Late Starter (BBC-1 1985 with Peter Barkworth and Rowena Cooper)

UK / BBC One / 8×50 minute episodes / Broadcast 29 March – 12 April 1985

Writer: Brian Clarke / Music: Carl Davis / Producer: Ruth Boswell / Executive Producer: Mark Shivas / Directors: Barry Davis, Nicholas Mallett

Drama series. When middle aged executive Edward Brett retires from his career as a professor of English Literature he finds that his formerly cosy life is about to change in every way possible – his wife Mary has left him, gone he knows not where and his financial situation becomes extremely fraught.

Forced to make ends meet Edward takes a job in a local pub and learns that it is never too late to make a new start.

cast
Peter Barkworth as Edward Brett
Rowena Cooper as Mary Brett
Akousa Busi as Nicki
Simon Cowell-Parker as Simon Brett
Carol Leader as Penny Johnson
Julia Foster as Liz Weldon
Beryl Reid as Helen Magee
Terrence Hardiman
Tenniel Evans
John Flanagan as Colin Johnson

Head of film reviews at The Viewers Guide with an erudite, insightful, slightly sardonic, deep appreciation for classic cinema. Has a habit of quoting obscure lines from old films in everyday conversation. He keeps a meticulously organized film logbook. He's a bit of a tea snob.