The Marriage Lines

Image: Richard Briers and Prunella Scales in the episode 'Party Mood'.

The first episode of Marriage Lines was broadcast on 16 August 1963. It launched the career of Prunella Scales and gave a significant boost to that of Richard Briers. The sitcom was written by Richard Waring for Briers, the two having previously worked together on Brothers in Law. Scales and Briers played Kate and George Starling, a young couple, in "a quizzical look at the early days of married life".

The sitcom reflected social attitudes of the time. George went out to work while Kate stayed behind looking after the home and - after the first season – baby Helen. George was drawn to his single life in the pub with his friends, while Kate became increasingly dissatisfied with her role. Although they constantly bickered there was real warmth in their relationship, which helped make the comedy a great success.

Marriage Lines finished in 1966 after 5 series, but was then adapted for the radio. Both leads went on to make a significant mark on television comedy. Scales starred in After Henry and created the memorable role of Sybil in Fawlty Towers. Briers carved out a niche for himself as a sitcom husband in smash hits The Good Life and Ever Decreasing Circles. He died in 2013.