The original 'scallywags' of the rag'n'bone trade,surely an inspiration
to schemers for years to come. By '63 the show was becoming an institution
amongst millions of loyal fans who just had to catch up with their
favourite scoundrels each week. The show was one of the most popular
sitcoms in UK history.
Albert and his son Harold were in the rag trade, always out to chase
a quick quid or two. Harold does most of the work in the partnership
and dreams of a better life out of the slums but his dad is quite
happy where he is thank you very much.
It has been said that in 1966, Labour P.M. Harold Wilson asked the
Beeb to delay the transmission of a repeat episode on election day
until after the polls closed. There were rumours that he was worried
that too many of his supporters would stay in to watch the show
rather than come out and vote.
