Dodger, Bonzo and the Rest
Encyclopedia
Dodger, Bonzo and the Rest was a television drama series which centered around the lives of Michael "Dodger" Dolan and his sister, Carol (Bonzo) who were part of a large foster family in London. It was aired in the early evenings on the ITV
channel's Children's ITV. There were two series of six episodes between 1985 and 1986 plus a Christmas Special which aired on 22 December 1986. The Christmas Special was the final episode of the series.
It starred Lee Ross as Dodger, and Sophy McCallum (later replaced by Jodie Gordon) as his sister Bonzo.
, which featured a different screenplay each week. Its airing on the Dramarama series gained much popularity and it was commissioned a full series.
and trying hard to rake up some spending money, but while he is happy working in the packing section, his dreams of becoming a valued member of staff are stifled when the new manager Mr. French drags Dodger to Santa's Grotto
to replace an elf. Dodger is angered but is quickly convinced when he is told that his wages will be increased.
Meanwhile Lisa is desperate to see her mother for Christmas, but Ronnie has to try to persuade her that seeing her mother again may not be the best thing for her.
Sharon is victim to an abusive boyfriend and Elaine tries to convince her to give her baby a better life.
"Our House
". The version of the song used on the show was performed by the young cast members. Another popular song heard in one of the episodes of the series was the Rod Stewart
song "Sailing
". This was also performed by the cast members at the closing credits of one of the early episodes as the characters sailed along the River Thames
in London
.
ITV
ITV is the major commercial public service TV network in the United Kingdom. Launched in 1955 under the auspices of the Independent Television Authority to provide competition to the BBC, it is also the oldest commercial network in the UK...
channel's Children's ITV. There were two series of six episodes between 1985 and 1986 plus a Christmas Special which aired on 22 December 1986. The Christmas Special was the final episode of the series.
It starred Lee Ross as Dodger, and Sophy McCallum (later replaced by Jodie Gordon) as his sister Bonzo.
Origin
The series was written by Geoffrey Case and originated as an episode of the anthology series DramaramaDramarama
Dramarama is an alternative rock band.It may also refer to:* Dramarama , a 1980s British television series* Dramarama , a 2006 film that was to star Lindsay Lohan but was unreleased...
, which featured a different screenplay each week. Its airing on the Dramarama series gained much popularity and it was commissioned a full series.
Final episode
Possibly the most memorable episode of the series was the final episode, which was the 1986 Christmas Special. It follows Dodger working at a department storeDepartment store
A department store is a retail establishment which satisfies a wide range of the consumer's personal and residential durable goods product needs; and at the same time offering the consumer a choice of multiple merchandise lines, at variable price points, in all product categories...
and trying hard to rake up some spending money, but while he is happy working in the packing section, his dreams of becoming a valued member of staff are stifled when the new manager Mr. French drags Dodger to Santa's Grotto
Santa's Grotto
- The Legend of Santa's Workshop :Santa's Workshop or Santa's Grotto, is the workshop where Santa Claus makes the toys and presents given out at Christmas. In Santa Claus mythology, the workshop is a sprawling complex located at the North Pole...
to replace an elf. Dodger is angered but is quickly convinced when he is told that his wages will be increased.
Meanwhile Lisa is desperate to see her mother for Christmas, but Ronnie has to try to persuade her that seeing her mother again may not be the best thing for her.
Sharon is victim to an abusive boyfriend and Elaine tries to convince her to give her baby a better life.
Popular Demand
Although its run was short, it proved to be a popular series and fans are still requesting that it be released on DVD. As of yet there are no plans for a DVD release in the near future.Theme Song
The theme song was the highly popular Madness songMadness (band)
In 1979, the band recorded the Lee Thompson composition "The Prince". The song, like the band's name, paid homage to their idol, Prince Buster. The song was released through 2 Tone Records, the label of The Specials founder Jerry Dammers. The song was a surprise hit, peaking in the UK music charts...
"Our House
Our House (Madness song)
"Our House" is a single by English ska/pop band Madness, from their UK album The Rise & Fall and their US compilation Madness.-About:...
". The version of the song used on the show was performed by the young cast members. Another popular song heard in one of the episodes of the series was the Rod Stewart
Rod Stewart
Roderick David "Rod" Stewart, CBE is a British singer-songwriter and musician, born and raised in North London, England and currently residing in Epping. He is of Scottish and English ancestry....
song "Sailing
Sailing (Rod Stewart song)
"Sailing" is a song written by Gavin Sutherland and recorded by The Sutherland Bros. Band . Released in June 1972, it can be found on their album 'Lifeboat' released in the same year....
". This was also performed by the cast members at the closing credits of one of the early episodes as the characters sailed along the River Thames
River Thames
The River Thames flows through southern England. It is the longest river entirely in England and the second longest in the United Kingdom. While it is best known because its lower reaches flow through central London, the river flows alongside several other towns and cities, including Oxford,...
in London
London
London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its...
.