Last of the Summer Wine facts for kids
{{infobox television | | show_name = Last of the Summer Wine | show_name_2 = The Last of the Summer Wine (Pilot episode) | image = | caption = | genre = Sitcom | runtime = 30 minutes (approx.) | creator = Roy Clarke | writer = Roy Clarke | director = James Gilbert (1973)
Bernard Thompson (1975)
Sydney Lotterby (1976–1979, 1982–1983)
Ray Butt (1976)
Alan J. W. Bell (1981–1982, 1983–2010) | producer = James Gilbert (1973)
Bernard Thompson (1975)
Sydney Lotterby (1976–1979, 1982–1983)
Alan J. W. Bell (1981–1982, 1983–2010) | theme_music_composer = Ronnie Hazlehurst | opentheme= "The Last of the Summer Wine" | composer = Ronnie Hazlehurst
Jim Parker | location = Holmfirth, West Yorkshire, England | starring = Last cast:
Russ Abbot
Burt Kwouk
Brian Murphy
Peter Sallis
Frank Thornton
June Whitfield
Robert Fyfe
Mike Grady
Jean Alexander
Jane Freeman
Josephine Tewson
and Kathy Staff | network = BBC One | picture_format = PAL (576i) (1973-2005)
HDTV 720p (2006)
HDTV 1080i (2007-2010) | cinematography = Pat O'Shea | company = BBC | first_aired = 12 November 1973 | last_aired = 29 August 2010 | num_episodes = 295 as of 29 August 2010 | num_series = 31 as of 2010 | list_episodes = List of Last of the Summer Wine episodes | language = English | imdb_id =00069602 | related = Comedy Playhouse
First of the Summer Wine | status = Canceled | tv_com_id = 7397 |} Last of the Summer Wine is a very long-running British sitcom. A sitcom is a funny show about everyday situations. This show ran for many years, longer than any other comedy show in the UK. It also holds the record for the longest-running sitcom in the world! The show was shown on the BBC One television channel.
The show was created and written by Roy Clarke. Alan J. W. Bell produced and directed many of its episodes. The very first episode aired on 4 January 1973. It was part of another show called Comedy Playhouse. The first full series of Last of the Summer Wine began on 12 November 1973. The show ended on 29 August 2010, after 31 series and 295 episodes.
About the Show
Last of the Summer Wine was filmed in and around Holmfirth, West Yorkshire, England. The show is about three older men who act like they are still children. They never seem to grow up!
The Main Characters
The original group of friends included Norman Clegg (Peter Sallis), Cyril Blamire (Michael Bates), and Compo Simmonite (Bill Owen). After two years, Cyril Blamire left the show. Then, Brian Wilde joined as Foggy Dewhurst.
Over the years, the main trio of characters changed many times. The last group of friends included Russ Abbot as Hobbo Hobdyke, Burt Kwouk as Entwistle, and Brian Murphy as Alvin Smedley.
Why People Loved It
Many people continued to watch Last of the Summer Wine for a long time. They praised it for showing older people in a good way. The show was also loved for its family-friendly humor. This means it was funny for everyone in the family to watch together. Even members of the British Royal Family enjoyed the show!
The show was nominated for several awards. In 1999, it won the National Television Award for Most Popular Comedy Programme.
Other Adventures
Besides the regular episodes, there were many special shows. These included holiday specials and two television movies. There was also a documentary movie made about the series.
Last of the Summer Wine also inspired other things. There was a television prequel called First of the Summer Wine. A prequel tells a story that happened before the main show. There were also several novelisations (books based on the show) and a stage play.
Images for kids
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Sid's Café in Holmfirth. This was a regular filming location. The café became a popular place for tourists because of the show.
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The most famous trio from Last of the Summer Wine. From left to right: Peter Sallis as Norman Clegg, Brian Wilde as Walter "Foggy" Dewhurst, and Bill Owen as William "Compo" Simmonite.
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This picture shows how the main characters changed over the show's 37 years.
