On the Buses is a British comedy series created by Ronald Wolfe and Ronald Chesney, broadcast in the United Kingdom from 1969 to 1973. The writers' previous successes with The Rag Trade and Meet the Wife were for the BBC, but the corporation rejected On the Buses, not seeing much comedy potential in a bus depot as a setting. The comedy partnership turned to a friend, Frank Muir, Head of Entertainment at London Weekend Television, who loved the idea; the show was accepted and despite a poor critical reception became a hit with viewers.
On the Buses (Season 5)
The Nursery (Episode 1)
Air date: 1971-09-19
Runtime: 30 min
Overview: The management at the depot has decided to open a staff nursery to enable the clippies to return to work. Stan and Arthur both agree that it would be a good idea if Olive took a job as a part time nurse's assistant. However an accident involving Olive's glasses leaves Stan and Jack holding the baby!
Stan's Room (Episode 2)
Air date: 1971-09-26
Runtime: 30 min
Overview: Fed up with being unable to take his girlfriends home, Stan decides to rent a room at Blakey's. However Blakey makes it clear that he will not tolerate Stan's girlfriends either! Not to be put off, Stan devises a way to bring his girlfriend, Doreen, home.
The Best Man (Episode 3)
Air date: 1971-10-03
Runtime: 30 min
Overview: Stan has been asked to be best man for Bill's wedding to Blakey's niece. However after a boozy stag night, the Butler's have the problem of getting Bill to the altar despite him being the worst for wear!
The Inspector's Pets (Episode 4)
Air date: 1971-10-10
Runtime: 30 min
Overview: To prevent being found out after an accident, Stan offers to look after Blakey's pet goldfish and pedigree dog so that Blakey can take his mother for a weekend in Brighton and the bus can be fixed.
The Epidemic (Episode 5)
Air date: 1971-10-17
Runtime: 30 min
Overview: There's a flu epidemic at the depot and as Stan and Jack are getting extra overtime, they are determined to stay healthy.
The Busmen's Ball (Episode 6)
Air date: 1971-10-24
Runtime: 30 min
Overview: It's time for the annual Busman's Ball. Stan and Jack persuade the management to book a stripper instead of the usual magician for the caberet, while Olive is busy altering her posh frock for the night.
Canteen Trouble (Episode 7)
Air date: 1971-10-31
Runtime: 30 min
Overview: Suzy the canteen girl is charging the busmen reduced rates for larger portions while still charging full price for Blakey. When Blakey discovers that Suzy is also giving Stan food from the canteen to take home, Blakey sacks her and installs Gladys, a former prison wardress, who he hopes won't be corrupted by Stan and Jack.
The New Nurse (Episode 8)
Air date: 1971-11-07
Runtime: 30 min
Overview: The depot's snobby new nurse is looking for lodgings in town and the Butlers are too willing to oblige. However Arthur, impressed by her posh voice, good manners and taste in interlectual films is taking more than a shine to her.
Lost Property (Episode 9)
Air date: 1971-11-14
Runtime: 30 min
Overview: Due to the amount of lost property going missing, Blakey insists on a form being filled out for piece of lost property. Stan and Jack decide to play a few tricks on Blakey and get their own back.
Stan's Uniform (Episode 10)
Writer: Ronald Chesney
Air date: 1971-11-21
Runtime: 30 min
Overview: When Stan accidentally damages his uniform, he puts in a request for a new one. When he shows the new uniform to his family, it comes into contact with Arthur's newly painted chair. Stan and Jack then have to get the uniform cleaned before anyone notices the paint.
The Strain (Episode 11)
Writer: Ronald Chesney
Air date: 1971-11-28
Runtime: 30 min
Overview: Stan strains his back while trying to impress Doreen the clippie. Forced to wear a corset he finds it difficult to do his job. And can he still go on a date with Doreen?
The New Telly (Episode 12)
Writer: Ronald Chesney
Air date: 1971-12-05
Runtime: 30 min
Overview: When the staff have their Christmas Club payout from Blakey, Stan and the family decide to buy a colour television. But they have a problem disposing of their old black and white tv.
Vacancy for Inspector (Episode 13)
Air date: 1971-12-12
Runtime: 30 min
Overview: A vacancy for a new inspector crops up at the depot. Blakey recommends Jack for the post. Stan is horrified at the thought until Jack tells him that he can mark him down for overtime and put Christine the clippie on his bus if he was an inspector. However it is not long before Jack is on Blakey's side, informing him of Stan's tricks and dodges!
A Thin Time (Episode 14)
Air date: 1971-12-19
Runtime: 30 min
Overview: After taking a shine to a clippie who likes men with 'a full head of hair', Arthur decides to splash out on a wig. The problem is that the family is skint and cannot afford such things. Arthur then has the dilemma of keeping the wig a secret from the family.
Boxing Day Social (Episode 15)
Air date: 1971-12-26
Runtime: 30 min
Overview: At the Boxing Day Social there is growing tension between Arthur's mother and the Butlers, while Jack gets very chummy with Arthur's sister.
