The first in a series of short screen references to the R’s over the years, is from an early episode of the popular TV series, ‘Minder’ and titled, ‘The Bengal Tiger’ In it, Terry acts as a minder for an Asian Newsagent in West London. A group of Indians are seeking revenge over a proposed arranged wedding and fearing that his daughter is in danger, Arthur gets Terry to break into a basement flat. He bursts in and finds the girl in bed with her boyfriend. On display above the bed is a Rangers flag and a pennant. Terry reports back and is asked what he knows about him…… “Well he’s a QPR supporter.”
This episode is from 1979 and the Production ran to 10 Series and over a 100 episodes, finally finishing in the 90’s. Terry McCann is a Fulham fan and played by Denis Waterman. He is later replaced by Gary Webster who played the character of Ray Daley. Arthur Daley is played by George Cole and one of his regular lines soon crept into everyday language when he spoke about something being……”A Nice Little Earner”
Its also interesting to see so many West London locations featured regularly. Arthur’s Car Lot is in Hammersmith and the Winchester Club is in Portland Road, Notting Hill. The repeats are shown from time to time on the Paramount Channel.
Steve Russell
I dont remember that one, Steve. I was watching my mates, The Comic Strip Presents DVD the other day. There is an episode called The Crying Game, in which Keith Allen plays a Geordie football player who turns out to be gay. Anyway, alot of it is shot at LR. Apparently at half time of a match with Notts County during the season 90/91. Great shots of the Loft exploding – still standing then – and some exterier shots too. Def worth a look.
Remember it well Steve, always thought George Cole was brilliant as Arthur Daly, great series…Keep em coming!