TV series

Flickers

Name: Flickers
Released: 1980
Cast: Bob Hoskins, Frances de la Tour, Fraser Cains, Philip Madoc, Sheila Reid

1980· 1 season· 50 min episodes★ 7.0Ended

On ITV1 — From Associated Television

The British silent movie era in a quirky MASTERPIECE THEATRE drama

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Synopsis

Arnie Cole and his wife Maud are an odd couple, having entered into the state of matrimony for purely practical reasons. However, their marriage of convenience gives way to genuine partnership as Maud becomes caught up in Arnie's ambitions to start his own film production company.

Themes

miniseries filmmaking silent film 1910s melodrama

Episodes

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E1 Episode 1Next upSep 17, 1980 · 50 min
Synopsis
In 1910, Arnie Cole struggles to make ends meet whilst operating a travelling fleapit cinema business. Realising there is more to be made in the burgeoning film industry, he sets up his own company. Things go off to a inauspicious start when his part-time squeeze Letty is arrested when they try to illegally film a horse race. Desperate, he gets an intriguing offer from Lady Maud, who has her own reasons for seeking a partnership, that latterly become apparent.
Guest stars: Sherrie Hewson (Letty), Andy de la Tour (Clive), Stephan Chase (Charles Venables), Arnold Peters (Sydney), Martin Murphy (The Kid), Ronald Flanagan (Potman), Tony Bateman (Registrar), Joe Dunlop (Cameraman)
E2 Episode 2Sep 24, 1980 · 50 min
Synopsis
Arnie and Maud arrange to wed at the local registry office. However, the big day comes off to an awkward start when Arnie and Lllwelyn arrived tired and dishevelled. Maud subsequently returns home, whilst Arnie decides to track down actors and crew to make his first picture, among themCorky Brown, an alcoholic comedian; his agent Max Legendre, an ambitious but pretentious director; and the Brewer family who rely on their child star daughter Dotty. However, the contract negotiations for Arnie prove protracted and fraught.
Guest stars: Peggy Ann Wood (Nanny), Andy de la Tour (Clive), Wilfred Grove (Sad Galloway), Margaret Heery (Mrs Galloway)
E3 Episode 3Oct 1, 1980 · 50 min
Synopsis
Work begins on Arnie's first picture, but Corky's alcoholism becomes increasingly problematic and Max clashes frequently with the crew, leading to on-set conflict. In order to raise much needed capital, Arnie suggests to Maud about selling her house, to which she strongly objects. Meanwhile, Clara Brewer is determined to break away from her family and establish a career as an actress, even if it means posing for nude photographs.
Guest stars: Peggy Ann Wood (Nanny), Patrick Gordon (Gilbert Winslow)
E4 Episode 4Oct 8, 1980 · 50 min
Synopsis
Months later, Maud has given birth to her child. Max is tiring of producing comedy shorts and encourages Arnie to commission a six-reel costume picture – a romantic adventure story about a highwayman, in order to cash in on the growing demand for longer films. Production proves fraught and runs over budget due to Max's demands for historical accuracy, further exacerbated when he casts theatrical actress Gwendoline Harper for a lead role, but she proves difficult and tempremental. Needing money to keep his business afloat, Arnie approaches Letty and persuades her to work for him.
Guest stars: Peggy Ann Wood (Nanny), Sherrie Hewson (Letty), Patrick Gordon (Gilbert Winslow), Maxine Audley (Gwendoline Harper), Andy de la Tour (Clive), Hugh Walters (Captain Sandbeck)
E5 Episode 5Oct 15, 1980 · 50 min
Synopsis
Maud and Llwelywn are displeased with Letty's presence at the studio, while Arnie promises her a part in his new picture, yet she mistakenly has other ideas about his intentions. He has enough trouble with the over-demanding Gwendoline Harper, whom insists that her leading man Gilbert Winslow should spend more time with her outside of work; Gilbert is less than keen about the prospect. Arnie decides to organise a party, in order to impress bank manager Mr Crane in the hope that he'll receive a loan.
Guest stars: Peggy Ann Wood (Nanny), Sherrie Hewson (Letty), Patrick Gordon (Gilbert Winslow), Maxine Audley (Gwendoline Harper), Hugh Walters (Captain Sandbeck), Teddy Turner (Eddy Marco), Ralph Nossek (Mr Crane)
E6 Episode 6Oct 22, 1980 · 50 min
Synopsis
After the disastrous party, Arnie vents on his actors individually. Struggling to raise capital on his vastly over-budgeted costume film, he decides to drown his sorrows, yet Maud is isn't ready to give in and later surprises Arnie when she informs him that Mr Crane has decided to give them the loan after admitting he found the party enjoyable. Meanwhile, Letty is heartbroken when she disovers what Arnie really had in mind. Just as things start to pick at the studio, a disaster occurs that looks set to turn all their dreams into ashes.
Guest stars: Peggy Ann Wood (Nanny), Sherrie Hewson (Letty), Patrick Gordon (Gilbert Winslow), Maxine Audley (Gwendoline Harper), Teddy Turner (Eddy Marco), Ralph Nossek (Mr Crane)