Gone to the Dogs

1 9 9 1 (UK)
6 x 60 minute episodes

Lauren (Alison Steadman) is the bored wife of bombastic self-made multi-millionaire Larry Patterson (Warren Clarke). She hates their new posh house in the Essex countryside and wishes they could have stayed in Ilford.

Larry’s only interest outside work (a successful video business) is greyhound racing and his dream of producing a champion.

Perpetual loser Jim Morley (Jim Broadbent), recently released from prison (for dodging his Tube fare), was at school with Larry and was Lauren’s old school sweetheart – but he hasn’t done well for himself.

Now, his wife has thrown him out, and he lives with his son, Little Jim (“Loadsamoney” comedian Harry Enfield in his TV drama debut), who believes Larry can provide him with a meal ticket for life.

Poverty-stricken Jim plans to make some money and get his own back on Larry, but he needs Lauren’s help to make it succeed.

Sheila Hancock played Lauren’s mum, Jean, who enjoyed life to the full – using Larry’s money. Financial whizzkid Pilbeam (Martin Clunes) found life a bitch but intended to benefit from cash-rich Larry.

There were cameo roles for World Cup footballers Geoff Hurst, Martin Peters and Bobby Moore – and a three-legged greyhound called ‘Highland Fling’ (a dog called Jodie in real life).

This six-episode comedy-drama series from Central Television was written by Tony Grounds.

Most of the same cast returned in 1992 in Gone To Seed.

Jim Morley
Jim Broadbent
Lauren Patterson
Alison Steadman
Larry Patterson
Warren Clarke
Little Jim Morley
Harry Enfield
Margaret Morley
Rosemary Martin
Pilbeam
Martin Clunes
Stanley
Cliff Parisi
Popeye
Jon Strickland
Sophie
Julia St John
Jean
Sheila Hancock
Maid
Lisa Jacobs
Stretch
Walter Sparrow
Milkie
Andy Linden