'Oh, Doctor Beeching' was the last sitcom to be written by David Croft ( in collaboration with Richard Splendlove among many others ). It featured the usual motley crew who usually appear in David Croft sitcoms, such as Su Pollard as ticket office clerk Ethel Schuman, Paul Shane as station porter Jack Skinner and Jeffrey Holland as the stationmaster Cecil Parkin ( all of whom appeared in 'Hi-De-Hi' and 'You Rang M'Lord' ).As was common with David Croft sitcoms, 'Oh, Doctor Beeching' is set in the past, 1963 to be precise. The crew of Hatley Station are horrified to learn that 2000 stations are under the threat of closure from what was known at that time as 'The Beeching Axe' and that their station may be one of them.Other characters included Jack's sexy wife May ( Sherrie Hewson in the pilot and Julia Deakin in the series ), who once had a fling with Cecil, then there's the grumpy signal master Harry Lambert ( Stephen Lewis, who sadly passed away last week ), station dogsbody Wilfrid ( Paul Aspden ) who is also Ethel's son, clumsy train operators Thomas ( Ivor Roberts ) and Ralph ( Perry Benson ), busybody Vera Plumtree ( Barbara New ) and May's lovely daughter Gloria ( Lindsay Grimshaw ) who is believed to be Cecil's illegitimate daughter.It was a typical offering from the cast and crew of the likes of 'Hi-De-Hi' and 'You Rang M'Lord', not excellent but amusing and pleasant to watch nonetheless. The cast were faultless, particularly Paul Shane and Julia Deakin. Stephen Lewis played Harry in much the same way as he played Blakey in Ronald Wolfe and Ronald Chesney's wonderful 'On The Buses'. Even his uniform was identical to that of Blakey's. Windsor Davies made a guest appearance in the final episode as the Mayor of Clumberfield. Hugh Lloyd also made an appearance as Ernie the bus driver.One episode was entitled 'The Train Now Standing' which ironically was the very same name for a now forgotten ITV sitcom starring Bill Fraser as the porter for a failing railway station.Only two series were ever made. The final episode ended with unanswered questions. Was the station closed down or did it manage to survive 'The Beeching Axe'? Perhaps it was left open ended as the cast and crew hoped it would return for a third series, but sadly it was not to be. Both series are out on DVD and makes enjoyable viewing for those of us who like inoffensive care-free comedies.

This is a fine example of fine British humour. Every character is clearly defined, and each one adds something to the whole.I suspect that many Americans would not enjoy it. They seem to prefer more slapstick comedy, whereas this sitcom is funny because the characters work off one another.Indeed, British humour has changed so much recently, that I'm sure many younger viewers would find it difficult to relate to the subtle humour of this story.However, if you do like this series, then you must check out "You Rang M'Lord" It's a totally different story, but many of the same actors.

This is a very underrated show, I really don't know why as it's so much fun! Many people think it's less funny than David Croft's other work such as Hidehi and You Rang M'lord, but I would hasten to disagree. The first few episodes are a little slow to get going, but after that it becomes hilarious! Series 2 is even better than Series 1, and I feel that if it had been allowed a 3rd series, it could have become a huge hit! The sunny setting is great and the characters are all wonderful - the Skinner family run Hatley station & take care of all the other staff - potty Ethel & her equally potty son Wilfred; predatory Vera Plumtree whose husband ("he was an engine driver you know") is now deceased, and therefore she now goes for anything in trousers! May Skinner is also a bit of a flirt, especially when new Station Master Cecil Parkin arrives and she realises that he is in fact her old flame - and possibly the father of her teenage daughter Gloria!!! Harry Lambert is a hilarious character, especially in episodes such as "Action Stations" where the staff all have to do role plays to prepare for the visit of Dr Beeching himself! A great series, full of slapstick fun!

Thats Yorkshire for right good, and it was, l have all the episodes on tape and l watch them over and over again, given more time this would have been a classic sit com, as it is it`s a really good one.Holland, Shane, & Pollard try and suceed, as does the rest of the cast, l love the way May in the Buffet always said how nice Mr Parkin was-l would think!..it was funny...pity if finished...but l enjoy the episodes that were made... 8/10