The Darling Buds Of May was one of the most
popular UK
television shows in history. Based on novels and short stories written by H. E. Bates about the Larkin family, the show ran for 20 episodes between 1991-1993 and is credited for launching
Catherine Zeta-Jones into
stardom.
Synopsis:
Sidney 'Pop' Larkin has evaded paying his taxes or national insurance his entire life and has become a legendary man at the local tax office. The taxman, 'Charley' Charlesworth is in for a life-changing experience when he sets out to track Pop down and ends up staying with the Larkin family and marrying Mariette Larkin, the daughter. Of course, the Larkin Family wouldn't be complete without a matriarchal figure, and Flo Parker, aka Ma Larkin, fills that role.
Writers:
Bob Larbey
Richard Harris
Paul Wheeler
Robert Banks Stewart
Stephen Bill
Barry Devlin
Directors:
David Giles
Robert Tromson
Rodney Bennett
Steve Goldie
Gareth Davies
Producers:
Robert Banks Stewart
Peter Norris
Simon Lewis
Richard Bates
Executive Producer(s):
Vernon Lawrence
Richard Bates
Philip Burkey
Episode Guide
Series 1 (7 Apr 91 - 12 May 91)
The Darling Buds of May : 1 (7 Apr 91)
The Darling Buds of May : 2 (14 Apr 91)
When the Green Woods Laugh : 1 (21 Apr 91)
When the Green Woods Laugh : 2 (28 Apr 91)
A Breath of French Air : 1 (5 May 91)
A Breath of French Air : 2 (12 May 91)
Specials
Christmas Is Coming (22 Dec 91)
Le Grand Weekend (26 Dec 92)
Series 2 (26 Jan 92 - 1 Mar 92)
Oh! To Be in England : 1 (26 Jan 92)
Oh! To Be in England : 2 (2 Feb 92)
Stranger at the Gates : 1 (9 Feb 92)
Stranger at the Gates : 2 (16 Feb 92)
A Season of Heavenly Gifts : 1 (23 Feb 92)
A Season of Heavenly Gifts : 2 (1 Mar 92)
Series 3 (28 Feb 93 - 4 Apr 93)
The Happiest Days Of Your Lives : 1 (28 Feb 93)
The Happiest Days Of Your Lives : 2 (7 Mar 93)
Cast Not Your Pearls Before Swine : 1 (14 Mar 93)
Cast Not Your Pearls Before Swine : 2 (21 Mar 93)
Climb The Greasy Pole : 1 (28 Mar 93)
Climb The Greasy Pole : 2 (4 Apr 93)
Cast
David Jason as Sidney (Pop) Larkin
Pam Ferris as Flo Parker (Ma Larkin)
Catherine Zeta-Jones as Mariette Larkin/Charlton
Philip Franks as Cedric (Charley) Charlton
Rachel Bell as Edith Pilchester
Moray Watson as The Brigadier
Julie Davies as Primrose Larkin (Series 1)
Abigail Romison as Primrose Larkin (Series 2-3)
Christina Giles as Petunia Larkin
Katherine Giles as Zinnia Larkin
Stephanie Ralph as Victoria Larkin
Ian Tucker as Montgomery Larkin (Series 1-2)
Kika Mirylees as Angela Snow (Series 1-2)