Based on a 1940 book of the same name by Howard Spring, Fame is the Spur describes the rise of the British socialist movement from the mid 19th century to the 1930s by following the lives of three friends – Hamer, Arnold and Tom – who all live in abject poverty in the slums of Manchester but have different ideas on how to rise above their circumstances.
Tom Hannaway (George Costigan) is an opportunist who collects for a rag-and-bone man and trades stolen goods for white rats. He daydreams about owning a racehorse.
Hamer Shawcross (Tim Piggott-Smith) – also called John – is illegitimate, studious, ambitious and supported by his mother, Ellen, and stepfather Gordon. His ambition eventually drives him to marry well, exploit the Labour movement and become an MP.
The third in the trio is Arnold Ryerson (David Hayman), who comes from a family of nine. They never seem to have enough to eat. Early in the series, Arnold’s father dies. Amy, who is nine, is sent to work at the mill, and Arnold is forced to leave school and join the workforce as an errand boy to support the family.
A quiet but determined boy, Arnold believes in trying to improve his immediate surroundings. When Hamer dreams of escaping from his poverty, Arnold asks, “What do you want to get out for?”
Arnold eventually takes on the task of campaigning for better working conditions and becomes a pioneer of the trade union movement.
Anne – who becomes Hamer’s wife – is the daughter of a rich and arrogant businessman. Because of her upbringing, she is not allowed to mix with the “lower classes” and is unaware of any poverty.
A chance encounter brings her in contact with Arnold’s family, and she is shocked.
Hamer Shawcross
Tim Pigott-Smith Arnold Ryerson
David Hayman Tom Hannaway
George Costigan Ann Artingstall
Joanna David Aunt Lizzie
Phyllida Law Pen Muff
Julia McKenzie Ellen Stansfield
Paola Dionisotti Jimmy Newboult
Steve Morley Lady Lettice
Elizabeth Counsell Mrs Ryerson
Sheila Reid Idris
Meredith Edwards Alice
Abigail McKern Gordon Stansfield
David Collings Charles
Geoffrey Burridge Hilda
Annie Hulley Hawley Artingstall
John Bryans Lord Lostwithiel
Robert Flemyng Amy Ryerson
Julia Sawalha Lillian Artingstall
Irene Sutcliffe Viscount Liskeard
William Whymper Birley Artingstall
Gorden Kaye Keir Hardie
Alex Norton
