Sam

1973 - United Kingdom

Gritty drama set in Yorkshire which, over three series, followed the fortunes of Sam Wilson from boy to man. 

After his father set sail to Canada with another woman 10 year old Sam and his mother, Dora (Barbara Ewing), were forced to settle in the small mining community of Skellerton. There young Sam's life revolved around his close relatives, grandfather, aunts and uncles all of whom faced various hardships such as unemployment or poverty. By the age of 14 Sam was forced to earn a living by working down the mines, but eventually he rebelled against his expected fate and ran away to sea. He eventually returned, took a job in an engineering factory, married Sarah Corby and settled down in the town of Golwick, although he never forgot his roots or the hardships he faced through the 1930s and 1940s. 

The young Sam Wilson was played by Kevin Moreton in series one whilst the grown-up Sam was played by future Taggart star Mark McManus.

Below is the original TV Times article that introduced the series in June 1973:


Published on September 2nd, 2019. Written by Noel Onely for Television Heaven.

Read Next...

Classic children's story shown over thirteen episodes concerning the Hensman brothers, Robin, John and Harold, who spend eight months living as outlaws in the forest of Brendon Chase.

Also tagged Childrens Drama

Adapted from the highly successful novel/play/film by successful writing team Keith Waterhouse and Willis Hall, this version of Billy Liar was updated by them to make it more relevant to the early 1970s.

Also released in 1973

Two fictional detectives go off in search of clues to one of the world's greatest unsolved cases.

Also released in 1973

Children's fantasy/paranormal drama series. When the Clare family moves into an old Bristol townhouse, the children discover a mysterious sealed room - and the skeleton inside.

Also tagged Childrens Drama

John Masefield's enchanting children's fantasy The Box of Delights, tells the story of a young boy whose chance meeting with a Punch-and-Judy man leads him to a world where almost anything is possible.

Also tagged Childrens Drama

Scientists are being kidnapped and taken to an undersea world.

Also tagged Childrens Drama

A 12-year old boy overhears two sinister men plotting to assassinate their country's ruler.

Also tagged Childrens Drama

BBC children's series about a mischievous 12 year-old girl, Penelope Arbuckle, and her imaginary witch friend who only Penelope (and the TV audience) could see.

Also released in 1973

A male student shares a flat with two attractive girls with hilarious consequences.

Also released in 1973