Hark at Barker poster
SeriesComedy

Hark at Barker (1969)

1969-04-11 · 30m · EN
65%
User score
3 votes

Hark at Barker is a 1969 British programme combining elements of sitcom and sketch show, which starred Ronnie Barker. It was made for the ITV network by LWT. Each show began with a spoof news item read by Barker as a continuity announcer. He would then introduce the main part of the programme, a lecture to be given by Lord Rustless on a different topic each week from his stately home, Chrome Hall. Helped and hindered by Rustless' secretary Bates, his Butler Badger, his bad-tempered Cook, his incoherent gardener Dithers and his buxom, near-mute maid Effie, these lectures invariably degenerated into farce, and were frequently interrupted by comic sketches on film or videotape which also starred Barker in various roles. Barker reprised the role of Lord Rustless in the BBC series His Lordship Entertains, and played very similar characters in Futtock's End and the Two Ronnies specials The Picnic and By the Sea.

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Top billed cast

Full cast & crew →
Ronnie BarkerRonnie BarkerLord Rustless / Various CharactersJosephine TewsonJosephine TewsonMildred BatesFrank GatliffFrank GatliffBadgerMary BaxterMary BaxterCookJerold WellsJerold WellsDavid ProwseDavid ProwseMay WardenMay WardenRichard CaldicotRichard CaldicotLionel MurtonLionel MurtonAlex ScottAlex ScottKika MarkhamKika MarkhamMichael BarringtonMichael Barrington

Movie DNA

Genre affinityComedyDialogue densityComedyPacingShortActor preference277268 · 493447 · 287331Country preferenceGbDecade preference1960

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Frequently asked questions about Hark at Barker

What is Hark at Barker about?

Hark at Barker is a 1969 British programme combining elements of sitcom and sketch show, which starred Ronnie Barker. It was made for the ITV network by LWT. Each show began with a spoof news item read by Barker as a continuity announcer. He would then introduce the main part of the programme, a lecture to be given by Lord Rustless on a different topic each week from his stately home, Chrome Hall. Helped and hindered by Rustless' secretary Bates, his Butler Badger, his bad-tempered Cook, his incoherent gardener Dithers and his buxom, near-mute maid Effie, these lectures invariably degenerated into farce, and were frequently interrupted by comic sketches on film or videotape which also starred Barker in various roles. Barker reprised the role of Lord Rustless in the BBC series His Lordship Entertains, and played very similar characters in Futtock's End and the Two Ronnies specials The Picnic and By the Sea.

How long is Hark at Barker?

Hark at Barker has a runtime of 30 minutes.