1 9 5 7 – 1 9 5 8 (UK)
10 x 30 minute episodes
This short-lived BBC series revolved around The Royalty, a grand old-fashioned hotel in the St James’s area of London, and its customers and staff.
Proprietress Mollie Miller (Margaret Lockwood) was much respected and liked by aged peers, bishops and a mixed gang of ‘typical’ guests. Mollie was a shrewd, warm-hearted, hot-tempered woman who respected all people, be that the Earl of Charters or the latest kitchen maid.
She revered tradition, abhorred the meretricious, and ruled her domain with gusto and by the wise counsel of her devoted friend and lawyer Richard Manning (Hugh Sinclair).
She was assisted by receptionist Miss Plimm (Joan Hickson), chef Auguste Vermont (Ferdy Mayne), and the bar staff Fred Potter (Richard Pearson) and Maisie (Lana Morris).
Lockwood’s real-life daughter, Julia, also appeared as Mollie’s daughter, Carol.
The concept and main players were revived in 1965 with The Flying Swan.
Mrs Mollie Miller
Margaret Lockwood
Carol Gerhard (Miller)
Julia Lockwood
Jessie McDonald
Molly Urquhart
Richard Manning
Hugh Sinclair
Maisie
Lana Morris
Fred Potter
Richard Pearson
Miss Plimm
Joan Hickson
Jim Pereira
William Lucas
Larry Champion
Patrick Troughton
Chris Champion
David Cole
Shirley Masters
Brenda Hogan
Auguste Vermont
Ferdy Mayne
Valerie Harding
Katie Boyle