Climber, The

1 9 8 3 (UK)
6 x 30 minute episodes

This BBC 1 series followed the exploits of Harry Lumsdon (Robin Nedwell) who worked at a bakery with workmates Reg (David Williams) and Ted (David Battley) but wanted to rise above himself.

After 16 years in the bakery, he discovered that he had an incredibly high IQ (166) and, believing he was a genius, started on the path to realising his executive ambitions.

Unfortunately, he worked out his IQ incorrectly and really he was just a thick head.

Passing his driving test, Harry took his first step on the way to the top by becoming a bread delivery van driver. He was shown the ropes by Don “Doughboy” Hudson (Philip Dunbar), an aspiring country & western singer.

Attending a sales seminar conducted by the pill-popping Mr Johnson (Robert Mill) in the Tennessee Rooms at the Hen and Chickens pub, Harry was confronted by a number of topics for informed discussion: Common Market issues, East-West relations, and Washington White House political rhetoric. But his real concern was whether he could get to the hamburger stall before it closed at ten.

Harry was promoted to office duties but struggled with the endless tedium, eventually becoming a salesman. As the series ended, he needed just one more sale to be declared ‘Salesman of the Year’ and win a trip to Barbados.

Jacqueline Tong played Harry’s fiancée Shirley. Jack Watson played Shirley’s dad –  a man of few words. So few that he didn’t utter a single one throughout the series.

The bakery used for location scenes was in Bristol. Spike Milligan made a brief guest appearance in episode four.

Harry Lumsdon
Robin Nedwell
Shirley Thomas
Jacqueline Tong
Ted
David Battley
Reg
David Williams
Mr Thomas
Jack Watson
Don ‘Doughboy’ Hudson
Philip Dunbar
Miss Burnet
Phyllida Hewat
Mr Taylor
Arnold Peters
Mr Johnson
Robert Mill
Mr Pilbeam
Michael Howard

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