Pennies from Heaven

Pennies From Heaven is a 1978 BBC television drama serial written by Dennis Potter. The title is taken from a song of the same name written by Johnny Burke and Arthur Johnston. It was one of several Potter serials to mix the reality of the drama with a dark fantasy content, and the earliest of his works where the characters burst into miming to popular 1930s songs.

Drama

Seasons

1. Down Sunnyside Lane

Air Date: 1978-03-07

Arthur is a music salesman with a song in his heart but trouble in his fortunes. On a trip to Gloucester he meets two people who will change his life: a strange 'gentleman of the road ' who plays hymns on a piano accordion and a beautiful young teacher. At home Arthur's wife waits apprehensively.

2. The Sweetest Thing

Air Date: 1978-03-14

As Eileen is telling her school children their favourite fairy story, song salesman Arthur, Prince Charming in the tale, is coming back to make her his princess. He finds her in a magical forest. His wife Joan wonders if she has left him for good and the mysterious accordion player still haunts the story.

3. Easy Come, Easy Go

Air Date: 1978-03-21

Arthur has at last returned home to his anxious, waiting wife, who still cares enough to make a new bargain with him. She agrees reluctantly to finance him in his own record shop.

4. Better Think Twice

Air Date: 1978-03-28

Arthur and Eileen are both back in London. While he wants to start his own record shop, country girl Eileen wants to live the life that begins at Oxford Circus.

5. Painting the Clouds

Air Date: 1978-04-04

Arthur and Eileen have disappeared. His wife Joan is receiving strange visits from a police inspector, and the case of the murdered blind girl is to be opened.

6. Says My Heart

Air Date: 1978-04-11

Arthur is now wanted for murder so he and Eileen are on the run, hungry, desperate, but still together. They hide in a lonely farmhouse, but he makes a fatal error.

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