Fame Is the Spur

The story

A chronicle of three working-class Manchester lads and their descendants spanning from 1877 to the onset of the Second World War. Hamer Shawcross' youthful socialist zeal soon converts to personal ambition, exploiting the Labour movement to become an MP, marrying well and eventually entering the House of Lords. Arnold Ryerson is the sensitive and courageous pioneer of Trade Union growth. Tom Hannaway is a perky opportunist who progresses from rag-and-bone man to tycoon and a knighthood following his own self-help philosophy.

The seasons

Season 1 Miniseries 1982 · 8 episodes Season details＋

Jan. 8, 1982

A chronicle of three working-class Manchester lads and their descendants spanning from 1877 to the onset of the Second World War.

Cast

T Tim Pigott-SmithHamer Shawcross D David HaymanArnold Ryerson J Joanna DavidAnn Artingstall P Phyllida LawAunt Lizzie P Paola DionisottiEllen Stansfield J Julia McKenziePen Muff G George CostiganTom Hannaway S Sheila ReidMrs Ryerson E Elizabeth CounsellLady Lettice S Steve MorleyJimmy Newboult M Meredith EdwardsIdris D David CollingsGordon Stansfield

See more cast

J Julia SawalhaAmy Ryerson G Gorden KayeBirley Artingstall J John BryansHawley Artingstall I Irene SutcliffeLillian Artingstall A Annie HulleyHilda R Robert FlemyngLord Lostwithiel W William WhymperViscount Liskeard A Alex NortonKeir Hardie G Geoffrey BurridgeCharles A Abigail McKernAlice E Esmond KnightOld Etchells J John LlewellynYoung Hamer A Andrew DaviesYoung Arnold W Warren O'NeillFrankie Ryerson P Paul Oldham1st Boy M Michael Le Vell2nd Boy A Anthony DouseRichardson K Kenneth MidwoodDoctor S Susan EdmonstonePolly A Avis BunnageMrs Muff M Mitzi McKenzieCustomer L Louisa LivingstonGirl in Clinic J Jean ChannonWoman in Clinic V Victoria Hardcastle1st Factory Woman R Rita Lester2nd Factory Woman D David PinnerChairman J John FlintGamekeeper B Brian SouthwoodReporter R Reg PritchardParry Powell A Andrew DunfordEvan S Susie FairfaxNell N Norman MitchellPoliceman D David HansonReturning Officer J Jode GriffithsYoung Alice C Caroline HarringtonAnnie Kenney N Novak JovicYoung Charles G Gordon SalkilldChairman C Charles PembertonPC P Pamela MantNurse A Angela RooksWardress J John ColcloughReporter J Jeremy Hodson1st Loafer C Colin Sharp2nd Loafer A Andrew Readman3rd Loafer A Alan MasonPrison Doctor E Elizabeth StewartPrison Officer R Richard BebbCabinet Minister A Alan CollinsWill D Derek FukeVernon H Hugh MortonPendleton R Robert HartleyReturning Officer D Doel LuscombeReturning Officer