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. . . . . Picasso (1960) - Sir Kenneth Clark at the Tate Exhibition of "one of the most incomprehnsible artists-" his words. Sir Ken openly admits he is one who doesn't always understand either but he makes a good stab at enthusing us, yet though his critical erudition is to be admired, for me Picasso cannot be labelled "an entertainer," as Ken says, since "when he is being funny" I never laughed once. But Picasso's "added power by abstraction" can at least now be admired, thanks to honest Ken. The Dream Machine (transmitted Wednesday 11th November 1964 at 9.10pm ) - ATV documentary with some fascinating glimpses behind the scenes as producer Francis Essex attempts to assemble his variety show 'Six Wonderful Girls.' Clips are juxtaposed with a lecturer teaching his students about the new medium of television. He raises the issue of TV's need to be more self-critical and of the more obvious need to appreciate the impact the box makes on everyday life. Whilst he pontificates, Essex is trying to juggle his finances, arguing with executive Bill Ward over having to reduce his budget by a massive £1,000. The Daily Telegraph critic asks him if he's bothered about the emphemeral nature of television. Essex's reply: TV is a transient medium. "I am a person who becomes bored with long runs." There speaks the first channel hopper! We see Honor Blackman and Millicent Martin rehearsing with ATV's top scriptwriters Sid and Dick in attendance. Finally the tension of the taping! In the final analysis this is an historically important documentary, but director Denis Mitchell fails to provide any analysis of his own on the impact The Dream Machine makes. True, he allows the cameras to show us much, but since his aim is to examine the role of telly, he's no better, no worse than the medium he's seeking to criticise. Crisis on Wheels (29th June 1966) - directed by Kevin Brownlow. For those who have experienced the tragedy of death on the roads, this jokey analogy with war might well be anathema. There's a potted history of automobiles leading to the modern phenomenon of the car "being the object of veneration in suburban avenues on Sunday morning" before a rude awakening as the science of road accidents is analysed. But does the director see this as the crisis, or is it traffic wardens (more jibes)? But in fact it seems to be congestion that is the real enemy as the prescient fast forward to the year 2000 shows "the suburbs were overwhelmed... this jam started three weeks ago and it still hasn't moved an inch." People even take the law into their own hands to ease congestion, so the solution is simple- scrap the car! EVR in Education (1968) - Kenneth Kendall introduces this ATV film which showcases some of the ITV Schools programmes of the era, including Primary French (unintentionally hilarious), and Conflict (clip from Othello). Documentary Menu . . . . . Sea War - In association with Rank, Southern TV produced an interesting account of the Royal Navy during World War II. Life Line - The Navy's Atlantic battle with the U-boats. Some authentic archive footage plus some interesting studio reconstruction, these scenes directed by Lawrence Huntington The Full Man (1964) - Tragedy. Two clips from Macbeth with George Baker in the title role and Rosalie Crutchley as Lady M, plus a scene from Adventure Story by Terence Rattigan with George Baker as Alexander the Great and Francis Rowe as the Queen Mother. Baker then has a fascinating little discussion with presenter David Daiches about the demerits of this play. A final scene is enacted to illustrate the "inconsequential dialogue" of much modern tv drama. Obviously someone watched this and understood this sort of thing was being praised! First In Last Out (25th June 1968)- Documentary on training commandos, narrated by Christopher Wain School At Sea - 50 minute Southern TV documentary narrated by Richard Davies, written and directed by Cyril Doncaster Documentary Menu . . . . . . . . . Around the World (Associated-Rediffusion) Orson Welles introduces: London- A more unlikely mismatch you're unlikely to see as Welles coaxes information from some venerable London East End ladies. Basque- Orson warms to the region "not French or Spanish." He finds one local who compares life with that in the good old USA, then a longer deeper discussion with an author, including contrasts with US and Basque education. Perhaps it's all too tongue in cheek: "smuggling is the biggest industry in these parts." Out of Step (Associated-Rediffusion, 1957) Nudism- In his best suit, Daniel Farson interviews nudists in their Sunday best. Today this looks like a parody, but he is fairly deadly serious which makes it all the more entertaining, specially the two gentlemen vehemently opposed to such exhibitionism. This Week (A-R) The company's flagship serious programme. Accidents- 1967 investigation, on film starts with flashing scenes as an accident victim is rushed to hospital. We are shown the work of the Birmingham Accident Hospital. By following one baby's graphic tragedy, the documentary becomes intensely emotional. Too many other sad cases follow: "medical science has triumphed, but there just isn't any use in society for him." We really need something other than moving stories, the only conclusion reached is that most accidents are the result of impatience Return to the Rhondda (TWW) This has been reissued on dvd. An optimistic and affectionate tribute introduced by Donald Houston: "the few shall not for ever sway." Also with Stanley Baker, who describes the valley as "my idea of hell." Boxer Tommy Farr tells of his career and Gwyn Thomas recounts the 1926 General Strike, puzzled indeed over his own conclusion that "the poverty was marvellous." My Welsh dad enjoyed singing along with the choirs too. Pontcanna (TWW) - A 1965 publicity film of how TWW took over the WWN franchise having to upgrade their studios to provide this new dual service. Rather tough on the company, that they then lost their remit, this film obviously failed to win over the doubters. Survival (Anglia) - Trailers for b/w editions, one with Rolf Harris, another with voiceover by the ubiquitous Patrick Allen The Lonely Man (Channel TV, 1964) - In 1960 at lonely Les Ecrehou, hides a fugitive from justice, wrongly accused of rape. Predictably amateurish production with an interesting interview, much in need of editing News (ITN) Review of 1955/6- one year on, ITN shows some stories covered in Sport, Home and International news. News Headlines- A news summary from back in 1964. Documentary Menu . . . . . . . . . . Independent Television Opening Nights London ITV (Thursday September 22nd 1955) Scottish Television (Saturday August 31st 1957) Anglia Television (Tuesday October 27th 1959) Each of the original 14 ITV companies had its own opening show starting with the first station in London in 1955. I understand that most of these opening night specials have, not surprisingly, been preserved, and that Network have been encouraged to issue them on dvd. The shows would make a fine tribute to the glorious regionalisation of these truly independent companies, and moreover, we would be treated to some rare footage of great stars from Jack Buchanan (STV) to Diana Dors (Southern), Jimmy James (TTTV) to Tommy Cooper (TWW), to name but a few. Documentary Menu . . . . . . . . Opening Night of Independent Television London Area Thursday September 22nd 1955 This was a joint programme by Associated Rediffusion (with the Associated Broadcasting Company- later ATV- producing the Opening Night Show at 8.00-8.40pm, which had the rather unimaginative title 'Variety.') 7.15pm The guests arrive, (this preserved without the commentary). More interesting is the grandiose introduction giving glimpses of London landmarks and a potted history of the city. We are solemnly told the television act insists on a service "of high quality." It was- to start with! Then we have are all the trailers for Channel 9's programmes, serious first, of course, then popular shows, then imports, with a long clip from Dragnet. 7.30pm Sir John Barbirolli with the Halle play Elgar's Cockaigne Overture (clip). 7.45pm Speeches from London's Guildhall- the Lord Mayor of London, who argues, erroneously as it turned out, against tv bringing "a rapid decline in standards of entertainment." Charles Hill's speech is the most entertaining, as he believes "Hamlet will not interrupt his soliloquy to tell us of the favourite brand of toothpaste ordinarily used at Elsinore." And he was right when he said "competition would bring change." Kenneth Clark (then chairman of the ITA), with that dignified way of his, concludes this boring opening ceremony. The best one could say about it, is that the BBC could not have done it much better, except perhaps for the camera changes. Gordon Butler, a tv engineer, writing in 1965, recalled how the Opening Night was nearly a calamity. "Leslie Randall came on and began talking. At least his lips moved. No sound emitted! Cyril Francis sat with perspiration running down his face. He prepared to give the order to switch to the We Apologise for the Breakdown slide. At that moment Leslie Randall stopped moving his mouth, looked a bit puzzled at the audience, pulled a tin whistle out of his pocket, played a few notes and said Good Evening Ladies and Gentlemen. There was a short silence among the people in Master Control in Wembley. If anyone could have laid hands on Leslie Randall at that instant...." To Opening Nights . . . Documentary Menu . . . . . . . . . . This is Scotland (August 31st 1957, 6.30pm) Hosted by James Robertson Justice, who after an uncertain start infuses a pride into his homeland, as he shows during the hour long programme, the beauty of the countryside, with all its many rivers, the glories of its history and the great Scotsmen of the day, including messages of congratulation from some eminent men from across the world. The singing of Scottish songs is in the capable hands of Kenneth McKellar, with such standards as Come Along, and Over the Sea to Skye. On film, Alastair Sim reads the poem In the Highlands, whilst more light heartedly Archie McCulloch interviews Deborah Kerr who is filming in the South of France with David Niven. The latter gives the game away when he admits, what would be dear to many a Scottish heart, that "television is something for nothing." A more ambitious interview is a live link with the Lyceum Theatre in Edinburgh to speak to a rather off-the-cuff Moira Shearer. There's a split screen as we see James chatting happily with Moira like two old friends. Inevitably Jimmy Logan is on hand, appearing with Stanley Baxter in excerpts from Five Past Eight, the show currently at The Theatre Royal Glasgow. They sing and act a feeble sketch as two grown-up toddlers. Most poignant appearance is by the great showman Jack Buchanan, only two months before his death. He rambles on and, a little ignominiously, gets the hurry up call from the wings before singing with audience participation the immortal I Belong to Glasgow. He had been introduced by ITN newscaster Ludovic Kennedy, who was later to read the ITN News that night from the Scottish studios. The Clyde Valley Stompers provide some more lively music, accompanied by "The Rock and Roll Sinners," at least that's how the opening credits describe 'em. One of the few gaffes in a generally very impressive debut for the station. There is some background noise, as scenery is shifted, perhaps unavoidable in a live performance, but this doesn't detract from the overwhelming sense of national achievement that this opening night happily conveys. Aye, it was only a pity that after this blossoming, for 10 years the company was very much in the wings of the ITV network. In STV's 50th anniversary celebration, Jimmy Nairn, the announcer whose voice was the first heard on the 1957 programme agreed the opening night "went well." This 2007 tribute had a nice touch, in that one of the 1957 stars, Stanley Baxter, narrated the programme However a contemporary account of the show was less than favourable. Derek Hoddinott complained about the poor quality of the filmed sequences (true), and picked on James Robertson Justice who "looked as fed up as I was," and he took exception to the host "reading poetry in the background... extremely boring and slowed down the pace to that of a tortoise." This critic got "a nasty taste in the mouth" from a rough individual who told of the bad old days, and even "welcome sight" Jack Buchanan was "unfunny." All in all he described the show as "a great disappointment. I expected something a lot better," though he does concede the camerawork was an exception, the dancing and costumes were "gay," and the singing "very good." Perhaps this Sassenach should have stayed down south? In the audience for this show were 'rival' tv bosses Lew Grade, Val Parnell, and Sidney Bernstein while from the ITA were Sir Kenneth Clark and Sir Robert Fraser, and from ITN Chris Chattaway. The on screen audience was estimated at around two and a half million viewers, though Nielsen's more accurate measurement gave 150,000 homes watching. To Opening Nights . . . Scottish TV page . . . Documentary Menu . . . . . . . . . . Anglia TV Opening (October 27th 1959) At the ungoldly hour of 4.14pm (maybe Anglia had learned from other opening night bores) a clock started ticking as a voice announced "one Minute to Zero. This is Anglia Television." At 4.15 aerial shots of the Mendelsham transmitter were followed by flying sequences from towns and small villages around Anglia. This had been filmed by second cameraman Peter Fuller. Then at 4.20 Sir Ivone Kirkpatrick, Chairman of the ITA, declared the station open, as the famous Anglia knight in shining armour lit up to the Anglia theme tune. Viewers were given a brief tour of Anglia House in this opening half hour programme plus details of local and national programmes to look forward to, introduced by chief announcer Drew Russell. Some live musical numbers were also performed before a rather small looking audience. A rather odd producer, Philip Bray, introduced the talent on the forthcoming Midday Show, which included young Susan Hampshire. To Opening Nights Anglia TV page Documentary Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . BBC serious programmes Men Women and Clothes (1957) - Experimental BBC colour film How Fashions Come and Go- No.1 in a series of 6 films made at the Museum of Costume, Eridge Castle, narrated by Doris Langley Moore This is the BBC (Wednesday 29th June 1960) On the Opening Night of the BBC Television Centre, transmitted at 7.30pm was Richard Cawston's self-portrait of the BBC. It got the thumbs up from this critic who wrote "Cawston should have subtitled it This is How a Documentary Should Be Made." It showed 24 hours in the life of the BBC, compressed into 65 minutes. Indeed it won the British Film Academy's 1959 Award for Best Specialised Film. For me what comes over is the chumminess of the chaps in charge. What the programme sadly lacks is any captioning, though I did not at all mind missing today's disease, the deadpan narrator. Some of those in the film are: Richard Murdoch (Housewives Choice), Dimbleby's team preparing Panorama, Kenneth Horne at rehearsals, John Gregson in make-up, Roy Plomley (Desert Island Discs rehearsal), Muir and Norden preparing a Whacko script, Jennings on radio, Eamonn Andrews with a quiz (Crackerjack?), Richard Baker (6 O'Clock News), Tonight with Cliff Michelmore, and Janie Marden in a late night experimental tv show. Face to Face John Freeman's probing discussion with Tony Hancock BBC News- A 1958 15 minute bulletin, read in sedate splendour by Robert Fougall at Alexandra Palace. Main story is the Big Freeze, Michael Hancock in Manchester has a report on traffic at a standstill, scenes in Woodhead, and Brough. Then there is flooding on the River Waveney, and on the Thames. Conrad vos Bark reports on the House of Lords' Artificial Insemination debate. There's film of Eisenhower playing golf despite the US recession, and then his speech. Film of racing driver Fangio's release after kidnap, he missed the Grand Prix in which six spectators were killed. Other brief news: The Commons' Defence Debate, TUC condemntation of the Cohen Report/ Sir Winston Churchill is making good progress/ Mr Murphy in Tunisia/ President Nasser/ Floods on the Zambesi at Kariba/ The Old Bailey Brighton Conspiracy Trial/ Direct flights are to commence from London to Moscow/ Ronald Waldman is the new BBC Business Manager. What strikes the modern viewer is the heavy reliance on mute film footage, with commenary added. That, and the very serious unhurried atmosphere, responsible reporting with none of the modern jarring musical distractions that really started with ITN's News at Ten BONGS Man Alive - television's equivalent of cine verite, this is kitchen sink cum pseudo documentary, observation rather than depth. Love Me and Leave Me (Dec 1965) - "It's my fault," an accident. Various single women talk freely about their babies. The father of Pat's boy is alleged to be one of the Rolling Stones, you feel there is a whole programme here. Instead we switch restlessly to Caroline with two kids ("I have them all to myself") a white girl who has had relationships with black men, again you sense a programme's worth of material has been missed. Then a contrast with a Scotsman living with, but not married to a French girl, for they reject the concept of marriage. Then back to another single woman, this one a professional girl, making the point that the law is weighted towards men. Four lives superficially covered, issues raised in no depth, opportunities wasted What is Happening? (May 1967) - "A new era... reaction," quotes from the flower people, "beautiful people... it's in the air." An all night rave in Ally Pally. Dry narration by Desmond Wilcox allows the pictures to be their own comment. "Children again," perhaps this sums it up, as various dropouts give boring utterance, full of their own importance. I was with one observer who commented, "they don't know what they're looking for," and indeed after a while this programme becomes itself "aimless," but worse, often gratuitous. As for the rave, "I think it was marvellous specially as I was on a trip." A more down to earth observer notes, "they need a blinkin' good bath" The Ravers (June 1967) - A study of young girls following their pop idols, in particular Simon Dupree. Apparently his group is quite "restrained" in allowing fans access to them, "a great outlet for them." The pop star fields his questions rather neatly though the girls' shallowness is exposed when they are interviewed. Finally one groupie admits what was pretty obvious, "the band is here to project sex." Admits Dupree's promoter, "it's there to be exploited." His assessment is honest, though BBC reporter John Percival's questions revolve a lot round the theme of parental responsibility. "It must be normal," Dupree concludes Leeds Piano Competition 1966 Showing the drama behind the scenes, and clips of some stunning pianists, today this would surely be done as an elimination by phone voting. What is however seriously missing, what would be an essential in a modern programme, is an insight into the judges' deliberations on why they have selected the winner who receives a measly first prize of £750. Women Alone directed by Charles Denton. A chirpy 22 year old from Barnes, plus her 33 year old rather dowdy older friend, both single mothers. She's frank, an early example of that odd desire to bare one's feelings to the camera. Most fascinating quote: "Men have a much more interesting life than women." There's also a clip of Dusty Springfield singing, though no Swinging Sixties in sight at all here Elgar Ken Russell's celebrated drama documentary The Brains Trust with Malcolm Sargent and Yehudi Menuhin, discussion on music was always bound to predominate. London to Brighton in four minutes. This was a classic of speeded up filmwork, with the Brighton Belle leaving Victoria at 3pm, arriving in Brighton amazingly at 3.04pm. The fact that the filmmakers show a different train at Brighton is a slight error, but otherwise it's wonderful, with, in the other direction, nostalgic steam trains flashing past. With scary tunnels, the impressive Ouse Viaduct and a jolly soundtrack, this is tremendously enjoyable. I assume that one could rerecord it at the correct speed these days to show the whole one hour trip, though I suppose it would come out rather jerky! Documentary Menu . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TV Programmes about Films Picture Parade a long running BBC magazine, this 1956 programme introduced by Peter Haigh who does an interview with Joan Crawford on her film The Story of Esther Costello. Heather Sears ("the most beautiful child in the whole world") also appears. (12 minutes) Movie Memories (Anglia TV) Roy Hudd hosted this 1980's Anglia TV series, shown in the afternoons, with clips from some old films, plus an interesting interview with a film star each week. The theme music used to start and end the programmes was called Showbiz, and was played on the wurlitzer of the New Gallery Regent Street. Series One Series Two Series Three Series Four Series Five To Dinosaur Films, my monthly magazine To Documentary Programmes menu . . . . . . . . To Documentary Programmes menu . . Movie Memories Series 1 1.1 (1980)- with Jack Warner - There's a brief feature on star Jack Buchanan, with a clip from the 1937 This'll Make You Whistle, dancing I'm in a Dancing Mood with his greatest partner Elsie Randolph. Jack Warner talks about his days in the motor trade when he once was a driver for Jack Buchanan. There's a clip from his 1947 Hue and Cry and a rather subdued Warner talks us through his memories of The Captive Heart 1.2- with Charles Hawtrey 1.3- with Anne Todd - is introduced via a clip from, of course, The Seventh Veil (1945). It's The Piano Lid scene, which Roy says gave him nightmares. He also admits, in true show biz vein, he always loved her. She tells how she managed to portray a fourteen year old, even though she was married with two children! There's one nice tale of her on location in The Sound Barrier, playing a pregnant woman in a queue 1.4- with Ingrid Pitt 1.5- with Anthony Steel - A wonderful start to this programme, with Roy introducing Laurel and Hardy dancing in Way Out West. Anthony Steel, sporting a white beard and plenty of white hair, still looking distinguished, though a little stuttering at first, talks of world ranging films in which he was ever the hero, such as Where No Vultures Fly. We see him in action in the epic Storm Over the Nile (1955), the famous scene in which he receives the white feathers 1.6- with Roland Culver 1.7- with Richard Greene To Movie Memories . . . . . . . . Movie Memories Series 2 2.1- with Diana Dors 2.2- with Anna Neagle 2.3- with Richard Todd 2.4- with Kenneth Connor 2.5- with Chesney Allen 2.6- with Hazel Ascot - Clips include The Bowery Chaps (1944), Springtime in the Sierras (1947), Black Bandit (1938), a trailer for Undersea Kingdom (1934) and two versions of Singing in the Rain from That's Entertainment (1974). The forgotten Leslie Fuller is seen in a clip from Strictly Illegal (1935), and there's a clip from The Street Singer in the film Memories. A most interesting interview with film guru Leslie Halliwell who admits, "you've got to please the majority, after midnight the minority." He also reveals what is now painfully obvious, that advertisers and the IBA don't like black and white films. However he has good news, that the new Channel Four will be recifying that. They did for a while, Leslie, thanks to you, they did, but your presence and influence have now sadly gone. A great find for the main interview is Hazel Ascot, billed as England's Answer to Shirley Temple. She is introduced via a clip from her starring role in Stepping Toes (1938). Tony, who runs the Hazel Ascot Appreciation Society, accompanies her, now a modest teacher. She tells us how she got her first film role in Talking Feet, when director John Baxter was booking her father's studio and he happened to see her dancing. She also talks wistfully about plans for her third big film, all written and cast and set to start shooting in September 1939... Sadly that was the end of her film career 2.7- with John Bentley To Movie Memories . . . . . . . . . . Movie Memories Series 3.1- Muriel Pavlow talks about her meeting her husband Derek Farr, initially on the set of Quiet Wedding and then in The House at Sly Corner. The first half contains some footage of child stars 3.2 Harry Fowler tells us how he was invited to talk on In Town Tonight leading to his screen test for Those Kids in Town. He's also seen with Joan Collins in a bikini in I Believe in You 3.3- Robert Beatty and his instantly recognisable voice "like honey in a hairy jar." Beatty blames his over-exposure on Dial 999 as to why "I was out of work for ten years on television." Perhaps not quite accurate. A scene from the first story of Dial 999 is shown 3.4- with Liz Fraser who is deploring of the forced "stilted" accent she was required to use in The Painted Smile. Gallantly she allows us to see a clip 3.5- Leslie Phillips after a clip from The Navy Lark, tells Roy how, despite being a Cockney kid, he learned to speak proper. "Everything came from the theatre," he explains and relates how he obtained his part in Les Girls. There's a clip from The Smallest Show on Earth, then he predicts perhaps optimistically that Carry On Nurse will be seen as a classic and has a tale from the first Carry On, Constable, a shower scene (not THE shower scene). A clip from Doctor in Love ends the programme. The first part includes Arthur Askey singing The Moth, Ziegler and Booth in Demobbed (1946), the Blackpool Tower scene in Dick Barton Strikes Back (1949), George Formby with You Can't Go Wrong in These, and Carmen Miranda. 3.6- Lionel Jeffries talks of his childhood love of making films, and has a story of his role with The Crazy Gang in Life is a Circus (plus a clip), and a nice tale of Bernard Cribbins in Two Way Stretch in Windsor High Street. He boasts that he'd also been "paid to cuddle Ava Gardner." Plus "very rare bits of film" from Xmas Greetings 1938 (including George Formby, Stanley Lupino) and the 1941 Lambeth Walk, guying Hitler. Also Stolen Jools (1931), A Friend Indeed (Deanna Durbin 1942) and Command Performance US (with Judy Garland 1943) 3.7 - Jean Kent talks of her family's showbiz origins and her work on stage with Max Miller. She talks about her part in the 1948 Good Time Girl and sings White Wings from Totti True To Movie Memories . . . . . . . Movie Memories Series 4 4.1 The programme starts with some trailers. Guest George Coulouris, aged over 80, tells us he ran away from home and started acting back in 1926. Roy comments, "you always played miserable characters." When this programme was made George was still active, his latest role being in Hart to Hart 4.2 including a rare song, Let's Go Cuckoo by Revnell and West from Up With The Lark (1943). Guest Dora Bryan is seen in a clip from The Crowded Day (1954), "I played the same part in all the films," though her favourite role she says was in Old Mother Riley Meets The Vampire 4.3- with Geoffrey Keen 4.4- with Sylvia Sims 4.5- with Michael Craig 4.6- with Phyllis Calvert 4.7- with Victor Maddern To Movie Memories Documentary Programmes Menu . . . . . . . Movie Memories Series 5 5.1- with David Tomlinson, whom you have to get used to with his white hair, I always thought of him as eternally fresh faced and youthful. He recalls his film debut in 1941 with the short Name Rank and Number. The first clip not surprisingly is from Miranda (1948) in which he carries Glynis Johns, "she weighed a ton!" Then he talks of Mary Poppins, "that was fun of course," and how he oddly landed his part. He also remembers "genius" Peter Sellers in Up The Creek and there's a clip from Further Up The Creek (1958) with Frankie Howerd. As for Carry on Admiral, it was "a b***** awful title," not the sort of language I expected from the innocent DT. Clips are from cowboy films Bronco Billy (1909), Ghost Patrol (1936), Rangers Roundup (1938), Texas Jack (1935), Hell Town (1937) and The Cisco Kid in Satan's Cradle (1949) 5.2- with Joan Sims 5.3- with Guy Rolfe 5.4- with Eunice Gayson 5.5- with Peter Jones 5.6- with Googie Withers 5.7- with Ian Carmichael To Movie Memories Documentary Programmes Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Religious TV About Religion ATV's long running Sunday night religious programme ran from 1956 to 1966 in the God Slot. For some background on this series. Inquest at Golgotha (1961) - for my review Script: Jack Shepherd. With Patrick Magee as a Lawyer, Joss Ackland as The Coroner, Moray Watson as The Police Inspector, Edward Evans as Joseph of Arimathea, and David King as Army Captain The News on Good Friday (ATV, shown Friday April 15th 1960, 6.10pm) - my review Script: Christopher Hollis. With Richard Leech as Newscaster, Tom Singleton and Julian Grenfell as Correspondents, Ralph Truman as Caiaphas and Anthony Nicholls as Pilate. What the Good Friday news bulletin might have been, if they'd had telly in those days Life with Johnny (1969) Cliff Richard starred in Tyne Tees Television's update of some of Jesus' parables. Sadly the Big Four wouldn't network the series, so few saw it at the time. Even more sadly, the final three of the six programmes were wiped. 1 Up the Creek An exploration of the colour problem. "I've got nothing against them," Leslie Dwyer, as the man in the pub, remarks. Late at night, Johnny (Cliff) is short of cash and hasn't even got the bus fare home for himself and Carol (Cindy Kent). He asks the vicar, then the police (Johnny Briggs) but unlike the Good Samaritan, they cannot help. It's left to a black man, following the parable, to kindly offer the couple a lift home. The lesson of the original parable is well illustrated. Songs: Love is More than Words (Cliff and Cindy Kent), Help (a dance routine), Disasters in the Air, Compassion Road. 3 Johnny Come Home Johnny informs his dad (William Hartnell) that he's leaving home for London. With £200 in his pocket, Johnny the "softie" is befriended by a "doll", Michele (Una Stubbs). "London's very expensive," he innocently comments. After a good time, like the Prodigal Son he's "skint" and decides to go home. Whilst the main point of the parable, forgiveness, is missing, this is a powerfully told tale, illustrating the growing generation gap. Songs: Count Us Out, Fine Words, dance with Cliff and Una Stubbs followed by That's Ma Kind of Life, I Will Arise, Celebrate. Sunday Break details . . . . . To Documentary Menu . . . . . . . News on Good Friday Richard Leech is your typical ITN Newscaster providing an account of the Good Friday news, as if they'd had tv in those days. His first report from Jerusalem covers the trial of one Jesus. There's a statement from Caiaphas, expressing, as must be done these days, sympathy for the dead man's relatives. I don't think that two thousand years back the high priest would have done so. Questioned further, Caiaphas admits that Jesus had been condemned on a charge of blasphemy, yet another false Messiah, against whom the Sanhedrin felt they had to take a tough line. His Majesty's court chamberlain (Roger Delgado) speaks on behalf of Herod, who came to regard Jesus as a "below average" messiah, for he refused to perform even one miracle. Pilate (Anthony Nicholls) is interviewed. Feeling sorry for Jesus, he wrote Jesus' claim to be King of the Jews above the cross, partly to prove his independence, he is no puppet of the Jews. Barabbas is less communicative, "never 'eard of 'im," he tells an interviewer. But what does it make you feel, to know another man died instead of you? "It makes you think, doesn't it?" People from the crowd are questioned, though none seem to have much clue as to what happened. The man who had carried Jesus' cross (Oscar Quitak) explains how he got roped in, he'd been glad to help Jesus. The reporter describes the scene at the crucifixion then three soldiers (including Tony Selby) give their impressions, one more thoughtful perhaps than the others believes he was the Son of God. Richard Leech in the studio concludes by reminding us that it's now the sabbath, it's been "an extraordinary day" To Religious Menu . . . . . . . Inquest at Golgotha The case against Jesus Ben-Joseph. A reporter attends a coroner's inquest, in the days after Jesus' death. The coroner (Joss Ackland) seeks to determine if the condemned man is dead. The first witness is the Roman captain who had overseen the execution on Skull Hill. The prisoner had been dead at sunset, he says. The lawyer representing the Jewish Sanhedrin (Patrick Magee) queries this statement. "He was dead," the officer repeats. Jesus had also been stabbed in his side to make doubly certain. Joseph of Arimathea (Edward Evans) is the next on the stand, he had been granted Jesus' body to place in his tomb. A boulder had sealed the entrance. Why had he given his own burial chamber for this purpose? Like Nicodemus, Joseph believed Jesus' sentence had been unjust. A police inspector (Moray Watson) explains the tomb had been guarded to start with. However the body had somehow disappeared. A surgeon explains in general terms the probabilities, but after Jesus' terrible treatment though "survival is not impossible," he would surely have needed medical treatment to survive. Then the inspector is recalled and explains he had questioned those who might have had stolen the body, but he can find no evidence that anyone had done such a thing. He admits however "I can't prove anything." "Were the guards drugged?" suggests the Sanhedrin lawyer. The policeman can't believe it likely that Jesus' followers could have done such an act. "Did the Sanhedrin steal the corpse?" he retorts. Now the lawyer cross questions the army captain. He attacks the Roman for being too sympathetic towards his prisoner. Was Jesus really "unique" as He claimed? The lawyer calls it "sentimental sympathy." The summing up as the coroner address the jury, that's us the viewers. He examines the activity of Jesus' followers after His death and alleged resurrection. Is this "fantasy," as the lawyer claims. There are two important questions for us to consider: 1 What happened to the body? and 2 Who moved the rock? A final issue- is Jesus still dead? The Religious Menu . . . . . . . About Religion (ATV) This rather dull title hid a wide ranging religious programme that began in 1956 in the God Slot at 7pm on Sundays. The programme shared the slot with ABC's Living Your Life, and this latter programme made spasmodic appearances over the years, giving the About Religion team a break. The programme ran for ten years until 1966. The series was a mix of discussions, interviews, with occasional dramas of a religious nature. Some sample programmes: January 29th 1956: What Has the Church to Offer? discussed by Rev Robert Duce, Minister of Petts Wood Congregational Church. February 5th 1956: Altar in the Hearth, Rev Derrick Greeves, Minister of Methodist Church, Westminster Central Hall talks about religion in the home, with hymn singing round the piano led by Dr C Thornton Lofthouse. May 13th 1956: Religion with Hands. The Salvation Army introduced by Rev BJ Tidball. May 20th 1956: Confirmation. An "imaginary Catholic family" discuss the subject. June 3rd 1956: The Expansion of the Church Overseas. Preb Douglas Owen discusses with Bishop Obadiah Kariuke and Rev J Gilbert Baker. June 17th 1956: Question Time with Canon EF Carpenter, Miss Rosamund Essex, Dr Nathaniel Micklem, and Mrs Maisie Sheed. Chairman: Preb Douglas Owen. August 5th 1956: Religion on Holiday. Canon Tom Pugh, Senior Chaplain at a Holiday Camp and some colleagues discuss their work with Rev BJ Tidball. September 23rd 1956: Monastic Life- is there a place for it in the modern world? Tom Driberg questions Father Trevor Huddleston. October 14th 1956: Towards A Friendly World. Rev BJ Tidball talks with Rev W Gwynn-Jones, a medical student from the West Indies, a pastor from Germany, an engineer from Canada and an undergraduate from the Gold Coast. October 21st 1956: The Church in the Community. Preb Douglas Owen discusses the church in new towns with the Bishop of Rochester. November 18th 1956: For Whom The Bell Tolled. Leprosy, and how one missionary society is tackling the problem. December 9th 1956: Two Famous Journeys. Rev HA Hamilton talks of one of man's most exciting journeys, and the journey of the holy family at Christmas time. December 23rd 1956: The Christmas Story, acted in the Church of St Peter-upon-Cornhill by their own players, arranged by the rector Prebendary Douglas Owen. Jack Hulbert introduced the performance with amateur actors: Joan Levers (Mary), Kenn Lesbirel (Joseph), and Edmund Coulter (Gabriel). These three were students at Guildhall School of Music and Drama. Others included City businessmen John Gough (The Monk Contemplation) and John Evenett (Shepherd). (Note, this programme was only shown in the London region, The Midlands had their own programme of Carols.) December 25th 1956 (special programme at 7pm on Christmas Day): Some Thoughts on Christmas Day. Preb Douglas Owen with film showing how Christmas is celebrated round the world. December 30th 1956: Soap Box Sunday with Cecilie Hastings, addressing a crowd and answering questions. January 6th 1957: Talking of Nuns. With the Prioress of the Convent of St Hilda Whitby are Monica Dickens, Anthony Wedgwood Benn and John Betjeman. January 13th 1957: The Congregation. Christian worship discussed by Rev Geoffrey Beaumont, and featuring Richard Kisch. January 27th 1957: Christ Behind The Iron Curtain. The church in the Communist state, Father Bernard Bassett talks to two Hungarian refugees. February 24th 1957: People have got religion all wrong, protests Rev George MacLeod, Founder of the Iona Community. March 10th 1957: What's the Difference? 5 programmes for Lent, the series introduced by Rev Simon Phipps. 1 Clearing the Air. The final programme on April 7th 1957 was 5 The Break-Through. June 2nd 1957: Religion in England. Discussing a News Chronicle poll on religion were Father George P Dwyer, Rev Thomas Jarratt, Rev Austin Williams, and William Gregory. Chairman: Anthony Greenwood. June 16th 1957: Why Be a Parson? John Gale of The Observer talks to three future clergymen. June 30th 1957: Christianity and Warfare. Discussed by Sir Richard Acland and Hon Patrick Maitland. Chairman: Rev Noel Perry-Gore. July 28th 1957: What Shall I Be? Six children discuss with Rev Marcus Morris, plus Moira Shearer and Peter Twiss. August 11th 1957: World Scout Jamboree. Chief Scout Lord Rowallan discusses religious customs of various countires with Rev Edward Patty. September 8th 1957: Soap Box Sunday with Rev Donald Soper. October 6th 1957: The World's Needs. A programme for Harvest. October 20th 1957: Go Down Moses. Canon Joe Fison of Truro Cathedral tells the story of the Exodus. December 22nd 1957: No Room... At Christmas. Rev BJ Tidball on care in the community. The programme had a break at the start of 1958. March 30th 1958: The Throne of Grace. A series of six programmes for Lent: Self Control with Rev Robert Duce April 20th 1958: Talking It Over with Rev Dr Leslie Weatherhead. An honest doubt about Christianity. May 25th 1958: Something Extra with Rev Canon Alan Richardson. A Whit Sunday special. Aug 17th 1958: Divine Healing. Robert Kee discusses the healing mission of the church with Canon M Martin, Rev Dr D Spivey, Father M Hollings, Muriel Powell. Sept 21st 1958: The Bible Belongs. John Foster discusses Proof. Sept 28th 1958: St Therese of Lisieux. Father Michael Hollings introduces a talk about the life of the saint with Leonard Cheshire and Mgr Vernon Johnson. Oct 12th 1958: A Portrait of Christ in pictures from the National Gallery, plus the voices of Peter Barkworth, Brewster Mason, Denis McCarthy and Chairman Eyre. Oct 19th 1958: Soapbox Sunday, with, naturally, Donald Soper. He addresses a studio "crowd." Nov 2nd 1958: School Religion. Diana Reader-Harris, A Chenevix-Trench, Mary Green, and Malcolm K Ross with Father Trevor Huddleston. Dec 21st 1958: Christmas Is Coming. With John Betjeman and Father Hugh Bishop. Jan 4th 1959: Down to Earth. A celebration of Christmas and the New Year in words and music. With Peter Wyngarde and Jack Parnell and his Orchestra. Jan 18th 1959: The Power of the Lord. A Tribute to Cardinal Griffin by Cardinal Gilroy of Australia, Mgr Derek Worlock, Lord Packenham and Ben Lyon. March 15th 1959: The Lonely Shepherd. On people living alone conquering loneliness. With Mme Jeanty Raven, Father Aidan McGrath. Chairman: Tom Driberg. May 24th 1959: A New Bishop. The new Bishop of Southwark is questioned by Anthony Greenwood, Julian Grenfell and Rev Peter Duncan. June 14th 1959: Great Christian Murals. Eric Newton talks about great paintings in Italian churches, relating them to the Gospel story. Aug 16th 1959: Five Times Married. A story from the Bible showing the impact of Christ, with Bishop Fulton Sheen. Aug 23rd 1959: The Church and the Stage. Ludovic Kennedy introduces a discussion with Harry Secombe, Athene Seyler, Hugh Sinclair, Ann Parson and Dame Sybil Thorndike. Sept 13th 1959: The One God. Christianity and Judaism explored by Sir John Wolfenden and Rev Isaac Levy. Sept 27th 1959: Mission to Hop Pickers. Interviewer: Stanley Baron. (Rescheduled from Aug 30th 1959) Oct 11th 1959: The Christian View. Ludovic Kennedy in the first of three conversations with the Archbishop of York. (Programme 2 was on Nov 15th 1959, the last on Dec 13th 1959) Oct 18th 1959: Portrait of Mary. Paintings of the mother of Jesus and readings, read by Jill Balcon, Peter Barkworth, Anthony Jacobs, Denis McCarthy, Audrey Richards, David Spenser. Arranged and devised by Peter Barkworth and Maria Shirley. Oct 25th 1959: Mary, a discussion with Rev Michael Hollings, Donald Soper, Kenneth Woollcombe. Chairman Norman Fisher. Nov 8th 1959: A Christian Outsider. Dr John Heenan talks to Malcolm Muggeridge. Nov 22nd 1959: Church of England- High or Low? With Rev Cuthbert Bardsley, Rev Dick Rees and Rev Kenneth Ross. Chaired by Tom Driberg. Nov 29th 1959: Loving Thy Neighbour. With Rt Hon Earl of Woolton, questioned by Noel Perryman. Dec 6th 1959: The First Six Months as a Bishop. The Bishop of Southwark, in a follow up to the May programme, is questioned by Anthony Greenwood and Rev Peter Duncan. Dec 20th 1959: Christmas night. A boy and his vision of the first Christmas. With Gary Raymond, Lisa Madron, Norman Tyrrell, Frederick Peisley, Ralph Nossek, Gibb McLaughlin, Daniel Thorndike and Martin Spiers. Written by Emma Smith. Dec 27th 1959: From Darkness to Light. Songs and music for the joyful and lonely. Witten and played by Father Aime Duval. An Anthology of Prayer (Jan 10th 1960). Narrator: Bernard Archard, singer: Harry Barnes, harpist: Maria Korchinska, percussion player: James Blades, with the voices of Janet Joye, Peter Barkworth, Norman Tyrrell, and Judy Horn. The Question of Unity (Jan 17th 1960). Discussion on the divisions within Christianity and hopes for reunion. With Rev K Woollcoombe, Donald Soper, Edward Taylor. Chairman: Norman Fisher. Eye Level (Jan 31st 1960). Christian events, ideas and opinions. With Noel Perry-Gore. (Similar on Feb 28th 1960, Mar 27th 1960, and monthly, last Sunday of the month, most introduced by Antony Brown). This monthly programme continued into 1961. Crossing the Line (Feb 7th 1960). What Price Christianity? asks Rev Simon Phipps. Away from It All (Feb 14th 1960). A visit to a retreat in Southwell House. The Seven Deadly Sins 1 Anger (Mar 6th 1960). Written by Elizabeth Young. Five dramatised programmes. The Seven Deadly Sins 2 Gluttony and Sloth (Mar 13th 1960). Written by James Brabazon. The Seven Deadly Sins 3 Lust (Mar 20th 1960). Written by Elizabeth Young. The Seven Deadly Sins 4 Avarice and Envy (Apr 3rd 1960). Introduced by Alan Wheatley. Written by Mary Crawford. The Seven Deadly Sins 5 Pride (Apr 10th 1960). Introduced by Alan Wheatley. Written by Mary Crawford. Talking to The Archbishop of Canterbury (Apr 17th 1960). Filmed at Lambeth Palace, Kenneth Harris talks to Dr Geoffrey Fisher. Why Bishops? (May 1st 1960). Norman Fisher chairs a discussion with Rev William Greer, Rev Kenneth Riches and Rev John Robinson. The Old Believers (May 8th 1960). Christian Aid Week programme about how Russian refugees have successfully settled in South America with the aid of the World Council of Churches. Introduced by John Thompson. Coventy Cathedral (May 15th/22nd 1960). Two programmes on the cathedral to be dedicated this month. 1- A Talk to the Architect, Basil Spence. 2- The Purpose, with members of the cathedral staff. The Acts of the Apostles (June 5th 1960). The story of Whit Sunday with the voices of Gerald Cross, Alan Edwards, Alan Judd, Denis McCarthy, John Richmond, John Scott, Jeffrey Segal. Minister of Grace (June 12th 1960). Dr Leslie Weatherhead looks back over the years of The City Temple London, in an interview with John Thompson. Heaven and Hell (July 3rd, 10th and 17th 1960). with Norman Fisher. Word of Judgement (Aug 7th 1960). A discussion of the reliability of the Bible, based on the film Inherit the Wind. John Thompson discusses with Stanley Kramer and Rev Maurice Wood. Journey of Understanding (Dec 4th 1960). The Archbishop of Canterbury travels to the Holy Land. A film report narrated by Antony Brown. This programme was a joint ITN/ATV/ABC production. Dinner on Sunday (Mar 12th 1961). With Rosemary Anne Sisson. Narrator: Norman Wooland, with Rev Stephen Hopkinson, Rev Caryl Micklem, Rev John Bebb looking at the churches' attitude to Communion. To Be or Not To Be? (Apr 2nd 1961). Easter Sunday edition with CS Lewis and Anthony Greenwood discussing human resurrection. Sin and Crime (Apr 16th 1961). With Rev Dr RR Williams, Sir Cyril Black. Richard Wollheim. Chariman: Brian Connell. Law and morality discussed: should adultery be a crime? What laws should a Christian land make on suicide, mercy killing etc? The Hungry (May 7th 1961). With Charles Weitz, Geoffrey Murray. Christian Aid Week. The Three Archbishops (May 28th 1961, also June 4th, 11th). Three programmes 1 with Geoffrey Fisher, 2 with Michael Ramsey, 3 with Donald Coggan. Kenneth Harris talked to all three archbishops. Music for God (July 2nd 1961). With Denis Lotis and the Barney Gilbraith Singers. Plus a discussion with Patrick Appleford and Gerald Knight. Prisoners of Faith (July 9th 1961). Host Christopher Chataway with Christmas Humphreys, John Cordle, Mgr Derek Worlock, Francis Williams, and Peter Benenson. Right-Wrong (July 16th 1961). Two teams of school leavers answer questions about faith and life. Questionmaster: Norman Tozer. Commenting on their answers are Stephen Hopkinson, Caryl Micklem, John Bebb. The Church in Parliament (July 30th 1961) 1 Roman Catholics with the Marquess of Lothian, Alice Cullen, Hugh Delargy, Robert Grant-Ferris. Aug 6th: 2 Nonconformists with Norman Fisher, Lord Ogmore, George Thomas, Donald Wade. Aug 13th: 3 CofE, Norman Fisher with Lord Hawke, Eric Fletcher, Peter Kirk, Patricia McLaughlin. Man's Idea of God (Aug 27th 1961). Tom Driberg with Antony Bridge. Tolpuddle and After (Sept 3rd 1961). Christian Origins of Trade Unionism introduced by Anthony Greenwood, with George Woodcock, William Carron, Jim Matthews and Tom Chapman. St Francis of Assisi (Sept 10th 1961). With Simon Phipps. The Adman Cometh (Sept 24th 1961). With Duff Newton - an inquiry as to whether the church should use advertising agencies. King Herod (Oct 29th 1961), a play by Jack Shepherd. Director: Gordon Reece. Cast: Herod Antipas (Godfrey Quigley), Salome (Maria Andipa), Judge (Richard Warner), Keeper of Records (Richard Longman), Clerk of the Court (David Graham), Prosecutor (Charles Morgan), Army Sergeant (John Junkin), Nebo (Jeffrey Gardiner), Herodian Party Chairman (Norman Pitt). Synopsis: King Herod is put in a modern court to answer the charge that he "wilfully misused powers of life and death not in the interests of his people, but for his own prestige and status." Note: The actress playing Salome claimed she was a descendant of Herod! The End of The World (Nov 26th 1961). Duff Newton introduces a discussion with Stephan Hopkinson, Caryl Micklem, John Bebb, Bernard Russell. The World Council (Dec 3rd 1961). Third Assembly of World Council of Churches in New Delhi, a report by Kenneth Harris. Roman Catholics and Unity (Dec 17th 1961). Anthony Greenwood talks to Dr John Heenan. Punishment (Dec 31st 1961). Sir John Wolfenden discusses the verdict of death on Adolf Eichmann and the nature of punishment in general with Victor Gollancz. Demon Drink (Jan 14th 1962). Christian attitudes to alcohol with Duff Newton. Soap-Box Sunday (Jan 28th 1962). Donald Soper addresses a crowd in the studio. Thou Shalt Not (Feb 4th 1962). Which is the least observed of the Ten Commandments? With Mgr David Cashman, and Rev Theodore Smith. The Undiscovered Country (Feb 11th 1962). Hauntings and apparitions at Borley Rectory are re-enacted. Then Very Rev WR Matthews talks about it to Stephan Hopkinson. Slow- Men At Work (Feb 25th 1962). Dr Nathaniel Micklem and Charles Smith discuss moral issues with Christian trade unionists. Big Business (Mar 4th 1962). George Goyder and others on the responsibilities of industry. White Man's Religion (Mar 25th 1962). Immigrants discuss whether Christianity is a European religion. A Regiment of Women (Apr 1st 1962). Stephan Hopkinson, Caryll Micklem and John Bebb answer questions on the role of women in the church. Eye Level (Apr 15th 1962. This series within the About Religion umbrella, returned, it had begun in 1960, and continued monthly the next being on May 20th 1962) - again hosted by Antony Brown. Did Christ Really Rise Again? (Apr 22nd 1962). Kenneth Harris questions the Archbishop of Canterbury. Can You Be A Christian in .... 1 the Army? (June 3rd 1962) with Lt Gen John W Hackett, Dr George Macleod. 2 in Politics (June 10th 1962) with the Earl of Longford and Prof Hugh Trevor-Roper. 3 in The City (June 17th 1962). 4 (July 1st 1962). Chairman of all programmes was Norman Fisher. Men and Power (July 15th 1962) introduced by Julian Grenfell. Lord Fisher of Lambeth talks to Father Michael and Sir Richard Acland about the worldly responsibilities of the church, and the spiritual problems its leaders face. By Royal Warrant (July 8th 1962). Tom Driberg talks to Robert Stopford, Maurice Wood and Colin Stephenson about the Church of England. Next Door to Nobody (July 29th 1962). Geoffrey Johnson Smith discusses with Mrs Mabel Bickerstaff, Alderman Eric Mole, and Canon Ralph Stevens. I Want To Know.... (Aug 5th 1962). Chairman: Shaw Taylor. Eric Abbott, Dean of Westminster answers viewers' questions. Future programmes included Philip Potter, of the Free Churches (Aug 19th 1962). Persecution of Jews (Sept 2nd 1962). Anthony Greenwood discusses with William Sargent, William Simpson, and Sir Henry d'Avigdor Goldsmid. Refugees (Sept 9th 1962), including the story of Francoise Rigby. The Vatican Council (Sept 16th 1962). Humphrey Berkely introduces Henry St John, Bernard Leeming, Mgr Derek Warlock. Context "a new magazine programme" replacing 'Eye Level' (Oct 7th 1962). Topics of the moment from a Christian perspective. Julian Grenfell introduced this monthly programme. Brass Bands and Ironsides (Oct 21st 1962) with Donald Churchill as Oliver Cromwell and Joss Ackland as General Booth. With Tony Garnett. Script: Jack Shepherd. I Want To Know.... (Oct 28th 1962). Chairman: Shaw Taylor. More viewers' questions answered, this time by Peter Booth, Archdeacon of Lewes. Winter of the World (Nov 11th 1962). Remembrance Sunday readings by Paul Rogers, Bill Owen and Margaretta Scott. Reflecting on the Christian attitude to forgiveness is Rt Hon Richard Wood. Dinner with the Devil (Dec 23rd 1962). A play by Christopher Hollis starring Peter Wyngarde (as The Devil), with Mark Dignam, Henry McCarthy (as Sir Basil Pumphrey) and David King. The theme is what you would give to the Devil if he came to Christmas dinner. The Law and The Prophets. Influence of Christian law discussed by Eric Fletcher and Sir John Wolfenden. Why Believe? (Mar 17th 1963). Dr Lovell Cocks and Anthony Bourne-Arton. The Watershed (Mar 24th 1963). Stephan Hopkinson, Caryll Micklem and John Bebb discuss the change in public belief in Christianity. God Heard and Unheard (Mar 31st/ April 7th 1963). Kenneth Harris with the Archbishop of Canterbury. Church and State (May 12th 1963). With Harold Wilson. The Non Conformist Conscience (May 19th 1961). With George Thomas, John Huxtable. New Coventry Plays (May 26th 1963). The Site starring Jack Gwillim and Kenneth J Warren, with Colin Campbell, Hugh Morton, and Edward Atienza. Script: Geoffrey Bellman and John Whitney. The second of new Coventry Cathedral plays (the first had been performed in 1962). This story is of a young man who inherits the ruins of the old cathedral. On it an old man is building an Object, a symbolic object, but what is it? From the picture I would guess it was a giant mechanical mouse, but possibly it was only symbolic. Vic Symonds designed the creation used in this story. Church and State (June 16th 1963). Rt Hon RA Butler talks to Kenneth Harris in a follow up programme to May 12th. Boycott (June 30th, probably postponed to July 7th 1963). Discussion on the South African problem with Rev Joost De Blank, Anthony Greenwood, and Nelson Mustoe talking to Derek Jewell. Christian Co-Existence (July 28th 1963). Michael Thomas introduces political cartoonist Abu Abraham who discusses the church in India where he was brought up. Epilepsy (Aug 11th 1963). Introduced by Peter Barkworth. Integrity (Aug 25th 1963). Dame Flora Robson in conversation with the Archdeacon of Lewes. Wish You Were Here (Sept 8th 1963). Olive Gregg on holidays. Context: Special Edition (Sept 22nd 1963) on The Vatican Council Second Session, introduced by Julian Grenfell. No Man is an Island (Sept 29th 1963). Robert Kee discusses the play The Representative, on concentration camps. The Upper Room (Oct 20th 1963). A gospel play by Alex Bradford with Alex Bradford, Princess Stewart, Ida Shepley. The Two Faces of War (Nov 10th 1963). John Slater narrates a programme for Rememberance Sunday. Religion in Education: 1963 (Dec 1st 1963). Second in a series. Something's Coming, Something Good (Dec 22nd 1963). A programme for Christmas. Religion in Schools (Jan 12th 1964). With AS Neil, Alexander Howard and John England. A Beeching in the Belfry (Jan 19th/ 26th 1964). Leslie Paul's report on the church. No 1 What's Wrong? No 2 What's next? The Witness at your Door (Feb 16th 1964). Derek Jewell on Jehovah's Witnesses. Calendar (Mar 15th 1964). The monthly magazine Context was now renamed. It was billed as a "programme for people who don't go to church," and was introduced by John McGregor. The Rise and Fall of a Nero (Mar 22nd 1964). A programme for Palm Sunday. Mother Theresa of Calcutta (Apr 5th 1964). Don't Call Him Mister (Apr 12th 1964). A dramatised account of George Fox, the first Quaker. Script: Jack Shepherd. Director: David Reid. Starring George Murcell as George Fox and Cherry Morris as Margaret Fell. The High Climbers (May 10th 1964). Ascension Day programme with Stephan Hopkinson. Tom Price, Anthony Rawlinson. The Moving Spirit (May 17th 1964). Inspiration, a conversation between Cecil Day-Lewis, The Earl of Longford, Arnold Wesker and Cecil Woodham-Smith. The Built In Challenge (May 31st 1964). Robert Kee on the radical forces at work in faiths today. Bow Bells (June 14th 1964) with Rev Joseph McCulloch. Commentator: Colin Bell. Faces of Power (June 28th 1964) Malcolm Muggeridge talks to Rev Father Thomas Corbishley. The Religious Press (July 26th 1964). Tom Stacey looks at religious newspapers with Hugh Kay, WE Pigott, and Rev Roger Roberts. Forum (Aug 23rd 1964). Christianity in the recent independent Commonwealth countries, with Brian Connell. The Parson's Wife (Sept 6th 1964). Katherine Whitehorn looks at the role of the parson's wife today. Quiz (Sept 20th 1964). Quizmaster Derek Jewell in a quiz about the CofE. Canterbury v York. The following Sunday, teams from the Free Churches in the North and South. Then On Oct 4th Roman Catholic Churches, teams from Westminster and Armagh. Light Behind the Curtain (Oct 17th 1964). Kenneth Harris on churches behind the Iron Curtain. The Gold Medallist (Oct 31st 1964). Richard Joyce on the saint in the churches today. My Dear Wormwood... (Nov 15th 1964). On the late CS Lewis, written and compiled by Emmeline Garnett. Great Expectation (Nov 29th 1964) An Anthology of words and music for Advent. Man of Peace (Dec 13th 1964). Kenneth Harris talks to Dr Martin Luther King. Never On Sunday (Jan 10th 1965) introduced by Norman Fisher. Examination of the Crathorne Committee's report recommendations into changing the laws relating to Sunday trading. Skyscraper Parish (Jan 24th 1965) Derek Jewell examines large housing estates like Roehampton. When the Computing Has To Stop (Feb 7th 1965) with Kenneth Harris. What distinguishes men from computers? Good Relations (Feb 21st 1965). Viewers letters on family relationships are explored by Norman Fisher, Rev Paul Barber, Tatiana Behr, Evelyn Home, and Walter Longford. Mainspring (Mar 7th/14th 1065) Kenneth Harris asks if we are losing our sense of values. The second programme included a discussion with Baroness Wootton of Abinger, Rev Canon Eric Saxon, and Walter James. A Face for Judas (Apr 4th 1965). A play by Jack Shepherd. Directed by Michael Jeans. With John Carson as Tim, Hilary Dwyer as Gladys, John Abineri as Walter. No Greater Love (Easter Sunday Apr 18th 1965) The story of a nun, Mother Maria, who perished at Ravensbruck 20 years earlier, narrated by Sergei Hackel, with Ann Castle. John the Man (May 16th 1965) Kenneth Harris looks back with the Most Rev Igino Cardinale on the life of Pope John XXIII. Hugh Burden reads from the Pope's writings, and Norman Tozer narrated. But One Purpose (May 29th 1965) John Snagge talks to the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Archbisop of York about the debate for unification of the Church of England and Methodist churches. In the second programme (July 11th 1965) John Pett explores the Methodist response. Is Theology Really Necessary? (June 13th 1965). John Thompson discusses with Rev Canon Hugh Montefiore, Alison Wright, Keith Wedmore, and Alfred Woodcraft. Tongues of Fire (June 27th 1965) Rev Stephan Hopkinson, Rev Kenneth Slack and Rev Michael Harper hear and discuss views expressed by Dr David de Plessis of the Pentecostal Church. Missing Believed Killed (July 25th 1965). Margaret Hayes talks to Richard Joyce about her publicised murder by Congo rebels. 20th Century Missionaries (Aug 8th 1965). With Tom Stacey. The Saturday People (Aug 22nd 1965) Derek Jewell on the Seventh Day Adventists. Going with the Crowd (Sept 5th 1965). A satire on Materialism starring David Davenport. Script: Gordon Stowell. Director: Fred Wilby. Their God and Ours (Sept 26th 1965). A meeting at St Mary-le-Bow Cheapside with representatives of various faiths, introduced by the rector Rev Joseph McCulloch. Rev Canon Richard Tydeman introduces a recording of this unique occasion. Where are the Neighbours? (Oct 17th) Ludovic Kennedy talks to Rev John Pellow- on the new housing and its social problems. The Great Unmentionable (Nov 29th 1965). Derek Jewell on death with Archie Markby and a professor of Clinical Cardiology. Rev Who? (Dec 5th 1965 postponed from Oct 31st) Stephan Hopkinson discusses how clergy are elected to a parish. 900 Years (Dec 26th 1965). Westminster Abbey's 900th Anniversary, a special programme from the Jerusalem Chamber with the Dean and members of the chapter talking to John Pett. Only six further programmes were made: Guilty Conscience (Jan 9th 1966). Robert Kee discuss Guilt and the role of religion in mental health with Keith Wedmore and Rev Father F O'Doherty. The Root of All Evil? (Jan 23rd 1966). Derek Jewell talks to Ronald Brech, Eugene Heimler, and Rev John Bowker. The World We Don't Know (Feb 20th 1966). People with disabilities with Dr Winifred de Kok, Robin Fox, and Mr and Mrs Bent. War in Peace (Mar 6th 1966). The Church Army with Derek Jewell. Debt to Tomorrow (Mar 20th 1966) Population explosion with Ludovic Kennedy. Rock Bottom (Apr 3rd 1966) Problems facing tramps with James Lloyd. The last programme in the series About Religion. Programmes were initially shown from 7.00 to 7.30pm, around 1958 this was shortened to end at 7.25pm. For the final few years programmes were mostly shown at 6.35pm. To Religious programmes Documentary Programmes . . . . . . . . . . . . Wednesday Night ITV Documentaries Details of a 1959 documentary: Spearhead July 23rd 1959 (TWW) The present and past of the 'spearhead' units of the British fight and Special Air Service, including film of the Royal Marine Commandos in exercise Run Aground in the west country. Two Commando VCs were joined in the studio by fourteen DSOs, fourteen Military Crosses and six Military Medals. The script and commentary were by Kem Bennett, a major in the French Resistance, the programme directed by John Wynn-Jones, a captain in No 4 Commando, and devised by TWW Station manager Peter Bartholomew, a Colonel in the Commandos who won a DSO In Autumn 1959, the ITV network started showing documentary programmes, almost in peak viewing time. Serious programmes couldn't quite make it every Wednesday night, so cinema films and variety/sport were mingled in with the heavy stuff. The 1959/60 season is most interesting, as all weekday ITV companies each produced at least one contribution, perhaps suggesting the big companies didn't want to risk too much financially until the slot won some plaudits! Documentary No 1 Home Front October 14th 1959, 9.35-10.20pm (Granada TV). In an attempt to popularise an intrinsically interesting subject, Tommy Trinder was roped in to host this portrait of Britain's wartime civilians and the work of Civil Defence. Documentary No 2 Service Rendered October 21st 1959, 9.35-10.05pm (Southern TV) A programme to mark the bi-centenary of the laying of Nelson's Victory, screened on the Anniversary of Trafalgar. It was mainly a reconstruction of life on board this ship before this battle, seen in flashback through modern day visitors. Thus one of the visiting party Fred (Nigel Green) changes into period costume to become one of the ratings. It's not all fun, since after a drinking bout he is punished with the cat o' nine tails. Then 14 year old Jim (John Pike, ex of Ivanhoe) steps back in time to become a midshipman. Finally, using models (well this was 1959), the Battle of Trafalgar is reconstructed. Documentary No 3 The Western. November 4th 1959, 9.35-10.20pm (ATV) This survey took a popular look at the Western film genre. Narrated by Lindsay Anderson it included such diverse people as Henry Fonda, Bessie Love, Carl Foreman and Kingsley Amis. It was written by Penelope Gilliatt, directed by Michael Redington, and produced by Harold Jamieson. Documentary No 4 Engineer Extraordinary November 18th 1959, 9.35-10.05pm (TWW) A dramatised documentary starring Peter Wyngarde as Isambard Kingdom Brunel. Also appearing were Peter Craze as Peter, Norman Tyrrell as Father, and Angela Brooking as Mother. Script: Kem Bennett. Director: John Wynn-Jones. Documentary No 5 The Unwanted December 2nd 1959, 9.35-10.20pm (A-R) Note: originally pencilled in for showing on Nov 11th. To mark World Refugee Year, Huw Thomas reported on the plight of many in European camps as well as those displaced Chinese and Arabs. Director Jim Pople spent five weeks from mid July that year visiting camps in Austria, Italy, Hong Kong (where he contracted pleurisy) and in Beirut. While the issue of providing homes for some refugees was considered, co-scriptwriter and producer Caryl Doncaster reported from Jordan, "not a single refugee here, whatever their standard of living, wanted resettlement. They all wanted their lands restored." Documentary No 6 Battle Formation December 16th 1959, 9.35-10.05pm (Anglia TV) The story of RAF Coltishall introduced by Hughie Green and Colin Hodgkinson, Spitfire ace. The former pilot had a nostalgic return to his own wartime base, to relive old memories and to compare the work of the modern airfield (now defunct). The programme also included "exciting aerial sequences." Documentary No 7 The Fifties December 30th 1959, 9.35-10.20pm (Granada TV) A review of the decade about to close, introduced by Ian Carmichael. It promised to be a serious retrospective, but in keeping with ITV policy, neither was it too highbrow, and there was the usual attempt to popularise the programme by using a well known 'face.' Documentary No 8 Saturday Fever January 13th 1960, 9.35-10.05pm (Scottish TV) An analysis of the behaviour of football crowds, this before the years of rioting. Subtitled Football Fanaticism, the programme looked at "confessions and case histories relating to this widespread national ailment." Whether, as this was made by STV, the focus was on Scottish fans, I cannot say. The producer was John Wilson. Documentary No 9 We Dissent January 27th 1960, 10.20-11.50pm (ATV) To accommodate a ninety minute programme, this documentary was moved to the end of the evening's schedules. It was a "Coast to Coast Impression of Americans in Doubt." Kenneth Tynan roamed the USA to find those questioning the affluent society, among them Mort Sahl, Dalton Trumbo, Jules Feiffer, C Wright Mills, Kenneth Galbraith and Norman Mailer. William Clark narrated the programme with comments from his studio guests. Tynan who also produced the programme wanted "to hear some Americans publicly questioning the values of their civilisation." Documentary No 10 The Burning Question February 10th 1960, 9.35-10.05pm (Tyne Tees TV) Euan MacColl and Peggy Seeger added some pertinent songs to this examination of what today we call the Energy question. With a contribution from the Minister of Power Richard Wood who was then able to make the rather telling comment, "for the time being, our troubles are due to surplus rather than scarcity. I should like to reaffirm my belief that there is no ground for gloom about the future of the coal industry." Politicians never change. The producer of the programme was HK Lewenhak. Guy Taylor made these interesting comments: "A few weeks ago, stories were flying... that local TV stations were angry because they were finding it increasingly difficult to get their shows on the network... This programme discussed problems of the coal industry. The Minister of Power was there. So were representatives of the Coal Board, the National Union of Mineworkers and the Managing Director of Shell. Now you would think a lively discussion would have ensued: it didn't! Chairman Jack Clarke sat at an elevated desk, making him look like a High Court Judge, while the others sat at varying levels (one man was so high he looked as if he was umpiring at Wimbledon) against a black background with immediate overhead lighting. Now HK Lewenhak the producer was obviously trying to get some strong dramatic effects into the programme. But noone seems to have told him you also need some good dramatic dialogue to go with it. On the occasions when it semeed the discussion would become lively, thanks to Will Payner, Secretary of the NUR, the chairman prevented him from speaking and substituted instead some terrifyingly bad interviews. And they were poorly photographed... By the time it ended you were left asking, What the blazes was all that about?" Documentary No 11 Living for Kicks March 2nd 1960, 9.35-10.20pm (A-R) Daniel Farson was an established investigative journalist for Associated Rediffusion. This one-off study saw Farson visit centres of teenage life in London, Brighton, and gasp, Northampton. Teenagers have their say, most being against the nuclear bomb and very few supported any colour bar. After the film, the Countess of Albemarle commented on some of the questions the film raised. One wonders how probing this epilogue was. Note: this programme achieved the best audience for a serious programme during March 1960, with 12,360,000 viewers (5.913,000 homes). In six ITV regions it was placed first in the Current Affairs category, while in the remaining three regions it came second. Documentary No 12 The Shadow of Ignorance March 30th 1960, 10.05-10.50pm (A-R) Because of the subject matter, this was transmitted a little later than the normal slot. The theme was venereal disease, examined "openly and outspokenly." Specialists described the diseases, treatment clinics were shown and patients were interviewed by Jo Grimond, Elaine Grand and Brian Inglis. The programme was directed by Silvio Narizzano. Documentary No 13 Right of Way April 20th 1960, 9.35-10.20pm (ATV) Subtitled The Automobile in the Modern World, Lord Boothby introduced an investigation into the problems caused by the car. Written by Eric Croston and produced by Jock Watson. Documentary No 14 The Alcoholic May 18th 1960, 9.35-10.20pm (ATV) Subtitled Study of a Disease, written by Cyril Bennett and directed by Peter Morley. Nine patients spoke out about what was only then being recognised as a disease. Maybe it should be repeated today. Documentary No 15 Candidates for Power June 15th 1960, 9.35-10.20pm (A-R) In Washington, Kenneth Harris reports on the autumn presidential election. He talked to Vice President Nixon and all "declared Democratic candidates." Director: Rollo Gamble More Wednesday Documentaries. The normal length was now set at one hour. The Editors July 27th 1960, 9.35-10.35pm (Granada) Director: Wilfred Fielding. Producer: Philip Mackie. Lord Birkett discusses with the editors of national newspapers, the standards of the British press. Participants are given as editors of The Sunday Dispatch (Herbert Gunn), Daily Mail (William Hardcastle), The Guardian (Alastair Hetherington), Sunday Pictorial (Lee Howard), News of the World (Stafford Somerfield), and Daily Sketch (Colin Valdar). The Two Faces of Japan November 2nd 1960 (A-R). This was repeated in the A-R region on March 24th 1961) Introduced by Tom Harrison. Script: Cyril Bennett. Director: Peter Morley. Two major questions are posed, "are we ever going to have to fight Japan again? Will Japan ever again be an economic threat to this country?" The Boer War December 7th 1960, 9.35-10.35pm (Granada) Written by Rayne Krager. Director: Claude Whatham. Producers: Elizabeth Ward and Philip Mackie. Narrated by Sebastian Shaw, "the programme uses a novel, vivid technique to show the battles and the sieges." But also "no actors and studio sets, no reconstructions." Apparently this meant using archive film with contemporary pictures. The New Americans April 19th 1961, 9.35-10.35pm (Granada) Producer: James Bredin. Ian Trethowan reported on the new president John F Kennedy and his new young administration. He also interviews the president. The Heartbeat of France June 14th 1961, 9.35-10.35pm (A-R, Intertel production) Written by Cyril Bennett. Director: Peter Morley. Special theme song by Marguerite Monnot, lyrics by Marc Lanjean, and sung by Colette Renard. Peter Finch was the narrator in this portrait of "the enduring France" including the French peasant, provincial France, the Paris of the artisan and of high fashion (including behind the scenes at Dior). Also Marseilles, aircraft and car factories, Paris jazz clubs, the shanty town for Algerian families. The Pill June 28th 1961, 9.35-10.35pm (Granada) Director: Pauline Shaw. Producer: Tim Hewat. An inquiry into "a revolutionary method of family planning," introduced by Elaine Grand. In this programme: mothers who take the pill in Britain, the first doctor to prescribe it, and other medical experts. The church's attitude is also covered. Mockba Moscow July 19th 1961, 9.35-10.35pm (ATV) Producers: Bill Ward and Stephen Wade. This programme was recorded on videotape in Moscow. Commentators Reginald Bosanquet, Shaw Taylor, Ludmilla Borozdina and Boris Belitsky toured Moscow and "talked freely with the people," a unique insight into life in a communist country. Claimed Bill Ward, "we went anywhere we liked and talked to anyone we wanted to." Thirty Years After July 26th 1961, 9.35-10.35pm (A-R) Script: Michael Segal. Director: Peter Robinson. Producer: Aidan Crawley. A comparison of 1931 with today (1961), introduced by Adrienne Corri. Sybil Thorndike and Donald Pleasence discussed changes in the theatre, Fred Perry commented on sport, Sir Dermot Boyle and Sir Bernard Lovell discussed developments in air and space travel. Beverley Nichols commented on changes in social life, Colin Clark reviews the economic impact of 1931 and 1961 and Lord Boothby and Walter Hallstein explored the European question. Head On This was an occasional series in the Wednesday documentary slot, produced by Granada TV. Candid profiles of famous people, seen through the eyes of the people who knew them. The first programme was on Randolph Churchill (August 9th 1961, 9.35-10.35pm). Director: Norman Dunkles. Producer: Milton Schulman. With The Earl of Birkenhead, Michael Foot, Sir Fitzroy Maclean and John Spencer Churchill. Introduced by Henry Fairlie. One later programme was on The Red Dean (March 7th 1962, 9.45-10.45pm). Director: Colin Bell. Producer: Milton Schulman. Frank opinions on Dr Hewlett Johnson, Dean of Canterbury, were given by Lord Morrison of Lambeth, The Bishop of Southwark, Dame Irene Ward, Emrys Hughes, and Col John Baker-White. Introduced and narrated by Jeremy Thorpe. Strangers In A Strange Land September 6th 1961, 9.35-10.35pm (A-R) Director: Rollo Gamble. Daniel Farson in a modern boom town, Cooma in Australia. The Snowy Mountains project, the biggest civil engineering scheme in the world. Typical of Farson, he concentrates on the workers rather than the project itself. This is one of several projects which he worked on during his five months down under. Germany, Friend or Foe? September 20th 1961, 9.35-10.35pm (Anglia TV) Written and directed by John Haggarty. Joseph Haroch reported on contemporary attitudes to the Germans. Among those taking part were Alan Taylor, Will Whitehead, and General Sir Richard Gale. Something for Nothing November 29th 1961, 9.40-10.35pm (ATV) Producer: Alan Chivers. A report by Ian Trethowan on gambling and the impact of the new Betting and Gaming Act. The Face of Beauty December 27th 1961, 9.40-10.35pm (ATV) Written by Tessa Diamond. Director: Jon Scoffield. Producer: Michael Redington. Ivan Yates narrated a film on the changing concepts of beauty, asking the question What is Beautiful? South America- An Impression February 7th 1962, 9.45-10.45pm (ATV) Producer: James Bredin. James Morris wrote and directed this tour of the Andes, Amazon, Rio, and the Argentine. He spent three months compiling his report, then producer Bredin spent a further two months filming in the continent. The programme was shown to coincide with the Duke of Edinburgh's two month visit there. Living with a Giant February 21st 1962, 9.45-10.45pm (A-R Production for Intertel) Writer: Elkan Allan. Director: Rollo Gamble. Editor of Intertel Programmes: Aidan Crawley. The commentary by Lord Boothby was about Canada, "in the Shadow of the USA." The aim was "to highlight the difference between Canada and French Canada." Filming was done in Guelph Ontario, St Hyacinthe Quebec, the border by Niagara Falls, and a township on the border, Rock Island and Derby Line. Algeria April 4th 1962, 9.45-10.45pm (ATV) Producer: Michael Redington. Narrated by Henry Fairlie who also scripted and researched the programme. The story of the Algerian war. The producer said, "we aim to tell this story from its very beginning, and make the jungle of modern politics and war understandable to everyone." Also examined was France's relations with her colonies, and a probe into the OAS. For Richer for Poorer (Granada) A five part inquiry that reported on The Business of Britain 1962. Producer: Tim Hewat. Number 1 was titled Bingo! (April 18th 1962, 9.45-10.45pm) Directed by Mike Wooler. Narrator: Robert Holness. Interviewer: Alex Valentine. Consultants: Robert Collin, Michael Shanks and George Cyriax. America Abroad May 30th 1962, 9.45-10.45pm (A-R Production for Intertel) Writer and producer: Peter Hunt. Director: Michael Ingrams. Narrated by Michael Ingrams and Peter Dyneley. A report on Americans working outside of their country, asking about their sphere of influence, and whether the Communist bloc countries are more successful. Four countries are depicted: Cambodia, South Vietnam, Pakistan and Ghana. The Trouble with Men June 13th 1962, 9.45-10.45pm (Granada) Director: Joan Kemp-Welch. Producer: Elaine Grand. A rather more frivolous offering, "tongue in cheek," with contributions from Fanny Craddock, Penelope Mortimer, Barbara Castle and Margaret Thatcher. In fact the whole programme was "produced, directed, designed and written by women." TV Times rather hopefully described it as "one of the most controversial ITV programmes ever screened." A kind of 'reply' The Trouble with Women was shown on July 18th 1962, 9.45-10.45pm (Granada) Written by Bamber Gascoigne. Director: Claude Whatham. Producer: Philip Mackie. Chairman Brian Inglis discussed with Kingsley Amis, Nicholas Davenport, Bernard Levin, and Malcolm Muggeridge. TV Times was plastered with complaints, all from women, on the lines of "rubbish"... "abominable facetiousness"... "ponderous patronising tone"... "sheer unadulterated drivel"... "something went sadly wrong somewhere and it wasn't the women." Watch on the Mekong August 8th 1962, 9.45-10.45pm (Granada) Director: Bill Morton. Writer and Producer: Peter Hunt. Subtitled The Geography of Peace, this was a film about rival armies on either side of the Mekong River. A week was spent filming in the area, the programme being well advertised with a front page spread in the TV Times. Challenge in the Skies September 5th 1962, 9.45-10.45pm (ATV) Director: George Clark. Producer: Alan Chivers. Ian Trethowan investigated the state of Britain's airlines and looked forward to "the age of faster than sound airliners" (they soon disappered didn't they?). The Unfinished Revolution September 19th 1962, 9.45-10.45pm (A-R Production for Intertel) Writer and executive producer: Michael Sklar. Producer-Director: Michael Alexander. Narrator: Joseph Julian. Subtitled The Emergence of Mexico, this programme dealt with the emerging Mexico and its problems inherited from its stormy past. Oxford October 24th 1962, 9.45-10.45pm (ATV) Writer and narrator: James Morris. Producer: James Bredin. Depicting the contrasts in the city, the spires and tyres, undergraduate life and teeming industry. Article 237 October 31st 1962, 9.45-10.45pm (A-R) Writers: Peter Hunt and Rollo Gamble. Director: Rollo Gamble. Producer: Peter Hunt. The New Europe, with the views of the Foreign Ministers of Belgium and Holland, and Walter Hallstein (President of the Common Market Commission). Dangerous Medicine November 14th 1962, 9.50-10.20pm (Granada) Writer: Philip Oakes. Director: Michael Scott. Producer: Jeremy Isaacs. Narrator: Bamber Gascoigne. Interviewer: Brian Trueman. This half hour was shorter than the usual documentary at this time, so as to fit in a talk by the Duke of Edinburgh on National Productivity Year. Probing questions about the safety of modern drugs, in the wake of thalidomide. The length of most documentaries was now reduced to three quarters of an hour. Target Feb 6th 1963, 9.45-10.30pm (A-R) Written by Brian Fitzjones. Director: Peter Robinson. For National Productivity Year, a comparison between a worker in North Wales and one in Kentucky. Living with the Germans February 20th 1963, 9.45-10.30pm (ATV) Producer: James Bredin. Reporter: David Holden. A Report on Life Among British Forces in Germany. One Man's Hunger March 13th 1963, 9.45-10.30pm (A-R) Written and narrated by James Cameron. Director: Bill Morton. Film from India, in Soharauna where a farmer struggles to support his family, "the story of One Man's Hunger is the story of them all." How to Run a Railway March 27th 1963, 9.45-10.30pm (Granada) Written and narrated by Ian Waller. Director: Michael Grigsby. Producer: Jeremy Isaacs. This was the day Dr Beeching published his infamous report. In the programme Dr Beeching and Minister of Transport Mr Marples explain all, and given the latter's participation, the stitch up. Rebellion Ireland 1913-1923 April 24th 1963, 9.45-10.45pm (ATV- Television Reporters International) Written and narrated by Robert Kee. I recall this impressive documentary, a vivid account using recently unearthed film, of the bitter struggles in Ireland, and of its repercussions to Britain of its contemporary diminishing empire. Defeat in the West How Hitler's Army Lost the War May 29th 1963, 9.45-10.35pm (A-R) Written and narrated by Paul Johnson. Director: Peter Morley. Hitler's military blunders are examined in a programme examining the reasons for his defeat. German wartime film illustrated the argument, and two German generals were interviewed, Blumentritt and Warlimont. The Censors June 5th 1963, 9.45-10.30pm (ATV) Written by Leslie Mallory. Director: Bob Wylam. Producer: Anthony Firth. John Freeman examined the question, Why is there Censorship? Interviews with Roy Jenkins, Cecil King, Peter Brook, Joan Littlewood and Katherine Whitehorn. Men of Our Time (Granada) Producer: Patricia Lagone. This was a series of four documentaries. No 1 Ramsay MacDonald (June 12th 1963, 9.45-10.45pm), by Malcolm Muggeridge. No 2 Mussolini (June 19th 1963, 9.40-10.25pm), by AJP Taylor. No 3 Mahatma Gandhi (June 26th 1963, 9.50-10.35pm), by James Cameron. No 4 Franklin D Roosevelt (July 3rd 1963, 9.45-10.30pm), by Max Beloff. A second series of four programmes followed in 1964: 2.1 Lenin (May 13th 1964, 9.40-10.25pm), by James Cameron. 2.2 King George V (May 20th 1964, 9.40-10.25pm), by AJP Taylor. 2.3 Hitler (June 3rd 1964, 9.40-10.40pm), by Kingsley Martin. With Brian Cobby. 2.4 Stanley Baldwin (June 10th 1964, 9.40-10.25pm), by Malcolm Muggeridge. The City July 17th 1963, 9.45-10.35pm (ATV) Written and narrated by Paul Ferris. Producer: James Bredin. Does the City of London work as well as it might? An examination of the finance and commerce of the City. Unmarried Mothers July 31st 1963, 9.45-10.45pm (Granada) Written and narrated by Douglas Keay. Director: Michael Grigsby. Producer: Elaine Grand. Reporter Diana Lancaster posed as a mother of a three month old son, wandering round London seeking work and lodgings. As Eagles Fly August 7th 1963, 9.45-10.30pm (ATV) Narrated by Shaw Taylor. Writers: Derek Dempster and John Ashby. Producer: Stephen Wade. Story of the early air pioneers right up to the modern space flights. The British at Play August 21st 1963, 9.45-10.30pm (A-R) Written by Ken Hoare. Director: Bill Hitchcock. A light hearted guide to the British on holiday. Stephen Potter gave a guided tour to Terry-Thomas, Wendy Craig and Tony Tanner. A Nation in Doubt September 18th 1963, 9.45-10.45pm (ATV) Chairman: Lord Shawcross. Producer: Tony Firth. A discussion on the decline and fall of Britain. The 'fall' is examined in terms of moral social and intellectual decline. The Drug Takers October 30th 1963, 9.45-10.30pm (ATV) Written by John Deane Potter. Producer: Tony Firth. Introduced by Brian Abel-Smith. Medical experts, social workers and addicts help answer the questions: Is drug taking on the increase? Is there a drug ring? Is this a grave national problem? "Some of the most astonishing film ever seen of drug addicts talking about themselves." Profiles in Power - John Fitzgerald Kennedy November 13th 1963, 9.40-10.40pm (A-R) Director: Bill Morton. Introduced by John Freeman with Arthur Schlesinger Jr, Professor James Macgregor Burns, Henry Reuss, and James Baldwin. This programme was, unusually, repeated on November 19th at 10.50pm, as a preliminary to the second programme: Profiles in Power - Nikita Kruschev November 20th 1963, again with John Freeman. Africa- The Hidden Frontiers (Intertel Production for A-R) February 19th 1964, 9.40-10.40pm. Narrator: James Cameron. Directed by Rollo Gamble. The Challenge of Tribalism, filmed in Kenya, examines the challenge of tribalism in a nation of over 8 million people and 40 different tribes. The Entertainers March 25th 1964, 9.40-10.40pm (Granada) Director: John McGrath. Devised and produced by Dernis Mitchell, the first of two commissioned Granada documentaries. A study of the private lives of club entertainers in the North of England. The first time a mobile videotape installed in a Travelling Eye vehicle had been used to get "a direct transcript of events as they happened." The entertainers were Johnnie Kennedy, Arlette, Bridgette, Shirley Davis, Archie Tower, and The Marvins. ... These Two Persons (ATV) April 15th 1964, 9.48-10.33pm. Producer: Michael Redington A look at marriage guidance counselling, following one couple's efforts to sort out their marriage. Black Marries White (A-R) April 29th 1964, 9.40-10.40pm. Director: Peter Morley Subtitled The Last Barrier- an impression of a mixed marriage. "There is no narrator... no interviewer.. there is only the stark dialogue of human experience." Abortion: A Question of Priorities (ATV) June 17th 1964, 9.40-10.25pm. Producer: Anthony Firth. Presented by Lord Francis-Williams. Fans, Fans, Fans (ATV) July 29th 1964, 9.40-10.25pm. written by Leslie Mallory. Producer: Francis Megahy. Narrated by Alan Dell. A study of fans of the past leading to the now of Beatlemania. A World in Anguish? (ATV) July 1st 1964, 9.45-10.40pm Producer: HK Lewenhak. Chairman: Lord Gardiner QC, who hosts a discussion on the pressures of everyday life with a team of pyschotherapists, in London for their Sixth World Congress. Airport (Rediffusion) September 23rd 1964, 9.40-10.25pm Music composed and played by Lennie Best. Director: Charles Squires. London Airport from dawn to dusk, fly on the wall observation, nice and cheap to make. Goldwater, Man Out of the West (Rediffusion) October 28th 1964, 9.40-10.25pm Director: James Butler. John Freeman evaluates Senator Barry Goldwater, with Dean Burch, F Clifton White, Dorothy Elston, William Buckley, and Professor James MacGregor Burns. One senses the production team thought Goldwater would win the upcoming US Presidency election. The Grafters (Rediffusion) November 18th 1964, 9.35-10.20pm (repeated on Rediffusion August 25th 1965) Director: Charles Squires. Portrait of market salesmen, street traders, but "soon they may be gone. This programme records a unique and colourful working class folklore." The End of a Street (Granada) December 2nd 1964, 9.40-10.25pm Producer: Norman Swallow Filmed in Oldham, a genuinely northern Granada documentary. The destruction of a thousand old houses to make way for modern flats, "the town's second revolution." Sharon (Granada) December 9th 1964, 9.40-10.25pm Producer: Denis Mitchell An account of the Divine Healing Campaign at the Sharon Full Gospel Church in a Manchester suburb. Great Temples of the World (ATV) An occasional series with Sir Kenneth Clark. No.1 San Marco, Venice (December 16th 1964, 9.40-10.25pm). Producer: HK Lewenhak. Further programmes were: 2 Chartes Cathedral (December 15th 1965, 9.45-10.40pm). Producer: Alastair Reid. 3 Karnak, Egypt (August 3rd 1966, 9.40-10.25pm). Producer: Jon Scoffield. The Entertainers (Granada) January 13th 1965, 10.25-11.25pm Director: John McGrath. Producer: Denis Mitchell Fly on the wall look at the backstage lives of seven little known entertainers in northern pubs and clubs. The seven were Johnnie Kennedy from Liverpool, Arlette, Bridgette, Shirley Davis, 60 year old Arthur Tower, and The Marvins. America- On the Edge of Abundance (Rediffusion production for Intertel) January 27th 1965, 9.40-10.40pm Script: Jack Hargreaves. Director: Bill Morton. Narration: James Cameron As technology advances, America's staggering wealth is being increased. But less and less people will be needed, and without work, how will people have money to buy the machine-made goods? America- The Dollar Poor (Rediffusion production for Intertel) February 3rd 1965, 9.40-10.40pm Script: Paul Johnson. Director: Randal Beattie. Narration: James Cameron. The darker side of the American dream, looking at the poor of the country and ways of tackling their problems. The Fall and Rise of the House of Krupp (ATV) February 17th 1965, 9.40-10.40pm (repeated in some regions September 1st 1965) Written and Produced by Peter Batty. Narrator: Bernard Archard, with Lord Shawcross, Sir Christopher Steel, Airey Neave, Goronwy Rees, Terence Prittle, Prof Francis Carsten, and Gottfried Treviranus. Colossus at the Crossroads (ATV) February 24th 1965, 9.40-10.40pm Written and narrated by Lord Francis-Williams. Producers: Francis Megahy, Stephen Wade, HK Lewenhak. Taking part: Ray Gunther, Viscount Watkinson, Jim Conway, AJ Stephen Brown, and B Macarty. An examination of the role of trade unions. A Face in the Crowd (Rediffusion) March 10th 1965, 9.40-10.25pm Director: Bill Morton. Five Bachelors. Gillian Reynolds interviews five men and women who are unmarried in thsi film about bachelor life. The Tigers Are Burning (ATV) April 7th 1965, 9.45-10.30pm. Writer and Producer: Anthony Firth. Director: Shaun O'Riordan. Narrator: Michael Hordern. With Norman Rodway as Hitler, Allan Cuthbertson as Guderlan. The turning point of the second war in the summer of 1943 on the Eastern Front. The battle is shown on film, plus a reconstruction of Hitler's conferences with his generals. A Camera in China (Rediffusion) April 21st 1965, 9.40-10.25pm Director: Claude Otzenberger. Producer: Jeremy Isaacs. Introduced by Robert Kee. Three film-makers in Communist China. more details to be added later Documentary Programmes