Nearest and Dearest (1968–1973)

On the death of their father Joshua, siblings Eli and Nellie Pledge inherit the family business, Pledge's Purer Pickles, at Colne, Lancashire, in the north of England. Their faithful ... See full summary »

Creators:

Harry Driver, Vince Powell

Stars:

Hylda Baker, Jimmy Jewel, Joe Gladwin

Cast

Series cast summary:
Hylda Baker	...	Nellie Pledge (45 episodes, 1968-1973)
Jimmy Jewel	...	Eli Pledge (45 episodes, 1968-1973)
Joe Gladwin	...	Stan Hardman (45 episodes, 1968-1973)
Madge Hindle	...	Lily Tattersall (44 episodes, 1968-1973)
Edward Malin	...	Walter Tattersall (44 episodes, 1968-1973)
Freddie Rayner	...	Grenville (24 episodes, 1969-1973)

Storyline

On the death of their father Joshua, siblings Eli and Nellie Pledge inherit the family business, Pledge's Purer Pickles, at Colne, Lancashire, in the north of England. Their faithful workers include the myopic Stan Hardman, Bert Taylor and Grenville. Transport is provided by Storm the cart horse. Never far away are second cousin Lily and her husband Walter. While Nellie works hard to keep the business going, Eli prefers to indulge in the delights of beer, cigarettes and young women.

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Genres:

Comedy

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Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

15 August 1968 (UK)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Granada Television

Technical Specs

Runtime:

30 min 30 min (45 episodes)

Color:

Black and White Color

Did You Know?

Trivia

In November 1969 Hylda Baker released a vocal version of Derek Hilton's instrumental theme tune (Columbia DB 8644), backed by Geoff Love and his orchestra.

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Quotes

[to Nellie Pledge - repeated line]
Eli Pledge: You knock-kneed knackered old nose-bag!

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Connections

Featured in All Star Comedy Carnival (1972)

User Reviews

"You Knock-Kneed, Knackered Old Nose-Bag!"

Brother and sister Nellie and Eli Pledge are joint owners of 'Pledge's Purer Pickles', based in Colne, Lancashire. They are complete opposites

• she is a spinster prone to malapropisms ( "And what are you

incinerating?" ) , while he is fond of beer, betting and women. The workforce consists largely of smelly old men such as Stan and Grenville. Popping up every now and then are cousins Lily ( "Coooo-eeeee!" ) and Walter, the latter particularly looking as though he's died but doesn't know it. And before you ask, yes, he's been.

This popular Vince Powell and Harry Driver creation provided an excellent vehicle for Hylda Baker and Jimmy Jewel, who played a kind of Northern 'Odd Couple'. Rumour has it they hated each other in real life. It hardly matters as their on-screen characters weren't fond of one another either. The show was a must for lovers of earthy Northern humour. 'Carry On' star Peter Butterworth guested in the episode 'Now Is The Hour'.

Favourite episode - 'The Ghost Of Picklers Past' in which a skull is found in the pickle factory. Great seance scene! Second favourite episode - 'Cindernellie'. You haven't lived until you've seen Walter as the Fairy Godmother!