Story[]
This is how it all started. Coronation Street hit our screens this day and started as it meant to go on. Elsie Lappin gives new shop owner Florrie Lindley advice on running the Corner Shop, Coronation Street. "Now the first thing you have to do is get a signwriter in. That thing above the door will have to be changed", was the first lines ever said on the show, uttered by Elsie Lappin. Elsie Tanner was not the only Elsie on the street.
Elsie Tanner argues with her son Dennis Tanner over stealing money from her purse, and fears he has quickly reverted back to his criminal ways after being released from Strangeways a few weeks before. Dennis denies such things, and Elsie is disappointed that she is stuck with a son like him. After much arguing Dennis storms out in anger, with her proclaiming she wishes they were more like the Barlow family, as they are not always arguing.
Going over to Number 3 to the Barlow family, Elsie's words become pretty ironic. There is tension between a young student named Ken Barlow (who we are sure won't be sticking around the show too long) and his gruff father Frank Barlow. They argue over Ken's snobbishness and Frank isn't happy that Ken is dating his date Susan Cunningham to the imperial hotel, where Ida slaves away in the kitchens all day. Although Ida isn't bothered and is happy enough for Ken, Frank puts his foot down and makes it clear to Ken he won't be going at all. Ken's younger brother David arrives, who is shown to be on better terms with Frank (likely because he will remain in his own class).
Ken heads over to the Rovers to buy cigarettes, and bumps into Dennis. Dennis scoffs at Ken's achievements, and later tries to buy cigarettes for himself but lacks the funds and can only buy a drink. Ken gives Dennis a pack of his cigarettes, and Dennis thanks him and leaves after downing his mild.
Back at Elsie's, she talks with her daughter Linda Cheveski who has just recently left her husband Ivan (although it is clear this hasn't been the first time this has happened). Also the show receives its first shocking twist, it wasn't Dennis but Linda who helped herself to Elsie's money, although she did intend to give it back. Elsie forgives Linda quickly, but fails to apologise to Dennis. Well, he was intended to be the show's villain at this point.
Ken voices his woes to neighbour Albert Tatlock, who at this point is far more mellow compared to the grumpy git years down the line. Albert does call out Ken for talking like a petty snob, although Ken denies this. Ida visits the household and informs Ken that Susan has arrived at Number 3. Ken rushes over, much to Albert and Ida's amusement. At the house, Susan watches Frank and David try and fix a bike in the living room, so decides to help them out. Ken walks in and is embarrassed that Susan has seen his home, with the black and white world managing to successfully hide his beetroot face.
Cast and characters[]
Notes[]
- First appearances of Elsie Tanner, Dennis Tanner, Linda Cheveski, Frank Barlow, Ida Barlow, Kenneth Barlow, David Barlow, Florrie Lindley, Ena Sharples, Annie Walker and Albert Tatlock. This episode is also Albert Tatlock's only appearance in the 1960 episodes, as he wouldn't reappear until Episode 10 (11 Jan 1961).
- Jennifer Moss (who would later appear as regular Lucille Hewitt) can be heard in the episode voicing a girl named Christine Farrar who gives Elsie Tanner cheek. She would later provide the voice of Martha Longhurst's granddaughter Sandra Haddon in the following episode before making her full-time debut as Lucille in Episode 3.