1 9 8 1 (UK)
6 x 30 minute episodes
Not to be confused with the epic American miniseries telling Alex Haley’s story about the slave Kunta Kinte, this six-part ITV comedy series featured newly qualified Jewish dentist Melvin Solomons (Allan Corduner), whose true love didn’t lie in root canals and cavities.
Melvin wanted to be an artist, but the notion was anathema to his parents, Harry (Stanley Meadows) – who owned a clothing company – and Nettie (Joy Shelton,) who believed dentistry to be a more honourable profession.
Forsaking his practice (except for one session a week) he became an art student.
His nice Jewish fiancée broke off their engagement and, because of his now-depleted income, he also had to give up his bachelor pad and return to live in his parents’ home.
The six episodes traced Melvin’s transition from dentist to artist and the ongoing conflict with his parents.
Melvin Solomons
Allan Corduner
Harry Solomons
Stanley Meadows
Nettie Solomons
Joy Shelton
Melanie Goldblatt
Lesley Joseph
Howard
John Levitt
Episodes
The Post Graduate | Exodus | East of Ilford | Close Up | Doctor? No! | Extraordinary People