Sheeps Clothing

Sheep's Clothing

1957 - United Kingdom

Short-lived sitcom starring Norwegian born comedian Digby Wolfe who, in 1957, was something of a rising star on British television having already starred in an earlier sitcom as well as playing host on a series called Variety Showtime. 

Wolfe's previous series was called Wolfe At The Door and was made in 1956 for the fledgling ATV Company, although it was only screened in the Midlands. It's a great shame because in that particular series, written by Tony Hawes and Richard Waring, Wolfe co-starred with Hattie Jacques and Charles Hawtrey, both of whom would win lasting fame as stalwarts of the Carry On... series of movies. 

Digby Wolf in Sheep's Clothing
Ronnie Corbett also appeared in 'Sheep's Clothing'.

Sheep's Clothing (titled so the programme announcer could make the introduction "And now, Digby Wolfe in Sheep's Clothing") was written by Sid Green and Dick Hills, years before they would become the regular scriptwriters for Morecambe and Wise. In the series Wolfe played a 'bit-of-a-wide-boy', (at that time a popular expression for someone who was sly or cunning), who, when forced to seek employment decided that he would start at the top. The singer Lita Roza was Wolfe's girlfriend and Ronnie Corbett starred as his valet repeating a routine that Wolfe and Corbett had perfected in a BBC variety series called The Yana Show. However, there was to be no long-standing double-act for the duo because Wolfe eventually decided to move to Australia where he established himself as a star before moving on yet again. His next port of call was the USA where he became one of the regular writers for the hit US comedy show Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In.

Published on January 28th, 2019. Written by Laurence Marcus for Television Heaven.

Read Next...

Emergency Ward 10

Britain's first medical soap, which was also the first of the country's twice-weekly serials, went on to become one of the nation’s best loved programmes, reaching an average audience of 16 million people a week and 24 million at its peak.

Also released in 1957

Billy Liar

Adapted from the highly successful novel/play/film by successful writing team Keith Waterhouse and Willis Hall, this version of Billy Liar was updated by them to make it more relevant to the early 1970s.

Also tagged Britcom

Curry and Chips

Poorly received sitcom by Johnny Speight who attempted (and many would say failed) to highlight the stupidity of racism.

Also tagged Britcom

And Mother Makes Three

Almost a direct follow on from the BBC's hugely popular Not In Front Of The Children starring Wendy Craig who was in an almost constant state of domestic discord...

Also tagged Britcom

Ronnie Barker

"Ronnie Barker will be numbered amongst a select band of comedy greats who shaped British comedy in the 20th century."

Also starring Ronnie Corbett

Sorry

Timothy Lumsden leads a dull life - he works in a public library and lives at home with his domineering mother and self-effacing father. Timothy Lumsden is sorry...

Also starring Ronnie Corbett

Now Look Here

Ronnie Corbett as a bachelor who fails to break the ties with his domineering and emotionally manipulative mother, even after he marries

Also starring Ronnie Corbett

Citizen James

Sid James in his first TV series after Hancock. Written by Galton and Simpson.

Also tagged Britcom

Crackerjack

"It's Friday, it's five o'clock, yes it's Crackerjack!" From 1955 and for almost 40 years the BBC bought us children's entertainment in front of a live theatre audience. For many, Crackerjack is remembered with great nostalgia and even greater affection and is very firmly placed in the annals of television history.

Also starring Ronnie Corbett