When the Boat Comes In

When the Boat Comes In (1976-1981)

EndedScripted showDrama

When the Boat Comes In is a British television period-drama produced by the BBC between 1976 and 1981.

The series stars James Bolam as Jack Ford, a First World War veteran who returns to his poverty-stricken (fictional) town of Gallowshield in the North East of England. The series dramatises the political struggles of the 1920s and 1930s and explores the impact of national and international politics upon Ford and the people around him.

The memorable traditional tune "When The Boat Comes In" was adapted by David Fanshawe and sung by Alex Glasgow for the title theme of the series. Fanshawe also composed the incidental music.

The BBC revived the series in 1981, with the fourth series telling the story of Jack Ford as he returns to Britain penniless, after six years spent bootlegging in the United States, and follows him as he sets up in London.

Network
Scheduleevery Tuesday (50 min)

Last Episode

Roll of Honour
Season 4Episode 1050 min

Roll of Honour

Jack learns from Ceddie Corley that Scott-Palliser is planning to have him arrested for gunrunning. He sends Tania home, warns the ship's captain and goes ashore with the ship's steward, Raoul Savory. Jessie is shocked to discover that Scott-Palliser plans to give the guns to the Communists and not the Socialists. Raoul diverts the Communist convoy. Jack, Jessie, Billy and Raoul set off to deliver the guns to the socialists. They fight off Franco's Moorish cavalry, but Scott-Palliser is lying in wait and shoots Jack.

Apr 21, 1981

Recent Episodes

EpisodeNameAirdate
S04E10Roll of HonourApr 21, 1981
S04E09Comrades in ArmsApr 14, 1981
S04E08Action!Apr 7, 1981
S04E07The Bright Young ThingsMar 31, 1981
S04E06Friends, Romans, CountrymenMar 24, 1981
View all episodesView all seasons

Frequently Asked Questions  Warning: Spoilers

When did When the Boat Comes In premiere?

When the Boat Comes In premiered on January 8, 1976.

Who created When the Boat Comes In?

When the Boat Comes In was created by James Mitchell.

In what year is When the Boat Comes In set?

When the Boat Comes In is set in the years following the First World War.

What genre does When the Boat Comes In belong to?

When the Boat Comes In is a British television drama series.

Who starred in When the Boat Comes In?

James Bolam starred as Jack Ford, the series' main protagonist.

Where was When the Boat Comes In filmed?

When the Boat Comes In was filmed on location in the North East of England.

Which television network broadcasted When the Boat Comes In?

When the Boat Comes In was broadcast on the BBC.

How many episodes of When the Boat Comes In were produced?

When the Boat Comes In was produced for four seasons and a total of 40 episodes were filmed.

What was the reception of When the Boat Comes In?

When the Boat Comes In was a popular and critically acclaimed series, with a loyal fanbase.

What was the premise of When the Boat Comes In?

When the Boat Comes In follows the life of Jack Ford, who returns to his hometown after fighting in the war, and his struggle to establish himself and his family in the post-war era.

Where can I watch When the Boat Comes In?

When the Boat Comes In is not currently available for online streaming. However, it may be available through DVD/Blu-ray releases and other physical media.

Did When the Boat Comes In win any awards?

While it is difficult to find official sources that list all the awards When the Boat Comes In won, the series was praised by critics and received several nominations over the years.

Cast

John Nightingale

John Nightingale

plays Tom Seaton
James Bolam

James Bolam

plays Jack Ford
Susan Jameson

Susan Jameson

plays Jessie Ashton née Seaton
Malcolm Terris

Malcolm Terris

plays Matt Headley
Jean Heywood

Jean Heywood

plays Bella Seaton
James Garbutt

James Garbutt

plays Bill Seaton
Edward Wilson

Edward Wilson

plays Billy Seaton
Madelaine Newton

Madelaine Newton

plays Dolly
View all cast

Characters

Tom Seaton

Tom Seaton

played by John Nightingale
Jack Ford

Jack Ford

played by James Bolam
Jessie Ashton née Seaton

Jessie Ashton née Seaton

played by Susan Jameson
Matt Headley

Matt Headley

played by Malcolm Terris
Bella Seaton

Bella Seaton

played by Jean Heywood
Bill Seaton

Bill Seaton

played by James Garbutt
Billy Seaton

Billy Seaton

played by Edward Wilson
Dolly

Dolly

played by Madelaine Newton
View all characters

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