Minder

Minder

Minder

Minder

Arthur / ... (109 episodes, 1979-1994)

Dave

Terry

Dennis Waterman originally wanted Denholm Elliott to play the part of Arthur Daley. Executive producer Verity Lambert disagreed.

The series was originally conceived as a vehicle for Dennis Waterman, after The Sweeney (1975) - in which Waterman co-starred - had finished the previous year. Initially, George Cole's character, Arthur Daley, was more of a secondary character, finding situations for Terry (Waterman) to get involved in each episode. But the great chemistry between the two characters quickly made itself apparent, and as a result Arthur was brought to the fore of storylines much more.

Famous for its use of "Mockney", which sounded like Cockney slang but was made up by either George Cole or the scriptwriters. Some expressions became so well known they have since passed into the language, including "A nice little earner" (a profitable task), "'er indoors" (the wife), "give him a little slap" (beat him up).

In the opening titles for the Terry McCann episodes (Seasons 1-7) a sporty white Ford Escort with a blue stripe down the side is seen in the background. In a close-up shot of Terry looking at the Ford Capri he is about to buy, the Escort's window is up, but in a later shot where Arthur and Terry walk from the back of the Capri to admire it from a distance, the Escort's window is wound down.