Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em - Casting

Casting

Ronnie Barker and Norman Wisdom were the BBC's first and second choices for the role of Frank. However the casting of Crawford proved effective, as many of Frank's mannerisms and turns of phrase were invented by the actor, and his stunt-performing and singing skills were undoubtedly useful.

In addition to Frank and Betty, most episodes would introduce at least one other character (a doctor, a neighbour, an employer, etc.) who would be seen to gradually suffer the inevitably chaotic consequences of Frank's fleeting presence in their lives. These characters were often played by some of the great recognisable character actors of the 1970s British sit-com era, and indeed spotting these famous faces — and enjoying their reactions to the torture of Frank's hapless influence — is one of the joys of watching the series. Examples of actors appearing in one episode only included Cyril Shaps, George Baker, Christopher Biggins, George A. Cooper, James Cossins, Richard Wilson, Peter Jeffrey, Bernard Hepton, Christopher Timothy, Elisabeth Sladen and Milton Johns. A pre-Minder Glynn Edwards appeared in more than two episodes as Frank and Betty's irascible new neighbour, Mr Lewis, while a pre-Bread Jean Boht appeared in one of those episodes as Mrs Lewis. One regular characters in the early series was Frank's local priest, Father O'Hara, who was played by Cyril Luckham. Dick Bentley appeared in three of the last four episodes broadcast, as Frank's Australian grandad.