Behind The Britcom: From Script To Screen

Airs Saturday, March 12, 2011 at 8 p.m. on KPBS TV

Philip Bretherton and Moira Brooker, hosts of "Behind The Britcom: From Script To Screen."

Credit: Courtesy of Iowa Public Television/BBC Worldwide Americas

Above: Philip Bretherton and Moira Brooker, hosts of "Behind The Britcom: From Script To Screen."

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Richard Curtis, creator of the British sitcom "The Vicar of Dibley"

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Credit: Courtesy of Iowa Public Television/BBC Worldwide Americas

Above: Richard Curtis, creator of the British sitcom "The Vicar of Dibley"

Bob Larbey, writer for the television series "Mulberry"

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Credit: Courtesy of Iowa Public Television/BBC Worldwide Americas

Above: Bob Larbey, writer for the television series "Mulberry"

Join hosts Moira Brooker and Philip Bretherton (Judith and Alastair on "As Time Goes By") as they take you inside the hearts and minds of the writers, producers and actors, who have brought you many of your favorite British comedies. If you've ever wondered how the British comedies you enjoy on your public television station go from "script to screen," this program is truly a "must see."

Featuring cast and creators from "The Vicar of Dibley," "Blackadder," "Keeping Up Appearances," "Last of the Summer Wine," "As Time Goes By," "Good Neighbors," "Are You Being Served?" and "Mulberry."

Apart from learning more about the process, viewers will hear some fascinating behind-the-scenes stories. Roy Clark, the “marathon man” of Britcom writers, reveals the source of his inspiration to write a comedy series about three elderly pensioners — a gig he’s had for more than thirty years!

And although "Mulberry" was cancelled by the BBC before Bob Larbey had the satisfaction of bringing it to a proper conclusion, he tells viewers how he would have written that final episode. Then there’s the lucky bit of chance that made the final episode of "Blackadder" one of those great moments in television history.

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Video

Behind The Britcom: From Script To Screen: The Actors

Above: In this clip from "Behind The Britcom: From Script To Screen," hosts Moira Brooker and Philip Bretherton introduce the actors of some of the most famous British comedies.

Video

Behind The Britcom: From Script To Screen: The Writers

Above: In this clip from "Behind The Britcom: From Script To Screen," hosts Moira Brooker and Philip Bretherton introduce the writers and producers of some of the most famous British comedies.

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