1 9 9 0 (UK)
7 x 30 minute episodes
1 9 9 2 (UK)
7 x 30 minute episodes
The drunk and debauched 18th-century Squire Haggard (Keith Barron) was a womanising, destitute former friend of the Prince of Wales, optimistically searching for rich men willing to part with their money and rich, beautiful women willing to part with their virtue.
His handsome son, Roderick (Reece Dinsdale), a typical Regency Buck, fell in love very easily. The objects of his desire just happened to be very beautiful Ladies of Quality who were heiresses to large fortunes.
Desperate to restore the family fortune, Squire Haggard often used his son in his get-rich-quick schemes but Roderick’s foolishness usually brought his father’s schemes undone.
Their sly underhanded and ambitious servant, Grunge (Sam Kelly), despised his put-upon position in life and, through guile and other means, had acquired more wealth than his master.
His money, however, was often at stake as the Squire involved Grunge in his plots.
Guests included William Simons, Sara Crowe, John Nettleton, Leslie Ash, Sue Devaney, Milton Johns, Isla Blair, Colin Jeavons, Peter Gilmore, John Fortune and Ronald Lacey.
The series – produced by Yorkshire Television – was adapted by master comedy writer Eric Chappell from Squire Haggard’s Journal, a 1976 book by author, journalist and sportswriter Michael Green, best known for his humourous series of 12 books on how to be a successful failure at a variety of occupations and recreations, beginning in the 1960s with The Art of Coarse Rugby.
Critics were not kind, describing Haggard as “Black Adder without jokes” and suggesting the cast looked like they were having more fun than the viewers at home. Nonetheless, a second series of seven episodes was produced in 1992.
Squire Haggard
Keith Barron
Roderick
Reece Dinsdale
Grunge
Sam Kelly
Episodes
Haggard at Bay | Eye of Newt | Daring Deeds | The Bellman | The Great Lover | Strategems | Affair of Honour || The Claimant |
Beau Haggard | Mad Jack | Orlando’s Revenge | Just Cause | Wicked Lady | Condemned