Driveway

1 9 6 8 (UK)
16 x 30 minute episodes

Soap opera makers had tried hospitals, garages, factories, football teams and many other scenarios.

This twice-weekly 30-minute drama series from ATV introduced the day-to-day dramas of Major Alan Brock (Anthony Newlands), an ex-army officer who resigns his commission, leaves the military aged 41, and uses his army gratuity to start a driving school in the Midlands.

His wife, Pamela, was played by Margaret Ashcroft.

The eight-week teatime series – set in the fictional town of Brinkton near Coventry – premiered on 30 July and went out on Tuesdays and Thursdays, but by episode 16, there were problems, and Alan was trying to sell the business.

He must have succeeded because the following Tuesday saw Honey Lane take over the Driveway timeslot.

The series was created by Fleet Street television columnist Peter Dacre. Location filming took place in Leighton Buzzard.

Alan Brock
Anthony Newlands
Pamela Brock
Margaret Ashcroft
Mrs Armstrong
Moyra Fraser
Shirley Pickering
Marjie Lawrence
Simon Morris
John Abineri
Julie Brock
Sandra Bryant
Oliver Brock
Richard Everett
Bill Walker
Paul Dawkins
Phil Rogers
John Wreford
Reg Booker
David Daker
Mrs Stevens
Anne Woodward
Miss Fisher
Judy Liebert
Wendy Stack
Chrys Salt
Harry Weeks
John Trigger
Peter Farrow
Christopher Witty
Mr Farrow
Felix Felton
Company Sergeant Major
Edwin Brown
Mr Brough-Morton
Maurice Hedley
Mrs Brough-Morton
Dorothy Black

Episodes

Meet The Major | Problem with Harry | What About Yourself? | There’s Been an Accident | What You Need Is a Beer | It’s Mine. It’s Got to Work | You’ve Got a One-Track Mind | They Grow Up While You’re Not Looking | It’s Only An Excuse | Tomorrow Can Look After Itself | Everything’s Fine This End | The Stuff of Greek Tragedy | They’re In a Muddle | The Pressure’s On | You’ve Got a Nerve | I Know You Think It’s Mad