Brothers in Law (TV series)
Encyclopedia
Brothers in Law is a British television series inspired by the 1955 comedy novel Brothers in Law by Henry Cecil Leon
. It first aired on the BBC
in thirteen half-hour episodes between 17 April and 10 July 1962 and followed the trials of an idealistic young lawyer entering the legal profession. The series was adapted by Frank Muir
and Denis Norden
, two of the most prolific sitcom writers of the era, as well as Richard Waring
.
The sitcom gave Richard Briers
his first starring role in a television series; he was later to work with writer Waring and producer Graeme Muir on Marriage Lines
. The series was also the TV debut of Yootha Joyce
and the final episode inspired a spin-off series, Mr Justice Duncannon featuring Andrew Cruickshank
. A BBC Radio 4 adaptation featuring the same cast was broadcast for 39 episodes between 1970 and 1972.
Henry Cecil Leon
Henry Cecil Leon , who wrote under the pen-names Henry Cecil and Clifford Maxwell, was a judge and a writer of fiction about the British legal system. He was born near London in 1902 and was called to the Bar in 1923. Later in 1949 he was appointed a County Court Judge, a position he held until 1967...
. It first aired on the BBC
BBC
The British Broadcasting Corporation is a British public service broadcaster. Its headquarters is at Broadcasting House in the City of Westminster, London. It is the largest broadcaster in the world, with about 23,000 staff...
in thirteen half-hour episodes between 17 April and 10 July 1962 and followed the trials of an idealistic young lawyer entering the legal profession. The series was adapted by Frank Muir
Frank Muir
Frank Herbert Muir was an English comedy writer, radio and television personality, and raconteur. His writing and performing partnership with Denis Norden endured for most of their careers. Together they wrote BBC radio's Take It From Here for over 10 years, and then appeared on BBC radio...
and Denis Norden
Denis Norden
Denis Mostyn Norden CBE is a former English comedy writer and television presenter. After an early career working in cinemas, he began scriptwriting during World War II. From 1948 to 1959, he co-wrote the successful BBC Radio comedy programme Take It from Here with Frank Muir...
, two of the most prolific sitcom writers of the era, as well as Richard Waring
Richard Waring (writer)
Richard Waring was a British television scriptwriter.The author of numerous sitcoms from the early 1960s, he is particularly associated with writing domestic sitcoms. His first success was Marriage Lines with Richard Briers and Prunella Scales...
.
The sitcom gave Richard Briers
Richard Briers
Richard David Briers, CBE is an English actor whose career has encompassed theatre, television, film and radio.He first came to prominence as George Starling in Marriage Lines in the 1960s, but it was in the following decade when he played Tom Good in the BBC sitcom The Good Life that he became a...
his first starring role in a television series; he was later to work with writer Waring and producer Graeme Muir on Marriage Lines
Marriage Lines
Marriage Lines was a popular black-and-white British sitcom that aired from 1961 to 1966 which launched the careers of its lead stars, Richard Briers and Prunella Scales. It was originally entitled The Marriage Lines...
. The series was also the TV debut of Yootha Joyce
Yootha Joyce
Yootha Joyce was an English actress, best known for playing Mildred Roper in Man About the House and George and Mildred.-Early life:...
and the final episode inspired a spin-off series, Mr Justice Duncannon featuring Andrew Cruickshank
Andrew Cruickshank
Andrew John Maxton Cruickshank was a Scottish supporting actor, most famous for his portrayal of Dr Cameron in the long-running UK BBC television series, Dr Finlay's Casebook, which ran for 191 episodes from 1962 until 1971.-Life and career:Andrew Cruickshank was born to Andrew and Mary...
. A BBC Radio 4 adaptation featuring the same cast was broadcast for 39 episodes between 1970 and 1972.
Main cast
- Richard BriersRichard BriersRichard David Briers, CBE is an English actor whose career has encompassed theatre, television, film and radio.He first came to prominence as George Starling in Marriage Lines in the 1960s, but it was in the following decade when he played Tom Good in the BBC sitcom The Good Life that he became a...
- Roger Thursby - John Glyn-JonesJohn Glyn-JonesJohn Glyn-Jones was a British television and film actor.His father was a Member of Parliament and he was educated at Bishop's Stortford College and Oxford University. He began his acting career in repertory theatre in Oxford and with the BBC Drama Repertory Company...
- Kendall Grimes - June Barry - Sally Mannering
- John CazabonJohn CazabonJohn F Cazabon was an Australian actor born in Hertford, England.His parents were Albert Cazabon , a noted violinist and from 1927–36 musical director of Prince Edward Theatre orchestra and Mrs Albert Cazabon , a professional actor born in Australia, who became active again with Pickwick Theatre...
- Alec - Colin GordonColin GordonColin Gordon was a British actor born in Ceylon .He was educated at Marlborough College and Christ Church, Oxford. He made his first West End appearance in 1934 as the hind legs of a horse in a production of “Toad of Toad Hall”. From 1936 to 1939 he was a director with the Fred Melville Repertory...
- Hugh Chapfield
Episodes
Due to the archiving policy of the BBC during the 1960s and 70s, only one episode of the series, "The Expert Witness", still exists in the BBC Archive.- The First Brief (17 April 1962)
- The Expert Witness (24 April 1962)
- Breach of Contract (1 May 1962)
- The Judgment Summons (8 May 1962)
- Counsel's Opinion (15 May 1962)
- Special Damages (22 May 1962)
- Separation Order (29 May 1962)
- Reasonable Doubt (5 June 1962)
- With Use of Bath (12 June 1962)
- Without Due Care (19 June 1962)
- Solicitor's Instructions (26 June 1962)
- Special Examiner (3 July 1962)
- Counsel for the Prosecution (10 July 1962)