The Adventures of Brigadier Wllington Bull

The Adventures of Brigadier Wellington-Bull

1959 - United Kingdom

Sitcom following the adventures of a retired Army Brigadier, Garnet Wellington-Bull, a widowed career soldier who, now retired, is trying to come to terms with life on civvy street but not finding it very easy. He stumbles from one mishap into another and has to rely on a young officer, Sooty Pilkington played by Donald Hewlett (It Ain't Half Hot Mum) who previously served under him and his daughter Jane Wellington-Bull played by an actress billed in the Radio Times as a "bright-eyed television newcomer", Valerie Singleton. 

The Brigadier was played by Alexander Gauge, best known for playing Friar Tuck in The Adventures of Robin Hood from 1955 to 1960. Gauge was born in a Methodist Mission in China and, before coming to Britain, went to school in California. He had been acting in plays on Broadway since 1945, often in Shakespearean roles. Although he often played sinister roles in his early films, he also seemed to display a gift for comedy. The same year that Robin Hood finished Gauge died (aged 46) from an overdose.

Published on November 26th, 2018. Written by Laurence Marcus for Television Heaven.

Read Next...

Interpol Calling

The International Police investigate everything from murder to blackmail, drugs to hijacking and assassination to slavery.

Also released in 1959

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

You Rang M'Lord

A comedic take on 'Upstairs Downstairs', the hugely successful drama centred around the aristocratic home of a member of parliament and the staff employed to keep the home functioning in accordance with social standing of the time, set as it was in the early decades of the 20th century.

Also starring Donald Hewlett

The Bulldog Breed

A single series of seven comedies about Tom, the perennial optimist, as he wanders through life leaving chaos in his wake totally oblivious to the problems he causes for everyone.

Also tagged Britcom

Come Back Mrs Noah

A housewife wins a prize to visit a spaceship. While she is there, it spontaneously goes into orbit. Following hot on the heals of Are You Being Served? Mollie Sugden starred in this excellent David Croft sitcom which is now sadly overlooked.

Also starring Donald Hewlett

Citizen James

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

Also tagged Britcom

Blue Peter

"There are a very select group of series that almost magically transcend their original target audience and humble origins to almost accidentally attain the coveted status of treasured and much loved national institution."

Also starring Valerie Singleton

Knight Errant TV series

"Knight Errant '59. Quests undertaken, dragons defeated, damsels rescued. Anything, anywhere, for anyone, so long as it helps. Fees according to means"

Also released in 1959