The Fossett Saga

The Fossett Saga

1969 - United Kingdom

Victorian comedy series starring Jimmy Edwards as James Fossett, a writer of "penny dreadfuls", who, from his address at 14 Old Cobblers Street (eventually demolished under the Nauseous Dwellings Abatement Act of 1902) tried his hand at being an inventor, journalist, patron of the arts, company director and bon viveur, or any other scheme - by hook or by crook - that might earn him a pretty penny. An article he had contributed to a new magazine, The Amateur Astronaut, entitled "Constructing a Flying Machine for three and sixpence" caused considerable comment. But the magazine was short lived - although not as short lived as those readers who followed Fossett's advice. His only companion is Herbert Quince (Sam Kydd), a self-employed window cleaner, friend, unpaid valet, biographer, amanuensis and moneylender. 

The Fossett Saga
Jimmy Edwards as James Fossett

Fossett characteristically despised the only work which brought him his livelihood, 523 episodes of the Green Dwarf library, a boys' magazine, but his despairing cry that he was capable of better things was largely ignored. Fossett and Quince were the only regular characters in this 7-part series written by Dave Freeman while the likes of June Whitfield, Eric Barker, Eric Chitty and Graham Stark stopped by for single visits. 

Published on December 13th, 2018. Written by Laurence Marcus for Television Heaven.

Read Next...

Curry and Chips

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

Also released in 1969

The Gay Cavalier

Swashbuckling adventure as yet another historical rogue is turned into a hero for 1950s British television.

Also starring Sam Kydd

The Army Game

Hugely successful series from Granada TV that started in 1957 as a fortnightly live sitcom, which was moved to a weekly spot when it became so popular. The series followed the misfortunes of a mixed bag of army conscripts.

Also tagged Britcom

Orlando

A detective agency is inherited by two youngsters.

Also starring Sam Kydd

Sherlock Holmes 1951 tv series

The first British television series featuring Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's iconic master-detective was written by a celebrated film and television critic

Also starring Sam Kydd

Crane

Richard Crane gives up the life of a city businessman for one of excitement and adventure in Morocco, buys himself a boat and opens a beachfront bar near Casablanca. He also has a nice little operation dealing in illegal contraband

Also starring Sam Kydd

The Mating Machine

A series of seven stand-alone comedies featuring some of Britain's best sitcom writers and performers. The Mating Machine is united by a single theme - computer dating.

Also starring Sam Kydd

Shout Aloud Salvation

This BBC Sunday Night Theatre presentation, broadcast on 15 April 1951, tells the story of two young women dispatched towards the latter part of the 19th century to introduce the Salvation Army into a bleak northern town.

Also starring Sam Kydd