Steptoe and Son - The Party - 4:55 pm Thursday, December 25 on That's TV

About this Broadcast

The Party
Season 7, Episode 8

Christmas special from 1973. Harold decides to spend the festive season in Majorca and promptly heads off to the travel agent - then faces the grim task of telling Albert he'll be alone for the holidays. When his plans fall through, he decides to throw a party at home instead. Starring Harry H Corbett, Wilfrid Brambell and Frank Thornton

Movie/Drama Sitcom

Cast & Crew

Harry H Corbett (Actor) .. Harold Steptoe

Wilfrid Brambell (Actor) .. Albert Steptoe

Frank Thornton (Actor) .. Travel Agent

Arnold Diamond (Actor) .. Man in Travel Agency

Mary Barclay (Actor) .. Woman in Travel Agency

Valerie Bell (Actor) .. First Girl at Party

Peter Hughes (Actor) .. First man at party

Peter Thornton (Actor) .. Second Man

Jenny Cox (Actor) .. Second Girl

Sue Walker (Actor) .. Third Girl

Shirley Hafey (Actor) .. Fourth Girl

Graeme Muir (Producer)

Ray Galton (Writer)

Alan Simpson (Writer)

More Information

Did You Know..

Harry H Corbett (Actor) .. Harold Steptoe

Wilfrid Brambell (Actor) .. Albert Steptoe

Frank Thornton (Actor) .. Travel Agent

Born: January 15, 1921 in London

Best Known For: Are You Being Served? and Last of the Summer Wine.

Early-life: Frank Thornton Ball was born in London on January 15, 1921 to Rosina and William. Frank wanted to act from an early age but his father encouraged him to have a more stable job, so he began working in insurance after leaving school. He took evening classes at the London School of Dramatic Art and after two years, he was invited to become a day student. During the Second World War, Frank was evacuated with the drama school and his first job was touring with four plays in Ireland. He joined the RAF as an airman and ended the war as an officer. After leaving the RAF in 1947, Frank joined a repertory company. He made his film debut in Radio Cab Murder (1954).

Career: Thornton went on to become a familiar face on TV, specialising in comedy. He made guest appearances in Hancock, Sykes, The Goodies, Love Thy Neighbour and Steptoe and Son. He is best known for playing Captain Peacock in the BBC sitcom Are You Being Served? He reprised his role for the spin-off series Grace & Favour. In 1997, he joined the cast of Last of the Summer Wine as Herbert `Truly" Truelove, a role he played until 2010. He also appeared in Robert Altman's Gosford Park (2001). Thornton died peacefully in his sleep on March 16, 2013. He was 92.

Quote: From Are You Being Served?: "Mr Humphries, are you free?"

Trivia: Thornton was nominated of an Olivier Award for his performance in the musical Me and My Girl.