irreplaceable role, they scheme to dissuade the suitor while affirming her value. Guest star: Guest as Mr. Bolton.
3x05The Suitable Suitor9 June 1970Patrick arranges for upper-class Matthew Brockbank to court Anna, but the plan backfires when Brockbank's overbearing mother interferes, exposing class differences and forcing Patrick to confront his matchmaking meddling. Guest star: As Matthew Brockbank.
3x06A Man About the House16 June 1970Returning home unexpectedly, Patrick discovers artist Leslie posing as a to paint the daughters' portraits; the disguise leads to mistaken identities and a surprise commission that ties into Patrick's professional world. Guest star: As Leslie.
This series sustained the show's popularity, regularly achieving strong ratings on ITV during its broadcast, reflecting audience appreciation for its blend of family-centric humor and relatable conflicts. Supporting cast members, including as Barbara, amplified relational tensions in several episodes, contributing to the season's cohesive narrative arc.

Series 4 (1971)

The fourth series of Father, Dear Father was broadcast on ITV from 15 June to 27 July 1971, comprising seven episodes that further developed the single-parent premise central to the show's humor, focusing on Patrick Glover's efforts to balance his career, responsibilities, and occasional romantic complications. This run emphasized recurring tensions in Glover's personal life, including interference from his daughters in his relationships and interactions with his ex-wife, Barbara, while introducing domestic disruptions like temporary caregiving and relocations. The episodes highlighted Glover's vulnerability as a , often placing him in awkward social situations that tested his authority and patience. Key themes in the series revolved around Glover's life and ex-wife dynamics clashing with his daughters' adolescent , as seen in storylines involving romantic cover-ups and runaway rebellions. For instance, episodes explored how secrets and external pressures, such as neighborhood developments or theatrical , amplified these conflicts, leading to comedic resolutions that reinforced the bonds within the Glover household. Mid-series developments included a greater emphasis on ensemble interactions, with supporting characters like and Glover's mother playing larger roles in precipitating chaos, allowing for more layered portrayals of intergenerational misunderstandings. The episodes are as follows:
EpisodeTitleAir dateSummary
21Last of the Red Hot Mommas15 June 1971Patrick decides his elderly mother is too old to live alone and invites her to move in with the , a choice that quickly leads to regret amid the household's existing dynamics.
22An Affair to Forget22 June 1971Patrick's accountant, Leo, enlists his help to cover up a fling with Patrick's ex-wife, Barbara, after Leo's wife discovers an incriminating photo, highlighting tensions in post-divorce relationships.
23Housey-Housey29 June 1971Returning from a holiday in , Patrick receives a letter threatening a flyover through his garden (though the plan has already been scrapped) and organizes a bingo night to fund a legal challenge, showcasing community involvement and family teamwork.
24The Reluctant Runaway6 July 1971Karen, frustrated with her father's strict rules, runs away from home at age 16 to force his permission for , prompting a reconciliation that underscores .
25Come Back Little Sheba13 July 1971Attempting to quit , Patrick hides his in an box, which Anna mistakes for a and buries in the garden, leading to frantic searches when temptation strikes.
26A Domestic Comedy20 July 1971With away visiting her sister in for three weeks, Patrick hires a temporary replacement through an agency, resulting in humorous clashes over household routines.
27The Naked Truth27 July 1971Emerging from writing seclusion, Patrick attends what he believes is his daughter Anna's performance in , only to discover it's a risqué nude titled The Naked Truth, exposing his protective instincts.

Series 5 (1971)

The fifth series of Father, Dear Father aired on ITV from 13 September to 18 October 1971, consisting of six episodes that continued to explore the comedic tensions in the Glover household as the daughters Anna and Karen navigated young adulthood. This season marked a progression in the narrative, with the girls asserting greater independence through social engagements and romantic interests, often leading to chaotic disruptions for their father, Patrick Glover, a crime novelist played by . The writing by Johnny Mortimer and subtly adjusted to reflect the characters' evolving ages, emphasizing Glover's struggles to maintain authority amid these changes. The episodes maintained the show's signature blend of domestic and situational humor, focusing on misunderstandings and mishaps. Key themes included the daughters' push for , resulting in household upheavals such as unauthorized parties and romantic entanglements, alongside Glover's challenges, like for his novels sparking unintended real-life complications. For instance, Glover's work as a mystery writer frequently intersected with personal crises, highlighting rivalries with colleagues and the demands of his career. These elements underscored the series' ongoing portrayal of father-daughter dynamics, with the main cast— including as Anna and Ann Holloway as Karen—delivering performances that captured the characters' maturation in a single, evolving sentence of continuity.
EpisodeTitleAir DateSummary
1Proposed and Seconded13 September 1971Patrick mishears his agent Georgie's as a offer, causing confusion when wins a and a unexpectedly visits the home.
2The Life of the Party20 September 1971With Patrick away at a writers' conference, the daughters host a lively that spirals out of control; a mix-up arises when Karen's comment about needing a bath leads to an awkward encounter with a young guest.
3Nothing But the Tooth27 September 1971Patrick's severe prompts a visit to the dentist, but complications ensue with Karen's clumsy new boyfriend mistaken for the dentist, exacerbated by a bumbling plumber's arrival.
4An Explosive Situation4 October 1971At an , Patrick impulsively bids on what he thinks is a grenade, only to discover it's live, drawing unwanted attention from the and endangering the household.
5A Book for the Bishop11 October 1971Patrick assists an old friend, a , in researching a by counting instances of in magazines for an anti-pornography initiative, leading to embarrassing revelations and family scrutiny.
6A Case for Inspector Glover18 October 1971Patrick's research on strangulation methods results in anonymous threatening letters, forcing him to play in his own home and confront potential professional sabotage.
This series exemplified the show's stable popularity, bridging the mid-run phase by deepening the exploration of family independence without resolving ongoing tensions, setting for further developments in subsequent seasons.

Series 6 (1972)

The sixth series of Father, Dear Father aired on ITV from 13 June to 25 July 1972, comprising seven episodes that intensified the show's exploration of family tensions and romantic entanglements. Broadcast on Tuesday evenings at 8:30 pm, the series built on prior installments by focusing on Patrick Glover's () struggles as a navigating his daughters' growing independence, particularly eldest daughter Anna's () deepening relationship with fiancé Timothy Tanner (David Barry). This installment marked a pivotal shift, emphasizing impending household disruptions while satirizing the superficialities of literary fame and social obligations. The episodes featured heightened comedic chaos driven by misunderstandings and external interferences, with Patrick's career as a crime writer often entangled in personal mishaps. Guest appearances, including family members and acquaintances, propelled many plots, adding layers of farce to the domestic satire. For instance, interactions with Patrick's brother and various eccentrics highlighted themes of reluctant responsibility and the clash between private life and public persona.
EpisodeTitleOriginal air dateSummary
33The Cardboard Casanova13 June 1972Patrick panics after misinterpreting a call from his agent about a potential divorce citation involving one of his fictional characters, leading to a series of awkward confrontations and revelations about his romantic past.
34Brother, Dear Brother20 June 1972Visiting his hospitalized brother Philip (played by guest star Michael Nightingale), Patrick accidentally tumbles down a laundry chute and is mistaken for his sibling, resulting in family secrets spilling out amid hospital hijinks.
35The Opposite Six27 June 1972Seeking solitude for writing, Patrick's home becomes overrun by a group of women from a nearby shelter seeking advice, turning his quiet retreat into a chaotic salon of romantic woes and gender dynamics.
36Unaccustomed As I Am4 July 1972Patrick loses his voice just before delivering a speech at his old school reunion, forcing him to rely on a pre-recorded tape that Nanny (Noel Dyson) inadvertently sabotages with her off-key singing.
37Feud, Glorious Feud11 July 1972A feud erupts when Patrick mistakes a fashion photographer (guest star Julian Holloway) for a vagrant, leading to an unintended modeling gig and a comical chase involving police and paparazzi.
38The Engagement18 July 1972Timothy forgets his wallet during a night out, stranding him and prompting Patrick to cover expenses at a restaurant, which delays his attendance at a royal garden party but ultimately solidifies approval for the couple's engagement.
39Father of the Bride25 July 1972On Anna and Timothy's wedding day, a hungover Timothy receives the wrong medication from Patrick, causing delays and farcical complications, while the episode underscores the bittersweet prospect of the young couple moving in post-ceremony.
Key themes in the series revolved around culminating family crises, such as the potential relocation of Anna and Timothy, which threatened Patrick's established routine and highlighted anxieties over shifts from to reluctant . Satire on authorship was prominent, with episodes lampooning the absurd demands of Patrick's writing life—ranging from plagiarized inspirations to public misinterpretations of his work—amid broader commentary on 1970s and marital expectations. Unique to this series was a heavier reliance on guest stars to drive plot propulsion, such as the intrusive brother in episode 2 and the photographer in episode 5, which amplified the and contrasted with more self-contained domestic humor in prior seasons. The tone established pre-finale anticipation, escalating stakes around family unity without resolving them, thereby paving the way for the seventh and final series. The supporting , including Nanny's meddlesome interventions and Patrick's mother's occasional appearances, briefly amplified these arcs by underscoring generational clashes in one key domestic dispute. Viewership for the series held strong, regularly topping ITV ratings during its run and attracting audiences in the mid-teens of millions, reflecting sustained popularity amid the network's competitive 1972 schedule.

Series 7 (1973)

The seventh and final series of Father, Dear Father aired on ITV from 2 January to 6 February 1973, consisting of six episodes that continued to explore the comedic challenges faced by crime novelist Patrick Glover (played by Patrick Cargill) in managing his household after his eldest daughter Anna's recent marriage. This series shifted focus to the evolving family dynamics, including the newlyweds' adjustment to independent living and ongoing tensions with younger daughter Karen's budding romance, while maintaining the show's signature blend of farce and domestic mishaps. Unlike previous years, there was no Christmas special, with the episodes broadcast in a compact winter run. The series provided partial resolutions to long-running plot threads, such as the daughters' paths to adulthood and Patrick's efforts to balance his writing career with responsibilities, often through humorous reflections on single parenthood. For instance, early episodes addressed housing instability for the married couple, while later ones highlighted generational clashes over relationships and leisure, underscoring Glover's reluctant growth as a . The narrative avoided a definitive , instead concluding on a light-hearted note of improvisation, which left the characters' futures open-ended and potentially amenable to further stories.
EpisodeTitleAir DateSummary
40 (7x1)Flat Spin2 January 1973Newlyweds Anna and Tim return from their honeymoon and spot an ideal flat, but they are £4,000 short; Patrick steps in with the funds, fabricating a story about an inheritance from Uncle Emlyn, only for the supposedly deceased relative to arrive unexpectedly, sparking chaos.
41 (7x2)Home and Away9 January 1973Patrick's live-in companion Bill attempts to keep his weekend getaway with girlfriend Gloria a secret; mistaking a door-to-door charity collector for Gloria, Patrick becomes entangled in a farcical exchange involving an ill-fitting girdle.
42 (7x3)It's in the Book16 January 1973Advising Tim to demand a promotion assertively, Patrick unwittingly prompts his son-in-law to quit his job; a hasty intervention by Patrick secures Tim's reinstatement, though Tim now entertains rival offers.
43 (7x4)The Right Hand Man23 January 1973A visit from eccentric film producer Muswell Lemming goes awry when Patrick and Tim accidentally get handcuffed together; Tim conceals himself during the crucial meeting, and Nanny ultimately devises the escape.
44 (7x5)Pop Around the Clock30 January 1973Karen and boyfriend Howard head to a pop festival for a camping weekend, leading Patrick to assume they plan a hasty marriage on a shoestring budget; the arrival of wedding supplies exacerbates the misunderstandings.
45 (7x6)In All Directions6 February 1973The family debates individual holiday plans before settling on Tenerife, but thick fog grounds their flight; Patrick's lapsed passport forces an impromptu trip to the sedate Frinton-on-Sea instead.
Throughout the series, recurring humor arose from Glover's overprotectiveness clashing with his daughters' , culminating in reflective moments on the parenting journey—such as navigating post-marriage living arrangements and youthful rebellions—that resolved immediate tensions without fully tying up the family's arc. The episodes maintained the show's top ratings on ITV, reflecting its enduring appeal as a family-oriented .

Specials

The series included four short specials, aired alongside the main episodes, contributing to its holiday and festive extensions.

Adaptations

1973 feature film

The 1973 feature film adaptation of Father, Dear Father was directed by and served as a cinematic extension of the , centering on the chaotic life of divorced thriller novelist Patrick Glover as he navigates family turmoil. Released in the on 27 May 1973 with a runtime of 99 minutes, the film follows Glover () as he grapples with his daughter Karen's announcement of an impending marriage to her boyfriend Richard, while his other daughter Anna seeks independence by attempting to move out; in response, Glover proposes to his publisher for added household stability, only for complications to arise when his ex-wife Barbara returns amid her own marital issues, culminating in Karen's and further domestic . The film's cast largely retained the principal actors from the television series, including as Patrick Glover, as Anna, Ann Holloway as Karen, and as the housekeeper Nanny, ensuring continuity with the established characters. Notable additions included as Barbara (ex-wife), as Patrick's mother, as Georgie (publisher), as Richard (renamed from the TV series' Howard), and as the vicar, bringing fresh dynamics to the ensemble while expanding on the romantic and familial subplots. Produced by Peter J. Thompson for The Rank Organisation and distributed theatrically, the film was scripted by Johnnie Mortimer and Brian Cooke, the original series creators, who condensed and reworked elements from early television episodes such as "The Proposal" and "The Return of the Mummy" into a cohesive feature-length narrative. Filming took place primarily at EMI-MGM Elstree Studios, allowing for a polished studio-bound production that amplified the sitcom's farcical style without venturing into extensive location work. While achieving moderate success at the UK box office as a tie-in to the popular series, the film adopted a slightly broader comedic scope compared to the television show's domestic confines, incorporating extended sequences of mistaken identities and romantic entanglements to suit the cinematic format.

Australian television series

Father, Dear Father in Australia is an Australian sitcom adaptation of the British series, airing on the Seven Network from 1978 to 1980. The program consists of 14 episodes, each approximately 30 minutes long, divided into two series of seven episodes each. It relocates the central premise to Sydney, where widowed novelist Patrick Glover travels from England with his housekeeper Nanny to care for his brother's two teenage daughters after their father departs suddenly for work-related reasons. This setup introduces expatriate challenges and Australian cultural elements, such as local slang and beachside settings, while maintaining the core humor of family dynamics and Glover's beleaguered parenting. The series was written by and , the original creators of the version, ensuring continuity in style and character voice. reprised his role as the pompous yet affectionate Patrick Glover, with returning as the no-nonsense Nanny. The Australian production cast new actors for the teenage nieces: Sally Conabere as the elder daughter Liz and as the younger Sue, both portraying headstrong characters who resist Glover's authority. Supporting roles featured Australian performers like Ron Frazer as Jeffrey Glover and in recurring appearances, adding local flavor through accents and humor derived from cultural clashes. Filming took place in , incorporating everyday Australian locales to emphasize the family's adjustment to life . The first series, broadcast weekly from 25 June to 6 August 1978 on Sundays, centers on the initial upheaval of relocation and establishing household routines, with episodes like "" and "The Floating Housekeeper" highlighting Glover's fish-out-of-water experiences. The second series aired from 17 May to 28 June 1980, shifting focus to more settled domestic challenges, such as social integrations and personal growth, as seen in titles like "Father, Dear " and "A Day at the Seaside." Unlike the original series, which revolved around Glover raising his own daughters in , this emphasizes the temporary guardianship role and , with reduced focus on his writing career amid new Australian adventures. Produced amid a trend of adapting British hits for local audiences, the series received mixed reception, leading to its relatively short run despite initial interest.

Reception and legacy

Viewership and critical response

Father, Dear Father achieved significant popularity during its original run on ITV from 1968 to 1973, becoming an instant hit with audiences and regularly topping the network's ratings charts. Early episodes drew substantial viewership, with figures around 6.5 to 6.9 million viewers in 1968 and 1969, contributing to ITV's strong performance in the sitcom genre during the late 1960s and early 1970s. The series' consistent success in BARB ratings ensured renewals across seven series, though it concluded in 1973 after seven series. Critics described the show as a fairly decent and popular , highlighting its appeal as a light-hearted focusing on misunderstandings, romantic entanglements, and everyday comedic mishaps. The 1973 adaptation received mixed notices, appreciated for its faithful extension of the television series but critiqued for lacking the intimate charm of the small-screen format. The Australian television adaptation, airing from 1978, featured reprising his role as Glover, now widowed, and adapted the format for local audiences with new supporting characters.

Cultural impact

Father, Dear Father stands as an exemplar of 1970s British family sitcoms, embodying the era's light-hearted farces centered on domestic chaos and single-parent households, much like its contemporary Bless This House. This format contributed to evolving portrayals of divorced fathers navigating teenage daughters and household mishaps, influencing later explorations of family dynamics in UK television comedy. The series holds significant nostalgia value, commemorated by organizations like the British Comedy Society as one of ITV's all-time great sitcoms, with ongoing recognition in retrospective discussions of classic productions. Its enduring appeal is evident in fan recollections and archival features highlighting the show's role in 1970s viewing culture. The 1978 Australian adaptation, Father, Dear Father in Australia, extended the original's reach, exemplifying the export of British sitcom formats to Commonwealth nations during the late 1970s and early 1980s. This version, created by the original writers and , helped disseminate UK-style family humor internationally. For lead actor , the role of bumbling novelist Patrick Glover was career-defining, propelling him to stardom through seven series and a 1973 feature film, solidifying his status as a key figure in British comedic television. Noel Dyson's portrayal of the steadfast "Nanny" marked her most significant television role, appearing in 45 episodes and marking one of her final major credits before her death in 1986. The young actresses and Ann Holloway portrayed the daughters Anna and Karen. As of 2024, the complete series was released on DVD, and reruns are scheduled on in 2025, maintaining its nostalgic appeal.

Home media

DVD releases

The complete series of the original British Father, Dear Father was released on DVD in the United Kingdom by Network Distributing in a seven-disc box set on November 8, 2010, containing all 45 episodes across the seven series, along with the 1973 feature film and Christmas specials; this edition is in Region 2 PAL format. The set was re-issued by Old Gold Media on May 20, 2024, with no significant changes to content or format, maintaining its appeal for collectors of classic ITV sitcoms. Special features across the discs include interviews with writers Johnnie Mortimer and Brian Cooke, a 1971 sketch from The Edward Woodward Hour featuring the cast, an image gallery, and episode guides. The 1973 feature film received a standalone DVD release from Network in the on November 8, 2010, presented in a 95-minute transfer with the original theatrical trailer included as an extra; it has also appeared in bundles with other comedies from the era, such as Bless This House. For the Australian adaptation Father, Dear Father in Australia (1978–1980), both series comprising 14 episodes were released on a two-disc DVD set by in 2010, in Region 4 PAL format with a total runtime of approximately 329 minutes; this edition is available for import in the UK and through specialty retailers. No major updates to this release occurred by 2025 beyond general availability through re-stockings. These DVD releases have sustained steady sales driven by nostalgia for , often bundled with similar Thames sitcoms like or in collector packs from distributors such as Via Vision Entertainment.

Streaming availability

As of November 2025, the Father, Dear Father (1968–1973), its 1973 feature film adaptation, and the 1978–1980 Australian television series are not available for streaming on major platforms such as , , , or in the UK or internationally, though both the original series and Australian adaptation are available for free ad-supported streaming on Plex. In the UK, services such as and do not offer the series, film, or adaptation, with comprehensive trackers confirming no digital access options on those platforms. Similarly, international platforms including , , and lack the content, reflecting ongoing challenges with rights management for Thames Television archives now held by . The Australian version remains limited to local archival or physical formats on services like or Stan, due to similar licensing restrictions, but is accessible via Plex. Sporadic broadcasts on channels like may occur, but no confirmed streaming expansions, such as rumored additions to UK, have materialized. This scarcity underscores a broader nostalgia-driven demand for classic ITV comedies, yet digital accessibility lags behind physical releases.

References

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