On the Buses doc - Rare archive interviews with Reg Varney, Anna Karen, Stephen Lewis

[@davidluck4608]

Stephen Lewis is buried in St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Leyton. His epitaph on his memorial stone is “He took the last bus to the Cemetery Gates” …… a True Legend😇

[@NotMarkKnopfler]

What a shame Anna was lost under such tragic circumstances. Thank you for ensuring that this documentary was released and that her story, and the stories and memories of the other cast members, are placed on record.

[@chrisblay]

On the Buses very much represents a time of British comedy that will never be repeated. I watched them as a child and they are still as funny today. Absolutely classic British humour, that was innocent and so cleverly written.

[@jessiejames7492]

Couldnt have put it any differently. I still watch it today on yourube. I still laugh

[@jessiejames7492]

@King Royal unfunny?

[@eddkennedy6458]

You're correct never be repeated in the ridiculous woke world today.

[@fatwalletboy2]

This film is a gem. Great interviews. The smile Stephen Lewis put on peoples faces just turning up in the uniform was totally palpable.....wonderful stuff.

[@debbieanne7962]

For some reason you came on my feed tonight. I'm 61 and Australian. I love On The Buses. Vaguely remember the series when I was a child. An On The Buses movie came on TV here a few years ago which made me laugh my arse off. I went out and bought the entire series on DVD. My 56 year old partner was introduced and he loved it. I have to get my 41 year old son to watch the DVDs as he knows nothing about it. Great to see snippets of the interviews with Stephen Lewis, Anna Karen and Reg Varney. Actually Stephen and Bob Grant wrote some great episodes. Love the comedy of the time, also Benny Hill. Guess these days you wouldn't get away with it. IMO good clean fun and I'm glad I was privileged enough to see it. Thank God for DVDs and the magic of KZbin

[@animalsplayground2023]

It was lovely to see footage of Stephen and Reg years after On The Buses. I really wish I'd had the opportunity to meet them both. They were absolute comedy legends. I'm going to visit Reg's grave soon to lay some flowers. They are both greatly missed. God bless and thank you for the many years of laughter 😃

[@David-uf8ex]

What a lovely tribute to these wonders of comedy . todays lot don't hold a candle to them

[@shaunigothictv1003]

Reg Varney looked stunning in his 80's. They all gave me so many great memories. The scriptswriters, directors and producers of the tv series were excellent.

[@westaussie965]

Men can’t look stunning!😂

[@PaulieMac77]

Rest in peace Anna Reg and Stephen thank you for bringing us so much joy and laughter

[@wizardoz905]

I love all the older Brit sitcoms…. Love all those characters too and miss them…

[@80srenaissance67]

Even Steven Lewis doing Blakey for 5 seconds made me smile and chuckle ... what a show what a cast

[@christopheradderley45]

"On the buses" was such good fun, full of wonderful actors and actresses. I still watch it daily on ITV3. I love the episode when the family believe that Ma has won a foreign holiday for two. Stan and Arthur are bickering with each other over who'll go with her. Stan: "Well, I'm her son so I should go". Arthur: "Yes, but I'm her son-in-law, that means I've got the law on my side" 🧡

[@piercebrosnan9528]

The BBC have said they are going to be altering all old shows to fit today's audience, absolute disgrace.

[@paulwild3676]

The films are great. They always remind me of Bank Holidays. We always used to watch those then go out for the day in the 70s. Those and Genevieve. Wonderful memories.

[@richardsmith1737]

@@piercebrosnan9528 They might as well just take them down if they're going to be censored what's the point if people are sensitive to that old school humour just don't watch it

[@Eleventhearlofmars]

@@piercebrosnan9528the bbc have become a disgrace now. They are as woke as they come. Infact wokery was probably a bbc invention . Ohhhh the wokey cokey. 😂

[@harrybrown3657]

Loved on the buses.. Great cast. Blakey was played brilliantly.

[@Melbournelost66]

I was in Primary school 72 to 78 Melbourne, Australia and I loved On The Buses as a child. I would ask my mum if I could stay up to watch On the Buses and I can tell you that when I went to school all my school mates watched it too and loved to impersonate Blakey saying I hate you Butler. Reg Varney was right in saying it was big in Australia as the series was much loved down under. Nothing beats British comedy!

[@cafsixtieslover]

RIP Olive the last one left. I have the whole box set and the films. I watch them all the time.

[@dbaggins1159]

An absolute delight to see Ronnie Wolfe again, both him and his wife were such lovely people. He helped me tremendously in life and I never got to thank him for it before he passed away. Thank you for this footage! Thank you thank you!

[@tonewheel1773]

There`s nothing for me to say, other than what an enlightening documentary this is. I`m so glad I came across it today. Thank you.

[@RABBITANDSNAIL]

Wow, thank you!

[@adammoss5284]

@@RABBITANDSNAIL It is.. it's superb. Thank you

[@davidcoleman6032]

Absolutely loved on the buses,the series and the films, just so glad it all came about when it did.Absolute classics, brilliantly written and acted.Bought happiness and laughter to millions!Thankyou to EVERYONE involved!👍❤

[@chloebrill4924]

RIP Anna karen such a tragic loss

[@Eleventhearlofmars]

RIP to all the cast virtually of on the buses.

[@blockhead204]

Absolutely fascinating to see and listen to these wonderful artists who brought us so much laughter. Thanks for showing such respect to them all and putting this film together.

[@josiequintela7238]

I absolutely loved On the Buses while growing up, I certainly miss British & Aussie comedy. 🇦🇺🇬🇧🥰🥂

[@paulmartin4971]

Absolutely brilliant can't wait for more, it's hard to believe only Anna is left now.

[@summerlouisesquires6124]

Stan: THE GREEN

[@stevenc5227]

Well I'm not surprised, it was fifty years ago, i wont be here in 50 years.

[@melgrant7404]

@@stevenc5227 obviously bob went before his time. Michael Robbins had prostate cancer.

[@Colsoloact-po9wv]

Yh when you think that the last time they were all together was when they were on Wogan and the show was supposed to be coming back! Never happened sadly......how it would have played out these days we will never know!

[@garybrockwell2031]

Anna is great, always been doing 🗣️👍bless her , and REST WITH THE BEST 🌟💯🇬🇧🆘✌️🙏😍😘💯🌟😁😁 THANKS. On the Buses,. Rip

[@minekara6407]

Now that Anna has passed away very tragically all the cast of gone. Great show of my childhood

[@ianvicedomini2648]

It's fantastic to see such amazing interviews. I miss those days dearly.

[@colinwilliams553]

35:58, Didn't realize how good (I mean Great) a piano player he was.He was such a talented man.He was more than just the character of Stan Butler.R.I.P, Reg Varney.

[@wayneperry7413]

A brilliant artist too, by all accounts

[@mikecartlidge5355]

Loved On The Buses right from day one and this documentary is a wonderful tribute to the actors who took part.

[@richardevans7035]

My all time favourite comedy I remember as a child watching this with my late Grandad who used to laugh all the way through the programme, I still watch it most mornings on itv 3

[@mikerhodes8778]

What a wonderful insightful video. Thank you, always a treat to see actor as themselves rather than in character. Anna is a brilliant actress and Stephen, not only a great actor but wonderful writer too. Loved seeing Reg at the piano, I never knew he was so musical, I miss Bob grant, the loud mouthed, toothy grinned, lecherous clippy.. or not actually, in real life he was well spoken and a gentleman. Such a shame he took his life, he was more loved than he knew. RIP to all the lost cast and crew

[@billrankin]

On the buses is a timeless classic

[@FiveLiver]

Time travels so fast, even the act of talking to people about their past soon becomes its own nostalgia. It's almost as if time stopped in 2000.

[@steveoshow4832]

Stephen Lewes, what a brilliant comedy character he created, every scene he was in sizzled. Great assemble cast but it’s Blakey that’s seared into the national consciousness😎👌

[@elmerfudd6305]

I loved the whole series and got it on DVD, loved the whole cast, it's so funny I can watch it over and over again,, and the three on the buses movies were just brilliant, comedy gold..!!

[@RockyValentino2013]

My kids loved watching on the buses especially the films. Great memories! Rest in peace Blakey xx

[@stephenchecksfield632]

Absolutely brilliant throughly enjoyed watching this sad to think that Anna Karen is the only one still alive but also a lovely tribute to Reg Varney Stephen Lewis Bob Grant Doris Hare and Michael Robbins and all the on the buses cast

[@DazzleMonroe]

Sadly, not anymore. Anna passed away Tuesday night in a house fire 😢

[@techiescrapper]

She just died in a fire yesterday…so so sad. She was 82.

[@DazzleMonroe]

@@techiescrapper it was Tuesday and she was 85, but yeah, very sad.

[@NcboreasVapes]

Their names will never be forgotten and neither will their incredible talent. Thank you so much for this material.

[@patrickstocks3576]

RIP Anna Karen 👼🏽✝️😇😢🙏

[@sunboycold9164]

My whole family used to sit around our little B&W TV and laughed from start to finish...Happy days...

[@Chris-pv2ht]

What a wonderful documentaries you done for on the buses. I have so found memories as a child watching them and excited when one day I went to Maynards and bought the board game, I can still remember that time. I still watch the films from time to time, that cheeky British comedy we have. Life is so much better with comedy in our lives especially at the moment what with Covid and now the scandalous loss of life and possible freedoms in Ukraine. Its nice to keep this history alive and hopefully younger generation can enjoy them, so what if they not political correct it's of a different time when people had fun

[@egonrhoodie2745]

Thanks for these amazing interviews grew up watching On the Buses in Knightsbridge London warm memories Blessings and happy thoughts!🤳🎭🎥🎬🎉😇🙏

[@stevebarber9805]

Iam 55 now but on the buses was the best just loved it and i lived down the rd from wood green bus depot and used to watch them filming never get fed of watching it r.i.p on the buses

[@richardbelton919]

Thank you so much Morris, for having the foresight to interview these humble stars of our childhood. Make no mistake about it 'On The Buses' was an 'institution' in it's day, being loved by millions of viewers. Despite that however, shows like this seemed to fall out of favour for a few years, but fortunately now, people are appreciating them for what they were - very funny. My dad was a bus driver, and I can confirm that it was extremely true to life indeed! I'm going to watch the full interviews now.

[@andyrob3259]

He was a lovely down to earth group that grew old graceful (many stars fight it and it’s sad) and always willing to talk to fans. Specially Stan.

[@christinemurphy8576]

Grandma took me and my sister to see Reg Varney at the theatre in Peasholm Park, Scarborough when we were on holiday in the early sixties. His show was hilarious and also showcased his musical skills. Never forgotten that experience!

[@markwegner6821]

My favourite show. Even now. Predictable characters, and a ton of jokes. This, Are you being served, and 'still game' from Scotland allow me to mellow out without having to think too much. I know the characters, the jokes and treat them all like best mates. God bless 💎

[@timpurchese8043]

My dad was the sound recordist on first and second film his name was John Purchese

[@RABBITANDSNAIL]

I bet he had a lot of great stories to tell.

[@davidorton4487]

I've always been a massive On the buses die hard fan. It was very interesting to hear that Maurices young son loved watching the buses, my young kids were exactly the same. Just proves how amazing the series actually was. Thank you guys for the memories. Dave

[@lyndasoar4345]

This is great... R & R interview included. Thank you.

[@lizreader6612]

Really interesting .. thanks for doing this

[@RABBITANDSNAIL]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@waynekeeler3901]

R.I.P. all the actors actresses and writers. This is a Gem in The British Comedy Crown its aged well. Never be repeated. One comedy to leave as it is. No Sequels Prequels

[@neildelaney5199]

My Father worked "on the Buses" in Bristol during the 1960s, and used to say that who ever wrote this comedy must have worked in a Bus Depot,,as the stories were very lifelike, Then perhaps many work places were like this way back then?

[@rscosworthfan]

r,i p anna karen tragically killed in a housefire in her london home today aged 85

[@MrSulzerboy]

Wonderful funny people. Such happy days and great memories.

[@RoyJenkinsPacker]

Thanks for sharing, brings back great memories.

[@LynnEbury-k7s]

A Favourite comedy from the 70's❤❤😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@williamjohnbedford5776]

Always have and always will love ON THE BUSES. A British institution. REST PEACEFULLY ALL. LOVE YOU.

[@chloesdad1000]

Where are all the quality writers today, this and obviously Steptoe, Rising Damp, Fawlty and Only Fools and numerous others in the 1970's and 1980's when I grew up set the bench mark and now no one can touch them. Nice to see Reg on the piano brought a lump to my throat.

[@mickpowell8503]

Sadly killed off by the PC brigade. You can't have a laugh anymore. People take acting for an affront, they have forgotten why it's called acting and are outraged if a person from a certain background plays anything that isn't them. Can you imagine the howls today if a white man played an Indian as per Michael bates? Back then we just laughed. A sad world it has become.

[@sportsonline-emma7358]

Quite brilliant. Kudos to the guys for putting this together. Looking very much forward to the full-length doco. I'm still unsure why Reg Varney and Michael Robbins left the program when they did? Had they thought that it had run its course? Terribly sad about Bob Grant. A wonderful show recalling the days before the woke nonsense which currently afflicts us.

[@kevinrh15000]

From 2:31 to 2:59 omg!! Stephen Lewis morphs into Blakey!! That transformation is just incredible to watch. Utterly brilliant!!

[@MegaAlbeagle]

Moved to Uk 17 years ago and in the recent years I discovered on the buses , I just rewatched the whole series again I love old British comedy , I am a great great fan on only fools abs horses and On the buses Pure simple gold comedy Amazing Thank you to all actors and thank you for this documentary , I feel very sad about some of the actors couldn’t find work after the show

[@jessiejames7492]

Hes so talented. Reg varney. Such a delightful character

[@fmruksf6614]

On the buses British comedy at it,s best.Thank u for this👍🇬🇧

[@jeremyhaines4481]

Excellent I love on the Buses

[@alank2296]

Many thanks for posting, loved on the buses in particular Reg Varney, an absolutely delightful chap, Morris thank you for giving us a wonderful retro glimpse of a great series ......

[@dougmorris2134]

A great documentary, thank you. On The Buses was one of my Dad's favourite TV programmes as he had been a bus driver in Tunbridge Wells in the 1950s and it brought back memories of his time with Maidstone & District, my Dad, Jim and his conductor Eric. I loved the programmes and films too. I have sat it the drivers seat of an London Transport MCW double decker in the car park at the Didcot Railway Centre in the early 1990s, but sadly never driven one.

[@christopheradderley45]

Great comment Doug. I very much enjoyed reading the lovely memories that you've shared with us. Thankyou.

[@DazzleMonroe]

RIP dear Anna Karen 😢

[@Bulletguy07]

This was a thoroughly enjoyable little documentary and brought back wonderful memories. Great to hear from the producers, Anna, Stephen and Stan, and Bob is sadly missed but never can be forgotten. Michael Robbins also had passed before you did the interviews. I still watch the movies whenever they are on tv even though I know them that well I can virtually recite the actors lines!! They still make me laugh.

[@markriley5863]

I loved Stephen Lewis. His Blakey character was a major source of happiness in my childhood. I am now 58.

[@oldfatbastad6053]

GET THAT BUS OUT 😆

[@stevenbateman9597]

Fantastic Thank you very much I have followed on the busses ever since the first series came out I am still watching them now at the age of 67 still laughing as much as when they were first shown

[@adriangreen6675]

Brilliant video. On the Buses good clean fun and enjoyable entertainment and still is all these years on

[@geoffunwin196]

I wrote the theme tune (and the lyrics) for On The Buses. I am the only one of the original team alive today (September, 2023)

[@philipTOMPSETT]

Superb. Great to see the real folk behind some of my favourite childhood characters. Thank you.

[@chrisabraham8793]

Such great days of TV and entertainment, the stars of that time will be sadly missed.

[@stephenlevant4033]

Splendid, just splendid.

[@Sol-Cutta]

2002 Stephen Lewis..still impeccable as Blakey..fascinatingly fun.

[@HobbiesAndSunshine]

What a treat this has been. Thank you so much.

[@RABBITANDSNAIL]

You are so welcome!

[@markriley5863]

Seeing those clips of Reg Varney I just want to give him a big hug for all the joy he brought me as a nipper.

[@zentafergiefergie7044]

You can't beat English comedy 🦋🌹so many great comedians and shows mash from America was great to

[@dieseldavetrains8988]

An evening family ritual, sit down, bag of lollies and watch on the buses and then laugh our guts out, thank you Reg and the team for so much. Loved Stephen Lewis also in "Last of the Summer Wine", he done well in that too.

[@RABBITANDSNAIL]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@kevinhoughton9134]

Loved this, I am a big fan of On The Buses, I hope I look as well as Reg Varney when I'm 88, if I live that long that is!

[@michaelpeckover6047]

Very enjoyable watch, great show

[@h15c0r3r]

I still love On the Buses and it’s good to know I’m not alone. 😁

[@alanwitton5980]

Great viewing! Wonderful memories of an iconic comedy series

[@janeeccleston9196]

Wonderful watch-Thank you 👍🏼

[@kathryndalton9867]

I loved REG VARNEY.

[@GeoffreyPheasantFilm]

Thank you gentlemen for your wonderful hard work and sharing all this with us. Sometimes in the world of media and life "the stars align" and something special is created. It's only when writing, casting, performance and production beautifully merge together at the same point in time, and the talent and professionalism of all those involved is able to create pure entertainment, that was "On The Buses" True to say, "On The Buses" wasn't fine art or in anyway groundbreaking, but it was a wonderful ensemble piece of 1970s entertainment.

[@dawnfinch8232]

Yes my mum and me queued up outside our Odeon to watch the on the buses movies 🥰

[@michaelholmes4374]

Lovely documentary I miss the gang of on the buses

[@ronmccullock1407]

Shame they never got an interview with Bob Grant

[@stevenc5227]

Bob grant was typecast and he struggled to get work after on the buses, committed suicide 2003, so guess he was in no state of mind for an interview. But here is an interview with him as already mentioned kzbin.info/www/bejne/rWmQf31siK2tZpI&ab_channel=grodvin

[@keithrose6931]

Sad .

[@johnseven3695]

@Russell Collier that wasn't his fault, he was "type cast"

[@recall2880]

There’s a very sad interview on KZbin with Bob Grant. Just type in Bob Grant interview. He explains about his mental health and he starts crying. Very very sad. One good thing about social media today had he still been here he would of realised he was massively loved by everyone.

[@susandoig4192]

Bob grant was a brilliant actor so underrated

[@TonyKeepingItClean]

What a bloody marvellous documentary. Thank you very much for sharing this with us. ❤

[@malcolmdivorty6852]

A great video of one of my favorite British comedy shows. Loved Stan’s character.

[@charlotteosman7328]

What an amazing video, how beautiful was Reg he came across so lovely and how good did he look at 88, and also olive and blakey they to were nice people and the way Steven Lewis spoke so different to his character THANK YOU SO MUCH RABBIT AND SNAIL X Charlotte please dig out some more of this sort of thing if you have it 🙏🤗💞🤗❤️

[@RABBITANDSNAIL]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@PaulLea]

Loved watching that clip. It brought back hsppy memories watching On The Buses on TV in New Zealand when i was a kid. Cheers 4 putting it on You Tube..... 🤪I 'ate you Butler🤣.

[@ninjabluewings]

Reg Varney & Stephen Lewis never aged, considering Reg was around 90 when he passed he looked just the same and still had that full thick head of hair too and Stephen always looked the same for decades

[@trudyseeker3550]

Loved it !!! I'm 71 now from N. Z XXXX

[@debbiepaterson2199]

Rip to you all from on the Buses thank you for all the wonderful memories xx

[@knownpleasures]

The first film spin off was England’s most popular film at the box office in 1971

[@lddixon2394]

Sublime. Thank you for this archive gold.

[@flatcapcaferacer]

Spectacular interview and a great way to say thank you.

[@jackwright8921]

What a great comedy on the buses was absolutely fantastic much better than what we have on TV now and the films are great I have all on dvd

[@Sol-Cutta]

What's great is Stephen Lewis was almost Blakey in last of the summer wine too.