Hark at Barker
Series Overview
Hark at Barker is a 1969 British programme combining elements of sitcom and sketch show, which starred Ronnie Barker. It was made for the ITV network by LWT. Each show began with a spoof news item read by Barker as a continuity announcer. He would then introduce the main part of the programme, a lecture to be given by Lord Rustless on a different topic each week from his stately home, Chrome Hall. Helped and hindered by Rustless' secretary Bates, his Butler Badger, his bad-tempered Cook, his incoherent gardener Dithers and his buxom, near-mute maid Effie, these lectures invariably degenerated into farce, and were frequently interrupted by comic sketches on film or videotape which also starred Barker in various roles. Barker reprised the role of Lord Rustless in the BBC series His Lordship Entertains, and played very similar characters in Futtock's End and the Two Ronnies specials The Picnic and By the Sea.
Broadcast Schedule & Network Information
Airing status, episode counts, upcoming schedule, and network syndication.
2 Seasons • 15 Episodes
30 min per episode
1969 – 1970
Premiered: Fri, Apr 11, 1969
Ronnie Barker
Alun OwenLatest Aired Episode
Season 2, Episode 7: “Rustless on Sport”
Seasons & Episodes Breakdown
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
Hark At Barker - Phoebe Mckreebie Beebie
Type: Clip • Published 2024-07-04
Cast & Creators
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Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Ronnie Barker, Alun Owen
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
PG: Parental Guidance — Unlikely to upset children 8 and older.
International Certification Matrix
Parental Guidance — Unlikely to upset children 8 and older.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Hark at Barker.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Hark at Barker
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What is Hark at Barker about?
Hark at Barker is a 1969 British programme combining elements of sitcom and sketch show, which starred Ronnie Barker. It was made for the ITV network by LWT. Each show began with a spoof news item read by Barker as a continuity announcer. He would then introduce the main part of the programme, a lecture to be given by Lord Rustless on a different topic each week from his stately home, Chrome Hall. Helped and hindered by Rustless' secretary Bates, his Butler Badger, his bad-tempered Cook, his incoherent gardener Dithers and his buxom, near-mute maid Effie, these lectures invariably degenerated into farce, and were frequently interrupted by comic sketches on film or videotape which also starred Barker in various roles. Barker reprised the role of Lord Rustless in the BBC series His Lordship Entertains, and played very similar characters in Futtock's End and the Two Ronnies specials The Picnic and By the Sea.
How many seasons does Hark at Barker have?
Hark at Barker comprises 2 seasons available to explore.
Who stars in Hark at Barker?
Key cast members in Hark at Barker include Ronnie Barker, Josephine Tewson, Frank Gatliff, Mary Baxter, David Jason.
Who created or directed Hark at Barker?
Hark at Barker was developed and directed by Ronnie Barker, Alun Owen.