About this season
Pardon My Genie was a children's comedy series produced by British ITV contractor Thames Television, and written by Bob Block who later created Rentaghost. The premise was that a magic genie appeared in present-day Britain, summoned by a young apprentice named Hal Adden, a pun that goes some way towards characterising the series. Various comical misunderstandings arise, primarily aimed at youngsters. Arthur White replaced Paddick for the second run of thirteen episodes. Throughout both series, Hal was played by Ellis Jones, with Roy Barraclough as his long-suffering boss, Mr Cobbledick. The first series of 13 episodes was released on DVD on 22 September 2009. The second series of 13 episodes was released on 1 July 2013.
Episodes (13)
1. The Apprentice's Sorcerer
Aired 10 April 1972 • 30 min
Shop assistant Hal Adden, his dog and an important woman customer undergo transformations and Mr Cobbledick's spirits are dampened.
2. Series 1, Episode 2
Aired 17 April 1972 • 30 min
Mr Cobbledick is teaching Hal to drive but the genie decides to take a hand.
3. Series 1, Episode 3
Aired 24 April 1972 • 30 min
Burglars have broken into Mr Cobbledick's shop and Hal and the genie ensure that it won't happen again.
4. Series 1, Episode 4
Aired 1 May 1972 • 30 min
Hal and the genie help organize a jumble sale.
5. Series 1, Episode 5
Aired 8 May 1972 • 30 min
Mr Cobbledick is asked to sing at the social club's annual conference.
6. Series 1, Episode 6
Aired 15 May 1972 • 30 min
7. Series 1, Episode 7
Aired 22 May 1972 • 30 min
Mr Cobbledick takes a fishing holiday.
8. Series 1, Episode 8
Aired 29 May 1972 • 30 min
Patricia's bossy aunt, Henrietta is visiting and the Genie is selected to keep her entertained.
9. Series 1, Episode 9
Aired 5 June 1972 • 30 min
Mr Cobbledick faces competition when a cut-price DIY shop opens across the road from his store.
10. Series 1, Episode 10
Aired 12 June 1972 • 30 min
The Genie gets in the way of preparations for a fancy-dress party.
11. Series 1, Episode 11
Aired 19 June 1972 • 30 min
Mr Cobbledick takes in Hal as a lodger. The Genie is acting as host to another genie - a youngster aged seven hundred called Ringo.
12. Series 1, Episode 12
Aired 26 June 1972 • 30 min
Mr Cobbledick joins a keep-fit class.
13. Series 1, Episode 13
Aired 3 July 1972 • 30 min
Hal decides the Genie has to go but the Genie finds himself a job at Mr Cobbledick's favourite restaurant. Last programme of the series.