Last of the Baskets
1971 - United KingdomLast of the Baskets is a forgotten gem of early 1970s British comedy. Produced by Granada Television, the series ran for two seasons between 1971 and 1972. Its premise is classic fish‑out‑of‑water: Clifford Basket (Ken Jones - Porridge), an uncouth boiler maker from the North, unexpectedly inherits the title of Earl of Clogborough from the 12th Earl (Richard Hurndall - Doctor Who) who, after 93 mis-spent years has let his stately home become a crumbling and ramshackle mess. Along with his equally blunt mother, Alfreda (Patricia Hayes - Edna, The Inebriate Woman), Clifford attempts to embrace aristocratic life—much to the horror of the family’s long‑serving butler, Redvers Bodkin (Arthur Lowe).
Moving into home and title Clifford enjoys the high life much to the distain of the snooty butler who has to bring him bottles of brown ale on a silver platter. But soon enough they have to concern themselves with much weightier matters such as paying the bills and stopping the mansion from collapsing into the Pennines.
The clash between working‑class bluntness and upper‑class pretension from Britain’s rigid class system provides the comic engine of the show.
Lowe, Fresh from Dad's Army, brings his trademark pomposity and exasperation to the role. His disdain for Clifford’s lack of refinement is played with delicious subtlety, while Jones embodies Clifford with a mix of bafflement and bravado. His performance grounds the series in working‑class authenticity, making Clifford both sympathetic and ridiculous.
Patricia Hayes adds another layer of earthy humour. Her presence ensures that Clifford is never entirely overwhelmed by the aristocratic world.
Stylistically, the show sits somewhere between the gentle satire of All Gas and Gaiters and the broader working‑class comedies of Yorkshire Television. Its humour is less raucous than On the Buses, but sharper in its social commentary. Today, it is remembered fondly by enthusiasts of vintage television, particularly for Arthur Lowe’s performance, which elevates the material. The series also stands as an example of Granada’s willingness to experiment with sitcoms that blended satire with character‑driven humour. Last of the Baskets may not be a household name, but it deserves recognition as a clever, character‑rich comedy.
Seen this show? How do you rate it?
Seen this show? How do you rate it?
Published on December 29th, 2018. Written by Malcolm Alexander for Television Heaven.
