L For Lester
L for Lester was a short-lived (6 episodes) BBC2 sit-com first broadcast in 1982, written by Dudley Long, directed by John B.Hobbs and produced by Dennis Main-Wilson. The comedy featured the misfortunes of driving instructor Lester Small who was played by Brian Murphy, best known as George from the earlier sit-com 'George and Mildred'.[1]
For the opening sequence of episode 2, the BBC required a Western Class 52 diesel in BR Blue with a matching rake of BR blue coaches.[2] The SVR was able to oblige, having recently acquired a number of ex-BR Mark 1 coaches in working order and still in original livery. D1013 Western Ranger was the locomotive used. The episode was first broadcast on 15 October 1982.[3]
Filming locations included Northwood Lane level crossing, which was fitted with barriers for the occasion, Victoria Bridge and Arley station, renamed Barrow Gurney[note 1]. Scenes were mostly filmed moving north, although the scene at Arley is filmed moving south. The complete sequence can be seen on this YouTube clip.
Arley Station Bridge also features briefly in Episode 1 when a pupil approaches too fast and takes off. YouTube clip
The driving lesson approaches a level crossing
The car has taken to the railway
D1013 pursues the car across Victoria Bridge
Filming at Arley
D1013 and the car
D1013 and the car
Contents
Contents
Notes
- ↑ Barrow Gurney is a village in North Somerset that has never been rail connected.
See also
References
- ↑ British Comedy Guide Retrieved 25 November 2015
- ↑ SVR News 65
- ↑ Internet Movie Data Base (retrieved 24 December 2018)