My LOST Dinosaur TV Programmes
Files on programmes which I've not seen at all this century. I'd love to hear if you have unearthed any editions of them!

Stryker of the Yard
Joan and Leslie (ATV)
Seeing Sport (ATV)
64,000 Question (ATV)
Tracey and Me (A-R)
Gay Cavalier (A-R)
Destination Downing Street (A-R)
Highland Fling (A-R)
Land of Song (TWW)
Sunday Break (ABC)
The Verdict is Yours (Granada)
Mary Britten MD (Southern)
Educating Archie (A-R)
All Aboard (ABC)
Sunday's Child (ABC)
Gert and Daisy (A-R)
The Love of Mike (A-R)
Deadline Midnight (ATV)
The Odd Man (Granada)
Biggles (Granada)
If The Crown Fits (ATV)
Journey of a Lifetime (ABC)
Top Secret (A-R)
Discs A Gogo (TWW)
Dial Rix (BBC)
Sword in the Web (ABC)
Jezebel ex U.K. (ABC)
Crane (A-R)
5 O'Clock Club (A-R)
Romper Room (Anglia)
ABC COMEDY/VARIETY ITV CHILDREN'S SERIALS BBC CHILDREN'S SERIALS SATURDAY SERIALS PILOTS ABORTIVE SERIES
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . To Main Dinosaur TV Menu

ABOUT RELIGION (ATV)
Additional programme information (existing data)
June 8th 1958: An Artist's Vision. George Goyder on William Blake
July 25th 1959: For Ever and Ever. A dramatised imaginary conversation about the Lord's Prayer, written by Emma Smith
July 10th 1960: Heaven and Hell. Norman Fisher questions Rev Dr Nathaniel Micklem, Archbishop Thomas Roberts and Rev Dr Ulrich Simon
Aug 14th 1960: The Uses of Worship with Dr John Heenan who is questioned by Kenneth Harris
Aug 21st 1960: Soap Box Sunday with Rev Noel Calvin
Sept 4th 1960: The Other Side, Christian and Siritualist beliefs with Rev Thomas Wemyss Reid, Rev Joseph Crehan, Rev Eric H Pyle and Rev John Pearce-Higgins. Introduced by Tom Driberg
Oct 9th 1960: Who's In Town? An imaginary interview with St Paul at the Areopagus TV Studios Athens with Martin Benson as St Paul, Brewster Mason, Harold Scott and John Kidd. Script: Christopher Hollis
Jan 29th 1961: Eye Level, first edition of 1961
Feb 5th 1961: Soap Box Sunday with Ven Peter Booth
Mar 19th 1961: Tongues of Men or of Angels? Lord David Cecil, Nigel Nicolson and Christopher Logue and chairman Norman Fisher discuss the newly published translation of the bible.
Oct 15th 1961: Hawksmoor of London narrated by John Betjeman, with readings read by Peter Barkworth. About Nicholas Hawksmoor, born 300 years ago, builder of many churches in London
Nov 5th 1961: A House Divided. Discussion between George Thomas MP and Dr Leslie Weatherhead about suffering and anxiety
March 11th 1962; Hair Shirts or a Soft Option. The relevance in 1962 of Fasting in Lent
April 8th 1962: Christianity Limited. Father Columba Ryan discusses with FG Healy and an Anglican religious freedom, or the lack of it in some parts of the world
July 22nd 1962: The New Coventry Plays: No 1 This is The End, with Robert Flemyng, Robin Bailey, Pauline Letts, Jane Eccles, Peter Williams, Scot Finch. Music by John Barry. Script: Ken Taylor. An outside broadcast from the porch of Coventry Cathedral, the first in a series of occasional plays
Dec 16th 1962: The Six Proud Walkers. An examination of the state of Christianity in the six major power blocks of the world
Feb 9th 1964: Who Decides? A discussion about smoking with Enoch Powell, Ronald Plumley, Wayland Young and John Morris
June 7th 1964: Have Faith Will Travel. A programme on pilgrimages with Richard Joyce, JP Delaney and Rev Eric Buchanan
July 12th 1964: Can't Buy me Love. John Wren-Lewis on social workers
August 9th 1964: The High Climbers, narrated by John Whale, written and introduced by Stephan Hopkinson. With Tom Price, warden of an Outward Bound Mountain School and Anthony Rawlinson, secretary of The Alpine Club.
August 23rd 1964: Forum with Brian Connell. The role of Christianity in some recently independent Commonwealth countries

Missing Menu

.

.

.

.

.

.

The Love of Mike (from April 20th 1960, A-R)
A series of 26 comedy programmes made on Ampex, the first from A-R after the end of their partnership with Jack Hylton.
Michael Medwin starred as dance band trumpeter Mike Lane, who is always in a jam with debts and dames. Carmel McSharry as the char, and Brian Wilde as Bob, who shares his flat co-starred, though Wilde was replaced by Bernard Fox as Malcolm on and from the June 8th episode. The other co-star was George Roderick as George, a henpecked neighbour, who helps out just to get away from his wife.
Director: firstly Bill Hitchcock, then Ronald Marriott (from June 8th), then Cyril Butcher (from July 4th), also Bill Turner.
Contemporary criticism of the first show: "Disappointing... riddled with comedy cliches and corny situations. Medwin strained too much... the laughter wore off more than halfway through to a tiny trickle... while all the supporting characters were good, the bit players were appallingly bad."
But by the July 4th 1960 story, critic John Price was able to admit, "a fine comedy team has been moulded by the director, Cyril Butcher." The story was about George buying a greengrocer's shop next door to a new supermarket. Mike's fast talking gives George the chance to sell the shop for twice the price paid, but he refuses to sell, believing he's landed a gold mine. Instead he buys another shop opposite the supermarket.
Another story showed Mike stumbling on a judge's badge for a Miss World contest, and using it to his advantage. Another had him playing in a band at the Cannes Film Festival, but as he can't get a flight ticket, he poses as the pilot. Being a thoroughly moral series, Medwin explained, "he never gets anywhere. All his little tricks blow up in his face."

A follow up series began on May 15th 1961:
Three Live Wires
which again starred Michael Medwin, Bernard Fox and George Roderick. They were joined by Deryck Guyler as The Manager, and Derek Benfield as Higgenbottom, who was given joint starring status from story 3. Scripts: James Kelly and Peter Miller. Director: Christopher Hodson. except for: Don Gale (June 19th, Aug 7th). John P Hamilton (June 26th, July 17th, Sept 4th, 18th, 25th) Episodes included: 1 French Cleaner (May 15th 1961)
2 Stranger Than Fiction (May 22nd 1961) with Bernard Hunter, Patricia Haines, Vanda Godsell and guest star Sydney Tafler.
3 The Play Off (May 29th 1961) with Bill Shine, Ronnie Stevens, Constance Wake and David Morrell.
4 Room Up Above(June 5th 1961) with Barry Macgregor, Audrey Noble, Kathleen Boutall, Tony Sympson, Grace Dolan and guest stars Peter Vaughan and Moira Redmond.
5 The Recall (June 12th 1961) with Ivor Salter, Harry Littlewood, David Blake Kelly, Alister Smart, Noel Coleman and John Bosch.
6 The Critic (June 19th 1961) with Charles Morgan and guest Peter Vaughan.
7 The Suit (June 26th 1961) with Ronnie Corbett, Peter Stockbridge, Fred Abbott, Charles Stanley, plus The Dudley Moore Trio. Guest star Kieron Moore (no Deryck Guyler).
8 Falling Star (July 3rd 1961) with Lionel Murton, Ronnie Stevens, Harry Littlewood, Joe Ritchie and guest star Dickie Henderson.
9 The Ring (July 10th 1961) with Harold Berens, Arthur Lowe and Valerie Brooks. Also with Audrey Noble, Geoffrey Denton, Agatha Carroll, Jacqueline Maude, Chris Carlsen and Gay Holden (no Deryck Guyler).
10 Winner Take All (July 17th 1961) with Anthony Sager and Leslie Handford.
11 Who Was That Lady? (July 24th 1961) with Betty Huntley-Wright, Valerie Brooks, also John Dearth and Raymond Hodge.
12 The Suggestion Box (July 31st 1961) with Timothy Bateson as Mr Bligh, Steven Scott as Mr Swan and Jessie Robins as Mrs Berry.
13 Pay or Return (August 7th 1961) with guest stars Naomi Chance as Bubbles and Freddie Mills as O'Brien. Also with Vic Wise as Cookie and Ross Hutchinson as Doctor.
14 The Salesman (August 14th 1961) with Alexander Dore, Peter Welch, also Laurel Solash and Beryl Andrews.
15 The Matchmaker (August 21st 1961)
16 Reflections (August 28th 1961) with Peter Byrne, Charles Julian, also Noel Coleman and Paul Williamson.
17 The Cash Box (September 4th 1961) with Virginia Vernon and also Hugh Evans.
18 The Tea Break (September 11th 1961) with John Scott, also Timothy Bateson, Denis DeMarney and Peter Lawrence.
19 The Disappearance (September 18th 1961) with Duncan Lewis, also Malcolm Webster and Jennifer Browne (no Deryck Guyler). This script only by Gerald Kelsey and Dick Sharples.
20 The Rise (September 25th 1961) with John Scott.
In all there were 26 stories, the last being
26 The Holiday (November 6th 1961) with Ronnie Corbett, Joan Ingram, Renee Harrison and Patricia Haines..

Missing Menu

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Highland Fling (Associated Rediffusion)

Described as a musical comedy in six episodes, this started on the August Bank Holiday 1957. The star was Richard Hearne, who had originally scripted it in 1939 as a musical at the Gaiety Theatre, but the war aborted the project. Now with Richard Waring, Hearne had adapted it for tv. Henry Kendall produced the show, which was directed by John Phillips. The original music was by Joyce Cochrane. Programmes were made at Studio One Wembley before an audience. The stories also starred James Hayter (except the first story) and Charles Heslop, with Nicolette Roeg, Jean Bayliss, David Williams, and Charles Lamb.
1 No Sale (Monday August 5th 1957 at 9.30pm). Billy McQuirtle and his pals of the old estate agency of Nutty, Dime and Wormy are selling a Scottish castle, but they appear to be doing their best to prevent anyone from buying it. But then Billy's best friend falls in love with a millionaire client's beautiful daughter.
2 Desirable Residence (August 12th 1957). Millionaire Augustus Trim (James Hayter) won't be put off buying the castle.
3 Vacant Possession (August 19th 1957). Augustus Trim has invited the entire office to stay with him at the castle for the weekend.
4 (August 26th 1957).
5 Castle Plot (September 2nd 1957). Also with Rufus Cruikshank. Now that Trim is happily installed in the castle, there seems nothing that Billy and his pals can do. However, when they meet Red Wully, a six foot four red-bearded gent, Billy gets the idea of entering Trim against him in the Highland Games.
6 Going Concern (September 9th 1957). It's Billy's last attempt to put Augustus Trim off. He haunts the castle in ghostly garb. Whether his plan will succeed, depends on Trim's reaction to nocturnal disturbances.
The picture shows Richard Hearne in a publicity photo for A-R, taken from the top of their Kingsway building

Missing Menu

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

SUNDAY'S CHILD
This ABC series started on 14th June 1959, with child star Mandy Miller, aged almost 15, starring as Mandy Proctor. Daphne Anderson co-starred as her scatty mother Evelyn Proctor. Peter Lambda devised the series and wrote all 13 stories. Geoffrey Nethercott was the director, and the producer was Philip Dale.

Here is a contemporary account of this first story:
Mandy plays the daughter of a widow who tries to get money out of her bank manager to take a trip to New York to sell some inventions that her husband left after he died. When he refuses, Mandy decides to take out a loan, which is secured by her forthcoming appearance on a tv quiz. Commented Derek Hoddinott, "I like the way the bank employees voted to support Mandy and Mandy herself was so delightful, so talented, and the direction so clever, that I rate this the best of the new series on TV." The others in this cast were Fred Kitchen, Brian Wilde, Billy Milton, Eric Hillyard, Robert Young, Frances Leak, James Bret, Maidie Andrews, Graeme Campbell, Sheila Gill, Launce Maraschal, John Grant, Kenneth Collins, Andrew Irvine, Frank Littlewood, and Susan Tress.

Here are details of a few of the other stories:
7 Care and Protection (July 25th 1959) with Joan Hathorne as Moira Arlington-Smith, Margo Andrew as Angela, Geoffrey Adams as Clerk of the Court, Colin Fry as Solicitor, and Aubrey Danvers-Walker and Charles Weston as JPs, with Little Jumbo. It seems Mandy's new friend will turn out to be just another juvenile delinquent. Mandy has an idea, and it is another youngster who supplies the answer
10 What Makes the Wheels Go Round (August 16th 1959), with Hana Pravda as Anna, Tom Macaulay as Sir Robert Freeman, Barbara Everest as Miss Lawson, and David Graham as Denis Quendon. Mandy finds herself up against a formidable opponent who has discovered a protege of her late father, who has discovered a revolutionary chemical process.
11 The Star (August 23rd 1959), with Patrick Holt as Rod Silvano, and Hana Pravda, who plays a falling star threatening to upset Mandy's little world.
12 The Emperor's Tailors (Aug 30th 1959), with Howard Payne as Harry Briggs, Sidney Vivian as Biff, William Lyon Brown as Jasper Poole, Marion Wilson as Mrs Poole, and Ewan Roberts as Alastair McKay. Mandy finds it difficult to understand how someone can become a genius through no fault of his own.
13 Sunday Closing (Sept 6th 1959- final story), with Hana Pravda as Anna, Barbara Everest as Miss Lawson, Cyril Shaps as Mr Pettigrew, Billy Milton as Magistrate, John Stuart as MP, Vincent Holman as Sir Wilfred Arden, William Lyon Brown as Jasper Poole, Marion Wilson as Mrs Poole, Margo Andrew as Angela, Stewart Guidotti as Johnny and Fred Kitchen as Bank Manager. An informer tries to spoil Mandy's birthday party, but many of her old friends come to the rescue of Miss Lawson and she is able to extend her premises.
Missing Menu

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.


The Verdict is Yours (Granada)
Allegedly "the cases ... have no scripts... nobody in the studio knows what's coming next."
One of the longest serving of the 'barristers', Simon Kester, was in all series, but unfortunately casts were not published (except for repeat broadcasts) and without the actual programmes, most of which seem to have been wiped, we will never know the casts.

First series (1958) - Three "unscripted" half hour programmes comprised one trial.
Unfortunately TV Times didn't even provide details of the storyline for this first series! David Ensor was the judge throughout the series, a real life solicitor whose task was to clarify any confusing issues and sum up in two minutes, though "sometimes the director stretches a point... and gives me an extra 40 seconds! In those two minutes I have to give a summing up that a real judge would take two hours over."
One story in July 1958 was congratulated on for its authenticity by the secretary for the National Institute for the Deaf- when the problem of a deaf witness with a hearing aid was accurately depicted.
Another viewer complained, erroneously, that the jury seemed to have changed the next night in the Case of the Poisoned Pen Letters. The women on this jury were alleged to have been really horrified when they were given copies of "genuine, gruesome, poison pen stuff." Barristers tried to prove the girl's handwriting seen on an estate agent's catalogue was the same hand as the writing in the letters. The woman on trial for this crime was played by Shirley Lawrence. She was found not guilty.
Another case from this first series starred actress Barbara Burke, playing Lucy Mitchell, accused of electrocuting her mother in a bath.
In another, Eira Heath played Maria Hernandez accused of murdering her lover's wife with weedkiller. She too was acquitted.
One case starred Kevin Stoney as ex-army officer Roy Cromwell, accused of murdering a wartime pal by backing a car into him in a hotel car park.
Derren Nesbitt was in one of the first series, and his performance so impressed Irving Allen of Warwick Films that he was offered a part in the film In the Nick.
And William Lucas played Arthur Martin, accused of blowing up machinery at a factory where he had once worked.
Other actors who have stated they appeared in this series were: Clifford Earl, Andrew Faulds (also in On Trial), Keith Faulkner, John Harvey, Michael Hawkins, Thora Hird (series 3), Edward Jewesbury, Judy Kenny, Lloyd Lamble, George Mikell, Norman Mitchell, Edna Morris (series 3), Russell Napier, Rachel Roberts (most likely series 1 or 2), Thelma Ruby, Ivor Salter, Sally Ann Shaw (series 1 or 2), Peggy Thorpe-Bates, Thorley Walters (series 3), Colin Welland (as an accused man, series 3), Neil Wilson and John Witty.
One member of the jury, which was taken from members of the public as in real life, explained, "the jury took notes of all the salient points and discussed them very earnestly and soberly." She refers to this case of Arthur Martin, a "far from sympathetic character, truculent and surly," but, claimed the juror, "our verdict was unanimous and based solely on facts."

Details of some of the cases:

May 28th 1958 Regina v Cromwell (part, in Granada archive)

Tuesday July 8th 1958 10.15-10.45pm Wednesday July 9th 1958 10.15-10.45pm and Thursday July 10th 1958 10.15-10.45pm.
Case devised by Peter Wildeblood Designed by Paul Bernard Directed by David Main

Tuesday August 12th 1958 10.15-10.45pm Wednesday August 13th 1958 10.15-10.45pm and Thursday August 14th 1958 10.15-10.45pm.
Case devised by Fenton Bresler Designed by Paul Bernard Directed by Herbert Wise

Tuesday August 19th 1958 10.15-10.45pm Wednesday August 20th 1958 10.15-10.45pm and Thursday August 21st 1958 10.15-10.45pm.
Case devised by Fenton Bresler Designed by Paul Bernard Directed by Max Morgan-Witts

Tuesday September 9th 1958, Wednesday September 10th 1958, and Thursday September 11th 1958
Regina v Cordoza (complete three episodes, in Granada archive)

Wednesday September 17th 1958 10.15-10.45pm Thursday September 18th 1958 10.15-10.45pm, and 11.00-11.30pm
Henderson v Ford
Case devised by Philip Grenville Main Directed by Claude Whatham (part in Granada archive)

Wednesday September 24th 1958 10.15-10.45pm Thursday September 25th 1958 10.15-10.45pm, and 11.00-11.30pm
Case devised by LF Lampitt Directed by James Ormerod

Wednesday October 1st 1958 10.15-10.45pm Thursday October 2nd 1958 10.15-10.45pm, and 11.15-11.45pm
Case devised by LF Lampitt Directed by James Ormerod

Thursday October 16th 10.15-11.15pm (this was an hour long trial)
Case devised by LF Lampitt

Wednesday October 22nd 1958 10.15-10.45pm, Thursday October 23rd 1958 10.15-10.45pm, and 11-11.28pm
Case devised by John Hopkins Directed by Herbert Wise

Wednesday November 5th 1958 11-11.28pm, Thursday November 6th 1958 10.15-10.45pm, and 11-11.28pm
Case devised by LF Lampitt Directed by James Ormerod

Wednesday November 19th 1958 11-11.28pm, Thursday November 20th 1958 10.15-10.45pm, and 11-11.30pm
The Case of The Disfigured Actress
Case devised by John Hopkins Directed by James Ormerod (part in Granada archive)

Note- The series In Court Today was a variation on the courtroom theme, shown in the summer of 1959, each programme 30 minutes long, the setting a Magistrates Court. Directors included James Ormerod and Graham Evans. The producer was Harry Elton.

The second series, with probably eleven programmes, opened at the start of July 1959. Each case was now reduced to two half hour programmes, not shown in all ITV regions. Southern TV did not screen it, oddly because lawyer Fenton Bresler, one of their presenters did devise some of the cases for this programme. Simon Kester and Martin Benson again regularly appeared as lawyers.

2.8 The Case of the Missing Golf Funds
Wednesday August 19th 1959, 10.15-10.45pm,
Thursday August 20th 1959, 10.15-10.48pm,
Designed by George Haslam. Director: Mike Woolgar.
Cast includes David Ensor as Judge, John van Eyssen as Counsel for Defence, William Fox as Counsel for Prosecution.
Henry Wentworth, mild elderly secretary of the Seacombe Golf Club, is unable to challenge the accusation of the newly elected captain that £100 has disappeared from the club safe. He finds himself charged with stealing it.

2.9 The Case of the Broken Engagement
Wednesday August 26th 1959, 10.15-10.45pm,
Thursday August 27th 1959, 10.15-10.48pm,
Case devised by John Whitney and Geoffrey Bellman
Designed by George Haslam. Director: Wilfred Fielding.
Cast includes David Ensor, Simon Kester and William Squire.
Prudence Eland, daughter of a rich industrialist and a member of the Mayfair bright set, makes a satisfactory match with the 8th Marquis of Salchester. While on holiday on the Italian Riviera, she meets Italian prince Georgio Vittoria d'Umberti, and is frequently seen in his company by a notorious gossip columnist who makes the most of it in the English papers. Lord Salchester breaks off the engagement, and Prudence Eland's father insists that she sue him for breach of promise.

2.10 The Case of the Bathing Accident
Wednesday September 2nd 1959, 10.20-10.50pm,
Thursday September 3rd 1959, 10.15-10.48pm,
Case devised by HV Kershaw
Director: Wilfred Fielding.
Cast includes David Ensor, Simon Kester and John Chandos.
A 17 year old girl (played by Barbara Brown) alleges that while swimming in Austria on a holiday arranged by her school, she got into difficulties owing to lack of proper supervision and sustained injuries during an attempted rescue. Her father sues the Principal of her school.

2.11The Case of the Murdered Pawnbroker (last of series)
Wednesday September 9th 1959, 10.25-10.55pm,
Thursday September 10th 1959, 10.15-10.48pm,
Case devised by Fenton Bresler
Director: Mike Wooller.
Cast: David Ensor as Judge, William Squire as Counsel for Defence, William Fox as Counsel for Prosecution, with David Lodge and Ronald Hines.
John Gordon, a 22 year old lorry driver, is accused of the murder of an 85 year old pawnbroker, Joseph Booth. The prosecution alleges that Gordon stabbed Mr Booth with a knife while attempting to steal 140 gold sovereigns. Gordon denies the charge.

This seems to be a repeat: The Case of the Offensive General
Friday February 12th 1960, 11.07pm-12 midnight
Case devised by Peter Wildeblood
Director: Michael Scott.
Cast: David Ensor as Judge, Martin Benson as Counsel for Plaintiff, William Fox as Counsel for Defendant, Ralph Michael as Lord Charlcote, Georgina Cookson as Dr Christine Helder.
An offensive military campaign of the last war is fought again during a slander action at Birkenhead Assizes.

On Trial, a series of recreations of real life trials followed in the summer of 1960.

After a long break The Verdict is Yours was revived: Third series 1962/3
75 or 85 minute stories shown at peak viewing time. Set in Birkenhead Assizes, producer Peter Wildeblood said it was "a rewarding programme to produce, as well as a fascinating one," for "it teaches us the art of cross examination."

3.1 Regina v Harding
Monday August 27th 1962, 9.15-10.40pm
Case devised by James Parish. Editor: Guy Morgan.
Director: Michael Scott. Producer: Peter Wildeblood.
Typist Christine Milton drowns during a midnight bathe on a lonely beach. Police charge bank manager David Harding with procuring her death. Mr Justic Ensor tries the case.

3.2 Regina v Talbot
Monday September 3rd 1962, 9.15-10.40pm
Case devised by Cyril Abraham.
Director: Eric Price. Producer: Peter Wildeblood.
The bosun of a British merchant ship comes up for trial before Mr Justice Ensor on a charge of murdering a person unknown. He is accused of fighting with a stowaway at night and throwing him overboard, but members of the crew on watch give differing accounts of what they saw.

3.3 Braithwaite v Merton
Monday September 10th 1962, 9.15-10.40pm
Case devised by Cedric Wallis. Editor: Guy Morgan.
Director: Michael Scott. Producer: Peter Wildeblood.
Victor Braithwaite, a former county cricketer, accuses Donald Merton, a master at his son's college, of enticing away his wife.

3.4 Regina v Zyrawska
Monday September 17th 1962, 9.15-10.30pm
Case devised by Hugh Forbes. Editor: Guy Morgan.
Director: Eric Price. Producer: Peter Wildeblood.
For years Jack and Susie Morris have been powerless to prevent the growing domination of Katya Zyrawska, their Polish paying guest, over their teenage daughter Paula. But when Paula gets into trouble with the French police, they continue their fight in court.

3.7 Bardolino v Duxford
Monday October 8th 1962, 9.15pm
Case devised by Michael Gilbert. Editor: Guy Morgan.
Director: Howard Baker. Producer: Peter Wildeblood.
Lucia Bardolino, an Italian au pair living in the home of a Cheshire MP, sues the police for damages to her reputation as a result of being cautioned under the Street Offences Act.

3.8 Regina v Derbyshire
Monday October 15th 1962, 9.15pm
Case devised by Cyril Abraham. Editor: Guy Morgan.
Director: Eric Price. Producer: Peter Wildeblood.
Prosecuting counsel played by Martin Benson.
For three months Robert Derbyshire's attractive Brazilian wife (played by Leda Casares) has been pestered by indecent telephone calls. When he traps a suspect in a nearby callbox there is a fight, which results in a charge of grievous bodily harm.

3.9 Regina v Browning
Monday October 22nd 1962, 9.15pm
Case devised by Fenton Bresler. Editor: Guy Morgan.
Director: Eric Price. Producer: Peter Wildeblood.
The police ambush three burglars who escape. Thomas Browning, seen running away in a nearby street, is arrested and identified, but claims he is being victimised.

3.10 Laughton v Ware
Monday October 29th 1962, 9.15pm
Case devised by Cedric Wallis. Editor: Guy Morgan.
Director: Claude Whatham. Producer: Peter Wildeblood.
Naval rating Charlie Barnes returns from sea, calls off his wedding, and pawns the ring. As a result he finds himself charged at the Birkenhead Assizes with receiving stolen property.

The series was now shortened to one hour, with a return for the jury's verdict after a brief break for the News Headlines.

3.12 Regina v Bellingham
Friday November 16th 1962, 10.15-11.10pm, verdict after News Headlines
Case devised by Vivienne Mason. Editor: Guy Morgan.
Director: Richard Everitt. Producer: Peter Wildeblood.
A young labourer is accused of arson after a hayrick blaze at a village harvest festival.

3.14 Laughton v Ware
Friday November 30th 1962, 10.15-11.15pm, Verdict after News Headlines
Case devised by Maurice Wiltshire. Editor: Guy Morgan.
Director: Max Morgan-Witts. Producer: Peter Wildeblood.
An unsuccessful by-election candidate sues an undergraduate of the local university for a rag week libel.

3.17 Regina v Cullen
December 21st 1962
Case devised by Hugh Forbes. Director: Max Morgan-Witts.
Harry Cullen is accused of 'wounding with intent' as the result of a grudge fight with a fellow member of an amateur boxing club

3.18 Henley v Laurence
Friday December 28th 1962, 10.15pm
Case devised by Nicholas Palmer. Editor: Hugh Leonard.
Director: Christopher McMaster. Producer: Claud Whatham.
The Laurences, in danger of losing their foster son Alan, decide on a showdown with the Thompsons, the boy's parents. As a result, Harry Laurence faces a murder charge.

3.24 Regina v Middleton
Friday February 8th 1963, 10.15pm
Case devised by Jack Rosenthal. Editor: Hugh Leonard.
Director: Peter Plummer. Producer: Claude Whatham.
Can a wife steal from her husband? The Law says yes- in certain circumstances, and Helen Middleton is arrested on a charge of larceny following a quarrel with her husband.

3.25 Regina v Leek
Friday February 15th 1963, 10.15pm
Case devised by John Finch. Editor: Hugh Leonard.
Director: Peter Plummer. Producer: Claude Whatham.
May Featherstone leaves her husband and later marries again. She is subsequently put on trial for bigamy. But who is the real bigamist- May or her first husband, Jack Featherstone?

3.26 Henley v Bone
Friday February 22nd 1963, 10.15pm
Case devised by Peter Lamda. Editor: Hugh Leonard.
Director: Christopher McMaster. Producer: Claud Whatham.
William Bone, a chemist, prosecutes Don Henley, an efficiency expert, for fraud. The case is dismissed for lack of evidence. Now it is Henley's turn to sue Bone- for malicious prosection.
Cast includes David Ensor, Jack May (a frequent actor in the series as a barrister), Mark Eden.
Note- this exists in the Granada archive

3.29 Regina v Curry
Friday March 15th 1963, 10.15pm (final programme)
Case devised and edited by Hugh Leonard.
Director: Peter Plummer. Producer: Claud Whatham.
Hezekiah Curry stands accused of blowing up the hothouse of his neighbour and arch-enemy Peter Boyle. Was this an accident or sabotage?

To Granada's series of real life trials, On Trial
Missing Menu

.

.

.

.

.

On Trial (Granada, 1960)
was a series of ten dramas depicting real-life trials.
Andrew Faulds was the Narrator in all of the trials, Peter Wildeblood producing the entire series.

1 Sir Roger Casement Friday July 8th 1960 9.35pm, repeated: Friday June 30th 1961 11.2pm (Granada region only)
Starring Peter Wyngarde in the title role, Abraham Soafaer as Lord Chief Justice, John Robinson as Serjeant Sullivan KC, John Westbrook as Sir FE Smith KC, Henry Oscar as Sir George Cave. Commentary by Brian Inglis. Cast also included: Neil Wilson, Brian Phelan, James McLoughlin, Liam Gaffney, Joan O'Hara, Jack Cunningham, Michael Robbins, Colin Blakely, John Barron, Ballard Berkeley, J Leslie Frith, John Maitland.
Documented by Cedric Watts. Designed by Darrell Lass. Director: Cliff Owen.
On Good Friday 1916, Sir Roger Casement was arrested after landing from a German U-boat on the Irish coast. His trial for treason, overshadowed by the existence of his notorious private diaries, was one of the most sensational in history.
Critic 'JP' commented that "the use of a narrator and a commentator (Brian Inglis) to describe events during the trial and to explain the background... was excellent... Peter Wyngarde did not have very much to say. How could he, when Casement refused to be called as a witness in his own defence? Abraham Sofaer appeared as a very upstanding and correct Lord Chief Justice, John Robinson played Defence Counsel, and John Westbrook was Prosecuting Counsel. Even Henry Oscar had only a relatively small part as the solictor general... a difficult experiment but a production well done."
2 The Baccarat Scandal July 15th 1960, Friday July 14th 1961 11.2pm rpt (Granada region)
Starring John Justin as Sir William Gordon-Cumming, Alan Webb as Sir Edward Clarke QC, Michael Shepley Sir Charles Russell QC, Georgina Cookson as Mrs Arthur Wilson. Commentary by James Laver. Cast also included: Barry Lowe, Graham Crowden, Derek Smith, Hugh Cross, Kevin Brennan, Redmond Phillips, Malcolm Watson, Gilbert Spurge.
Documented by William Slater. Designed by Darrell Lass. Director: Henry Kaplan.
Sir William Gordon-Cumming is accused of cheating at cards during a society house party at which the Prince of Wales is a guest. In spite of every effort to suppress the scandal, it breaks out and Sir William is forced to bring an action for slander. Critic 'GT' liked the programme, writing, "direction of Henry Kaplan was, as usual, beautifully controlled and timed to heighten and lessen tension by a single shot of a glance, a smile, a look of worry."
3 Admiral Byng (July 22nd 1960) with Donald Wolfit in the title role. With William Mervyn as President of the Court, John Horsley Vice-Admiral Temple West, Jack May as Lord Robert Bertie, Noel Trevarthen as Capt Hervey. Narrator: Andrew Faulds, commentary by Commander Kemp RN.
Also in the cast: Richard Wordsworth as Charles Fearne, Peter Bathurst as Robert Boyd, Charles Heslop as General Lord Blakeney, Nicholas Selby as George Lawrence, John Miller as Rear-Admiral Holder, Richard Butler as Capt Simcoe, and Michael Lees as Capt Moore.
Britain is at war with France, Austria and Russia. The all important island of Minorca has fallen to the enemy, and the public demands a scapegoat. On December 28th 1756, Admiral Byng, Commander-in-chief in the Mediterranean is put on trial accused of cowardice. The critic ('RW') who reviewed this programme was most unimpressed: ""I don't think the excess of dialogue was the fault of ... the scriptwriter as the narrator was careful to point out that the play was 'in the actual words used.' Whatever it was that kept this documented play so static and so flat it certainly added nothing to the authenticity of the trial. Donald Wolfit as the unhappy and misjudged admiral... managed a look of dismay as he heard the adverse verdict, that became the only believable thing in the whole production. The whole subject with its exaggerated attires, its background of death before dishonour, lent itself to Ham. Everyone took advantage of it."
Director: James Ormerod.
4 Spencer Cowper Friday July 29th 1960 9.35pm, Friday July 28th 1961 11.2pm rpt (Granada region)
Starring Laurence Payne in the title role. Also starring: George Howe (Baron Hatsell), Richard Warner (Mr Jones) and Llewelyn Rees (Sir Hans Sloane). Cast also included: Viola Keats, George Skillan, Hamlyn Benson, Derek Tansley, Frank Crawshaw, Felicity Young, John Woodnutt, Paul Sherwood, Rory McDermot, William Young, Bartlett Mullins, Roger Boston, David Jarrett, Maureen Gavin, John Ronane, John Tucker.
Designed by Darrell Lass. Director: Michael Scott.
The body of an 18 year old Quaker girl is found floating in a village stream. Spencer Cowper, a rising young barrister, is charged with her murder. On July 16th 1699 at Hertford Assizes, he conducts his own defence.
5 Oscar Wilde August 5th 1960, Friday July 7th 1961 11.2pm rpt (Granada region)
Starring Michael MacLiammoir in the title role, Andre Morrell as Sir Edward Clarke, Martin Benson as Edward Carson, Harold Scott as Mr Justice Charles. Commentary by JB Priestley. Cast also included: Lewis Wilson, Deering Wells, Alan Browning, Derek Sydney, Brian Alexis, Clive Colin-Bowler, Michael Caridia, Beresford Williams, Tudor Evans, Michael Bangerter.
Documented by Peter Lambda. Designed by Darrell Lass. Director: Silvio Narizzano.
Victorian England idolises Oscar Wilde, but when his private life is exposed in the courts, it seems that even his fame as an author cannot survive the scandal.
Two trials were shown, in a flashback the case brought for libel by Wilde against the Marquess of Queensberry.The main trial is of Wilde in the dock at the Old Bailey. Critic 'GT' confessed he was "completely disappointed," in the director, "Narizzano's worst production to date. It lacked depth, excitement. Camera work was dull, cutting was slow." Surprising too, was some bad acting, "only Andre Morrell came off well." especially disliked was "the dreadfully bad casting" of Oscar Wilde: "I have great admiration for this actor.. but MacLiammoir had the wrong looks, the wrong build and lacked the extra-delicate sensitivity of Wilde... he hammed it up." Then "the usually reliable Martin Benson... was not the fiery cunning lawyer. He only looked like one." This programme, 'GT' described as "a complete failure"
6 The Dilke Case Aug 12th 1960
with Leo Genn as Sir Charles Dilke, Allan Cuthbertson as Henry Matthews QC, Laidman Browne as Walter Phillimore QC, Rachel Roberts as Mrs Rogerson, Joanna Dunham as Virginia Crawford. Commentary by Roy Jenkins MP. Others in the cast were Basil Dignam, Jack Gwillim, HM Beaufoy Milton, Ronald Adam, Ralph Truman, Donald Pickering, John Dawson, Walter Horsbrugh, Ian White.
Documented by William Slater. Designed by Darrell Lass. Director: Cliff Owen.
In 1886 Sir Charles Dilke Liberal MP for Chelsea is a respected figure. The Prime Minister, Mr Gladstone, looks on him as his political heir. Then suddenly Dilke is named as co-respondent in a sensational divorce suit brought by a Scottish MP against his pretty young wife Virginia Crawford.
7 The Tichborne Case Aug 19th 1960, Aug 18th 1961 11.2pm rpt (Granada only)
starring John Slater as The Claimant, with Oliver Johnston as Sir William Bovill, Nicholas Meredith as Sir John Coleridge, William mervyn as Sgt Ballantine, Lloyd Lamble as Hardinge Giffard, John Bailey as Henry Hawkins, Joyce Howard as Catherine Radcliffe, Edward Underdown as Lord Bellew. Also appearing: John Harrison, John Salew, John Wentworth, Bryan Coleman, Ian Ainsley, Malcolm Watson and Donald Bisset.
Documented by Peter Lambda. Designed by Darrell Lass. Director: Claude Whatham.
Roger Tichborne, heir to a baronetcy and a fortune, sets off on a voyage round the world to forget an unhappy love affair with his cousin Kate. The ship on which he sails is reported sunk with no survivors. Eighteen years later a butcher from Wagga Wagga Australia, comes to London claiming that he is the long-lost heir. In 1871 begins one of the longest and strangest cases in legal history.
8 WT Stead Aug 26th 1960, Aug 4th 1961 11.2pm rpt (Granada region)
with William Franklyn as Stead, costarring Douglas Wilmer (Sir Richard Webster QC), James Raglan (Charles Russell QC), Brian Oulton (Mr Justice Lopes), Annabel Maule (Rebecca Jarrett), Avis Bunnage (Mrs Armstrong), Milo O'Shea (Charles Armstrong). Others in the cast were Abb Martin, Julia Nelson, Frank Pemberton, Howard Taylor, Daphne Foreman, Peter Burton, Bruno Barnabe, Robert Sansom, William Wymar, Owen Berry as Archbishop of Canterbury and Keith Ashley as Bramwell Booth.
Documented by Vincent Brome. Designed by Darrell Lass. Director: Michael Scott.
In a series of articles exposing the corruption that lies beneath the puritanical surface of Victorian London, newspaper editor WT Stead describes how he bought a 13 year old girl from her parents for £5. The scandal has an extraordinary sequel when Stead is put on trial at the Old Bailey accused of abducting the girl.
9 The Trial of Governor Wall September 2nd 1960, September 1st 1961 rpt 11.2pm (Granada)
starring Roger Livesey as Governor Wall, Ewen Solon as Sir Edward Law, Anthony Sharp as Spencer Percival with Ballard Berkeley as Mr Knowlys, Geoffrey Toone as Thomas Poplett, Lally Bowers as Mrs Harriet Lacy, Glyn Owen as Evan Lewis. Others appearing were Eric Woodburn, Ronald Ibbs, Robert Cartland, Joss Ackland, Peter Madden, Edward Rees, Edwin Brown, David Dodimead, Henry Rayner, Raymond Mason.
Documented by Fenton Bresler. Designed by Darrell Lass. Director: Mario Prizek.
For twenty years Joseph Wall, ex-Governor of a British penal colony, has eluded justice. Now in 1802, he is brought to trial at the Old Bailey, charged with the murder of Serjeant Armstong, who died after a brutal flogging ordered by this governor.
10 Horatio Bottomley September 9th 1960 starring Harold Goldblatt in the title role. With Raymond Huntley, Geoffrey Chater, Edwin Richfield, Hugh Moxey, Peter Williams, John Longden. Director: Herbert Wise. The 1922 trial of the MP on 23 counts of larceny.
Missing Menu

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Gert and Daisy
Director: Milo Lewis. (From Monday August 10th 1959, A-R.)
Networked to ATV Midlands and Granada, but not Southern TV.
Synopsis: Gert and Daisy (Elsie and Doris Waters) own a theatrical boarding house with a motley group of entertainers finding a cosy home from home.
First episode (Aug 10th, 8.30-9pm) Script: Ted Willis. With Hugh Paddick, Patsy Rowlands, Dudy Nimmo, Jennifer Browne, Julian d'Albie, Rosemary Scott and Keith Faulkner. Gert and Daisy help two of their boarders to go on a diet. Inevitably the zany pair end up creeping downstairs in the middle of the night to have a feast on the day's left overs.
2 (Aug 17th) Script: Ted Willis. With Hugh Paddick, Patsy Rowlands, Dudy Nimmo, Jennifer Browne, Julian d'Albie, Rosemary Scott and Keith Faulkner.
3 (Aug 24th) Script: Lew Schwartz. With Hugh Paddick, Patsy Rowlands, Dudy Nimmo, Jennifer Browne, Julian d'Albie, Rosemary Scott, The Lynton Boys and Thomas Gallagher. Billy Miller and His Orchestra.
4 (Aug 31st) Script: Malcolm A Hulke and Eric Paice. With Hugh Paddick, Patsy Rowlands, Dudy Nimmo, Jennifer Browne, Julian d'Albie, Rosemary Scott, and Thomas Gallagher.
5 (Sept 7th) Script: Malcolm A Hulke and Eric Paice. With Hugh Paddick, Patsy Rowlands, Dudy Nimmo, Jennifer Browne, Julian d'Albie, Rosemary Scott, Patrick Godfrey, Raymond Adamson and Frank Pettitt.
Last episode (Sept 16th 7pm), Script: Malcolm A Hulke and Eric Paice. With Hugh Paddick, Patsy Rowlands, Dudy Nimmo, Jennifer Browne, Julian d'Albie, Rosemary Scott and Patrick Godfrey.
Missing Menu

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

If the Crown Fits (ATV)
Scenes of Royal Life in Grabnia, a backwater of a monarchy, starring Robert Morley as King Rupert with Tracy Reed as Princess Amelia, beatnik heir to the throne. Also with Erik Chitty as Stevens, and Peter Bull as Major Domos. Director: Alan Tarrant. Planned in autumn 1960, Jean Seberg had been announced as Morley's co-star. However delays meant this plan was never to be realised. Eventually six stories were shown in the following spring:
1: Public Relations (Saturday April 29th 1961)
2: Kythos (May 6th 1961)
3: Gambling (May 13th 1961) - also included in this cast: Doris Hare as Mother, and card players Henry McGee. and Ivor Dean
4: Peppercorn Rent (May 20th 1961)
5: The Ballet (May 27th 1961) with Gladys Cooper as Madam Olga and Peter Gilmore as Pavlov
6: Royal Divorce (June 3rd 1961) with Miles Malleson as Prime Minister, Lisa Daniely as Simone and Charles Lloyd Pack as Chancellor. Ivor Dean was now Minister of Labour.
There was a week's "riotous filming" in Spain The plan had been to make an ITC film series, if these taped stories had been a success. Evidently they weren't.
Missing Menu

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Deadline Midnight (ATV)
39 stories of The Globe newspaper (a clone of The Daily Mirror according to contemporary accounts), shown during 1960 and 1961.
Adviser: Arthur Christiansen. Producer: Hugh Rennie.
Main cast: Peter Vaughan as news editor Joe Dunn, Brian Badcoe as Robby Robinson, another news editor, and Alexander Archdale as Holland, the editor of The Globe.
The Chief Reporter played by Bruce Beeby was Matt Stewart, critic Guy Taylor wrote, "I particularly liked Bruce Beeby... he had quiet authority and respect." The other reporters included Jeremy Young as Neville Crane, James Culliford as Tom Douglas, and Mary Law as Peggy Simpson. Armine Sandford played Jane Smith, secretary to the news editor.
Series two saw Peter Vaughan replaced by Glyn Houston as Mike Grieves.

Some story details
1.1 (Monday June 13th 1960, 9.35pm-10.30). Apparently the story was not that advertised in TV Times but the story of "a farmer whose land is to be taken away from him for a reservoir. He shoots the local bigwig, one of the instigators of the scheme."
1.2 (Monday June 20th 1960- no ML)- script: Bill Haughton. Also in this cast: Toke Townley as Leonard Topey, Fred Ferris as Topey's agent, Pauline Winter as Betty Topey, Felicity Young as Julie Topey, Fred Johnson as Mr Topey, and Amy Dalby as Mrs Topey.
1.3 (Monday June 27th 1960, 9.35pm-10.30- not PV, JY) Script- LF Lampitt. Also starring Keith Pyott as Mr Dodswell. With Margaret Rubel as Mrs Dodswell, Hana Pravda as Anna, Basil Moss as John Mundy (also in 1.4), John Wentworth as Sir WIlliam Roe, Philip Ray as Price, and Michael Logan as General.
1.4 (July 4th 1960- no JC) Script: Bill Craig and John Law. Also starring Cyril Luckham as Mr Barnaby, and James Sharkey as Mr Dickson. With William Sherwood as Prosecuting Counsel, Noel Hood as Mrs Marlowe, Hamlyn Benson as David Mackie, Katy Wilde as Jennifer Marlowe, Tracey Lloyd as Margaret Barnaby, Norman Bowler as Andy Milne, Hilda Fenemore as Mrs Breen, Denis Holmes as Mr Barnes, and Basil Moss. Daily Globe reporters establish the innocence of a tv celebrity accused of assaulting a young girl.
1.5 (July 11th 1960, no PV, AA, BBe)- Script: Geoffrey Bellman and John Whitney. Director: Phil Brown. Starring Brian Badcoe, with Armine Sandford. Also starring Nyree Dawn Porter as Julie Sykes and Meredith Edwards as Partidge, with Janet Joye as Miss Sykes, Gladys Tudor as Nancy Amoore, Tristram Jellinek as Rush-Thompson, Roderick Cook as Cockrel, Vivian Pickles as Jocelyn, Michael Caine as Ted Drake, Claire Gordon as Vera, Sydney Arnold as Bennett, Kenenth Gowan as Len, Charles Rea Anthony Bates David Ludman and Shirley Butler as Reporters, and Patrick Godfrey as Photographer.
1.6 (July 18th 1960- no BBa). Script: LF Lampitt. Director: Geoffrey Nethercott. Also starring Esmond Knight as Edward Lee, Valerie White as Mrs Tate, and Brian McDermott as Richard Lee. With Sylvia Davies as Maureen Tate, Frederick Peisley as Mr Winkworth-Brown, Basil Moss as John Mundy, Kevin Stoney as Colin Tate, Jean Harvey as Editor's secretary, Owen Berry as John Tanner (also in 1.9).
1.7 (July 25th 1960- no PV, AA, BBe)
Script: Gerald Kelsey and Dick Sharples. Starring Patrick Magee as Hughes, and George Woodbridge as Hudson. With Meadows White as Cresswell, Laurence Herder as Gino Borelli, John Steed as Carlo, Bernard Brown as John Stafford, Malcolm Webster as Mark Williams, Edward Palmer as Simmons, Patrick Connor, John Flint and Jack Smethurst as Miners. Crane investigates friction at a Cornish mine between Italian workers and the local miners.
1.8 (August 1st 1960- no PV, JY, ML, AS) Script: Michael Ashe. Director: Phil Brown. Also starring John Gabriel as Leonard Fordias, Clive Morton as Sir Joynson Field. With Anne Blake as Sister Plunket, Tony Quinn as Dr McLinnie, Mary Kenton as Mrs Simpson, Rachel Herbert as Nurse Craig, Patrick Maynard as Martin Jones, Jean Harvey as Editor's secretary, and Marjorie Forsyth as Mrs Maroon.
1.9 (August 8th 1960- not BBa, BBe, JC) Script: Geoffrey Bellman & John Whitney. Director: Geoffrey Nethercott.
In this cast also: Barbara Lott as Mrs Fisher, Olaf Pooley as Lucas, Elizabeth Ashley as Miss X, Edward Evans as Preston, Michael Ritterman as Montez, Ivor Salter as coffee stall owner Len, Vi Stevens as Mrs Clegg, Bartlett Mullins as Arthur, Joe Gibbons as Taxi driver, Stratford Johns as Dalkin, Owen Berry as Mr Tanner, Jacqueline Lacey as Woman, and Kenneth Cowan as Globe photographer Len.
1.10 (August 15th 1960)
1.11 (August 22nd 1960)
1.12 (August 29th 1960)
1.13 (September 5th 1960)

The second series was shown fortnightly on Saturdays 10-11pm.
Series two also starred Glyn Houston as news editor Mike Grieves (replacing Peter Vaughan). James Culliford also left the series. Rex Firkin was the new producer.
2.1 Refugee (March 11th 1961)
2.2 Murder Story (March 25th 1961)
2.3 Manhunt (April 8th 1961- no BBe)
Script: Allan Prior. Director: Phil Brown.
With Vincent Ball as Keith Durrant (also in 2.9, 11), Anna Turner as Mrs Standen, Christine Pollen as Fiona Fitzgerald, Jacqueline Forster as Lorrie Baynes, Hilda Barry as Miss Godbert, Sarah Miles as Vi Vernon, David Ludman as Simms, Tony Sympson as Gibson, Leon Peers as Ronald Standen, John Evitts as Len Baynes, Harry Walker as Colls, and Frank Pettitt as Inspector.
2.4 The Billy Brewster Story (April 22nd 1961- no AA, BBa, ML)
Script: Bill Craig.
Also starring Harry Locke as Freddy Price, Mary MacKenzie Laura Page, Larry Martyn as Billy Brewster.
With Robin Richmond as Organist, Pat Gilbert as Jill Collins (also in 2.9), John Miller as Mackie, Frederick Peisley as Pringle, Roy Hepworth as Musical director, Renny Lister as Jean Lewis, and Rex Graham as Peter Forbes.
2.5 It's a Free Country (May 6th 1961)
2.6 The Humble Win (May 20th 1961)
2.7 Bid for Glory (June 3rd 1961- not BBa, BBe)
Script: Louis Marks. Director: Wilfrid Eades.
Also starring Olaf Pooley as Mark Byron, and with Lloyd Lamble as Harold Brereton.
With Harold Littlewood as Policeman, Peter Fraser as Dick Seton (also in 2.8, 10), Andreas Malandrinos as Tony Condrini, Barrington Hunt as Doctor, Rita Webb as Mrs Condrini, Frances White as Anna Condrini, Gillian Maude as Mrs Brereton, Gillian Raine as Editor's secretary, John Baker as Mr Forsyth, Robert Lankesheer as Mr Kingly, Gordon Harris as Mr Buchanan, Frank Pendlebury as Charlie, and Vincent Charles as Porter.
2.8 The Slow Night (June 17th 1961- no GH, AA, JY, ML, AS)
Script: Ken Taylor. Director: Christopher Morahan.
Also starring Peter Fraser as Dick Seton with Terence Knapp as Paddy Joseph.
Also in this cast- Max Faulkner as Wheeler, John Colin as Todd, Will Leighton as Reeves, Hamlyn Benson as Macdonald, Coral Atkins as Pat Joseph, Benedicts Leigh as Susan, Michael Browning as Policeman, and Roger Kemp as Police Wireless Operative.
2.9 Doggo (July 1st 1961, now at 8.50pm - no BBa, AA, BBe, ML)
Script: Allan Prior and Louis Marks. Director: James Ferman.
With Vincent Ball as Keith Durrant and Pat Gilbert as Jill Collins. The rest of the cast were: Anna Cropper as Beth Gibson, Howard Goorney as Tim Gibson, Christopher Burgess as Charlie Hammond, Reg Manikin as Tipster, Jean Alexander as Mrs Gibson, William Kendall as Major Thomas, David Lander as George the barman, Jack Cunningham as Nelson, June Lewis as Fran, Phyllis Montefiore as Sylvia Barratt, Peter Collingwood as Barney Tutley, and Alan Browning as Niccolini.
2.10 One Man Went to Fly (July 15th 1961- no BBe)
Script: Hazel Adair. Director: Wilfrid Eades.
With Peter Fraser, Peter Froggatt as Peter Rundle, Anthony Harrison as Jim Coates, Tenniel Evans as Eddie Yates, Frank Pendlebury as Photographer, Hannah Watt as Rhoda Martin, Richard Burrell as Rev Vernon, Margaret Anderson as Mrs Vernon, Dorothea Phillips as Mrs Gibson, Meadows White as Mr Riley, Sheila Manahan as Mrs Browning, Robin Ford as Porter, David Conville as Manley, Peter Elliott as Diplomatic Correspondent, Timothy West and James Beck as Ambulance men, Kenneth Thornett and Geoffrey Lea as Policemen, Pamela Greer as Receptionist, Langley Howard as Mr Gibson, Richard Scott as First man, Alan Stuart as Copy-taker.
2.11 Letter from a Lady (July 29th 1961 -not AA, BBe)
Script: Hazel Adair. Director: John Knight.
Also starring Vincent Ball. With Ballard Berkeley as Managing Editor, Nora Nicholson as Amy Prentice, Mary Merrall as Mrs Frant, and Margery Withers as Matron.
Others in this cast: Sheila Brennan as Bridie, Dixon Adams as John Forbes, Jane Jordan Rogers as Yvonne, Clifford Cox as Mr Begg, Roger Avon as Landlord, Robert Hunter as Fred, Bill Cartwright as Inspector, and Rifat Shenel as Proprietor.
2.12 Pen of Venom (August 12th 1961- no AA, BBa, BBe)
Script LF Lampitt. Director: Wilfrid Eades.
Also starring Frank Pettingell as Frank Pearson, Ernest Milton as Rector, and Arthur Brough as Billy Bloor. With Bill Maxan as PC Morton, Leslie Heritage as Harry, Ruth Haden as Mrs Pratt, Margot Macalaster as Mrs Torby-West, Rachel Thomas as Blodwyn Griffiths, Edmond Bennett as Higgins, Dorothy Darke as Miss Winterton, Robert Sansom as Coroner, Nora Gordon as Mrs Edwards, Anna Burden as Mrs Benton, Hilda Terriss as Farmer's Wife, and Henry Rayner as George.
Crane has the task of finding the writer of mischief-making letters that bring tragedy to the village of Hendersham.
2.13 One Way Ticket (August 26th 1961)

Series 3 was really a continuation of the second series, only the stories were now screened weekly, and shown on Saturdays from 10 until 11pm. Ballard Berkeley who had appeared in series two was a regular character at the start of this new series, playing the managing editor. Vincent Ball ditto, playing reporter Keith Durrant.
3.1 The Unforgiven (September 9th 1961 - not AA, JY, ML)
Script: Bill Craig. Director: Quentin Lawrence.
Also starring Wensley Pithey as Frederick Hall, Carl Bernard as Sir James Symington, Christopher Rhodes as Dr Hoesler. Others in this story were John Ringham as Bert, Clare Owen as Receptionist, Marianne Deeming as Anna Hall, and Fred Kitchen as Walker.
Synopsis: A car breakdown on the way to London Airport causes Matt Stewart to miss the main story of a baby born on a flight from Germany. But his brief interview with the doctor who delivered the child has surprising results when the Halls see Matt's report in The Globe next day and recognise who the doctor really is.
3.2 Take Over (September 16th 1961 - not AA, BBa, BrBe, JY, VB, ML)
Script: Leon Griffiths.
Also starring: Olaf Pooley as Mark Byron (previously in 2.7), John Barrie as McLaren, John Arnatt as Pearce, and Barbara Clegg as Stella McLaren. With Norman Pitt as Ingrams, Maurice Hedley as Sir John, Ian Shand as Kenton, Nita Moyce as Miss Chrystall, Peter Hunt as Copytaster, Pat Gilbert as Jill Collins (previously in 2,4,9. She is also in 3.4, 12, 13), Edwin Apps as Reporter, Geoffrey Denton as Colonel Preistley, Colin Rix as Colson, Dennis Cleary as Chief sub, and Bruce Heighley as Copy boy.
Mark Byron of The Daily Globe arrives to see John McLaren, only to find that he has been found dead with an empty bottle beside him. McLaren had asked Byron to come and see him because he had a new ending for a story Byron was writing about him.
3.3 An Eye for Detail (September 23rd 1961 - no AA, BBa, BrBe, VB)
Script: Allan Prior. Director: John Nelson Burton.
Also starring Patricia Marmont as Penelope Harper, Harry H Corbett as Harry Briggs, and Frederick Jaeger as Martin Maxwell. With Wendy Hutchinson as Margaret Coffey, Jeanne Watts as Debbie Briggs, Jane Merrow as Dilys Jones, Andre Bolton as Henri Paul, Louisa Vaughn as Secretary, and Ken Parry as Mr Proudfoot. Also with Peter Fraser (from series 2. He is also in 3.4, 12).
Monsieur Paul, a famous dress designer, bitterly claims that Penelope Horner, the Daily Globe's fashion editor, is responsible for a leak in the secrets of his fashion salon. Penelope and the Globe staff set out to clear her name.
3.4 Man in a Frame (September 30th 1961- no BaBe, AA, BBa, BrBe, ML, JY)
Script: Robert Holmes. Director: Geoffrey Nethercott.
Also starring Peter Fraser, and with Pat Gilbert. Other stars: Derek Francis as Maurice Dobling, and Warren Mitchell as Andre Gudenian. With Neil Hallett as Len Bryan, Anthony Harrison as Tim Beasley, Pamela Lane as Jean Bryan, Caroline Denzil as Sylvia Potter, Patricia Denys as Doris Stanley, Charles Morgan as Det-Insp Foy, Alec Ross as Sgt Rawlings, Roy Roberts as PC Mason, Henry McGee as George Mallandine, Denis Cowles as Green, Christopher Hodge as Janitor, Margaret Stallard as Nurse, Roger Avon as Granville.
Len Bryan, financial editor of The Daily Globe, has stumbled on a story which will expose financier Andre Gudenian as a swindler. But Gudenian knows that if he can delay publication of the story for 24 hours, he will be safe- and he lays a trap for Bryan.
3.5 Exclusively Yours (October 7th 1961)
3.6 The Tenpenny Scandal (October 14th 1961)
3.7 Before the Cock Crows (October 21st 1961)
3.8 The Golden Handshake (October 28th 1961)
3.9 Why George Brown Hanged (November 4th 1961 - not AA, BaBe, BBa, VB, ML)
Script: David Osborn. Director: Anthony Keary.
With: Bernard Archard as Eddie Bernstein, David Hemmings as Alan Scott, Norman Allen as Harry Wilson, John Barrett as Policeman, David Ryder as Archie, Carmel McSharry as Sylvia, Dudy Nimmo as Mary Brown, Freda Bamford as Mrs Brown, John Boxer as Mr Brown, Leslie French as Vicar, Stuart Saunders as Uncle Bill, Constance Lorne as Mrs Timpkins, John Waite as Mr Langham, Katherine Parr as Mrs Langham, Patricia Clapton as Caroline Hollick, Alexis Kanner as Arthur Watts, Marie Makino as Elderly Lady, and Daffyd Havard, Alethea Carlton, Tony Leah as Objectors.
George Brown, aged 23, has been accused, convicted and sentenced to death for the murder of an elderly nightwatchman. On the eve of the execution, Alan Scott, a sensitive young reporter, is sent to cover the story. He becomes more and more convinced of George Brown's innocence
3.10 The Girl from Harrow (November 11th 1961)
3.11 Striptease (November 18th 1961)
3.12 The Inheritance (November 25th 1961 -not AA, BaBe, BBe, JY, ML, VB)
Script: Ken Taylor. Director: John Knight.
Also starring Pat Gilbert, and with Peter Fraser.
Other stars: Patricia Burke as Connie Starr, and John Welsh as Bill Mostyn. With: William Gaunt as Tony Mostyn, Grace Arnold as Meg Mostyn, Tony Quinn as Parkin, Richard Rudd as Walters, Anthony Sharp as Gamble, David Bloomfield as Fields, and Tom Gill as Norman Paul.
A man called Kelvin has left £20,000 to his son Nicholas Smallwood. The Daily Globe sets out to trace the heir, and finds he is an adopted son of the headmaster of a small prep school in Yorkshire. The reactions of the family are not as simple as they expect.
3.13 Libel Story (December 2nd 1961 - not BaBe, BBa, ML)
Also with Pat Gilbert.
Other stars: Pamela Brown as Sarah Dryden, Edgar Wreford as Milton Laud, with Richard Longman as Dryden, John Barron as Globe's Counsel, and Nicholas Selby as Laud's Counsel. Also appearing: John Dawson as Stannard, Elsie Wagstaff as Emmeline Chandler, Graham Leaman as Judge, Shirley Butler as Jessica Andrews, and Brian Hewlett-Jones as Court Usher.
Neville Crane finds himself at a revivalist meeting conducted by evangelist Milton Laud, who is launching a Save Mankind mission in London. Crane suspects there is a dubious financial background to Laud's campaign, and writes an exposé which the editor, after taking legal advice, decides to print. But Laud sues the paper for libel.
Missing Menu

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

The 64,000 Question

The phrase passed into the language, in this hugely popular quiz that ATV made with host Jerry Desmonde, who had also in 1956 hosted Hit the Limit. Colin Clews was the director, John Irwin the producer. The first half hour show at 7.45pm on May 19th 1956 offered a prize, not quite the same as its American counterpart, of 64,000 sixpences (over one and a half thousand pounds). This was doubled in the autumn, and if you accepted the Val Parnell bonus you could receive £3,520 in Defence Bonds. Robin Bailey took over the quizmaster's role for later shows which gradually lost their viewer appeal, the series ending on January 11th 1958. An offshoot, The 64,000 Challenge, hosted by Robin Bailey, for the twelve winners of the original show "who stayed the course," started in June 1957, temporarily replacing the original show. It ran for 13 programmes. The champions competed with new challengers in an attempt to win the 64,000. However a plan to match British winners against their American counterparts does not seem to have materialised.

A novel feature at the start of The 64,000 Question was the celebrated ex Det Supt Robert Fabian who was named "Custodian of the Questions," to ensure noone cheated! The first contestant to nearly reach the 64,000 was a schoolmaster named Vernon Goslin, and a similar fate awaited Ashley Stacey. The first winner to answer all seven parts of the 64,000 sixpences question was 65 year old Albert Norman from Surrey. The first winner of the 64,000 shillings was 73 year old Jane Brown from Wolverhampton, who on October 13th 1956 answered correctly all her questions on Charles Dickens. In 1957 another to win the £3,520 was Lady Cynthia Asquith, answering questions on Jane Austen.

The first hostesses were Sally Pearce, Ann Gage and Eve Vitt. The first minor change to the original programme came in the autumn of 1956 when the series moved on September 15th to 8pm, still on Saturday nights. In December 1956 it moved still later to an 8.30pm start. A bigger alteration to proceedings came in January 1957 when Fabian was replaced by an ex policeman, but not so celebrated, Fred Narborough. In March 1957 it was back to an 8pm start. SallyPearce was replaced by June Sylvaine during that spring, and by June 1957 Robert Fabian was back in post, accompanied by his three escorts. However the programme took a break after 57 shows to make way for The 64,000 Challenge, which began on June 15th 1957 at 8.30pm, hosted by Robin Bailey. It was again directed by Colin Clews. John Irwin explained, "the public are now convinced of the straightness of the questions," so no custodian, but there were three new escorts, Ann Mayhew, Stafford Hutchison and Gaden Collins. The programme went out live from "one of ATV's London Theatres." It ran until September 7th 1957. Winner of the final was Dr Alfred Norris of Hull who won £1,600 on Bible questions defeating Ashley Stacey who had the consolation of taking away £160.

The following Saturday at 8pm saw the return of The 64,000 Question, now with Robin Bailey as questionmaster, and old escorts Ann Cripps and Eve Vitt plus Ann Mayhew from the 'Challenge' series. Eve was replaced by Gwynneth Tighe near the end of the year for the last few shows. ABC stopped screening the series at the start of 1958, and this heralded the end of the road, viewing figures had been dropping off anyway. There had been approximately 74 programmes, plus the 13 Challenge quizzes.

To Missing Menu

.

.

.

.

.

.

Educating Archie
Hoping to repeat the huge success of his long running radio show, Peter Brough starred with his Archie Andrews in this 1958 Associated Rediffusion series that ran to 13 stories. "It is of paramount importance, "Brough stated," that his appearance must satisfy the millions who had built up a picture of the little fellow in their minds." As a second series of 13 stories was made in 1959, maybe this aim was achieved.
Others in the cast: Irene Handl as Archie's housekeeper (though she does not appear in 2.3 to 2.5, or 2.7 on),
Dick Emery as a jack-of-all-trades, and
Freddie Sales as the non-paying lodger also appeared in the stories up to #2.8.
Scripts: Marty Feldman and Ronald Chesney. Ronnie Wolf replaced Chesney for the second series.
Director: Christopher Hodson (all stories to #2.8).
The series was made on film, two weeks being allowed to make each story. It could survive somewhere! A contemporary reviewer was however unimpressed: "when one manages to see through the appalling telerecordings... one finds them midlly amusing. What I do think is so successful is the way Archie himself is presented, making him seem like a real person just as we had imagined in the radio shows. Where the show falls down, however, is that Archie himself is so unattractive.... Irene Handl, an asset to any show, Freddie Sales and Dick Emery work very hard to make the programme come off but it fails, unless it is meant for younger viewers."

Details of a few of this first series:
1.1 (Friday September 26th 1958, 6.10pm)
Brough, Archie and company take a trip to Paris, and try to corner the market in the world of fashion.
1.3 (October 24th 1958)
When Brough and Archie discover that there is money to be made out of modern painting, everyone wants to get into the picture.
1.4 (November 7th 1958) This script by Barry Pevan and Marty Feldman.
In an effort to help Brough, Archie discovers that easy money is the hardest kind to make.
1.5 (November 21st 1958)
Freddie takes up wrestling, and, with Archie's help, he makes 'rings' round his opponent.
1.9 (January 16th 1959)
(Script: Marty Feldman and Barry Pevan.)

Details of all the second series:
2.1 The Man Who Couldn't Grow Up (September 18th 1959, 6.30-7pm)
There is a mix-up over Freddie's birth certificate. With Archie's help, he starts a second childhood and becomes a mixed-up kid.
2.2 The Prune Mutiny (September 25th 1959)
Archie and Freddie learn a few new wrinkles from a case of prunes.
2.3 The Day The Bongolis Left (October 2nd 1959)
To Brough and Archie, living on a tropical island sounds like heaven. When they get there, it looks as if heaven is nearer than they think.
2.4 The Man Who Lost his Pants at Monte Carlo (October 9th 1959)
Some people lose their shirts when they gamble, but Archie and Freddie go too far.
2.5 The King and Archie (October 16th 1959)
When Brough's home becomes the royal house of Rabelaisia, he goes all out to reap a king sized profit.
2.6 (October 23rd 1959)
When Archie finds out that Freddie is a 'national art treasure,' he realises the value of friends.
2.7 Don't Put Your Nephew on the Stage (October 30th 1959)
When Archie turns Freddie into a star, he finds that fame and fortune do not necessarily go hand in hand.
2.8 The Case of the Missing Aunt (November 6th 1959)
Brough and Co try emigrating to Sydney under false pretences, but find it hard to pull the wool over the eyes of the Australians.
2.9 The Day We Fooled the Fuhrer (November 20th 1959). This story directed by Pat Baker. With Dick Emery, Ray Barrett, Sheena Marshe and Peter Swanwick.
During the war, Archie Brough and Dick go to entertain the troops and find themselves at war with England.
2.10 Brough and the Bald-Headed Bandit (November 27th 1959). Directed by Bill Turner. With Dick Emery, Ray Barrett and Peter Swanwick.
Archie and Co go to the Wild West to try to sell hair restorer to cowboys, but find it difficult to cover the wide open spaces.
2.11 The Man with the Golden Feet (December 4th 1959) Directed by Bill Turner. With Dick Emery, Ray Barrett and Max Bacon.
Archie tries to get Ray into TV, but only succeeds in getting his foot in.
2.12 (December 11th 1959) Directed by Bill Turner. Guest star Dora Bryan, with Dick Emery, Ray Barrett, Guy Middleton, Roy Jefferies and Harold Taylor.
Archie runs away to start a literary circle, but when Brough interferes, he gets the book thrown at him.
2.13 (December 18th 1959) Directed by Bill Turner. With Dick Emery, Ray Barrett, Claude Jones and Vi Stevens.
Archie wants to become a doctor but when he tries to get through the exams, the patients stand more chance of 'passing out' than he does.
An extra show, not fully networked was shown on Christmas Day 1959, 5.30pm-6pm.
Archie's Christmas Party, directed by Bill Turner, with sketch written by Ronald Chesney. In this programme Archie invited viewers to a Yuletide frolic with some friends, including Ronald Chesney, Ossie Noble and Harold Taylor.

To Missing Menu

.

.

.

.

.

.

In March 1958, the 'break' in Sunday broadcasting when ITV shut down at 6.15pm was finally closed when ABC began
The Sunday Break.

The first programmes were broadcast from 6.15pm to 7pm, at which latter time the already established programme Living Your Life commenced. Initially, the series was screened three out of four Sundays, with TWW's
Land of Song making a monthly appearance in this slot.
The Sunday Break was billed as 'A Sunday Club for Teenagers,' opening its doors for the first time on March 16th 1958. Social worker and ABC Religious Adviser Penry Jones who helped devise the series stated it was "about life and its meaning," and contained dancing, singing with Bible readings and discussion. A story writing competition based on Biblical themes was held, eligible entrants had to be between 16 and 21. Producer Ben Churchill explained that most of the show was, at first, spontaneous though "the script will be written to fit the personalities of the young people." The first scripts were by Vivian Milroy. "We decided on a club atmosphere right from the start." It was soon evident that teenagers liked it, one enthusiastically writing to TV Times, "I was beginning to tire of those smug half-hours, with clerics discussing problems without a note of urgency... this programme could well provide a shot in the arm for the revival of Christianity." Well maybe it didn't achieve quite that, but it possibly did contribute to a much needed partial modernising in the church and the flourishing of a new breed of churches.
The club gradually attracted top stars, from the religious celebrities like Rev David Sheppard and Rev Donald Soper, to rock stars like Marty Wilde and jazz legends like Nat Gonella. One critic described the unholy mix thus, "I get the impression that the various clergy.. get more and more embarrassed each week while so-called serious discussion verges on agony column topics instead of reaching down into more profound subjects." Thus Guy Taylor (Television Today, Dec 10th 1959), though he was no teenager, but his conclusion is interesting, "is it worthwhile discussing whether debs work or not and whether the press give accurate reporting of their parties? I would venture to suggest the original idea of The Sunday Break is beginning to fade from view and seems to be emerging into something quite different."
Maybe this is why the physical club was closed in June 1960, and the programme took to the road. Now Guy Taylor gave a mixed response to the changed format. He liked the teenagers' visits to report on the work of local churches, and he thought Janice Willett directed the programme "very well." However he found Hazel Adair's script "a little laboured at times," Reginald Barrett-Ayres musical lectures were "completely out of place," and nul points for The Sunday Break Songsters, and for the jiving competition "against a background of what appears to be galloping fungus."
The following summer a regular feature was the showing of clips from recent films, often followed by a discussion.
From late 1962 the programme saw no more pop singers and jazz players and adopted a far more sombre note. The programme took a break at the end of March 1964 before returning that summer. Then in October that year, the programme shared a slot with About Religion from 6.35 to 7.05pm. Sunday Break limped on, with occasional programmes, until September 1965.

Picture: Barry Westwood, one of the longest running presenters, who hosted The Sunday Break for about two and a half years starting in Autumn 1961.

Two pilots were made before the series began on
Sunday March 16th 1958 with Janette Scott.
Sunday March 30th 1958 with Canon Bryan Green and Steve Race.
Sunday April 20th 1958 with Rev David Sheppard.
Sunday May 11th 1958 with Rev Marcus Morris, plus Sheila Buxton, Alex Welsh Band.
Sunday May 25th 1958 with Margaret Jones, Steve Race, Lucille Mapp, Alex Welsh Band.
Sunday July 6th 1958 with Rev Geoffrey Shaw, plus Rosemary Squires, Reginald Barrett-Ayres, Alex Welsh Band.
Sunday August 10th 1958 with Rev Max Magee, Roy Guest, Alex Welsh Band.
August 17th 1958 with Father Peter Blake, Cy Grant, Dill Jones, Alex Welsh Band.
September 14th 1958 with Rev Len Barnett, Jim Dale, John Disley, Alex Welsh Band.
September 28th 1958 with Rev Walter Fyfe, Barbara Lyon, Dill Jones Trio, and Dickie Hawdon.
October 12th 1958 with Canon Bryan Green, Earl of Harewood, Gerald Lascelles, Jon Vickers, Johnny Dankworth, George Chisholm, and Dill Jones Trio.
December 21st 1958 with the Lord Bishop of Birmingham , Mervyn Levy, Johnny Duncan, Vic Ash, Johnny Scott and Dill Jones Trio.
January 4th 1959 with CA Joyce, Victor Soverall and Dill Jones Trio.
January 18th 1959 with Professor CD Coulson, Cy Grant, William Reid (Sadler's Wells Opera) and Dill Jones Trio.
March 15th 1959 with Rev James Currie, Chas McDevitt, Shirley Douglas and Dill Jones Trio.
May 24th 1959 with Rev Charles Davey, Valerie Masters with the Ray Ellington Quartet. Anthony Finigan was now producing the programmes.
June 14th 1969 with Canon ED Patey, Steve Benbow and The Hedley Ward Trio.
August 16th 1959 with Father Donald Proudman and the Alex Welsh Six. Producer now of the programmes was now Janice Willett.
August 30th 1959 with Father Hugh Bishop, Edric Connor and the Vic Ash Quintet.
September 6th 1959 with Rev Geoffrey Shaw, Elaine Burton MP, the Chief Constable of Manchester.
September 13th 1959 with Rev Uist Macdonald, and the Vic Ash Quintet. Producer for this programme was Eddie Kebbell.
September 27th 1959 with Rev Maurice Wood, Millicent Martin, Alex Welsh and His Band. Producer: Janice Willett.
October 4th 1959 with Malcolm Moore, Eddie Hickey and the Norman Percival Group. Producer from now on was Eddie Kebbell. Julie Stevens was now a regular at the club, though never credited as such in TV Times.
October 11th 1959 with Rev Austen Williams, John Betjeman, Endre Muller, and The Jazz Maker.
October 25th 1959 with Father John Fitzsimmons, Tom O'Brien, Chris Langford and the Norman Percival Group.
November 1st 1959 with Rev Bill Wright, Keith Waterhouse, The Jean-Ettes and Ted Heath.
November 8th 1959 with Rev John Gardiner, Jim Dale and Mick Mulligan and His Band.
November 22nd 1959 with Philip Race, Colin McInnes and guest Marty Wilde and the Wildcats. Music: Red Price Group.
November 29th 1959 with Rev Charles Smith, The Singing Hills and the John Barry Seven.
December 6th 1959 with Rev James Currie, Lorie Mann and the Dix Disley String Quintet. Lorie mimed two songs, according to the producer it was because she was unwell.
December 20th 1959 with Canon ED Patey, John Betjeman, Allan Bruce, George Mitchell Singers, Norman Percival Group.
December 27th 1959 with Bishop Leslie Newbiggin, Jack Escott, Norman Percival Group.
January 3rd 1960 with Rev Walter Fancutt, Yvonne French, Mr Aker Bilk and his Paramount Jazz Band.
January 17th 1960 with Rev Kenneth Slack, Kenny Baker, the Roy Marsh Quintet.
January 24th 1960 with Rev David Sheppard, Wally Whyton, Johnny Wiltshire. Directed by Janice Willett.
January 31st 1960 with Rev Alan Booth, Woolf Phillips and His Quintet. Programmes now directed by Anthony Finigan.
February 14th 1960 with Father Clifford Howell, Craig Douglas, Nat Gonella and His Georgians.
February 21st 1960 with Rev Donald Tytler, Anstice Gibbs, and Humphrey Lyttelton and His Band.
February 28th 1960 with Rev James Maitland, Bob Cort, Diz Disley String Quintet.
March 13th 1960 with Dr William Neil, Ken Collyer's Jazzmen.
March 20th 1960 with Rev Len Tyler, Alec Dixon, Terry Lightfoot's Band.
March 27th 1960 with Rev Donald Carpenter, Modern Jazz Committee.
April 10th 1960 with Rev Huw Pearce-Jones.
April 17th 1960 with Dr William Neil, George Mitchell Singers, Norman Percival and His Group.
April 24th 1960 with Rev EF Easson, Humphrey Lyttelton and His Band.
May 8th 1960 with Rev Cuthbert Bardsley, The Alan Ganley Quintet.
May 15th 1960 with Rev Bill Wright, Bob Cort, Alex Welsh and His Band.
May 22nd 1960 with Prof John Bachmann, The Diz Disley Quintet, The Bell-Tones.
June 5th 1960 with Father AE Basil, Robin Garton and his Band.
June 12th 1960 with Rev Donald Carpenter, Mervyn Levy, Nat Gonella and His Georgians. Note: Twelve electricians came out on strike at ABC's Alpha Studios in Birmingham, causing the programme to be televised from the carpenters' shop, the only location where the house lighting was suitable for tv caneras. "Viewers saw discussion groups sitting on work benches among saws and drills. Noise of traffic could be heard in the background. By using the carpenters' shop noone had to do an electrician's duties and the only prop used was a bowl of imitation fruit."
June 19th 1960 with Canon Bryan Green, Steve Benbow Folk Four, George Chisholm and the Jazzers. The studio club closed after this programme.
July 3rd 1960 introduced by James Roose Evans, with Reginald Barrett-Ayres, Sunday Break Songsters. Now directed by Janice Willett again. Script by Hazel Adair. "A new and stimulating edition," including film of two girls in a Manchester convent. In the studio they question Rev Mother Superior and Sister Michael.
July 17th 1960 introduced by James Roose Evans, with Ronnie Hilton, Reginald Barrett-Ayres, Sunday Break Songsters. Film of Rev James Currie of Glasgow.
July 31st 1960 introduced by James Roose Evans, with Ronnie Hilton, Reginald Barrett-Ayres, Sunday Break Songsters. Two teenagers investigate Cotswold Approved School in Wiltshire, then talk to the headmaster CA Joyce.
August 7th 1960 introduced by James Roose Evans, with Ronnie Hilton, Reginald Barrett-Ayres, Sunday Break Songsters. Two teenage boys attend the Stafford Cripps Memorial Conference.
December 4th 1960 introduced by Neville Barker with Lorie Mann, Dick Williams' Band. Students from London University explore the conflict between Roman Catholic studies and religion. Very Rev Mgr GA Tomlinson answers their questions.
December 18th 1960 introduced by Neville Barker with Mark Wynter, Dick Williams' Band. Two teenagers visit an Oxford Street store where the Rev Michael Harper works as a chaplain.
March 12th 1961 introduced by Neville Barker with Cy Grant. Young people of Oxford give their attitude to the Bible and Rev H Sims discusses the new version of the Bible.
April 16th 1961 introduced by Neville Barker. With the results of the Religious Art Competition. Filmed report on a day in the life of Rev Duncan Forester and three theology students at New College Edinburgh.
May 7th 1961 introduced by Neville Barker. With Alex Welsh and His Band. Filmed report by Jeremy Summers on the YMCA Woolwich. Also John West talks about the SS Canberra. Programmes now directed by Marjory Baker.
May 21st 1961 with Neville Barker, Kenny Ball and His Jazzmen, Carole Simpson.
June 4th 1961 with Neville Barker, Dick Charlesworth and His City Gents, Jackie Lynn. Film of Luton Industrial College and Mission with Rev William Gowland.
June 11th 1961 with Neville Barker, Clyde Valley Stompers. Film of Methodist Association of Youth Clubs annual rally. Andrew Duncan talks to members.
June 18th 1961 with Tony Iveson, Terry Lightfoot New Orleans Jazzmen, Valerie Mountain. Excerpt from The Hoodlum Priest and a discussion with Don Murray who plays the priest Father Charles Clark.
July 2nd 1961 with Neville Barker, Will Todd and His Trio, and the Bell-Tones. Filmed report on Father Frayne Liverpool Port Chaplains.
July 9th 1961 with Neville Barker, Red Price Combo, The Allisons.
July 16th 1961 with Neville Barker, Dick Charlesworth and His City Gents, Jackie Lynn. Excerpts from Between Two Worlds, about Northern Rhodesia. Rev Philip Potter talks about the church's role in the rising nations.
July 30th 1961 with Neville Barker, John Barry Seven, and Danny Williams. Extracts from the film Leaves of the Tree, about the translation of the Bible into an Eritrean language. Three young Welsh church members talk about their recent visit to Berlin.
August 6th 1961 with Neville Barker, Mick Mulligan's Band. George Melly. Rev Alan Keighley talks to young people about fatal accidents and Rev E Chad Varah discusses Christ's Second Coming after extracts from Whistle Down the Wind have been screened. Original producer Ben Churchill was the programme's director for the August programmes.
August 13th 1961 with Neville Barker, Monty Sunshine's Band, The Davidson Brothers. Filmed report on missionaries in East Africa with a discussion by Ven DIC Waldron and Dr Jean Waldron.
August 27th 1961 with Neville Barker, Acker Bilk's Paramount Jazz Band, Jim Dale. Excerpt from Hand in Hand, followed by a discussion on marriage between two people of different religions led by Rev JC Fenton and AI Polack. Plus a discussion on astrology with Rev Kenneth Ross and Peter Clark.
September 3rd 1961 with Neville Barker, Johnny Dankworth, Nick Villard. Squadron leader Brian Mercer discusses aerobatics at the Farnborough Air Show, and a filmed report from Nechells Secondary School Birmingham, on The 11 Plus and After. Marjory Baker had now returned to produce the series again.
September 10th 1961 with Neville Barker, Bruce Turner and His Jump Band, Ronnie Hall. Film report on the Abbeyfield Society.
September 24th 1961 with Neville Barker, Wilf Todd and His Trio, Van Doren. Bishop Ambrose Reeves discusses the colour bar.
October 29th 1961 with Barry Westwood, Ken Colyer's Jazzmen, and Gay Pursue. Film report on the work of Group Captain Cheshire VC, who afterwards in the studio answers questions from young people.
November 19th 1961 with Barry Westwood, Mike Cotton and His Six. Who Wants to Read Books, a filmed report by Jeremy Summers, discussed afterwards by Rev Timothy Beaumont.
November 19th 1961 with Barry Westwood, Terry Lightfoot, Clinton Ford. Film report on Toc H, plus Rabbi Rosen discussing Jews and Christians- how do they get on?
December 3rd 1961 with Barry Westwood, New Orleans Knights, Paul Raven. Rev John Mortimer's ballet school in Surrey. The Christian attitude towards the homeless is investigated by Rev John Nicholls.
To accommodate the series Journey of a Lifetime, the programme was now shortened to thirty minutes from 6.30pm to 7pm.
December 17th 1961. Man in Time a modern nativity play performed by St James Youth Club Lockleaze Bristol.
December 24th 1961 with Barry Westwood, Melbourne New Orleans Jazz Band. No Room at the Inn- with Donald Soper and Norman Pannell. Dilys Powell talks on religious films.
December 31st 1961 with Barry Westwood, Chris Barber, Ottilie Patterson. Religion Under the Big Top- from Billy Smart's Circus. Rev WD Omand explains the role of clergy among circus folk.
January 14th 1962 with Barry Westwood, Second City Jazzmen. Rev Tom Colvin disuccses with young people the problems of being a Christian in a Communist country.
January 28th 1962 with Barry Westwood, Mike Cotton Jazzmen. The Law is discussed by Dr William Neil with young people. Inspector Leonard Hampton discusses the relationship between teenagers and the police.
February 11th 1962 with Barry Westwood. From Wingfield Music Club London, a remarkable story of courage in the face of handicap, filmed by Jeremy Summers. This is then discussed by Rev Scott Hutchison. Thank you to Janet Cattier who appeared in this film and described it for this site: "I was filmed with my violin getting on a bus at the top of Queen's Road in Hoe Street, Walthamstow, going to the club. This club was held on Monday evenings in Hale End Road School for sick and physically disabled children. On arriving at the school the film crew were waiting. In the school hall, the orchestra starts up and my 'Carnival March' is played. Then my 'Seagulls' Flight', with Georgina Kent (who had one arm) playing cello, and me accompanying her on piano, was filmed. Then I was filmed getting a hot dog from the film crew's food kiosk."
February 18th 1962 with Barry Westwood, The Galliards. Dilys Powell, Alan Dent and Rev John Wedmore discuss whether or not films like King of Kings do good or harm. There is also a filmed report of the Student Christian movement among overseas students in London.
February 25th 1962 with Barry Westwood, Valerie Mountain. Yusef Saad discusses Do the Dead Sea Scrolls challenge the New Testament? (This follows on from the Journey of the Lifetime film on the Dead Sea Scrolls.) Dr William Neil then discussed how such discoveries affect our understanding of the Bible.
March 25th 1962 with Barry Westwood, Dr William Neil, songs by Carole Simpson, accompanied by Colin James. Did Christ Really Heal The Sick?
April 15th 1962. Barry Westwood introduces an edited version of A Man Dies. The passion story performed by St James Presbyterian Church Lockleaze Bristol, told through jive and rock music. Rock Harkness played Jesus. The original production had been screened in 1961. This programme is extant in the ABC archive.
April 22nd 1962 with Barry Westwood. A film titled The Boys, about some boys at Canterbury Cathedral.
May 20th 1962 Barry Westwood narrates Cross Over Coventry. A film about the staff of the cathedral.
June 3rd 1962. Barry Westwood discusses the Journey of a Lifetime series which ends today, with its creator Dr Eric Fletcher. Music: Peter Shade Trio. Pamela Lonsdale now directed the series.
The programme now resumed its 45 minute slot starting at 6.15pm.
June 10th 1962 with Barry Westwood. Songs: Steve Arlen, accompanied by The Expresso Five. Also in the programme: Prison- A Place of Punishment or Reform?
July 8th 1962 with Barry Westwood. Music by Ronnie Ross Quartet. Honour Thy Father and Mother: Canton Fenton Morley discusses the fifth commandment with some young people.
July 15th 1962 with Barry Westwood. Songs: Alan Klein. Theme- Violence.
July 29th 1962 introduced by Barry Westwood. Songs: Colin James. Reporter: Desmond Wilcox. Sunday Break's "first outside broadcast" from Leicester and the third British Conference of Christian Youth.
August 5th 1962 introduced by Barry Westwood. With Steve Race and his Trio. Reporter: Gordon Watts. Theme- Christians in Conflict- more from the British Conference of Youth.
August 26th 1962 introduced by Barry Westwood. With songs by Carole Simpson accompanied by the Brian Dee Trio. Theme- Flying Doctor Service for Africa- some young volunteers from the Midlands who are travelling to Gasau in Northern Nigeria.
September 2nd 1962 introduced by Barry Westwood. With music by the Tubby Hayes Quintet. Theme- The Doubters.
September 9th 1962 introduced by Barry Westwood. With music by Joe Brown and The Bruvvers. Theme- No Jobs for The Boys, problems of unemployed school leavers, one interviewed was a 16 year old school leaver from Liverpool Tony Hughes, who recalled Joan Bakewell's (uncredited in TV Times) part in the programme. The host was Rev Bill Wright, and the producer for this programme only was Michael Mills.
October 7th 1962 introduced by Barry Westwood. With Alan Klein. Theme- Borstal Boys. Producer again Pamela Lonsdale.
October 21st 1962 introduced by Barry Westwood. Songs- Maureen Stobie. Theme- Never on Sundays, Sundays laws.
October 28th 1962 introduced by Barry Westwood. Songs- Jill and Terry. Theme- Best Seller, the Bible.
November 18th/ November 25th 1962 introduced by Barry Westwood. Theme- Love Sex and Marriage. The second programme included a clip from the film A Kind of Loving. Originally planned in three parts this mini series was extended to four "because of the enormous response from viewers." Claimed TV Times, "a real social service," with 90% of viewers praising these programmes
December 23rd 1962 introduced by Barry Westwood. Theme- Loneliness. Interviews with Rev Chad Varah and Miss Heather Jenner.
February 10th 1963 introduced by Barry Westwood. Theme- No Time for Politics. Young people discuss whether the church should have anything to do with politics.
February 17th 1963 introduced by Barry Westwood. Theme- No Time for Politics. This second programme featured Anthony Greenwood, Peter Kirk, and Walter James. This programme only directed by Laurence Bourne.
March 10th 1963 introduced by Barry Westwood. Theme- Your Lucky Stars. Young people talk to a professional astrologer.
March 17th 1963 introduced by Barry Westwood. Theme- Booze. Young people argue for and against total abstinence.
March 24th 1963 introduced by Barry Westwood. Theme- Fleet Street.
March 24th 1963 introduced by Barry Westwood. Theme- Lolly, Christian attitude to money. Also- Boxing, should it be banned?
April 21st 1963 introduced by Barry Westwood. Theme- Superstitions.
May 5th 1963 introduced by Barry Westwood. Theme- Go, Go, Go!, about new music in church.
May 12th 1963 introduced by Barry Westwood. Theme- Help! Three stories for Christian Aid Week. Plus- Jobs, the Youth Employment Service.
May 19th 1963 introduced by Barry Westwood. Theme- Exams.
June 2nd/9th 1963 introduced by Barry Westwood. Theme- Africans on Africa (2 programmes).
June 16th 1963 introduced by Barry Westwood. Theme- We Teach Them All Wrong? Director: Laurence Bourne.
June 30th 1963 introduced by Barry Westwood. Theme- Poor Dad! Responsibilities of fathers. From now on, the director of the series was Geoff Ramsey.
July 7th 1963 introduced by Barry Westwood. Theme- Sin! Four young people discuss their views. Also- Young Film Makers. A discussion of one of the winning films at the National Film Theatre competition.
July 14th 1963 introduced by Barry Westwood with Rev Simon Phipps joining three young people visiting Coventry Cathedral.
July 28th 1963 introduced by Barry Westwood. Theme- Poor Dad! With Roy Shaw (possibly same as June 30th?)
August 4th 1963 Holiday Edition with Gordon Watts.
August 11th 1963 introduced by Gordon Watts. Theme- What About the Workers? The Young Christian Workers movement.
September 8th 1963 introduced by Barry Westwood. Theme- Peace Factory. A new type of factory opening next week in Glasgow.
September 22nd 1963 introduced by Barry Westwood. Teenagers Talking, the subjects include Buddhism and religious painting.
September 29th 1963 introduced by Barry Westwood. Theme- The Old Folk.
October 20th 1963 introduced by Barry Westwood. Theme- Speak Up! Young people talk about Beatniks, and a new monastic order of the young.
October 27th 1963 introduced by Barry Westwood. Theme- Is There Life After Death?
November 3rd 1963 introduced by Barry Westwood. Theme- War Glorious War. Do books and films glamorise war?
December 1st/8th 1963 introduced by Barry Westwood. Theme- All About Marriage.
December 22nd 1963 introduced by Barry Westwood. The Christmas Season.
January 12th 1964 introduced by Barry Westwood. Theme- The Rat Race.
January 19th 1964 introduced by Barry Westwood. Theme- How I Learned to Stop Worrying And Love the Bomb. Young people discuss the topic in the light of Stanley Kubrick's new film, and a recent Report from the British Council of Churches.
January 26th 1964 introduced by Barry Westwood. Theme- The Nurses. Director: Mike Vardy. This progrmame is extant in the ABC archive.
February 16th 1964 introduced by Barry Westwood. Theme- A Man's Life, from an Army base in Surrey. Director: Ben Churchill.
March 15th 1964 introduced by Barry Westwood. Theme- Calypso in a Cold Climate. How West Indian immigrants fit into the British scene. Director: Ted Childs.
March 22nd 1964 introduced by Barry Westwood. Hallelujah, a programme of American gospel singing by the cast of Black nativity. Commentary by David Mahlowe. Director: Ben Churchill.
After a break at the end of this month, the programme returned in the summer schedules, but now 30 minutes long, from 6.15-6.45pm.
July 26th 1964 Theme: Start in Life, a visit to a school in Yorkshire. The production team now Richard Lindley, Gordon Watts, and Ted Childs.
August 2nd 1964 Theme: Some Holiday, young people at a work camp organised by the World Council of Churches.
August 23rd 1964 Theme: Freedom, an improvised drama by teenagers on holiday at Scargill House in the Yorkshire Dales. Directed by Ted Childs.
August 30th 1964 Theme: What is This Thing Called Love? With Frances Wigram, Maurice Geller and Una Walsh. Directed by Ted Childs.
September 6th 1964 Theme: A Question of Suitability, colour bar in employment. Directed by Ben Churchill.
September 20th 1964 Theme: Time on Our Hands. From the Midlands Arts Centre for Young People, exploring leisure time. Directed by Geoff Ramsey.
September 27th 1964 Theme: Out of the Frying Pan, young people alone in the city. Directed by Ted Childs.
The programme now filled a half hour slot from 6.35pm, which was filled by other religious programmes in other weeks.
October 24th 1964: On the Spot. Donald KcKay at Manchester College of Science and Technology answers students' questions. All the remaining programmes were directed by Ted Childs.
November 8th 1964: a filmed report from Dresden on the work of Aktion Suhneszeichen, an international movement for reconciliation.
December 20th 1964 A Man in Time, including excerpts from A Man Dies, staged earlier this year by St James Parish Youth Club Bristol.
January 3rd 1965 Is the church merely a private religious club?
January 31st 1965 The Rising Storm. A North London school facing possible closure.
February 14th 1965 White on Black Equals Grey. The British Council of Churches' report on The Future of South Africa.
March 21st 1965 Selling People Is Wrong. The story of the campaign to abolish slavery.
March 27th 1965 Sideways Christian Soldiers. Should Christians speak out on topical issues, and should they speak with a united voice?
April 11th 1965 Doing a Skipper. People sleeping rough in London, this programme dealt with the work of the Simon Community Trust.
April 25th 1965 Confrontation. Donald Soper and David Tribe, President of the National Secular Society. (see also Sept 12th 65)
May 9th 1965 One Hundred Years At War. The Salvation Army story.
May 23rd 1965 Youth on Trial. Mods, Rockers and Pop fans stand in the dock to face charges brought against them.
June 6th 1965 Perrin: Pretre Ouvrier. The story of Father Perrin a priest who found the workers of France but lost his church.
June 20th 1965 Rt Hon Michael Stewart answers questions from theology students from Edinburgh, Glasgow, and London.
The programme was now being shown erratically, the next being
August 1st 1965 How to be A Failure, an examination of the examination system.
August 15th 1965 The Restless Ones, the film that is to launch Billy Graham's Greater London Crusade in 1966. Critic George Target questions Bill Brown.
August 29th 1965 And the Walls Came Tumbling Down. The crumbling church.
September 12th 1965 Confrontation. Lord Soper and FH Amphlett Micklewright. This was the last Sunday Break programme I have been able to trace.
If you can add details of any of the other programmes shown, or appeared in the programme at all, I would love to hear from you

Missing Menu

.

.

.

.

.

.

Five O'Clock Club and earlier Commercial TV attempts to rival BBC's Blue Peter
. . . . . . . Associated Rediffusion made several attempts to produce a good children's magazine.
The first embryonic attempt in 1955 was perhaps Blue Cross Society Club with Stuart Gelder, which was essentially for pet lovers. Another specialist interest was catered for in Space Club which ran for much of 1956.
During 1957 children's ITV programmes were linked by Jimmy Hanley under the umbrella title Jolly Good Time, and this eventually became the title of a mix of miscellaneous snippets, such as Mr Happy (the controller of birthdays) and various little playlets, such as The Adventures of Twizzle. By the end of this year Jolly Good Time was confined to Tuesdays at 5pm, while on Fridays at the same time was a similar programme Let's Get Together. Jon Pertwee was one of several to host this show. Charlie Drake and various partners had a spot as Mick and Montmorency. Steve Race was the regular presenter during 1958 though in spring 1959 the show ended.
In April 1958, Nevil Whiting who had been hosting Jolly Good Time, was the host of Lucky Dip on Tuesdays at 5pm, which included Make Em Laugh, a six minute comedy spot, and Look Here, a feature on different hobbies. In the summer, the programme was subtitled The Junior Newspaper, introduced by Ted Kavanagh, though Nevil Whiting returned as the host during the autumn. Early 'correspondents' included Peter Waterman, while Bert Weedon joined in the autumn as Music correspondent, along with Fanny and Johnny Craddock, with the Happy Cooking Page. Muriel Young near the end of the year joined as a Special Correspondent. By 1961 she was the Fashions and Careers expert. After nearly two years, Nevil Whiting left the series in March 1960, replaced by Howard Williams. TV Times first mentioned in May 1961 that there were "interruptions by Ollie Beak," an irritating puppet who subsequently became immensely popular with children. (Ollie and the dog Fred Barker had previously been introduced in A-R's Small Time.) The last edition of Lucky Dip was on Tuesday September 5th 1961, for from the following week it was replaced by
Tuesday Rendezvous. "Friends old and new" was the byline, and indeed the resident hosts were the familiar Howard Williams, Muriel Young and Bert Weedon. Lo and behold guest experts were Fanny and Johnnie Craddock, and art guru John Mills was another guest expert on the first show on September 12th 1961. Grahame Dangerfield, animal expert, was also an early visitor to Tuesday Rendezvous, he had been a late recruit to Lucky Dip. Ollie Beak was in charge of The Visitors Book presumably to attempt to keep him out of mischief. And Ollie's pal, Fred Barker, received regular mention in TV Times from June 1962. One new feature was the Rendezvous Pony Club, introduced by Carole Baker. A popular early innovation throughout the series was Star Record Guest, though sadly the artist was never named in TV Times. The major difference in this new programme was that it filled the children's hour slot from 5.00 to 5.55pm.
Howard Williams soon left the programme leaving Muriel and Bert in charge. However he returned to the fold in May 1962 (possibly he was an Equity member and thus involved with the protracted dispute between that organisation and ITV). Weedon left at the end of that month, though he did return in October 1962. Christmas Day 1962 falling on a Tuesday, resulted in a special Christmas Rendezvous, a fantasy with the usual members of the team, who also included John Mills, Graham Dangerfield and Bob Wallis and His Storyville Jazzmen, who provided a history of jazz during the run of the series. The biggest change came on June 7th 1963 when the programme was reduced to a length of 25 minutes. It's not clear how all the regular features managed to get squeezed in. However Bert Weedon disappeared during the summer, as in the previous year. The very last programme was on September 24th 1963, but Muriel Young and Howard Williams returned the following week with
Five O'Clock Club which proved to be A-R's most successful children's magazine, though it ended up as little more than a pop show. It ran continuously until 1965, then with a further run into 1966. It started on October 1st 1963, now in a regular slot on Fridays as well as Tuesdays, recalling the Jolly Good Time scheduling back in 1957. Ollie Beak and Fred Barker were also recalled and the byline of the show sounded suspiciously like that of Tuesday Rendezvous, "old friends- now new members of a Television Club." There was Graham Dangerfield on Pets, while on Fridays dear old Jimmy Hanley had a Do it Yourself spot. But at least now guests were publicised in advance, everyone from the big names, to pop hopefuls who didn't quite make it to the top! Among new novelties was Daisy a clowning cow (played by Jimmy and June Kidd). Roger Webb and His Trio provided some of the music.
These were some of the advertised guests:
Oct 1st 1963: Harry Secombe. The Innocents. Oct 4th: Rosemary Squires. Craig Douglas.
Oct 15th 1963: The Eagles. Oct 18th: Sir Compton Mackenzie, Bert Weedon.
Oct 22nd 1963: Hughie Green. Karl Denver Trio and Mark Wynter. Oct 25th: The Caravelles and Billy Fury.
Oct 29th 1963: Billie Davis. Adam Faith and the Roulettes. Nov 1st: Moura Lympany. The Swinging Blue Jeans. Teddy Green.
Nov 5th 1963: Freddie and the Dreamers. Joe Brown. Nov 8th: Lt-Gen Sir Brian Horrocks. Dev Douglas. The Viscounts.
Nov 12th 1963: Larry Adler. The Tornados. George Bean. Nov 15th: Sir James Gunn. Russ Conway. Mike Sheridan and the Nightriders.
Dec 3rd 1963: The Vernons Girls. The Marksmen. Dec 6th: Bernard Tussaud. Dave Clark Five.
Christmas Eve 1963: David Kossoff. The Classmates. Muriel Smith. Dec 27th: Laurie Jay Combo. Rosemary Lane.
Jan 14th 1964: Joe Brown. Adrienne Poster. Jan 17th: Bert Weedon. Danny Williams. Alan Drew.
Jan 21st 1964: Susan Maughan, The Contrasts. Jan 24th: Teddy Johnson and Pearl Carr, The Bachelors, Angela Mortimer.
Jan 28th 1964: Marty Wilde. The Aces. Jan 31st: Mike Hurst. Bill Clifton.
Feb 11th 1964: Houston Wells, and The Sundowners. Feb14th: Vince Eager, Mike Preston.
Feb 18th 1964: Chris Sandford. Cloda Rogers. Feb 21st: Dev Douglas. The Cameos.
Mar 3rd 1964: guest singers Adam Faith and The Roulettes, also Marilyn Powell. Mar 6th: The Square Pegs and Karl Denver Trio.
Mar 17th 1964: Ezz Reco and the Launchers with Boysie Grant. The Joy Strings. Mar 20th: Gene Vincent. The Federals.
Mar 24th 1964: The Swinging Blue Jeans. Chad Stuart and Jeremy Clyde. No edition on Mar 27th (Good Friday).
Jay Denyer now replaced Howard Williams and Jimmy Hanley now became one of the regular resident club members. Graham Dangerfield left.
Apr 7th 1964: The Monarchs. Isla Cameron. Rick Jones. Freddie and the Dreamers. Apr 10th: The Hustlers. Maureen Scott. Spider Austin. John Mills.
No edition on Apr 14th 1964 (Budget Day). Apr 17th: Cilla Black. The Cumberland Three. Silvano's Sophisticated Chimps.
Apr 21st 1964: Millie. Malcolm Price Trio. Sid Plummer. Apr 24th: Steve Benbow. Bernard Hughes. The Footprints.
Apr 28th 1964: The Applejacks. Govinda. Gil Dova. May 1st: The Bedlams. Rod and Carolyn. Tom, Dick and Harry.
Louie Ramsay now joined the residents.
May 12th 1964: Glenda Collins. Tony Sheveton and the Shevells. Sheriff Danny Arnold with Pete Stanley and Wizz Jones. May 15th: The Chimes. Morgan-James Duo.
May 19th 1964: Brian Poole and the Tremeloes. Also with Jeremy Taylor, Michael Martell, Andrew and Paul Tracey. May 22nd: Manfred Mann. Kay Garner.
May 26th 1964: Lulu and the Luvers with Steve Perry, The Islanders, Christine Quaite, Sonny Farrar. May 29th: Tony Sheridan, plus The Hi-Fi's. Jan and Kelly.
June 2nd 1964: The Countrymen, with Andee Silver, Miar Davies, The Vendettas, Vercoe. June 5th: Peter and Gordon. Susan Maughan. The Druids.
Jimmy Hanley now left the series.
June 16th 1964: Mark Wynter, Chris Barber and Ottilie Patterson with Pierre and Company. June 19th: Ricky Livid and the Tone Deafs, with Shirley Collins, The Honeycombs.
June 23rd 1964: The Cockneys, Bettina and Bryce, Bryan Davies. June 26th: Adam Faith and the Roulettes, The Other Two.
June 30th 1964: The Band of Angels. Bernard Hughes. The Orchids. July 3rd: PJ Proby. The Jynx. The Healey Sisters.
July 7th 1964: Mike Sheridan and the Nightriders. Chris Rayburn. July 10th: Long John Baldry. Jean Redpath.
July 14th 1964 and July 17th: no guests advertised in TV Times
July 28th 1964: Billy J Kramer. Mickey Finn and the Blue Men. Joey. July 31st: The Merseybeats. The Langleys. Adamo.
Aug 4th 1964: The Jynx. Adamo. Anna-Lou and Maria. Aug 7th: Gus Backus. Sandie Shaw. The Settlers.
Aug 11th 1964: The Shevelles, Mike Redway and The Dougie Squires Three. Aug 14th: Patsy Ann Noble, The Blue Aces, The Woodpeckers.
Aug 18th 1964: Marianne Faithfull, The Overlanders, Doctor Crock and His Crackpots. Aug 21st: The Migil 5, Jackie Martin, Roslynn.
Aug 25th 1964: Nola York. The Juniors. The Road Stars. Aug 28th: Helen Shapiro. Chad Stewart and Jeremy Clyde. The Showtimers.
Sept 1st 1964: Kay Garnier. Larry Parker. Herman's Hermits. Sept 4th: Lesley Gore. Robin Hall and Jimmie MacGregor. The Voomins.
Sept 8th 1964: The Messengers. Billie Davis. Roy Bradley and his Music Breakers. Sept 11th: Barry Kent. Julie Grant. Brian Poole and the Tremeloes.
Sept 15th 1964: Lulu. The Carefrees. Sept 18th (Muriel Young temporarily not here): The Mudlarks. Christine Quaite. The Naturals.
Sept 22nd 1964: Chris Barber and Ottilie Patterson. Carol Deane. Sept 25th: The Rustiks. Ria Bartok. The Clearways.
Sept 29th 1964: The Ladybirds. The Jones Boys. Kopy Kat. John Halford. Oct 2nd (Muriel Young returns): Tammy St John. Morgan-James Duo. The Band of Angels.
Oct 6th 1964: Pierre and Company. Lady Lee. The Zombies. Oct 9th: Barry St John. Pip and Roy. The Nutrons.
Oct 20th 1964: The Supremes. Bern Elliott and the Klan. Bernard Hughes. Oct 23rd: Dionne Warwick. The Laurie Jay Combo. Don, David and Dean.
Oct 27th 1964: Marty Wilde. Swinging Blue Jeans. Sid Plummer. Oct 30th: Peter and Gordon. Stevie Lewis. Vince Philpott and The Drags.
Nov 3rd 1964: Manfred Mann. Patsy Ann Noble. John Morris. Nov 6th: Marianne Faithfull. Bobby Shafto. Shelley.
Nov 10th 1964: Dana Valery. Malcolm Mitchell. The Clarions. Nov 13th: The Searchers. Andee Silver. The Spinners.
Nov 17th 1964: Heinz. The Hi-fi's. Peppi with the Rustlers. Nov 20th: The Caravelles. The Overlanders. The U.K.'s.
Nov 24th 1964: Larry Parker. Ian Douglas. The Yardbirds. Nov 27th: Eden Kane. The Trendsetters. Beverley Jones.
Dec 1st 1964: Stubby Kaye. The Honeycombs. Lorne Lesley. Dec 4th: The Applejacks. Julie Rogers. Clinton Ford.
Dec 8th 1964: The Contrasts. The Three Bells. The Austins. Dec 11th: Lulu. The Nashville Teens. The Countrymen.
Dec 15th 1964: Rory Storm and the Hurricanes. David Berglass. Baby Dolls. Dec 18th: The Barron Knights. Valerie Masters. Ron Moody.
Dec 22nd 1964: Susan Maghan. Des and Dave. Georgie Fame and the Blue Flames. Dec 25th (a special Christmas edition from Trafalgar Square): The Hollies. Millie. Brian Poole and the Tremeloes. The Joy Strings. Christine Ching.
A new year, and the programme was renamed in 1965 in honour of the two puppets Ollie and Fred's Five O'Clock Club. Muriel Young was now the sole compere. Daisy the cow continued to appear, but Roger Webb was replaced by new resident musicians. In January it was The Kingfishers.
Star guest to start the year was Stubby Kaye. He was the star guest in each edition for two months.
Jan 5th 1965: With The Singing Blue Jeans. Samantha Jones. The King Brothers. Jan 8th: With Dave Clark Five. Sandie Shaw. The Keyes.
Jan 12th 1965: With The Naturals. Larry Parker. Gitte. Jan 15th: Cilla Black. Johnny Thunder. JL Watson and the Hummelfluges.
Jan 19th 1965: With Gerry and the Pacemakers. Del Shannon. Sheila and Jenny. Jan 22nd: With Tommy Quickly and the Remo Four. Chris Barber and his Band. Elkie Brooks.
Resident musicians now The Mike Negal Trio.
Feb 9th 1965: Mike Sheridan and the Nightriders. The Three Quarters. Patrick Kerr. Feb 12th: Ginger Johnson and his African Drummers. Mark Wynter. Margo and the Marvettes.
Feb 16th 1965: Tommy Bruce. Shirley and Johnny. Dave, Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick and Tick. Feb 19th: Manfred Mann. Marilyn Powell. Ivy League.
Star Guest now Tommy Quickly for each show, replacing Stubby Kaye.
From March 4th 1965, the Friday edition switched to Thursdays.
Mar 9th 1965: Marianne Faithfull. Gilbert and Partner. The Messengers. Mar 11th: Tom Jones. Heinz and the Wild Boys. Adrienne Poster.
Mar 16th 1965: Georgie Fame and the Blue Flames. One Two and Three Group. Twinkle. Mar 18th: Gerry and the Pacemakers. T.Bone-Walker. Nana Mouskouri.
Mar 23rd 1965: (from Battersea Play Park): Johnny Kidd and The Pirates. Stubby Kaye. Mar 25th: (again from Battersea Play Park): Stubby Kaye the only special guest.
Mar 30th 1965: The Nashville Teens. Carol Deene. Apr 2nd: The Four Pennies. Helen Shapiro. Beryl and Bobo.
(No programme on Apr 6th 1965 due to Budget).
A new star guest on all shows from now on was Jon Pertwee, replacing Tommy Quickly. And there were also new resident musicians- The Michael Hill Group. Apr 8th: Freddie and the Dreamers. The Shevells. Jacqueline Moore.
Apr 13th 1965: The Applejacks. The Countrymen. Rosemary Squires. Apr 15th: Susan Maughan. Tony Knight's Chess Men. Bobby Shafto.
Apr 20th 1965: The Overlanders. Donovan. Louie Ramsay (a former host). Apr 22nd: The Walker Brothers. Lesley Duncan. The Ian Campbell Folk Group.
Apr 27th 1965: Lulu and the Luvvers. Adam, Mike and Tim. Pinky. Apr 29th: The Searchers, The Ladybirds. Brian Gregory.
New star guest on all shows, replacing Jon Pertwee, from now on was Craig Douglas.
May 11th 1965: Manfred Mann. Beau Brummel. David and Marianne Dalmour. May 13th: Dave Clark Five. Tony Blackburn. The Chantells.
May 18th 1965: Cilla Black. Toni Ross. Heinz and the Wild Boys. May 20th: Janie Marden. The Woodpeckers. Kenny Miller.
May 25th 1965 Susan Maughan was the compere, replacing Muriel Young: Richard Anthony. The Three Bells. The Shangaans. May 20th: Susan Maughan again compere: Connie Francis. New Faces. The Quiet 5.
The last programme was on June 3rd 1965. Muriel Young did return the following week with old pal Stubby Kaye to host Stubby's Silver Star Show. The Mike Hill Group also continued to appear, to provide some continuity. This show ended on Sept 2nd 1965, to be replaced by another spin-off
Five O'Clock Funfair.
Ollie and Fred returned, now not quite top of the bill, but Daisy the cow had gone. New host was Marjorie Sigley. The schedule continued as before, ie Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5 to 5.25pm. Guests were:
Sept 7th and 9th 1965: The Alexis Korner Group.
Sept 14th: The Hollies. Sept 16th: Les Flambeaux.
From now on The Alexis Korner Group became the resident regulars.
Sept 21st: The Lancastrians.
Sept 28th: The Harbour Lites. Sept 30th: The Silkie. Alan David.
Oct 12th 1965: Julie Grant. The Symbols. Oct 14th: The New Lost City Ramblers.
Oct 19th: The Animals. Oct 21st: Ronald Gamack.
Oct 26th: Swinging Blue Jeans. Ronald Gamack. Millie. Oct 28th: The Animals. Kim Martyn.
Nov 2nd 1965: Paul and Barry Ryan. Hedgehoppers Anonymous. Nov 4th: Julie Grant. The Moody Blues.
Nov 11th: Tsai Chin.
Nov 23rd: The Bow Bells. Nov 25th: The Foremost. Sue and Sonny.
Nov 30th: The Casuals. The Karlins. The Army Catering Corps. Dec 2nd 1965: The Searchers. Stanley Unwin.
This was the last Funfair, for returning now was the ever popular
Five O'Clock Club. "New style" it was called, and there was a new face in Wally Whyton, though familar in one sense, for he was Ollie Beak's voice. Tommy Quickly was also a regular and of course Muriel Young. Also back were inevitably, Ollie and Fred. The Alexis Korner Group (later: Sextet) were also regulars, thus giving some sort of link with the previous series. One other 'innovation' is that the series returned to its old Tuesday and Friday slots. Guests were:
Dec 7th 1965: Jonathan King. Chris Andrews. Danny Tigleau (Hawaiian fire dancer). Spencer Davis Group. Dec 10th: John Summers. Valerie Mitchell. The Kinks. The Transatlantics. Janet Templar and Victor the Clown.
Dec 14th: The Bo-Street Runners. The Settlers. Ray Martine. Gina Carroll. Dec 17th: Gerry and the Pacemakers. The Caesars. Vol Mckenna. Big Pete Duker.
Dec 21st: Lonnie Donegan. Vince Hill. Herbie's People. Norma Leon. Gary and Jan. Dec 24th: Johnny Tillotson. The Ivy League. Lita Roza. Mike Redway. Herman's Hermits.
Dec 28th: Justin Hayward. The Varations. The Zombies. Joy Marshall. Dec 31st: The Dalys. The Small Faces. The Honeycombs. Kenny Lynch. The Hollies.
Guest compere now Gerry Marsden (replacing Tommy Quickly).
Jan 11th 1966: Patty La Belle and the Belles. Joni Adams. David Essex. Pinkerton's (Assort.) Colours. Adamo. Jan 14th: Josh Hanna. David and Jonathan. Elaine Delmar. Chris Farlowe. Julie Rogers.
Jan 18th: Robb Storme. The Truth. The Exciters. The Mindbenders. Lulu. Jan 21st: Jimmy Cliff. The Nashville Teens. Dodie West. Morgan-James Duo.
Jan 25th: Paul and Barry Ryan. The Pretty Things. Doug Sheldon. John Summers. Jan 28th: The Nigel Brooks Singers. Cliff Bennett. Neil London. The original Drifters.
Feb 1st 1966: David Ballantyne. Peter Thompson. The Merseybeats. Ernestine Anderson. Feb 4th: The Pacemakers also appear with Gerry Marsden. Billie David and Keith Powell. The St Joseph's College Band from Beaulah Hill. Ken MacKintosh. Star Guest: Matt Monro.
Feb 8th: Roslynne. Gary Benson. The Silkie. Danny Williams. Feb 11th: Chad and Jeremy. Billy J Kramer. Mark Murphy.
Feb 15th: The Four Pennies. Brendan Phillips. Janie Marden. Roger Webb. Charlie and Inez Foxx. Feb 18th: Tommy St John. Lorne Lesley. The Migil 5.
Feb 22nd: The Hollies. Glenda Collins. Justin and Karlsson. Feb 25th: The King Brothers. The Twins. Adam Faith.
Mar 15th: Freddie and the Dreamers. Al Saxon. Patsy Ann Noble. Mar 18th: The Spencer Davis Group. The Settlers.
Mar 29th: Dave, Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick, Tich. Kiki Dee. Billy Joe Toyal. Apr 1st 1966: The Peter B's. Victor Manz. And presenting Rory and Crispian St Peters.
Apr 12th: Janie Jones. The Alan Price Set. Apr 15th: Roy Orbison. Martha and the Vandellas.
New guest compere, replacing Gerry Marsden: Joe Brown.
Una Stubbs temporarily replaces Muriel Young.
Apr 19th: Lewis Rich. Apr 22nd: Wayne Fontana. Fram and Alen.
Muriel Young returns.
New guest compere: Bill Boyle. Alexis Korner now has only a Quartet.
June 7th 1966: Mark Wynter. The Newby. Miki Dallon. June 10th: The Jeeps. Dev Douglas.
June 21st: Freddie and the Dreamers. Kim Cordell. June 24th: Susan Maughan. The Hollies.
June 28th: Michael Cox. Neil Christiansen. The Koobas. July 1st: David and Jonathan. Also first round of IQ game, London v Home Counties.
Alexis Korner Quartet now replaced by The Mike Hill Group (who had been regulars on the series during part of the previous year).
July 5th: The Ivy League. Joy Marshall. Englebert Humperdink. July 8th: The Fortunes. Also second round of IQ game, Norwich v Cambridge.
July 19th: Madeline Bell. Alan Price. Joe Brown. July 22nd: Dusty Springfield. Peter and Gordon. IQ game- Birmingham v Manchester.
July 26th: The Creation. Dave Berry. July 29th: Billy Fury. IQ game- Glasgow v Edinburgh.
Aug 2nd 1966 : Jonathan King. Lee Drummond. Aug 5th: Manfred Mann. Lesley Dawson. IQ game- Bristol v Exeter.
Aug 9th: The Ivy League. Danny Street. Brendan Phillips. Aug 12th: The Troggs. IQ game- Liverpool v Newcastle.
Aug 16th: Washington DC's. Chris Andrews. Aug 19th: Wayne Fontana. Jackie Trent. The Sounds of Time. IQ game- round eight.
Aug 23rd: The King Brothers. David Essex. Aug 26th: Vince Hill. Greg Hunter. IQ game- Quarter Final: London v Cambridge.
Joe Brown now returns briefly as the guest compere.
Aug 30th: Sandie Shaw. The Mindbenders. Ray Martine. Sept 2nd: The Hollies. Laura Lee. IQ game- Quarter Final: Llandudno v Manchester.
Guest compere now Mitch Murray.
Sept 6th 1966: Hayes and Wadey. Cliff Bennett. Jackie Trent. Michael Skinner. Sept 9th: The Rohtchilds. Kenny Damon. IQ game- Quarter Final: Edinburgh v Bristol.
Guest compere now sees the return of Gerry Marsden.
Sept 20th: Georgie Fame and the Blue Flames. IQ game- Semi Final
Sept 23rd 1966: Susan Maughan. The Troggs. IQ game- The Final. This was the last meeting ever of The Five O'Clock Club.
The following autumn Rediffusion did run Come Here Often, but it wasn't until the autumn after that, that Rediffusion's successors, Thames, started another genuine children's magazine in 1968, and that was Magpie.

That leaves only one question as regarding Five O'Clock Club- whatever happened to Ollie Beak and Fred Barker? Answers desperately not wanted. But if you can add any more details of guests etc on the shows I have not covered, do please drop me a line.

Missing Menu

.

.

.

.

.

.

Destination- Downing Street (1957, A-R)
Six spy thrillers in four parts each, preceded by one single introductory story. Originally planned in 13 parts, it proved so popular with viewers that three additional four part stories were added to the run. Critics however were less enthusiastic, one describing the stories as "unreal and hysterical."
All the stories were written by St John Curzon of TV Scripts Ltd (21 Hertford Street London W1). He joked, it was "my first, and possibly last." That seems to have been the case.
The live programmes were performed at Wembley Park Studios, with a maximum of six main sets per episode, plus a few filmed linked sequences. The author claimed "the Alster sequences in Hamburg to be quite effective."
Each episode starred John Stone as Mike Ashton on the trail of the enemy, known as ARKAB. On his team were Sylva Langova as Sylva, Graham Crowden as Colin, Donald Morley as Jacques Delauny, and also with Diana Lambert as Phoebe (who was in stories 1 to 13 only).
Destination- Downing Street was replaced by Murder Bag which did so well, which was perhaps the reason why this popular serial was not revived.

Details of the stories:
1 Prologue (Monday March 25th 1957, 8pm)

2 The Machiavelli Touch: Part 1 (April 1st 1957) - this group of stories directed by Robert Tronson.
3 The Machiavelli Touch: Part 2 (April 8th 1957)
4 The Machiavelli Touch: Part 3 (April 15th 1957) - with David Garth as Dufresne. With the death of Glass, all chance of tracing the Pterodactyl has gone. The safe has been rifled, clearly the work of The Machiavelli Touch, but Machiavelli has vanished.
5 The Machiavelli Touch: Part 4 (April 22nd 1957)

6 The Green Patch: Part 1 (April 29th 1957)- this group of stories directed by Ronald Marriott. Mike Anson and his team investigate a helicopter crash in Tanganyika- someone talks too loudly in a bar in Dar-Es-Salaam, and The Green Patch assumes an international importance.
7 The Green Patch: Part 2 (May 6th 1957)
8 The Green Patch: Part 3 (May 13th 1957)
9 The Green Patch: Part 4 (May 20th 1957)

10 Mr Crazy: Part 1 (May 27th 1957) - this group of stories directed by Robert Tronson. Also in this episode: Nancy Graham as Mary Jane, John McLaren as Arkwright, and Arthur Gross as Mertens. The ruthless espionage organisation known as Arkab have already involved Mike and his team in two dangerous adventures. Now they strike again, this time in an unexpected quarter, at the eccentric American millionaire that the press have nicknamed Mr Crazy.
11 Mr. Crazy: Part 2 (June 3rd 1957). Also in this story: Nancy Graham, John McLaren, Arthur Gross, John Sharplin as Charlesworth, Lawrence James as Joe, Lian-Shin Yeng as Ying, and Stratford Johns as Eisenstein. There is only one clue as to the identity of the attackers of Mr Crazy, and Mike gives Sylva the job of following it. She succeeds in getting a lead, but is herself trapped.
12 Mr. Crazy: Part 3 (June 10th 1957). Also in this story: Nancy Graham, John McLaren, John Sharplin, Lawrence James, Lian-Shin Yeng, Stratford Johns, and Frank Shelley as Bazzini. All roads seem to be leading to Rome. As J Harold Arkwright aka Mr Crazy sets out by plane for Italy, he is followed by his would-be assassin Joe Murray, and Mike Anson and his colleagues. Also on the plane is the sinister Gustaf Eisenstein. Is he one of Arkab's agents?
13 Mr. Crazy: Part 4 (June 17th 1957, now at 10pm) Also in this story: Nancy Graham, John McLaren, John Sharplin, Lian-Shin Yeng, Stratford Johns, and Frank Shelley. The ring about Arkab seems to be tightening. With Mr Crazy as bait, the trap is set, and Mike Anson and his team are waiting for 'Cato,' Arkab's agent, to fall into it. But something goes wrong and Phoebe is in great danger.

14 Two Faces East: Part 1 (June 24th 1957) - this group of stories directed by Jonathan Alwyn. With Andre van Gyseghem as Breitmann, and Leonard Trolley as Marsham. Mike Anson finds that faces and even fingerprints are no use against a new ruthless enemy.
15 Two Faces East: Part 2 (July 1st 1957). With Andre van Gyseghem, Helen Misener as Frau Hoffbauer, Wanda Ronda as Frau Kohne, Michael Blythe as Hintzel, and Edward Burnham as Clubfoot. A foreign scientist has the same fingerprints as a dead man. Is Arkab using plastic surgery in its work of sabotage? Jacques, planted in the next cell to the suspected man, and about to be deported, has received a message from Dr Chlmann to deliver to 'Melchior' in Hamburg.
16 Two Faces East: Part 3 (July 8th 1957) With Andre van Gyseghem, Wanda Ronda, Michael Blythe,Edward Burnham, Joss Ackland as Immelmann, Dermot Palmer as Zeke, and Ellen Blueth as Girl Clerk. Jacques is safely in touch with Melchior and Mike is installed at the Winter Palace Hotel. The widow of a famous plastic surgeon has confirmed Mike's suspicion that Arkab are operating a nefariopus Face Factory.
17 Two Faces East: Part 4 (July 15th 1957)

18 The Empty Man: Part 1 (July 22nd 1957)- this group of stories directed by Jonathan Alwyn.
19 The Empty Man: Part 2 (July 29th 1957) With Frank Olegario as Yakeez, Raymond Adamson as Greg, Petra Davies as Eldor, Barry Shawzin as Yilman, John Rumney as Rankov, Michael Ritterman as Prof Kjoumerian, Fenella Fielding as Djemila, and Victor Baring as Nicolaides. Mike is in Beirut investigating the attempt to sabotage Britain's newest airliner. Sylva and Jacques have been established as listening posts in the underworld. With Inspector Yakeez, Mike hopes for the recovery of Hasheem, who is believed to have planted a time bomb.
20 The Empty Man: Part 3 (August 5th 1957). With Frank Olegario, Raymond Adamson, Petra Davies, Barry Shawzin, John Rumney, Fenella Fielding, and Andreas Antoniou as barman. Hasheem, the 'empty man,' is still well beyond interrogation, though Mike has made contact with his sweetheart Eldor, the Professor's daughter, who believes Hasheem to be dead.
21 The Empty Man: Part 4 (August 12th 1957). With Frank Olegario, Raymond Adamson, Petra Davies, John Rumney, Andreas Antoniou, Anthony Jacobs as Ornescu, Michael Argy as Milo, and Julian Sherrier as Hasheem. The poisoning of hotel porter Yilman robs Mike and his friends of another clue. Hasheem is still unable to speak, only a shock can bring his brain to life. Then appears the suavely sinister figure of Milo who haunts Hasheem's sweetheart Eldor, and drives Rankov in panic from Beirut.

22 Danger's End (final group of stories): Part 1 (August 19th 1957) - the first three of these stories stories directed by William Freshman. With Anthony Jacobs as Ornescu (from last story). Mike and his friends have been on the trail of Arkab, but now the situation is reversed.
23 Danger's End: Part 2 (August 26th 1957)
24 Danger's End: Part 3 (September 2nd 1957). With George Pastell as The Chief, also Andre Charisee as Inspector Baruch, and Bernard Archard as Meissner. In Brussels, Mike and his friends have intercepted a letter instructing Maria Voelcker to report to Innsbruck. After disposing of the interfering Mr Behreins they think themselves in the clear, but neither they, not the unfortunate Maria, realise that in this instance Arkab is calling the tune.
25 Danger's End: Part 4 (September 9th 1957). This final episode directed by Eric Croall. With George Pastell, also Bernard Archard, and Jan Conrad as Lehmke. In Innsbruck Mike has learned for the first time that Arkab is waiting for him to walk into a trap. With Colin, he trails Sylva and Mesissner to the house beyond the Swiss border, the secret headquarters, for which Jacques has the phone number.

Other actors who appeared in an unknown episode of the series were Philip Ashley, Peter Bathurst, Basil Beale, AJ Brown, Nicholas Bruce, Oliver Burt, Victor Charrington. Margaret Clifford, Barry Cookson, Michael Corcoran, Basil Coulolias, Valerie Craig, George Crowther, Guy Deghy, Hugo de Vernier, Otto Diamant, Conway Dixon, Antony Doonan, Colin Douglas, Michael Ely, Hugh Evans, Edward Forsyth, David Franks, Louise Gainsborough, Mary Gillingham, Martin Gordon, Arthur Goullet, David Graham, Joyce Gregg, Susan Hampshire, Dennis Handby, Richard Harris, Michael Harrison, John Harvey, Brenda Haydn, Michael Hitchman, Thelma Holt, Michael Jacques, Barry Keegan, Eric Lander, Howard Lang, Yvonne le Dain, Margaret Leigh, Duncan Lewis, James Lloyd, Raymond Lloyd, Arthur Lowe, Adina Mandlova, Kirsten Milne, Norman Mitchell, Richard Molinas, Edwin Morton, John Nicholson, Ralph Nossek, Kendrick Owen, Delia Paton, George Pravda, Elizabeth Rees-Williams, Susan Richards, George Roderick, Graham Rowe, Anthony Sagar, John Salew, Jeffrey Segal, Anthony Sheppard, William Sherwood, Tom Simmons, Benn Simons, Gloria Simpson, Norris Stayton, Sheila Steafel, Kathleen Stuart, Derek Sydney, Colin Tapley, Norman Taylor, Ernst Ulman, John Unicomb, David Waller, Peter Welch, Frank Williams, Leonard Williams, Jerome Willis, Pauline Winter, Yvette Wyatt, Yah Ming. (Source for this list- TV Scripts Ltd)

Missing Menu

.

.

.

.

.

.

SATURDAY SERIALS
were a high spot of the night's viewing in the 1950's on ITV. I would suggest that many owed their origins to the success of Francis Durbridge on 'the other side.'
Pictured: a scene from 'Web'

Details of these serials, click where highlighted:
My Sister and I (ABC 1956)
The Man Who Was Two (ABC 1957)
Joyous Errand (BBC 1957)
Electrode 93 (ABC 1957)
Motive for Murder (ATV 1957)
The Schirmer Inheritance (ABC 1957)
Five Names for Johnny (ATV 1957)
Web (ATV 1957/8)
The Man Who Sold Death (ABC 1958)
The Man Who Finally Died (ATV 1959)
Epilogue to Capricorn (ATV 1959)
The Voodoo Factor (ATV 1959/60)

Brief details of five other ITV Saturday serials.

Missing Menu

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Death to The First Lady
A serial shown on ITV in 5 parts, written by Peter Key. The first episode, The Red White and Blue, was shown on Saturday August 18th 1956, 9-9.30pm. John Knight was the Producer, and music was composed by Tommy Reilly.
John Loder starred as Tom Abel, President of the Pacific Federation. He is visiting Britain, accompanied by his daughter Kim (Maureen Connell) to sign an agreement covering the sale of a strategic possession. Kim is kidnapped.
Also starring was Dermot Walsh as Bill Anderson, others appearing including Graham Stuart as Prime Minister Robert Sturgess, John Ruddock as Foreign Secretary John Bridger, and James Raglan as Colonel Jason of Internal Security. The final episode Danse Macabre was screened on September 8th 1956.
The Strange World of Planet X
Made into a feature film, this tv serial starred Helen Cherry as Fenella Laird, William Lucas as David Graham, and David Garth as Gavin Laird. The script was by Rene Ray. Director: Quentin Lawrence, Producer: Arthur Lane.
The stories were: 1 The Formula (September 15th 1956), 2 The Terrible Cabinet (September 22nd 1956), 3 The Unholy Threshold (September 29th 1956) - "was it just a dream? Or have you been to the strange world of Planet X?"
4 The Dimension Discovered (October 6th 1956), Episode 5 (October 13th 1956), Episode 6 (October 20th 1956)- with Paul Hardtmouth as Prof Kollheim, Episode 7 (October 27th 1956). Note- though originally advertised as in "six episodes," this seventh episode is billed as such in TV Times.
Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde
shown in 6 parts from November to December 1956 on Saturdays at 8.30-9pm.
Adapted for tv by James Parish. Directed by Philip Saville.
The title role was played by Dennis Price, with Ian Fleming as Dr Lanyon and Philip Ray as Utterson.
The Trollenburg Terror
Perhaps the best remembered of ATV's serials, being turned into a feature film. This 6 part serial starred Sarah Lawson as Sarah Pilgrim and Laurence Payne as Philip Truscott. The script was by Peter Key, and it was directed by Quentin Lawrence.
Episode 1, The Mind of Ann Pilgrim, was shown on December 15th 1956 from 8-8.30pm, the following episodes followed: 2 First Blood, 3 The Giggle of Madness, 4 The Power of the Ixodes, 5 The Trap, and 6 Final Episode.
As this serial is better documented than most, I am not giving fuller info here.
The Gentle Killers (1957)
stars: Dermot Walsh as Paul Donaldson, Hazel Court as Stella Manning, and Sydney Tafler as Dr Julian Goldsworthy. Others in the cast included Brian Oulton as Prof Millington Arkwright, Tony Church as Insp Fellowes, and Frank Hawkins as Sgt Maybrick.
Script by Lewis Greifer and Leigh Vance. Director: Quentin Lawrence.
General synopsis: Forty people have disappeared, and now oil engineer Paul Donaldson thinks he is witness to the kidnapping of a peer. It leads him to a world ranging plan by The Gentle Killers to carry out simultaneous assassinnations in numerous countries.

Saturday Serials Menu

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Five Names for Johnny (ATV)
A seven part serial shown autumn 1957 Saturdays 9.30-10pm
starring Conrad Phillips as David Haigue, and
Norman Wooland as Dr Mark Willoughby
Script: Lewis Greifer
Sets: Tom Lingwood
Director: Quentin Lawrence
"There are more terrors in a man's dreams than in all the police files," said Greifer of this 7 part serial.

1 The Victoria Cross
September 14th 1957
Also in this episode were
David Langford... Peter Haigue
Victor Platt... Insp Walter Mason
Anthony Doonan... Det Constable Bill Wright
Synopsis of opening story: A man has a dream of death and then awakes to the reassuring comfort of his home and family. The horror has faded with the night. But has it? What if the dream should cling to his waking hours? What then is the nightmare and what the reality? And what if the reality proves more nightmarish than the dream?

2 The Accusation
September 21st 1957
co-starring Patricia Marmont as Carol Haigue
Also in this episode were David Langford, Victor Platt and Anthony Doonan, plus
AJ Brown... Coroner
Henry Longhurst... Dr Meld
Hilda Fenemore... Mrs Sherman
John Carrol... Stonehouse
Julie Somers... Diane Sherman
Keith Smith... Joker
Synopsis: A man is dead. A man you haven't seen for eight years. A man you hardly knew. Why then should people hint that you're involved? That you might have been responsible. And why, most of all, should you believe it yourself?

5 Revenge
October 12th 1957
co-starring Patricia Marmont
Also in this episode were Victor Platt, Anthony Doonan, John Carrol and
Diana Lambert... Margot Medina
Synopsis: David Haigue, investigating the missing years of his brother's life, runs up against a solid wall of crime and intrigue. In a hotel room, lie all the answers to his questions. He goes there- to find a dead man.

7 The Fifth Name
October 26th 1957
co-starring Patricia Marmont
Also in this episode were Victor Platt, Anthony Doonan, David Langford, John Carrol, Diana Lambert and
Roger Snowdon... Dr Max Mannerjee
Charles Stapley... Striker
Synopsis: 'So this is the meaning of a nightmare! This is the murderer of Johnny!' Slowly, inevitably, David Haigue is driven to commit the act he has feared for months, perhpas for all his life- to kill a man he never knew.

To
Saturday Serials Menu

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Web (1957/8, ATV)
A serial in six parts. Script: Lewis Greifer
Sets: Richard Lake. Film cameraman: Warwick Ashton, film edited by George Clark
Producer: Quentin Lawrence.
Stars: Lyndon Brook as Harry Warren, and Betty McDowall as Rose Warren.

Episode 1: December 21st 1957

2 The Alibi
December 28th 1957 9.30-10pm
Synopsis: 'I am sititng on a bus on my way home from work when the police enter and accuse me of a fantastic crime against someone I do not know, at a place I have never been, under circumstances I do not understand. it is frightening...' For Harry Warren, quiet, inoffensive, respectable, the real horror begins when the police produce proof, conclusive and damning.
Also in the cast:
Walter Horsbrugh... Assistant Commissioner
Bill Nagy... John Wilder
Victor Platt... Insp Mason
Patrick Newell... Fat man
Heather Lloyd-Jones... Waitress
Trader Faulkner... Jack Warren
Richard Burrell... Det Sgt Prebble
James Ottaway... Bill
Mary Werbster... Lena Jennings
Philip Holles... Manning
Norman Scace... JB Grune
Henry Webb... Carr

Episode 3: January 4th 1958 (no episode shown Jan 11th)

4 The Painting
January 18th 1958, 7-7.30pm
with Jean Kent as Rita Carpenter
Synopsis: The coat worn by the man who strangled the widow is the coat you were wearing. The love letter in the dead woman's hand is the letter you signed. Your close friends and workmates testify on oath that you killed her. But you have never seen or met her in your life, knew nothing about her until the police called- and the web is spun.
Also in the cast:
Victor Platt... Insp Mason
Patrick Newell... Fat man
Trader Faulkner... Jack Warren
Richard Burrell... Det Sgt Prebble
Norman Scace... JB Grune
Edwina Carrol... Ella
Michael Golden... Van
Paul Hardwick... George

5 The Other Warren
January 25th 1958, 7-7.30pm
with Jean Kent as Rita Carpenter
Synopsis: Who is plotting to kill me? Who is producing incredible, conclusive proof that I brutally murdered a woman I have never seen in my life? Who is at the centre of this web that inevitably will strangle me? My wife? My brother? A friend? Or an enemy I have never heard of?
Also in cast:
Victor Platt... Insp Mason
Patrick Newell... Fat man
Trader Faulkner... Jack Warren
Richard Burrell... Det Sgt Prebble
Norman Scace... JB Grune
Paul Hardwick... George
Bill Nagy... John Wilder
Patricia Heneghan... Connie Rohan

6 The Gallery
February 1st 1958, 7-7.30pm
with Jean Kent as Rita Carpenter
Synopsis: 'So this is the answer. This is the reason for the web that has trapped me finally and inescapably.' Harry Warren, bewildered, on the run for a murder of a woman he has never seen, learns that he and his family are just pawns in a £10,000,000 game of chess.
Also in cast:
Victor Platt... Insp Mason
Trader Faulkner... Jack Warren
Richard Burrell... Det Sgt Prebble
Norman Scace... JB Grune
Paul Hardwick... George

Saturday Serials Menu

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Five Names for Johnny
A seven part serial shown autumn 1957 Saturdays 9.30-10pm
starring Conrad Phillips as David Haigue, and
Norman Wolland as Dr Mark Willoughby
Script: Lewis Greifer
Sets: Tom Lingwood
Director: Quentin Lawrence
"There are more terrors in a man's dreams than in all the police files," said Greifer of this 7 part serial.

1 The Victoria Cross
September 14th 1957
Also in this episode were
David Langford... Peter Haigue
Victor Platt... Insp Walter Mason
Anthony Doonan... Det Constable Bill Wright
Synopsis of opening story: A man has a dream of death and then awakes to the reassuring comfort of his home and family. The horror has faded with the night. But has it? What if the dream should cling to his waking hours? What then is the nightmare and what the reality? And what if the reality proves more nightmarish than the dream?

2 The Accusation
September 21st 1957
co-starring Patricia Marmont as Carol Haigue
Also in this episode were David Langford, Victor Platt and Anthony Doonan, plus
AJ Brown... Coroner
Henry Longhurst... Dr Meld
Hilda Fenemore... Mrs Sherman
John Carrol... Stonehouse
Julie Somers... Diane Sherman
Keith Smith... Joker
Synopsis: A man is dead. A man you haven't seen for eight years. A man you hardly knew. Why then should people hint that you're involved? That you might have been responsible. And why, most of all, should you believe it yourself?

5 Revenge
October 12th 1957
co-starring Patricia Marmont
Also in this episode were Victor Platt, Anthony Doonan, John Carrol and
Diana Lambert... Margot Medina
Synopsis: David Haigue, investigating the missing years of his brother's life, runs up against a solid wall of crime and intrigue. In a hotel room, lie all the answers to his questions. He goes- to find a dead man.

7 The Fifth Name
October 26th 1957
co-starring Patricia Marmont
Also in this episode were Victor Platt, Anthony Doonan, David Langford, John Carrol, Diana Lambert and
Roger Snowdon... Dr Max Mannerjee
Charles Stapley... Striker
Synopsis: 'So this is the meaning of a nightmare! This is the murderer of Johnny!' Slowly, inevitably, David Haigue is driven to commit the act he has feared for months, perhpas for all his life- to kill a man he never knew.

To Saturday Serials Menu

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Joyous Errand (BBC, 1957)
A serial in six parts.
Script: Ian Dallas from the novel by Denis Wylie.
Designer: Lawrence Broadhouse. Producer: Peter Lambert.
The stars were Ursula Howells as Ruth Blair
and Peter Arne as Richard Kendal.
Others regulars were Jacqueline Hill (Carrie Dean), and Michael Warre (Max Parrott).

Details of some episodes:
Episode 1: Saturday April 6th 1957
Also in the cast was Ernest Thesiger.
Episode 4: Saturday April 27th 1957, 7.30pm
Also in the cast: Henry Longhurst (Doorman), Horace Sequeira (Old Man), Geoffrey Tyrrell (Barman), Jose Richard (Ruby), Marriott Watson (Glad), Mark Daly (Eddy Toddy), David Lander (Spayer).
Episode 5: Saturday May 4th 1957
Also in the cast: Geoffrey Wearing (Adrian Millom).
Episode 6: Saturday May 11th 1957
Also in the cast: Geoffrey Wearing, and Kevin Stoney now as Richard Kendal (Peter Arne was ill so not in this final story- the perils of live telly!).

Saturday Serials Menu

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Motive for Murder (ATV)
A six part serial shown on summer Saturdays in 1957, 9-9.30pm.
Script: Jimmy Sangster
Director: Leonard Brett
Starring Vincent Ball as John Blackmoor
with Gene Anderson as Jean Blackmoor.

The author described his hero thus, "he's young, reasonably well off and has a charming and attractive wife."
Critic D Hoddinott wrote of this serial, "ATV are proud of the fact that they are tv's serial kings, and although they have presented some pretty grim ones in the past, this looks like being one of the best they have ever done. Enough mystery, plenty of suspense and good taut dialogue... I am, for one, waiting anxiously for Saturday to know how Mr Ball will get himself out of his present predicament."

Episode details:
1 The Homecoming
Saturday June 15th 1957
Rest of cast:
Ian Ainsley... Hotel under manager
Peter Hughes... Man in phone booth
Barbara Lott... Miss Douglas
Geoffrey Chater... Harry Manners
Victor Brooks... Det Insp Wrigley
Humphrey Morton...Sgt Martin
Synopsis: John Blackmoor and his wife Jean return to London after two years abroad. In two days' time, John is due to collect a large sum of money. What happens provides the Motive.

2 The Man Named Jacques
Saturday June 22nd 1957
Rest of cast:
Barbara Lott... Miss Douglas
Geoffrey Chater... Harry Manners
Victor Brooks... Det Insp Wrigley
Humphrey Morton...Sgt Martin
Ed Powell... Joe Marks
George Street... Porter
Betty Bascombe... Miss Gosling
Margot McMenemy... Airport hostess
Peter Allenby... Frenchman
Peter Hughes... Furneaux
Synopsis: John Blackmoor, in an effort to clear himself of a charge of murdering his twin sister, sets out to trace the whereabouts of a man named Jacques.

3 The Clay Pigeon
Saturday June 29th 1957
Rest of cast:
Barbara Lott... Miss Douglas
Geoffrey Chater... Harry Manners
Victor Brooks... Det Insp Wrigley
Humphrey Morton...Sgt Martin
Ian Ainsley... Hotel under manager
Timothy Grey... Valet
Synopsis: John Blackmoor, returning from Paris, learns there was a great deal about his sister that he didn't know.

4 The Doctor
Saturday July 6th 1957
Rest of cast:
Geoffrey Chater... Harry Manners
Victor Brooks... Det Insp Wrigley
Humphrey Morton...Sgt Martin
Dennis Edwards... Doctor
Pearl Catlin... Policewoman
John Harvey... Frimley
John East... Carl
Michael Ashwin... Dr Meinster
Synopsis: John Blackmoor decides that Dr Meinster is a man to be watched.

5 The Face on the Photograph
Saturday July 13th 1957
Rest of cast:
Geoffrey Chater... Harry Manners
Victor Brooks... Det Insp Wrigley
Pearl Catlin... Policewoman
John Harvey... Frimley
Patrick Connor... Dave Acton
Frank Williams... Photographer
Synopsis: John Blackmoor receives a visitor and decides to pay a visit to the photographers.

Final episode: Saturday July 20th 1957
Anyone with a very long memory say how the serial ended?

Saturday Serials Menu

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

The Man Who Was Two (ABC)

was a serial in six episodes written by Lester Powell and directed by John Nelson Burton. It was the first drama production to come out of ABC's Birmingham studios.
It was shown starting on Saturday January 26th 1957 at 8pm, then weekly.
The stars were
Ronald Howard- whose name was mysteriously not revealed by ABC before the first episode was screened- he played David Metcalf,
William Devlin, who played John Fairburn,
Maxwell Shaw as Willi Bloch, and
Alan Cuthbertson as Brigadier Dickerson, a career minded British officer,
plus the Sinister Man.
The story was set in the Berlin of the present. A refugee to all appearances, David Metcalf, is repatriated by the Russians. But Bloch threatens to expose his true identity.

Saturday Serials Menu

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Electrode 93
was a 6 part ABC serial shown in April and May 1957 on Saturdays from 9.45-10.15pm, the second Saturday night thriller to be broadcast live from ABC's Aston Studios.
It starred George Pravda as Dr Quorum and Greta Gynt as his wife Carol. David Langton co-starred as Hugo Canning, Carol's lover. Other regular cast members included Jennifer Wilson and Richard Bebb.
The plot concerned a distinguished scientist who experiments behind the locked doors of his Harley Street psychiatric clinic.

An interesting account is extant of the stages in pre-production. The script was by Donald Riley, and was approved by Dennis Vance in March 1957. John Knight was assigned to produce the serial, and he consulted ABC's Casting Director Dodo Watts to draw up a shortlist of suitable actors. With rehearsals now underway in London, Chief Designer Rex Spencer drew up plans for the sets. Thus the first episode required six sets plus a long corridor, and all with enough space to allow camera movement. One of the biggest props was an elaborate encephalograph, which became nicknamed by staff in the Television Theatre workshops as The Brain Washing Machine!
Friday night before production the sets are erected, the cast arriving 10.30am on Saturday morning. Camera rehearsals go on all day until, with 30 minutes to live transmission, the cast go off for last minute touches to their make-up. Finally at 9.45pm prompt the serial begins, the culmination of months of work by the team of 150.

Saturday Serials Menu

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

The Schirmer Inheritance (ABC)
Shown on summer Saturdays 1957 9-9.30pm
Script: Kenneth Hyde based on the novel by Eric Ambler
Sets: Rex Spencer, Director: Philip Dale
Producer: Stuart Latham.
The stars in each story were
William Sylvester as George Carey, and
Vera Fusek as Kolin
with Jefferson Clifford as Robert L Moreton.
The story of a New York lawyer's search for the rightful heir to the fortune of an old woman who has died intestate. Eight thousand false claimants apply, before Carey finds his quarry in the bandit infested mountains of Greece.

Episode 1 August 3rd 1957
Rest of cast:
Errol John... Charlie
Manning Wilson... Mr Lange
James Dyrenforth... John J Sistrom
Roger Winton... Harry Budd
David Cargill... Doctor
Laurie Garner... Kathy Moreton
Colin Croft... Hacker
Sherry Winton... Hacker's secretary
James Lloyd... Waiter
Richard Dunn... Judge
Synopsis: The Schirmer inheritance, worth $4,000,000 was a lawyer's headache. George Carey sets out to find a claimant, and receives advice but a sinister lack of help.

Episode 2 August 10th 1957
Guest star: Irene Handl as Frau Gresser
Rest of cast:
John G Heller... Barman
Otto Diamant... Heingst
Gerard Heinz... Father Weichs
Synopsis: George and Kolin start their search in Bonn. A clue in the regimental archives leads them to Father Weichs and Frau Gresser.

Episode 3 August 17th 1957
Guest star: Elwyn Brook-Jones as Col Chrysantos
Rest of cast:
Gerik Schjelderup... Monsieur Hagen
Andreas Antonious... Greek lieutenant
Harry Tardios... Greek barman
Alan Tilvern... Arthur
Frederick Schiller... Barfly
Oliver Burt... Phengaros
Ernst Ullman... Sweet pedlar
Synopsis: Colonel Chrysantos introduces George and Kolin to his prisoner, who is not much help in the search. They are involved in a holdup, and with the aid of an unexpected ally, find an important clue.

Episode 4 August 24th 1957
Rest of cast:
Alan Tilvern... Arthur
Paul Stassino... Captain Streftaris
Andreas Malandrinos... Cafe proprietor
Golda Casimir... Mme Vassiotis
Synopsis: The smooth Captain Streftaris interferes in the search. George's most valuable piece of evidence mysteriously disappears- and he walks straight into danger.

Final Episode, September 7th 1957
with Alan Tilvern
Rest of cast:
Steve Plytas... Truck driver
Richard Shaw... Sgt Franz Schirmer
Edmund Assalay... Sentry
Synopsis: George has a narrow escape, but it brings him to the end of the trail, and finally disposes of The Schirmer Inheritance.
Saturday Serials menu
Missing Menu

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

THE SWORD IN THE WEB
This very interesting but forgotten 1962 ABC drama series recounted true stories of the French Resistance. The tales were based on the memoirs of Philippe Vomecourt.
This series was produced by Michael Mills.
Scripts were by Arthur Swinson. Sets designed by Patrick Downing. Incidental music composed by Jean Wiener and played by the Orchestra of the Garde Republicaine de Paris. French TV expressed an interest in buying at least some of the stories, anyone know if they ever did so? Certainly other British TV companies spurned the series, though Anglia did screen it on Friday nights.
Inexplicably it was screened in ABC's own tv area late on Saturday nights, later moving to Sunday afternoons, and was not networked.
The star was Alex Scott, with other regulars appearing in most stories- Roddy McMillan, Paul Curran, David Kelsey, and Maxine Holden.

Details of the 12 stories. I am most grateful to Des Martin for some of the episode titles.

1 A Foot in the Door (September 29th 1962, 11pm-11.45)

2 The First Air Drop (October 6th 1962, 11pm)

3 The British Pilot (October 13th 1962, 11.15pm-midnight)
Synopsis: A man in the uniform of an RAF pilot walks into a little town in unoccupied France in the summer of 1941. Has he really been shot down by the Luftwaffe, or is he a Gestapo stooge? The local Resistance group needs time and obscurity to organise resistance to the Germans; nevertheless they try to save him from internment, but are nearly destroyed by the English pilot.
Cast: Alex Scott (Jacques St Martin), Roddy McMillan (Antoine Roche), Paul Curran (Henri Morin), David Kelsey (Marc Fielding), Angela Halley (Pat Vyner), Miriam Raymond (Madelaine Roche), Joseph Tomelty (Drunk), George Curtis (Redon), Eric Dodson (Station sergeant), Leon Peers (Flt-Lt Dickson), Michael Collins (Policeman), Ralph Nossek (Vibraye), Paul Dawkins (Police sergeant), Edward Cast (Longue), Nellie Hanham (Mme Rubin). Note- this episode is still extant

4 The Priest of St Quentin (October 20th 1962, 11pm)

5 The Senegalese (October 27th 1962, 11pm-11.45, shown on TWW Sat Nov 21st 1962 at 11.05pm)
Synopsis: The Germans in occupied France hunt down and execute French colonial troops without trial. When four Senegalese soldiers, hiding in woods near Choleau, begin murdering the Germans in the town, the Mayor, the German Commandant and the Resistance face a situation which can only end in tragedy.
Cast: Alex Scott (Jacques St Martin), Roddy McMillan (Antoine Roche), David Kelsey (Marc Fielding), Angela Halley (Pat Vyner), Maxine Holden (Alix de la Cour), Michael Mellinger (Pierre Durrand), Ruth Kettlewell (Mme Matours), Yemi Ajibade (Jean), Louis Mahoney/ Alaba Peters/ Alien Bahow (Senegalese), George Carter/ Brian Sheehy (German Soldiers), Robert Sansom (Mayor), Graeme Bruce (Connard), Carl Duering (German Commandant), Carl Conway (German Adjutant), Philip Madoc (Sgt Wassner).

6 The Informer (November 3rd 1962, 11pm)
Synopsis: The greatest danger to the men and women of the Resistance is not the Gestapo, the police, or the Milice. It is the ordinary Frenchman who will sell them to the enemy for money. The greatest enemy is the informer.
Cast: Alex Scott (Jacques St Martin), Roddy McMillan (Antoine Roche), David Kelsey (Marc Fielding), Paul Curran (Henri Morin), Maxine Holden (Alix de la Cour), Jane Eccles (Old lady), Blaise Wyndham (Touvois), Donald Morley (Alphonse Chavrier), Ian Macnaughton (Perichon), Louis Haslar/ Peter Mason (Vichy Policemen), Cyril Shaps (Claude Garnier), Max Brimmel (Troppot), Diana Davies (Waitress), Robert Hunter (Dupont), Jerry Jardin (Contact).

7 The Alibi (Sunday November 11th 1962, 2.40-3.25pm)
Synopsis: To new members of the resistance dropped in from Britain, it is the first few hours in occupied territory which are the most dangerous. Alix's first assignment is to provide two new agents with their alibi.
Cast: Alex Scott (Jacques St Martin), Roddy McMillan (Antoine Roche), David Kelsey (Marc Fielding), Maxine Holden (Alix de la Cour), Angela Halley (Pat Vyner), Jeremy Ure (Pierre), Barry Keegan (Marcel Auray), Robin Parkinson (Felix), Ann Tirard (Mme Felix), Aubrey Morris (Hedges), Patrick Troughton (Tournay), Clifford Earl/ Paul Stockman/ Royston Tickner (Policemen), Reginald Jessup (Gestapo Officer), Norman Pitt (Railway porter), William Buck (Jean-Marc). Note- this episode is one of two of this series still extant

8 The Railway Job (Sunday November 18th 1962, 2.40pm)
Synopsis: When one man of a Railway Resistance group is caught by the German field security, the whole organisation is endangered.
Cast: Alex Scott (Jacques St Martin), David Kelsey (Marc Fielding), Maxine Holden (Alix de la Cour), Simone Lovell (Marie Morelle), Thomas Heathcote (Guy Morelle), Bernard Horsfall (Jean Thillot), Cyril Cross (First Feldgendarme), David Beale (Second Feldgendarme), Alison Frazer (Janine Thillot), Frank Gatliff (Hauptmann Fieber), Judith Nelms (Madame Grisson), Arnold Locke (Brugnon), Roy Pattison (Archet), Kenneth Watson (Lannes), Nancy Manningham (Viki Thillot), Richard Wharton (Roux), Colin Cresswell (Mortagne).

9 The Double Agent (Sunday November 25th 1962, 2.40pm)
Synopsis: The leader of a Resistance group needs a sixth sense if he and the group are to survive. This sense arouses the suspicions of Jacques St Martin when he meets a new agent.
Cast: Alex Scott (Jacques St Martin), Roddy McMillan (Antoine Roche), Paul Curran (Henri Morin), David Kelsey (Marc Fielding), Maxine Holden (Alix de la Cour), Angela Halley (Pat Vyner), David Cargill (Yves), Robert James (Roland), David Lodge (Lasalle), Joan Pethers (Louise), Dallas Cavall (Margnet), John Boyd Brent (Otille), George Galsworthy (Gaston).

10 The Munition Factory (Sunday December 2nd 1962, 2.40pm)

11 The Hazard (Sunday December 9th 1962, 2.40pm)

12 The Tunnel (Sunday December 16th 1962, 2.40pm) - final story

Appearing in one of the stories for which I have not got cast lists were: Laurie Leigh, Ronald Radd, Jeffrey Segal, and Tony Thawnton.
If you can add any information on The Sword in the Web, I would be pleased to hear from you.
Missing Menu

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

The Odd Man
The main character, Steve Gardiner, was played by Geoffrey Toone in the first Odd Man serial from Granada in autumn 1960. Other regulars in this half hour serial written by Eddie Boyd were Steve's wife Judy (Jan Holden), with the police represented by Chief-Insp Gordon (Moultrie Kelsall) and Det-Sgt MacBride (Alan Tilvern). Others in the cast included Judith Furse, Jemma Hyde and Geoffrey Palmer. In this first serial, music was by Bill le Sage, the producer was Jack Williams and the director Gordon Flemyng.
Synopsis of this serial: "whoever attacked Dorothy Berridge in her flat is now a murderer, following her death in hospital. The two main suspects are Dorothy's financier husband Bernard and Charles Ormiston (Richard Vernon), a petty crook who is also suspected of having poisoned his wife. Steve Gardiner traces Ormiston to his hideout and hears Ormiston practically confess to both crimes before pulling a gun and making his escape."

A second serial of 8 episodes of 55 minutes duration began in May 1962 now with Edwin Richfield as the theatrical agent Steve Gardiner and Sarah Lawson as Judy. Lawson described her part as a terribly unhappy person whose marriage is falling to pieces. In the final story she is murdered. Moultrie Kelsall continued as the chief inspector, but with a new assistant, a young Keith Barron as Det-Sgt Swift. Stuart Latham was the producer with Derek Bennett directing. Others appearing in this serial were a mute multi-assassin called South (Christopher Guinee), who some decided was The Odd Man, though Granada always insisted this was Steve. Another regular was South's unnamed landlord (Patrick Newell). Other one off roles in series two included the double barrelled Hugesson-Vachell (Anton Rodgers), Sarasin (Philip Latham), Dickinson (Godfrey Quigley) and Goodson (John Abineri).
The third series was again produced by Stuart Latham, but the director was now Richard Everitt. Granada's Derek Hilton supplied the music. These were more self-contained stories lasting 55 minutes beginning on 5th April 1963. Richfield continued as Steve, while Sarah Lawson made an amazing return as the double of Steve's late wife, the sophisticated Anne Braithwaite. Keith Barron also continued as Swift, though now under Chief-Insp Rose, played by William Mervyn. Anna Cropper was another regular as Ruth Jenkins. Guest stars included Lynne Furlong (12 April) in the title role of The Last Bright Hours of Georgia Snow. On April 26th John Stratton and Joan Newell, who had appeared in the first series, played a married couple in Yesterday is for Psychiatrists. This Stuff's Thicker than Water on 10th May featured James Bolam as the "very determined" Juke Justice, with Alfred Drake as Brother Paul. Ingrid Hafner co-starred the following week in The Betrayal of Ambrose Fleech (Aubrey Morris), whilst Kay Callard and Peter Butterworth were the guests on 24th May in the final story Prince on a White Horse. A fourth and final series of eight stories came in the summer of 1963. This was a hugely popular series, and, unusually, was repeated in peak viewing time.

It seems the whole of the 1960 serial is still in existence, thankfully, a couple of the second series, and all of the third and fourth series.

It's Dark Outside was a 1964 sequel to The Odd Man, with William Mervyn and Keith Baron reprising their police roles. Steve Gardiner had gone but new characters starring were Anthony and Alice Brand (John Carson and June Tobin). The scripts were now mostly by Marc Brandel, with the production in the hands of Derek Bennett. The start of a second series was celebrated on the cover of TV Times for 20th Feb 1965.
William Mervyn had one final outing for his character in his own series
Mr Rose.

To Missing Menu

.

.

.

.

.

Tracey and Me
(Associated Rediffusion, 1956)

A situation comedy starring
Joan Heal as Tracey and
Leslie Phillips as Me, that is husband Wally.
He is a successful architect, easy going, always a little mystified by his exuberant wife.
Other regulars in the series were George Benson, playing Wally's best client, and Nicolette Roeg as a close friend of Tracey's.
The script was by John Crilley and the director Peter Croft.
The first of this series was shown on ITV London (but not, I think, in the Midlands/North) on Tuesday July 17th 1956 at 10pm. The episode was titled The Personal Secretary, with Sandra Dorne in the title role, far too glamorous Tracey feels, to be Wally's new secretary. Also appearing were Robert Webber, and Edna Fryer as Wally's personal secretary.

If you can add any details of this rare forgotten series, I would be very pleased to hear from you, and acknowledge your help

To Missing Menu

.

.

.

.

.

.

Top Secret

"The public is ready for a new setting," claimed producer Jordan Lawrence, and A-R provided just that in this 1961 series set in Argentina. But even I watching at the time, realised that most of the action took place in the studio! But A-R did get some location filming done in the country by director Ian Fordyce, and the picture here is a still from this visit, with star William Franklyn.
He played Peter Dallas, on leave from British Intelligence to work for extremely rich local businessman Miguel Garetta (Patrick Cargill). Garetta's nephew Mike (Alan Rothwell) usually assisted Dallas, when that is, he did not get in the way. One other regular was Tina, played by Frieda Knorr.
The opening story on August 11th, Destination Buenos Aires, introduced Dallas to his native Argentina, and included Honor Blackman high up the cast list. Further down were stalwarts Reginald Marsh and Geoffrey Bayldon.
The following week, with guest stars William Devlin, Barry Keegan, Basil Dignam and Bill Nagy, Dallas was searching Buenos Aires for a potential assassin, whilst future stories saw him destroying a drug pedalling gang, preventing a revolution (8th September) and exposing a traitor. Among well known faces appearing in one-off stories were Hazel Court, Paul Eddington, Janette Sterke (tv comeback May 30th 1962), Adrienne Poster (then aged 13), and Robert James.
26 episodes were planned, but a long Equity strike interrupted production, so that the series went off-air in November 1961, but unlike some other series, did return to complete the run, starting in May 1962. The stories were exciting, and with writers the calibre of Roger Marshall, that's no surprise, though the biggest hit was that memorable theme tune by Laurie Johnson, Sucu Sucu.

To Missing Menu

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Biggles -
In 1960 Granada produced a series of 30 minute stories of WE Johns' famous hero. Regulars in the cast were Nevil Whiting as Biggles, David Drummond as Bertie and John Leyton as Ginger, with Martin Boddey as Inspector Gaskin. Carl Duering played arch enemy Von Stalhein, with John Gabriel as his henchman Laxter. "It's giving me a big thrill to play the part on tv," declared Nevil Whiting, "it will be an action packed series after the first episode that will be an introduction to the characters."
Stories were produced by Harry Elton. First scripts were adapted for tv by HV Kershaw, with the programme directed by Stuart Latham. Here are the 1960 dates of transmission. Granada also repeated the stories 9 to 29 in their own region the following year at 5.25pm. The good news is that all the stories seem to have survived!

Episode 1 on Friday April 1st 1960 Biggles at the Home Front: Biggles goes into action against jewel thieves.
The second story on 8th April continued investigations into the £100,000 robbery, leading to an old country manor in Hertfordshire.
Episode 3- April 15th: Biggles comes face to face with Von Stalhein.
4- A new story began on April 22nd, Biggles Flies North, directed by Christopher McMaster. Biggles Ginger and Bertie fly North to help an old friend.
5- April 29th: Biggles & Co walk into a trap and are wanted for murder.
6- May 6th: Ginger is sheltering in a trappers' hunt whilst Biggles and Bertie make a forced landing. Alick Hayes now writing the scripts.
7- May 13th: Angus shoots at a plane landing on Eskimo Island, not realising his daughter is on board.
8- May 20th: A showdown with McBain.
9- A new adventure began on May 27th, Biggles Follows On, written by HV Kershaw and directed by Stuart Latham. Wreckage of an aircraft is picked up in the North Sea. Cast included Peter Vaughan, Garfield Morgan.
10- June 3rd: a hard fought duel with Von Stalhein.
11- June 10th (repeated May 25th 1961): Von Stalhein is the mastermind behind an international plot.
12- June 17th (repeated May 26th 1961): Biggles and his friends fly to Hamburg. Cast included Edwin Richfield.
13- June 24th (repeated June 1st 1961): Police are led on a wild goose chase as Biggles comes face to face with Von Stalhein.
14- Wed June 29th (repeated June 2nd 1961): 2,000 miles up the Amazon our heroes stop Von Stalhein. Series now bi-weekly.
15- Fri July 1st (repeated June 8th 1961) Biggles Takes Charge: Thomas Clarke now writing this new story, with Douglas Hurn producing. On holiday in Monte Carlo, Bertie and Ginger get involved in the disappearance of a Crown Prince.
16- July 6th (repeated June 9th 1961): Von Stalhein strikes a bargain with Count Prutski, the Moldavian Minister of the Interior.
17- July 8th (repeated June 15th 1961): Bertie and Ginger are still carrying on alone fighting Von Stalhein.
18- July 13th (repeated June 16th 1961): Biggles helps Count Prutski against Prince Boris and Prince Karl.
19- July 15th (repeated June 22nd 1961): Count Prutski is on the trail of the Moldavian bullion. Biggles is trapped on a yacht.
20- July 20th (repeated June 23rd 1961): final episode. Biggles and Prince Boris are on their own. Von Stalhein is in complete control. Have the enemies of freedom triumphed in Moldova?
21- July 22nd (repeated June 29th 1961) A new story written by Tony Warren and directed by Eric Price. Could the Germans have developed a foolproof anti-radar device at the end of the war? MI5 think they did, and Biggles must find the plans.
22- July 27th (repeated June 30th 1961) Biggles on Mystery Island: The mystery of the island of Orotavia is discovered by our heroes as their retreat is cut off. George Mikell appeared in this story.
23- July 29th (rpt July 6th 1961): Prisoners on Mystery Island, our heroes are prevented from escaping by Hara's vicious dogs.
24- Aug 3rd (rpt July 7th 1961) Biggles Baits the Trap: Now written by Harry Kershaw, this new adventure directed by Christopher McMaster. Biggles looks for the plans of a German anti-radar device.
25- Aug 5th (rpt July 13th 1961): Biggles gets an old friend to get Von Stalhein to lead them to the missing blueprints. With Alan Rolfe as Abel, Ian Colin as Rawlinson, Arthur Lovegrove as Pybus and Marianne Hesketh, Geoffrey Frederick.
26- Aug 10th (rpt July 14th 1961): A mysterious lady from America is the link to finding the top secret plans. With Alan Rolfe, Ian Colin, Steve Plytas as Keller, Arthur Lovegrove, and Philip Carr, Nancy Manningham, James Cheshire.
27- Aug 12th (rpt July 20th 1961): Von Stalhein races with Biggles to find the blueprints.
28- Aug 17th (rpt July 21st 1961): Von Stalhein makes a desperate bid to keep his slight lead in the race for the vital anti-radar blueprints.
29- Aug 19th (rpt July 27th 1961), the end of this adventure. Biggles faces an impossible decision. He must choose wither the life of his friend Ernie Pybus or defeat at the hands of his enemy Von Stalhein.
30 Aug 24th, 31 Aug 26th, 32 Aug 31st. Biggles at World's End. Directed by Derek Bennett, produced by Kitty Black. (Reginald Marsh one of the cast.) Two botanists are lost in Tierra del Fuego. When Biggles arrives to look for them he finds a strange atmosphere of suspicion and distrust. When the botanists are found, along with a vast hoard of treasure, Biggles is arrested on a charge of spying.
33 Sept 2nd Biggles Turns the Scale, 34 Sept 4th, 35 Sept 9th. Script: Harry Kershaw. Director: Christopher McMaster. With Carl Duerring, Stratford Johns (Warren), Christopher Rhodes (Wing Cmdr Blair), Terence Soall (Henry Wing), Arnold Diamond (Valdez), Barry Shawzin (Cordera), Derek Sydney (Andrew), James Mellor (Martinez) and Kevin Brennan (Dr Pardo). Biggles' plane is shot down in South America, caught up in the Dos Rios revolution. Von Stalhein captures the country's president.
36 Sept 14th Biggles Springs the Lock, 37 Sept 16th, 38 Sept 21st. Cast included Lloyd Lamble, Robert Ayres, Charles Carson
39 Sept 23rd Biggles in the East, 40 Sept 28th, 41 Sept 30th. With William Mervyn.
42 Oct 5th Biggles on the Nile, 43 Oct 7th, 44 Oct 12th. Story: Harry Kershaw. Director: Christopher McMaster. All with Carl Duering, Richard Shaw (Kurt Johannis), Francis Matthews (Captain Haziri). The final part of this serial definitely also included Raymond Young (Leo Franks), Roger Delgado (Dr Ahmed Zakar), Ann Wakefield (Jasmine Day), Henry Reynaud (Yusef), Arthur Lovegrove (Ernie Pybus again), andGeorge Howe (Prof Maitland Dent). In this last episode ever, Biggles has reached the excavations in the tomb where von Stalhein has already found the treasure. However the roof of the tomb is collapsing!
Note: Apart from actors listed above, the following have stated they appeared in Biggles:
Robert Henderson, Oliver Reed, Andre Muller, and Ernst Ulman.

To Missing Menu

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

The Gay Cavalier

was a very rare foray by Associated-Rediffusion into film series, though in reality it was made by veteran independent producer George King. Filmed in 1956 at Shepperton Studios, and shown during the summer of 1957 on British television, it was based on the real character of Captain Duval, a French officer turned highwayman in the cause of the exiled Charles II. "England is locked in civil war. From this struggle emerged men like Cpt Duval, who loved and laughed at danger. He is known to every secret Royalist in the land- and sought by every Roundhead, for he is in touch with his friend, the exiled king, who trusts Duval above all others."
Christian Marquand was the star. Other semi regulars in this series were: Larry Burns as Dinny O'Toole, Duval's faithful and wiley henchman, and Sydney Bromley as Purdy. The obligatory 'villain' was Major Mould, chief of Intelligence under Cromwell, played by Ivan Craig.
That fine star Greta Gynt who played Julia Peckstaff, wife of the Mayor of Brixham, was in three stories, #1, #6 and #11.
The only others to appear in the same character more than once were Joyce Linden as Katie (stories #2 and #13), Simone Silva as Clo in #5 and #10, and Charles Farrell as The Deacon, also in #5 and #10. In #3 appeared Christopher Lee.
Charles Stuart does eventally appear in the final story, played by Richard Bebb, but it's a shame the action never got beyond the year 1651, for the restoration of the monarchy in 1660 would have made a grand story!

The thirteen films made were: 1 Springtime for Julia, 2 Dragon's Heart, 3 The Lady's Dilemma, 4 The Masked Lady, 5 Angel Unawares, 6 Flight of the Nightingale, 7 The Sealed Knot, 8 The Lost is Found, 9 Girl of Quality, 10 The Little Cavalier, 11 Return of the Nightingale, 12 Forsaking All Others, 13 A Throne at Stake. Script supervisor was Katherine Strueby, and directors of the films were Terence Fisher, Lance Comfort and George King himself.

To Missing Menu

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

JOURNEY OF A LIFETIME
This was a 15 minute ABC 1961 filmed series, originally shown at 5.20pm, but later, more sensibly, used to fill up part of the 'God Slot.' Each film was loosely based on the adventures of John and Anne Browning played by John Bonney and Anne Lawson, who on a kind of honeymoon, go round places mentioned in the bible. Dr Eric Fletcher MP, deputy chairman of ABC devised the series which was mostly made in Jordan. However the critics were less than impressed: "well meaning but mindless," wrote one, whilst another claimed it was "so vapid that it does endless harm to religious television as a whole."

39 films were made, including a pilot Tents in the Desert, which may not have been shown. Here is a possible order of the films, with the first transmission dates where known.
The journey began on February 12th 1961 with 2 Taxi to Nazareth. John and Anne go to the city standing on a hill, while John acts as a Good Samaritan, Anne explores by herself.
3 The Sacred Mountain - A visit to Mount Tabor where Deborah routed the armies of Sisera. Two old donkeys transport Anne and John to the top where they meet an old priest who shows them the site of the Transfiguration.
4 The Shores of Galilee
5 Fire from Heaven - John and Anne visit a collective farm on the slopes of Mount Carmel. They see a statue of Elijah and a cave named after him, where sick children are still brought to receive a blessing from a Rabbi.
6 The Witch of Endor. John and Anne try to understand why Saul's army was beaten by the Philistines. They see the site of the battle and go to nearby Bethshan where were taken the corpses of Saul and his sons.
7 Miracles at Capernaum were examined on March 12th 1961 (19th on ATV London), with a journey by boat across the Sea of Galilee to Cana. Script by Jean Scott Rogers.
8 The Faith of the Fishermen showed Anne and John crossing Lake Galilee on the ferry to Ein Gev. John, something of an unbeliever still, tries an experiment with St Peter's fish, and is startled when it succeeds.
9 The Mines of Solomon- with two Israeli girls, John finds Solomon's mines and finds traces of the men who worked there 3,000 years earlier.
10 The Floor of the World - With a geologist, John and Anne descend 1,300 feet below sea level to the Dead Sea. They see the sites of Sodom and Gomorrah, and a pillar of rock still called Lot's Wife.
11 Ark of the Covenant - Anne and John explore the valley where David fought Goliath. A boy shows them the cave where David hid from Saul and takes them to Bethshemesh, where the Philistines returned the Ark.
12 Voice in the Wilderness - John and Anne take a boat on the River Jordan. Anne tells him of her visit to Ein Karem, and the birthplace of John the Baptist.
Easter Sunday 1961, April 2nd, saw John and Anne travelling by train to the
13 Gates of Jerusalem and seeing David's tomb, with pilgrims carrying a canopy inside.

14 The Promised Land
Anne and John journey to Bethlehem in the first of the second batch of stories on December 17th 1961, retracing 15 The Road of Ruth.
On December 24th it was appropriate the story was
16 A Child is Born in a tour of modern Bethlehem.
17 The Innocents of Bethlehem were remembered on December 31st.
18 Bethesda: House of Mercy - January 7th 1962.
On January 14th 1962 Anne and John drive through Samaria, covering the story of Joseph's 19 Coat of Many Colours.
20 The Teacher in the Temple explored the ruins of the temple in Jerusalem.
In the Kidron valley on January 28th, the story is recalled of 21 David and Bathsheba.
On February 4th the visit was to 22 Jacob's Well, in which Anne and John visit the land of the Samaritan.
Still in Samaria, John showed Anne round the 23 City of Jezebel on February 11th.
A modern day recreation of 24 The Good Samaritan was the subject of the film on February 18th. A child knocked down on the road from Jerusalem to Jericho claims Anne and John's attention. They take her to the Police Post at the site of the Inn of the Good Samaritan, and are reminded of the famous parable.
February 25th was titled 25 Scrolls of the Dead Sea, with an interview with Yusif Saad. A discussion in the Sunday Break series followed.
26 Baptism in the Jordan was shown on March 4th, with a tour of the Monastery of St George and a tour of modern Jericho.
27 Temptation in the Wilderness
28 Alone in the Desert
29 Water for Jerusalem on March 25th 1962. A visit to Job's Well, the Pool of Siloam, and King Hezekiah's tunnel.
April 1st saw a visit to 30 Jerash including the temple of Artemis.
On April 8th Anne and John walked through the Kidron Valley, meeting Rev David Fletcher. While Anne went shopping round the streets of Jerusalem John discusses his religious doubts with David in the gardens of St George's Cathedral, in 31 Meeting in Jerusalem.
Then they retired on April 15th to 32 The Garden of Gethsemane.
33 The Prison on the Hill was the offering for Easter (April 22nd), John and Anne visiting The Kidron Valley.
34 Home to Bethany
35 Abide with Us
36 Brocade from Damascus. A tour of Syria, the story of St Paul's conversion.
Then back to Jordan to discuss Tactics in 37 The Battle of Jericho, which were examined by John on May 20th. Anne and John give a lift to a Jordan army officer who has studied historical battles.
38 Petra, this rose red city in Jordan, was toured on May 27th.
The final film on June 3rd 1962 was 39 Into All The World. At the Jerusalem gateway where Stephen was stoned to death, Anne and John reflect on Ascension and Pentecost. Then they drive towards Damascus and think about Paul's conversion, and how he carried the gospel into all the world.
Note- the earlier programmes were not networked and the dates shown here are for the ABC region.

To Missing Menu

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

SEEING SPORT

This long running children's programme began in June 1956 replacing an earlier sports magazine called Sportspot. It was produced by ATV, always on Mondays, normally from 5pm to 5.25/5.30pm.
The first host was no less than Billy Wright, though the regular presenter Peter Lloyd was soon in charge, certainly from September that year. He was the usual commentator, though others also introduced the programmes in the early years, and again starting in 1964 and more particularly 1965.
Ned Sherrin directed some 1956 programmes though the show's chief claim to fame seems to be that sometime in the late 1950's a young Mick Jagger appeared, uncredited of course, in one of the programmes with his father Joe. If you remember appearing in any of these Seeing Sport, I'd be pleased to receive your memories.
One of the programme's most popular features was the Deliberate Mistake, which children had to spot and normally attracted an average of 3,000 responses each week. One soccer programme had as many as 10,000!
In 1965 the regional companies produced their own rival programme called
'Go!' (click for details) which lead to the eventual demise of this long running show which must have run to about 450 programmes.
To restore regional compliance, ATV started a new programme in Seeing Sport's slot in 1966, it was titled Action, in which Pete Murray hosted a show on fashion, pops, offbeat etc. It was a sign of the times. Maybe it signalled the start of that generation of overweight children.

Here are details of some of the many Seeing Sport programmes. There are many gaps, if you can fill any, please email me.
(Note- where personnel were exactly the same, this is indicated, though TV Times did not state they were repeats, and it is most likely that these were new programmes.)

The earliest programmes simply described the programmes as having "items of interest to all younger sports enthusiasts."
The first specific programme devoted to one theme was:
Oct 15th 1956 - Boxing, principles of self defence
Oct 22nd 1956 - Fencing (Producer- Ned Sherrin)
Nov 19th 1956 - Football, with the England team
Dec 10th 1956 - Riding from Windmill Hill Academy, Stratford-on-Avon
Dec 24th 1956 - Christmas Party (last programme produced by Sherrin)
Dec 31st 1956 - Judo
Jan 7th 1957 - Table Tennis
Jan 14th 1957 - Roller Skating
Jan 28th 1957 - Cricket, from a "famous indoor cricket school"
Feb 25th 1957 - Table Tennis, with Emlyn Jones and including Johnny Leach and Victor Barna
Mar 11th 1957 - Swimming, from Ironmonger Row Baths, including life saving
Apr 8th 1957 - Skating, return visit to Richmond Ice Rink
April 29th 1957 - Chelsea Football Club with Walter Winterbottom at a coaching session
May 27th 1957 - Archery at London Archers Club Regents Park with Joyce Warner, George Brown, Howard Wiseman, Robin Seymour, Bill Ward
June 3rd 1957 - Golf, from Wentworth with Tom Haliburton
June 10th 1957 - Riding at Stanmore Riding School with Jimmy Younghusband
June 17th 1957 - Tennis with Tony Mottram
Note a two week break on June 24th and July 1st 1957, to make way from Tennis at Wimbledon. Peter Lloyd seems to have taken a holiday for a few weeks too.
July 8th 1957 - Table Tennis from Butlin's Metropole Hotel Blackpool with Emlyn Jones and Johnny Leach
July 29th 1957 - Riding from Bispham Court Riding School Blackpool, with Emlyn Jones and Pat Bebbington
August 5th 1957 - Archery with Emlyn Jones and Howard Wiseman and the Lancashire Archery Association
August 12th 1957 (Peter Lloyd returns to host from this show)- Sailing from Tamesis Club Teddington
August 19th 1957 - with Emlyn Jones (who hosts as indicated) as July 8th 1957
Sept 2nd 1957 - Judo, from Metropole Hoel, Blackpool
Sept 9th 1957 - with Emlyn Jones as July 8th 1957
Sept 16th 1957 - Soccer from Arsenal Football Club, with Water Winterbottom
Oct 7th 1957 - Swimming from Thimblemill Baths Smethwick, with AH Owen
Oct 21st 1957 - Table Tennis with Emlyn Jones and Johnny Leach
Dec 2nd 1957 - Boxing, an instruction-demonstration
Dec 23rd 1957 (4.45pm to 5.30pm) - Christmas Party, comperes Peter Lloyd and Emlyn Jones. With Alf Gover and children from Barnardo's homes.
Jan 6th 1958 - Fencing/Weight Lifting - Emlyn Jones with Ann Craig, Gillian Sheen and Shirley Bloomer
Jan 13th 1958 - Roller Skating at Brixton Roller Skating Rink with Vera Tadman, Sheila Wilkinson, Howarth Hargreaves and Mr and Mrs Sydney Cooper
Jan 20th 1958 - Judo with John Dresler and members of the Budokwai
Jan 27th 1958 - Table Tennis, as Oct 21st 1957
Feb 3rd 1958 - Gymnastics. Emlyn Jones with Ann Craig
Feb 10th 1958 - Cricket from Gover's Indoor Cricket School with guest star Brian Close
Feb 17th 1958 - Boxing with Lawrie Higgins and AJP Martin
Mar 3rd 1958 - Fencing, Emlyn Jones with Charles de Beaumont and Prof RJG Anderson
Mar 10th 1958 - Ice Skating from Streatham Ice Rink with Peggy Tomlins
Mar 17th 1958 - Netball from RAF Sports Stadium Stanmore with Ann Craig and Rena Stratford
Apr 21st 1958 - Soccer as April 29th 1957
May 5th 1958: Boxing with Lawrie Higgins and AJP Martin at the ringside for several schoolboy bouts
May 12th 1958 - Swimming from Pear Tree School Stevenage with George Fryer and Margaret Edwards. (This was the 100th programme)
July 7th 1958 - Equitation from the Fulmer School of Equitation. Shaw Taylor introduces Robert Hull
Aug 11th 1958 - Golf as June 3rd 1957
Aug 18th 1958 - Tennis from Guiness Sports Club Park Royal. Emlyn Jones introduces Tony Mottram
The programme had a break during September, Emlyn Jones Peter Lloyd and others introduced 5 programmes 'Sky High,' on flying.
Oct 13th 1958 - Cricket at Alf Gover's Cricket School. Peter Lloyd now the sole host except as stated.
Oct 20th 1958 - Ice Skating from Richmond Ice Rink
Nov 3rd 1958 - Fencing with Charles de Beaumont
Nov 17th 1958 - Cricket as Oct 13th 1958
Dec 22nd 1958 - Swimming, second in a new series from Ironmonger Row Baths, with Alf Price. The breast stroke. (Note- no Christmas Party of previous years)
Jan 5th 1959 - Badminton with Warwick Shute and Nancy Horner
Jan 19th 1959 - Ice Skating from Queen's Ice Club Bayswater London with Gladys Hogg
Mar 16th 1959 - Equitation from the Fulmer School of Equitation as July 7th 1958 except hosted by Peter Lloyd
May 25th 1959 - Cricket from Battersea Grammar School with Alf Gover - this edition: attacking strokes and bowling swingers
June 15th 1959 - third birthday party. Peter Lloyd is joined by Geoff Dyson, George Fryer, Alf Gover, Johnny Leach, Pat Martin, and Tony Mottram
As in the previous year, the programme had another short break, for starting on July 6th 1959 again appeared 'Sky High,' on flying, but Peter Lloyd was still busy for he provided the commentary.
Aug 17th 1959 - Cricket general details as May 25th 1959, final lesson of series
Aug 24th 1959 - Baseball from Bushey Park with Major Joseph Tyndall and Hank Drammis
Aug 31st 1959 - Judo with John Dresler
Sept 7th 1959 - Junior Wimbledon Tennis Championships with Tony Mottram
Sept 14th 1959 - Rock Climbing from High Rocks with John Disley
Sept 21st 1959 - Table Tennis with Johnny Leach
Sept 28th 1959 - Roller Skating from Brixton Skating Rink with Mrs Harvey. Commentatior: Lawrie Higgins
Oct 12th 1959 - Ice Skating as Jan 19th 1959
Oct 19th 1959 - Rugby from Whitgift School with Gerwyn Williams
Oct 26th 1959 - Swimming from Ironmonger Row Baths, with Roger Burrell
Nov 2nd 1959 - Table Tennis with Johnny Leach and Diana Rowe. A new proficiency competition
Nov 9th 1959 - Boxing with boys from St Luke's Maidenhead, with Pat Martin, commentator Lawrie Higgins
Nov 16th 1959 - Netball with Rena Stratford
Nov 23rd 1959 - Soccer with Walter Winterbottom
Nov 30th 1959 - Badminton as Jan 5th 1959
Dec 7th 1959 - Cricket with Alf Gover from his indoor school at Wandsworth
Dec 14th 1959 - Ice Skating with Gladys Hogg. Intermediate steps in figure and free-skating, preliminary movements in dancing
Dec 21st 1959 - Swimming with Roger Burrell. Also under-10 year olds attempt to beat Bertie Furze over one length
Dec 28th 1959 - Table Tennis with Johnny Leach, Diana Rowe and Bobby Stevens
Jan 4th 1960 - Boxing with Pat Martin
Jan 11th 1960 - Rugby as Oct 19th 1959
Jan 18th 1960 - Judo with Geoffrey Gleeson at The Budokwai, London
Jan 25th 1960 - Basketball with Joe Jagger
Feb 1st 1960 - Soccer with Walter Winterbottom and Tommy Docherty
Feb 8th 1960 - Ski-ing with Robin Brock-Hollinshead from Hanwell Community Centre
Feb 15th 1960 - Horse Riding with Robert Hall at the Fulmer School of Equitation Bucks
Feb 22nd 1960 - Cricket with Alf Gover and Willie Watson at Wandsworth
Feb 29th 1960- Swimming as Oct 26th 1959
Mar 7th 1960- Table Tennis with Johnny Leach from Tottenham Town Hall
Mar 14th 1960- Fencing with Charles de Beaumont and Gillian Sheen
Mar 21st 1960- Hockey with Miss G Flew at Mayfield School London
Mar 28th 1960- Rowing with Derek Drury at Barn Elms Putney
Apr 4th 1960- Athletics with Geoff Dyson, John Disley
Apr 11th 1960- Rugby with Gerwyn Williams as Oct 19th 1959
Apr 18th 1960 (Easter)- Camping with H Littlewood from St Mary's College Twickenham
Apr 25th 1960- Life Saving with Supt F Fenn. Allan Wakefield stated that the canoe of his friend capsized. "I gave him artificial respiration when we reached the bank. I'd seen it demonstrated in a Seeing Sport programme in April." Allan earned a certificate of bravery from the Liverpool Humane Society
May 2nd 1960- Tennis with Tony Mottram
May 9th 1960- Boxing (as Jan 4th 1960)
May 16th 1960- Cricket with Alf Gover
May 23rd 1960- Table Tennis with Johnny Leach and Diane Rowe
May 30th 1960- Athletics with Geoff Dyson, John Disley and Chris Brasher
June 6th 1960- Trophy. The second annual final of the Seeing Sport competition to encourage initiative
There was a short break as in previous years. Peter Lloyd and others introduced the four part Out With The Services
July 11th 1960: The programme returned after a 4 week break with Tennis with Tony Mottram. Second of series on volleying with David Potter and Paul Douglas
July 18th 1960- Athletics with Geoff Dyson at Motspur Park
July 25th 1960- Cricket with Alf Gover- lesson 3
Aug 1st 1960 (Bank Holiday)- Canoeing with Joe Jagger at Ham Dock
Aug 8th 1960- (200th edition) Golf with Tom Haliburton from Wentworth
Aug 15th 1960: Cycling. Leslie Warner on buying, maintaining and riding a cycle, and Brigadier Ralph Stoney on safe cycling
Aug 22nd 1960: Lawn Tennis with Tony Mottram, David Potter and Paul Douglas. Back hand volley and service
Sept 5th 1960: Football with Walter Winterbottom and "youthful" members of Tottenham Hotspur FC, from the Spurs Training Ground in Cheshunt
Oct 10th 1960: Ice Skating with Peggy Tomlins at the Streatham Ice Rink. Peter Lloyd, who hosted the programme as ever, admitted he couldn't skate, so he explained that his wife "kindly sewed a cushion into the seat of my pants!"
Nov 7th 1960- Table Tennis with Johnny Leach from Ebbisham Sports Centre Epsom. With Britain's "most promising" young players, England's no2 Junior Leslie Bell aged 14 from Romford, Chester Barnes aged 13 from Forest Gate, and the Holes twins Pauline and Christine aged 15 from Southampton
Nov 28th 1960- Netball with Rena Stratford at Bedford College London
Dec 5th 1960- Gymnastics from Ebbisham Sports Centre Epsom
Dec 19th 1960- Ice Skating with Peggy Tomlins at Streatham Ice Rink
Jan 30th 1961: Riding from the Fulmer School with the principal Robert Hall, first in a new series, this on basic arts and skills
Feb 6th 1961: Table Tennis with Johnny Leach and Stan Jacobson
Mar 13th 1961- Goalkeeping with Walter Winterbottom and Ron Springett
Mar 20th 1961: Cricket with special guest Peter May, and Don Bennett at the Alf Gover Indoor Cricket School
Apr 3rd 1961 (Easter)- Life Saving (as Apr 25th 1960)
Apr 17th 1961- Canoeing (as Aug 1st 1960)
May 8th 1961- Tennis with Tony Mottram and David Potter from Ebbisham Sports Club. Forehand and backhand drive.
May 22nd 1961 (Whit Monday)- Athletics with Geoff Dyson Michael Leary and David Wilson. High jumping.
May 29th 1961- Sailing with Charles Currey at Tamesis Club Teddington
June 5th 1961- Cricket with Alf Gover at Battersea Grammar School
June 12th 1961- Riding (as Feb 15th 1960)
June 19th 1961- Trophy- final. Over 100 groups entered this year's competition. Winner Aberaman YMCA
June 26th 1961- Lawn Tennis - introduced by Emlyn Jones who shows play from Wimbledon
July 3rd 1961- Lawn Tennis (continued from last week)
July 10th 1961- Middle Distance Running with Geoff Dyson Joy Jordan and John Disley at Mostpur Park
July 17th 1961- Golf (as Aug 8th 1960)
July 24th 1961- Angling with Harvey Torbett at Ham Dock
July 31st 1961- visit to National Spinal Injury Centre at Stoke Mandeville
Aug 7th 1961 (Bank Holiday)- Sailing (as May 29th)
Aug 14th 1961- Lawn Tennis (same as May 8th 1961)
Aug 28th 1961- Archery with W Howard Wiseman at Duke of York's Headquarters London
Sept 4th 1961- Diving with Wally Orner and Brian Phelps
Sept 11th 1961- Badminton with Nancy Horner John Havers Iris Rogers Warwick Shute and Audrey Stone at Ebbisham Sports Club
Sept 18th 1961- Rugby (as Jan 11th 1960)
Sept 25th 1961- Hockey with Gladys Flew. Goalkeeping
Oct 16th 1961: Football with Walter Winterbottom at the Tottenham Hotspur Training Ground
Oct 30th 1961- Boxing with Pat Martin
Nov 6th 1961: Hockey (2nd of series) with Gladys Flew and Brenda Coleshill, demonstrating play and tactics of backs and half backs.
Nov 20th 1961- Ice Skating with Diana Clifton French and Gladys Hogg
Nov 27th 1961- Rugby (as Jan 11th 1960) 3rd of series
Dec 4th 1961- Netball (as Nov 28th 1960)
Dec 18th 1961- Hockey with Gladys Flew and Melvin Hickey. Forwards.
Jan 1st 1962- Rugby with Gerwyn Williams. Fourth of series English Public Schoolboys v Scottish Public Schoolboys from Richmond Athletic Ground.
Jan 15th 1962- Fencing (as 14 March 1960)
Jan 29th 1962- Judo, third programme
Feb 5th 1962- Hockey, last of series, with Gladys Flew analysing South v East at Park Royal
Feb 12th 1962- Rugby with Gerwyn Williams. Last of series analysing Wimbledon College v St Benedict's Ealing
Feb 19th 1962- Ice Skating with Betty Callaway at Richmond Ice Rink
Feb 26th 1962- Table Tennis with Johnny Leach
Mar 5th 1962- Boxing (as Jan 4th 1960)
March 12th 1962: Gymnastics with Nick Stuart
Apr 2nd 1962- Swimming with Roger Burrell- 1st of series from Beginners to Swimmers
No programme on April 9th 1962 because of the Budget
Apr 16th 1962- Gymnastics with Nick Stuart
Apr 23rd 1962- Life Saving (as 25th Apr 1960) from Hounslow Swimming Club
May 14th 1962 Swimming with Roger Burrell (second programme in this series- see Apr 2nd 62): breaststroke
May 21st 1962- Cricket (as June 5th 1961) from Battersea Grammar School
May 28th 1962- Sailing with Charles Currey from Ichenor Sailing Club
June 4th 1962- Tennis with Tony Mottram- Forehand and backhand drive (as May 8th 1961)
June 11th 1962 (Whit Monday)- Diving (as Sept 4th 1961) from Ironmonger Row Baths London
June 25th 1962- Lawn Tennis with Tony Mottram, explaining play from Wimbledon
July 16th 1962- Cricket with Alf Gover
July 23rd 1962: Swimming: the backstroke with Roger Burrell. Also expected to appear were Linda Ludgrove and Barbara Flewitt
July 30th 1962- Camping from a site near Chalfont St Giles
Aug 6th 1962 (Holiday Monday)- Riding (as Feb 15th 1960)
Aug 20th 1962- Golf with Dai Rees at the South Herts Club Totteridge
Aug 27th 1962- Sailing (as May 28th 1962)
Sept 3rd 1962- Riding (as Feb 15th 1960) lesson 2
Sept 10th 1962- Boxing (as Jan 4th 1960)
Sept 17th 1962- Badminton (as Sept 11th 1961) with Nancy Horner. "It is hoped" these will also appear: John Havers Warwick Shute
Oct 8th 1962- Judo at Renshuden Judo Club
Oct 15th 1962- Table Tennis (as Feb 26th 1962)
Oct 22nd 1962- Soccer with Walter Winterbottom and pupils from Hillside School Boreham Wood
Oct 29th 1962- Trophy- finals. Littlegreen School Chichester, Havant Trasnant Junior School and Churchdown Secondary School.
Nov 12th 1962- Ice Skating with Arnold Herschwiler and Sjouke Dijkstra from Richmond Ice Rink
Nov 26th 1962- Basketball from USAF Gymnasium South Ruislip
Dec 17th 1962: Judo with Charles Palmer and boys of the Renshudin Club. One member, Alan Hunter, now of Edinburgh, former British Team member and winner of the European Under-21 Bronze in Lyon in 1966, appeared in the series about this time. He wrote to me in 2011, "It was filmed live from Elstree Studios at Borehamwood, I can't remember too much about it, I was 16 at the time. What I do recall is eating in the television canteen and seeing stars from the then popular Emergency Ward 10!"
Dec 24th 1962- Ice Skating with Roy Lee and Ann Palmer at Richmond Ice Rink
Feb 11th 1963- Table Tennis with Johnny Leach and Mary Shannon and Diane Rowe
Feb 18th 1963- Swimming with Roger Burrell and Barbara Flewitt at Ironmonger Row Baths
Mar 11th 1963- Archery with Howard Wiseman and Ann Brien, Derek Ashcroft and Michael Crook at RAF Sports Centre Stanmore
Mar 18th 1963- Ice Skating with Arnold Herschwiler and Roy and Betty Calloway from Richmond Ice Rink. Ice dancing.
Mar 25th 1963- Boxing (as Jan 4th 1960)
Apr 8th 1963- Golf (as Aug 20th 1962)
Apr 22nd 1963- Horse Riding (as Feb 15th 1960)
Apr 29th 1963: Basketball from USAF Gymnasium Ruislip. Joe Jagger instructs players from Lyndhurst School Boreham Wood
May 6th 1963- Athletics with John le Masurier (AAA coach) with children from Royal Masonic School Bushey and Watford Technical School: sprinting and javelin throwing with David Jones, Robbie Brightwell, Colin Smith, Sue Platt.
May 13th 1963- Cricket with Alf Gover and Godfrey Evans from Royal Masonic School. Wicket keeping.
May 20th 1963- Lawn Tennis (as June 4th 1962) from RAF Station Stanmore
May 27th 1963- Riding with Robert Hall
June 3rd 1963- Life Saving (as 25th Apr 1960) from Hounslow Swimming Club
June 10th 1963- Athletics with John le Masurier Vic Matthews and Mary Bignal-Rand. Hurdling and discus throwing
June 17th 1963- Cricket with Alf Gover and Willy Watson
June 24th 1963- Lawn Tennis with Tony Mottram who explains play from Wimbledon
July 1st 1963- Sailing with Calcott Reilly
July 8th 1963- Riding with Robert Hall- trotting cantering and jumping
July 15th 1963- Swimming with Roger Burrell and Judy Gegan at Ironmonger Row Baths
July 22nd 1963- Athletics with John le Masurier (AAA coach) and with Ron Jones Fred Alsop and children from Royal Masonic School Bushey and Watford Technical School
July 29th 1963- Lawn Tennis with Tony Mottram from RAF Station Stanmore- forehand and backhand volley
Aug 5th 1963 (Holiday)- Sailing with Callcott Reilly at Tamesis Club Teddington
Aug 12th 1963- Riding (as Feb 15th 1960)
Aug 19th 1963- Cricket with Alf Gover and Richie Benaud at Battersea Grammar School
Aug 26th 1963- Golf (as Aug 20th 1962)
Sept 9th 1963- Judo with John Newman
Sept 16th 1963- Rugby with Gerwyn Williams- first of series. Fitness training
Sept 23rd 1963- Basketball from RAF Sports Arena Stanmore with Joe Jagger
Sept 30th 1963- Badminton with Nancy Horner at RAF Sports Arena Stanmore
Oct 14th 1963: Table Tennis, first of new series with Johnny Leach and Diane Rowe from Hillside Secondary Modern School, Boreham Wood
Oct 21st 1963- Tenpin Bowling with Lee Kates
Oct 28th 1963- Rugby (as Jan 11th 1960). Kicking
Nov 4th 1963- Trophy finals
Nov 11th 1963- Judo with John Newman at Renshuden Judo Club
Dec 2nd 1963- Swimming with Roger Burrell and Elizabeth Long at Ironmonger Row Baths> Front crawel, first of new series
Dec 16th 1963- Rugby with Gerwyn Williams- third of series. Scrummaging and line out play
Dec 23rd 1963- Ice Skating with Arnold Herschwiler from Richmond Ice Rink
Programme now hosted by Liam Nolan.
Jan 13th 1964- Swimming, (as July 15th 1963)
Jan 20th 1964- Skating with Roy Callaway
Programme again hosted by Peter Lloyd.
Jan 27th 1964- Basketball with Joe Jagger from RAF Stanmore
Feb 10th 1964: Judo introduced by Liam Nolan, with John Newman
Feb 17th 1964- Swimming with Roger Burrell, Steela Mitchell, Judy Gegan and Linda Ludgrove
Mar 2nd 1964: Table Tennis, fourth of series, from Hillside Secondary Modern, Borehamwood. With Johnny Leach and Diane Rowe
Mar 16th 1964- Swimming with Roger Burrell, from Ironmonger Row Baths. Diving
Apr 6th 1964- Clay Pigeon Shooting with Clarrie Wilson. Gun safety
Apr 13th 1964- Table Tennis with Johnny Leach and Diane Rowe from Hillside School Borehamwood
Apr 20th 1964- Tenpin Bowling (as Oct 21st 1963)
Apr 27th 1964- Cricket with Alf Gover and Freddie Titmus (Introduced by Martin Locke)
May 11th 1964- Camping with Cliff Harris
May 18th 1964 (Whitsun)- Lawn Tennis with Tony and Joy Mottram
May 25th 1964- Athletics with John le Masurier Robbie Brightwell and Mary Rand
June 1st 1964- Cricket with Alf Gover (Introduced by Martin Locke)
June 8th 1964: Riding with Robert Hall from the Fulmer School, first in a new series
June 15th 1964- Sailing with Charles Currey. Dinghy sailing
June 22nd 1964- Golf with Dai Rees from South Hertfordshire Club (Introduced by Liam Nolan)
June 29th 1964- Athletics with John le Masurier Mary Rand Gordon Miller and Michael Parker at Welwyn Garden City Stadium
July 6th 1964- Riding (as Feb 15th 1960)
July 13th 1964: Cricket introduced by Martin Locke. Guest Garfield Sobers, from Royal Masonic School Bushey
July 27th 1964- Lawn Tennis with Tony Mottram from RAF Stanmore, third of series. Volleying
Aug 3rd 1964 (Holiday)- Life Saving (cp Apr 25th 1960) at Hounslow School of Life Saving
Aug 10th 1964: Riding from the Fulmer School, today: trotting
Aug 17th 1964: Clay Pigeon Shooting with Clarrie Wilson from Waltham Abbey Gun Club. Further instruction on safe gun handling with emphasis on skeet and sporting shooting
Aug 24th 1964- Rugby. Gerwyn Williams at Crystal Palace National Recreation Centre instructs boys from Whitgift School
Aug 31st 1964- Riding (as Feb 15th 1960)
Sept 7th 1964- Golf (as June 22nd 1964)
Sept 14th 1964- Table Tennis with Johnny Leach and Chester Barnes from Hillside School Borehamwood
Sept 21st 1964- Rugby with Gerwyn Williams and boys from Whitgift School at Crystal Palace Centre
Sept 28th 1964- Trophy- annual awards. Bradley Rowe Junior Exeter, St Joseph's Secondary Coleraine, Shipley Cof E nr Horsham. Judges: Olive Newsome, John Disley, Joe Jagger.
Oct 5th 1964- Boxing (as Jan 4th 1960)
Oct 19th 1964- Swimming with Roger Burrell, from Ironmonger Row Baths (Introduced by Liam Nolan)
Oct 26th 1964- Basketball with Joe Jagger at RAF Stanmore, with boys from Lyndhurst School Boreham Wood (Introduced by Liam Nolan)
Nov 2nd 1964- Rugby (as Jan 11th 1960)
Nov 9th 1964- Judo with John Newman (Introduced by Liam Nolan)
Nov 16th 1964- (no programme)
Nov 23rd 1964- Volleyball with Peter Wardale at RAF Stanmore (Introduced by Liam Nolan)
Nov 30th 1964- Archery with Howard Wiseman
Dec 7th 1964- Tenpin Bowling (as Oct 21st 1963, Introduced by Martin Locke)
Dec 14th 1964- Basketball with Joe Jagger (as Jan 27th 1964). Shooting and dribbling
Dec 21st 1964- Ice Skating (as Dec 24th 1962)
Jan 4th 1965- Boxing with Pat Martin at Woodside School Slough (Introduced by Liam Nolan)
Jan 11th 1965- Table Tennis with Johnny Leach Chester Barnes Dennis Neale Mary Shannon Di Rowe at Crystal Palace. Commentator Athole Still
Jan 18th 1965- Ski-ing with Anni Maurer
Jan 25th 1965- Sailing with Charles Currey
Feb 1st 1965- Table Tennis with Johnny Leach. (With Martin Locke)
Feb 15th 1965- Boxing with Pat Martin (Introduced by Liam Nolan)
Feb 22nd 1965- Snooker and Billiards with Sydney Lee
Mar 1st 1965- Badminton with Jack Warwick at RAF Stanmore, (With Martin Locke)
Mar 8th 1965- Basketball with Joe Jagger (With Martin Locke)
Mar 15th 1965- Soccer with Alan Wade Johnny Byrne and boys of Tulse Hill School
Mar 22nd 1965- Golf (as June 22nd 1964)
Mar 29th 1965- Rugby with Gerwyn Williams analysing England Schoolboys v Wales (no host)
Apr 5th 1965- Skin Diving with Blue Sea divers at Crystal Palace
Apr 12th 1965- Soccer with Alan Wade George Eastham and boys of Tulse Hill School
Apr 19th 1965- Pony Club with Raymond Brooks-Ward at Ferney Hill Farm Barnet
Apr 26th 1965- Boating with Ian Dow and Wendy Smith
May 10th 1965- Table Tennis (as Feb 26th 1962)
May 17th 1965- Lawn Tennis with Tony and Joy Mottram from RAF Stanmore. First of four programmes (with Liam Nolan)
May 24th 1965- Cricket with Mike Smith. (With Peter Carver)
June 7th 1965 (Whitsun)- Table Tennis with Johnny Leach, Mary Shannon, Di Rowe
June 14th 1965 - Swimming with Roger Burrell and Darryl Jones, from Ironmonger Row Baths. First of three
June 21st 1965 - Lawn Tennis with Tony Mottram who analyses play from Wimbledon
July 5th 1965 - Cricket, host: Peter Carver, with Alf Gover and guest Colin Cowdrey at Royal Masonic School Bushey
July 12th 1965 - Athletics, host: Peter Carver, with John le Masurier, Mary Rand and Mike Parker at Royal Masonic School Bushey
July 26th 1965 - Swimming with Roger Burrell, from Ironmonger Row Baths. Crawl. Second of three
Aug 2nd 1965 - Cricket with Alf Gover from Royal Masonic School Bushey (with Peter Lorenzo)
Aug 23rd 1965 - Table Tennis (as Apr 13th 1964)
Aug 30th 1965 (Holiday) - Horse Riding with Robert Hall and Joanna Hall at the Fulmer School of Equitation
Sept 27th 1965 - Horse Riding (as Aug 30th 1965) Fourth of series. I think this may have been the final edition.

GO!
ATV's Seeing Sport enjoyed a regular spot on children's tv on Mondays from 1956 until 1965. But in this latter year, the regional companies took the unique step of rejecting the network en masse and producing their own regional alternative which was shown in all the regions except the Big Four.
The idea proved such a success that eventually, just for once, the Big Four actually had to capitulate and show it, starting in October 1965.
Was this the high spot of regional anarchy??
The weekly programmes contain a fascinating variety of regional enterprise, on a wide variety of children's activities.
Below is a sample selection to give you the flavour of the series, with all the eleven regional companies contributing, listed in brackets.

April 19th 1965- Gliding at Sutton Bank nr Thirsk (Tyne Tees TV)
May 3rd 1965- Fitness with Ron Pickering. Power in Sport with Tony Clemo and pupils of Waterhall School Cardiff (TWW)
May 31st 1965- Canoe Building with George Glasgow (Ulster TV)
June 21st 1965 - Golfing at Gleneagles, introduced by Arthur Montford. Roy Castle v Eric Brown (Scottish TV)
June 28th 1965 - Sea-fishing with Major Moore, Christopher Glover and Richard Carter, introduced by Stuart Hutchison (Westward TV)
July 5th 1965 - Pony Trekking with Hugh MacGregor, introduced by David Webster (Border TV)
July 12th 1965 - Hydroplaning with Dick Graham at Oulton Broad (Anglia TV)
July 19th 1965 - Off-Shore Cruising with Jock Kerr-Hunter (Scottish TV)
Aug 9th/16th 1965 - Water Ski-ing with Bob Panton and Fred Dinenage (Southern TV)
Aug 30th/Sept 6th 1965 - Freshwater Fishing with Arthur Oglesby and James Lloyd at Pauperhaugh Bridge Rothbury (TTTV)
Sept 13th 1965 - Aeromodelling with James Spankie (Grampian TV)
One of the smaller company's
contributions- from Westward TV,
introduced by Stuart Hutchison
(June 28th 1965)
Sept 20th 1965 - Archery with Hector Simpson and Kevin Flanagan (Ulster TV)
Oct 11th 1965 - Surf Riding with Bob Armstrong (Channel TV)
Oct 18th 1965 - Shotgun Shooting with Percy Stanbury and Major Baillie, introduced by Jack Hargreaves (Southern TV)
Oct 25th 1965 - Diving with Norman Scarsfield and Brian Phelps, introduced by James Lloyd from Felling Baths (TTTV)
Nov 1st/8th 1965 - Golfing with Eric Brown and Bruce Forsyth and Ronnie Carroll at Gleneagles (Scottish TV)
Nov 22nd 1965 - Sand Yachting with Ted Benson, introduced by James Lloyd from Felling Baths (TTTV)
Dec 6th 1965 - Railway Modelling with Stuart Hutchison and Kenneth Macleod (Westward TV)
Dec 13th 1965 - Ski-ing with James Spankie (Grampian TV)
Dec 20th 1965 - Boat Building with Frank Dye and Chris Kelly (Anglia TV)
Dec 27th 1965 - Learning to Fish with Jack Hargreaves on the River Stour, and Fred Dinenage (Southern TV)
The series finished at the end of 1965
Missing Menu

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

CRANE -
This was one of the replacement series whilst No Hiding Place was being given a breather, running spasmodically from 1963-1965.
Crane had been a successful city businessman, who has traded in his old suburban home for the excitement of a new life as an importer and exporter in Morocco. Patrick Allen was a natural for the part. Explained writer Patrick Alexander "he looks like a real smuggler!" It seems shooting the series was fun too. Patrick explained he played many dangerous scenes, but usually came through without a scratch. But the night before he was flying back to England, in a hotel bar someone got off a stool and knocked it over on to Patrick's foot, with a broken toe for his troubles!
Other cast regulars in each story were Sam Kydd as Orlando O'Connor and Gerald Flood as Mahmoud, and Laya Raki as Halima.
Jordan Lawrence was the producer. Patrick Alexander script editor. Film sequences were directed by Christopher Hodson and Peter Moffatt.

1.1 A Death of No Importance (Tuesday April 2nd 1963 8pm)
1.2 Bad Company (April 9th 1963)
Script: Eric Allen. Designer: Henry Federer. Director: Peter Moffatt.
Orlando said 'pick up a strange woman and you pick up trouble.' But neither he nor Crane knew a dead man was involved.
Remainder of cast: Arthur White (Pirelli- he recurs in series three in 3.2, 3.6 and 3.11), Desmond Jordan (Insp Slimene), Katharine Blake (Sonia Dajos), Graham Suter (Police doctor), Charles Tingwell (Albert Ringwood), David Nettheim (Chavez).
1.3 The Cannabis Syndicate (April 16th 1963)
1.4 My Deadly Friend (April 23rd 1963)
Script: Patrick Alexander. Designer: Henry Federer. Director: Christopher Hodson.
Someone is very anxious for the Moroccan police to catch Crane. To find out who, Crane sets a trap.
Remainder of cast: Bruce Montague (Insp Larbi- also in some other stories), Geoffrey Colville (Aubrey Feltham), Anthony Steel (Gil), Thalia Kouri (Rosamaria), Arnold Yarrow (Louis Barreto), Richard Davies (Willie Jones), Richard Montez (Omar), Guy Deghy (Primo), Henry Soskin (Arab guide), Peter Allenby (Ali).
1.5 The Executioners (April 30th 1963)
1.6 Yesterday's Woman (May 7th 1963)
Script: Bruno Christian. Designer: John Emery. Director: Geoffrey Hughes.
By the time Madeleine Tissot returns to Casablanca, someone has devised an ingenious plan for murder.
Cast also includes: Donald Morley (Georges Latour), Madi Hedd (Madeleine Tissot), Bruce Montague (Insp Larbi), Rex Garner (Sgt Fazil), Joe Enrika (Ali), Horace James (Tommy), Ian Gardiner (Krim), Terry Bale (First policeman), Louis Raynes (Second policeman), John Atkinson (Sam Bennett).
1.7 The Price of Friendship (May 14th 1963)
Script: Leo Lehman. Designer: Henry Federer. Director: Peter Moffatt.
When Haufman's boat docks at Casablanca, the police are inquisitive. They are looking for two thieves- one a murderer.
Remainder of cast: Dermot Walsh (Haufman), Desmond Newling (Roberts), Louis Raynor (Arab boy - in a few other stories also), Bruce Montague, Mellan Mitchell (First customer), Sally Nesbitt (Jacqueline), Edmund Bailey (Fatim), Frank Singuineau (Second customer).
1.8 Three Days to Die (May 21st 1963)
Script: Max Marquis. Designer: Henry Federer. Director: Christopher Hodson.
The man in the condemned cell maintains his innocence, but all the evidence supports the verdict of the courts.
Remainder of cast: Charles Carson (Jean Collard), Margot van der Burgh (Maitre Zem), Peter Bowles (Nikkola Drax), Bruce Montague, Barbara Assoon (Raya Drax), Jose Berlinka (Fourth guard), Reginald Barratt (Insp Misrai), Michael Peake (Brun), Gertan Klauber (Habbas), Margaret Denyer (Therese Severin), Edward Cast (First guard), Brian Cant (Kramm).
1.9 My Brother's Keeper (May 28th 1963)
Script: Max Marquis. Designer: Frank Gillman. Director: Richard Doubleday.
Somewhere in Casablanca a callous murderer is in hiding. But the police are faced with the traditional loyalties of the Foreign Legion.
Remainder of cast: Maitland Moss (Priest), Barry Keegan (Ferenc Szabo), Bruce Montague, Andreas Malandrinos (Patriarch), Bernard Rebel (Bishop)< Alec Mango (Dr Abbib), Frank Tregear (Taxi driver), Richard Marner (Alexis), Maria Andipa (Lise), Roy Patrick (Ludwig).
1.10 The Unwanted (June 4th 1963)
Script: Phyllis and Robert White. Designer: Frank Nerini. Director: Geoffrey Hughes.
Crane decides to look after a homeless, hungry little boy, and he unwittingly puts himself and Orlando in grave danger.
Others in cast: Peter Newton (Abba), Dalia Penn (Lakita), John Hollis (Hamid), Christopher Carlos (Imam Alhaj Ali), James Wellman (Midge), Steve Plytas (Krussos), Paul Gillard (Policeman), Lloyd Reckord (Feisan), Bill Hepper (Ahmul).
1.11 Return of a Hero (June 11th 1963)
Script: Alan Plater. Designer: Henry Federer. Director: Peter Moffatt.
A man is running from a danger in the darkness and Crane discovers the menace of a yellow rabbit.
Others in cast:
Louis Raynor (Arab boy), Edgar Wreford (Matthews), Bruce Montague, Tony Cyrus (Barman), Arthur Hewlett (Colonel), John Rumney (Mickey the Greek), Tom Gill (Bertie).
1.12 The Golden Attraction (June 18th 1963)
Script: David Cumming. Designer: Frank Nerini. Director: Richard Doubleday.
A corpse is found in a palm grove, and Crane has reasons of his own for refusing to be involved.
Also in this cast: Nicholas Evans (Boy), Bruce Montague, Jacqueline Ellis (Alison Harrington), Alan Tilvern (Paul Harrington), Peter Arne (Michael Harrington), Nadja Regin (Maria Cortez), Richard Gatehouse (Griffiths), Nisar Husen (Policeman).
1.13 A Case of Dolls (June 25th 1963)
Script: Frank Harbourne. Designer: Henry Federer. Director: Christopher Hodson.
When Crane and Orlando find a box floating in the sea, its contents form the first of a number of surprises.
Others in cast: Bruce Montague, John Bennett (Smith), George Coulouris (Dr Jackson), Alec Mango (Chatterji), Gautam Mukerjee (Boy), Dallas Cavell (Customs official), John Quayle (First policeman), Ray Roberts (Second policeman), Michael Mellinger (Hotel receptionist).

Second series: principals as for the first series.
2.1 The Death of Marie Vetier (Monday January 13th 1964 8pm)
Script: Patrick Tilley. Designer: Henry Federer. Director: Richard Doubleday.
Crane meets a desperate woman.
Remainder of this cast: Patricia Haines (Marie Vetier), Louis Rayner (Abdul, also in series one), Michael Hawkins, Martin, Gertan Klauber (Darius), Leonard Trolley (Shaab- in many other stories), Peter Vaughan (Max Godard).
2.2 Epitaph for a Fat Woman (January 20th 1964)
2.3 Dead Reckoning (January 27th 1964)
Script: Bruno Christian and Reed de Rouen. Filmed sequences: Richard Doubleday. Director: Christopher Hodson.
The man in Tallal prison is a storm centre. One attempt to rescue him ends in death. Crane has no wish to be involved but nearly gets killed himself.
Rest of cast: Edward Higgins (Chief warder), Louis Raynes (Warder), Bartlett Mullins (Governor), Leonard Trolley (Shaab), Richard Vernon (Wolsey), Diana Chappell (Solange), Brandon Brady (Russian sailor), Alfred Edwards (Russian musician), Terry Gilbert (Russian dancer), Sheila Keith (Mrs Ambrose), Edward Harvey (Fuentes), Chinks Barucha (Tamir), Colin Gordon (Lang), Jan Waters (Liz), Brian Cant (Man), Richard Davies (Willie Jones).
2.4 Picture of My Brother (February 3rd 1964)
2.5 Two Rings for Danger (February 10th 1964)
2.6 Death Is a Black Camel (February 17th 1964)
Script: Gerald Wilson. Designer: John Emery. Director: Ronald Marriott.
Crane keeps a rendezvous with death- and Mahmoud solves a baffling case.
Rest of cast: Philip Latham (Salbiere), Ric Hutton (Vanel), Lee Richardson (Corto), Jon Rumney (Sgt Zartar), Reg Lye (Stanley), Allen Helder (Police sergeant), Gabor Baraker (Fat policeman), Mel Fahri (Young policeman), Patrick Godfrey (Dr Launay), Ian MacNaughton (Mackenzie), Leonard Trolley (Shaab), Helen Lindsay (Christine Vanel), Robert Crewdson (Doctor Ramesh).
2.7 The Secret Assassin (February 24th 1964)
2.8 A Mouthful of Ashes (March 2nd 1964)
2.9 Recoil (March 9th 1964)
2.10 Gypsy's Warning (March 16th 1964)
Script: Alan Plater. Director: Richard Doubleday.
Philippe plans revenge on a police informer, but Gypsy sees violence in the cards and the shadow of death falls on Crane's cafe.
Rest of cast: John Woodvine (Philippe), Howard Goorney (Gypsy), Anthony Blackshaw (Warder), Harold Innocent (Jacko), Leonard Trolley (Shaab), Len Russell (Shop proprietor), Frank Singuineau (Ali), Jose Berlinka (Customer), Olga Lowe (Woman).
2.11 Knife in the Dark (March 23rd 1964)
Script: Phyllis and Robert White. Designer: Frank Nerini. Director: Ian Fordyce.
Orlando goes out into the night, and the morning finds him with blood on his hands.
Rest of cast: Rex Rashley (Samaka), Thalia Kouri (Rosamaria), Raymond Miller (Emile Brillon), Derek Sydney (Arif), Stephanie Bidmead (Annette Brillon), John Bonney (Charles Cabet), Michael Mellinger (Aboul), Leonard Trolley, Zoe Zephyr (Mokahl), John G Heller (Bartender), John de Marco (Waiter).
2.12 Murder Is Waiting (March 30th 1964)
Because somewhere in Casablanca there is a ruthless killer, Crane receives an unexpected invitation.
Also in this cast: Basil Dignam (Raswani).
2.13 Man Without a Past (Monday June 15th 1964 8pm)
Script: Carl Nystrom. Designer: Frank Nerini. Director: Peter Croft.
The only way to stop Crane helping a thief is by killing him.
Rest of cast: Patrick Troughton (Hugo Krantz), Joby Blanshard (Rahman), Antony Baird (Sgt Miraz), Leonard Trolley, Alan Wheatley (Michaud), Lucille Soong (Yasuma), Malya Nappi (Auntie), Hal Dyer (Hostess), Royston Tickner (Sgt Khatib), Michael Allaby (Doctor).

Third series- same principals as before.
3.1 Death Is a Closed Door (Monday October 26th 1964, 8pm)
Script: Max Marquis. Designer: Henry Federer. Director: Christopher Hodson.
Murder can be prevented if a door can be opened. Crane is in no position to help.
Rest of cast: Valerie Sarruf (Zena Fahmy), Camilla Hasse (Raya), Sandor Eles (Shafik), Leonard Trolley (Shaab, in several stories), Dean Francis/ Jeffrey Isaacs (Policemen), Russell Waters (Doctor), Robin Chapman (Sr Maher), Eric Francis (Undertaker), Aleksander Browne (Sgt Mansour), Beverley Cohen (Sgt Hamdi), Harcourt Curacao (PC Karam).
3.2 T.N.T. (November 2nd 1964)
Script: Anthony Scott Veitch. Designer: Henry Federer. Director: Marc Miller.
Crane handles dynamite.
Rest of cast: Edwin Richfield (Steve Hanna), Henry Soskin (Mogista), Leonard Trolley, Peter Bayliess (John Arrowsmith), Arthur White (Pirelli), Delphi Lawrence (Lisa Martens), Barry Lineham (Harvey Troop).
3.3 The Third Bullet (November 9th 1964)
Script: Gerald Wilson. Designer: Henry Federer. Director: Christopher Hodson.
When Crane receives a telephone call from an unknown woman, the first bullet is aimed at him.
Rest of cast: Margaret Whiting (Tina Mondrego), Philip Gilbert (Official), Felix Felton (Major Calvao), Leonard Trolley, Laurence Hardy (Dr Jorge Salas), Peter Halliday (Eladio), Paul Danquah (Faro), Peter Birrel (First guard), Bruce Wightman (Second guard), Brian Badcoe (Raoul).
November 16th 1963 - no programme.
3.4 A Danger to Others (November 23rd 1964)
Script: Guy Morgan and Doreen Montgomery. Designer: Fred Pusey. Director: James Ormerod.
Julie disappears into the night- and the most likely consequence is murder.
Rest of cast: Sally Home (Julie Lamotte), Leonard Trolley, John Bryans (Dr Mustapha), Eric Pohlmann (Dr Knudsen), Zoe Starr (Yasmin- also in 3.12 and 3.13), Golda Casimir (Concierge), Diane Lambert (Francine Lebon), George Mcgrath (Smith), Michael Godfrey (Perez), Liam Gaffney (Captain O'Hallorhan).
3.5 Death Walks Beside Me (November 30th 1964)
Script: Gerald Wilson. Designer: John Emery. Director: Ian Fordyce.
Johnny is desperate. Crane is prepared to help but what Johnny asks is impossible.
Rest of cast: Edward Harvey (Doomsday Man), John Nicholas (Harry), Christopher Carlos (Jericho), Gabor Baraker (Cairo), John Bonney (Johnny), Leonard Trolley, Peter Honeywell (Doctor), Victor Baring (Sgt Hidis), John Cazabon (Perrichon), Dallia Penn (Dr Djamila), Monique Lewis (Girl), Reginald Barratt (Public Prosecutor), Beaufoy Milton (Judge), Virginia Dignam (Hilda), Conrad Monk (Guard).
3.6 The Man with the Big Feet (December 7th 1964)
Script: Ludovic Peters from a story by Donald Giltinan. Designer: Henry Federer. Director: Christopher Hodson.
The Master may possess strange powers but when he prophesies death, Crane is not the only sceptic.
Rest of cast: Bruno Barnabe (The Master), Campbell Singer (George Lewis), Vanda Godsell (Ida Lewis), Zakes Mokae (Achmet), Leonard Trolley, Lloyd Lamble (Denning), Arthur White (Pirelli), Peter Laird (Halima's cousin), Philip Ridgeway (Landlord).
3.7 In Trust Find Treason (December 14th 1964)
Script: Max Marquis. Designer: Frank Gillman. Director: Richard Doubleday.
When Crane hears the news about Mahmoud, his first reaction is to laugh.
3.8 The Painted Lady (December 21st 1964)
Script: Ludovic Peters from a story by David Ellis. Designer: Frank Nerini. Director: Richard Doubleday.
Crane meets Louise by chance, but what happens later is cold-blooded and deliberate.
Rest of cast: George Pravda (Carl Hassler), Richard Carpenter (Laurent Barjou), Harvey Hall (Otto), Moira Redmond (Louise Gerard), Maxine Holden (Maxine Duret), Leonard Trolley, Steven Morris (Boy).
3.9 Moving Target (December 28th 1964)
3.10 A Cargo of Cornflower (January 4th 1965)
Script: Denis Butler. Designer: Barbara Bates. Director: Ian Fordyce.
The job is too simple and Crane is suspicious.
Rest of cast: David Nettheim (Aziz), Terence Soall (Frem), Leonard Trolley, Peter Bowles (Vincent Moro), Edina Ronay (Carmena), John Hollis (Djiba), Robert Lanen (Jussef), Mark Kingston (John Florio).
3.11 A Violent Animal (January 11th 1965)
Script: Arthur Swinson. Designer: Frank Nerini. Director: Marc Miller.
Crane meets a trained killer.
Rest of cast: Keith Barron (Rene Leclerc), Suzanne Neve (Hilary Grantley), Arthur White (Pirelli), Peter Dyneley (Peter Garvey), Leonard Trolley, Michael Mellinger (Achmet), Michael Allaby (Policeman), Kenneth Nash (Eton Boy), John Cater (Afiz), Jolyon Booth (Gibbah), Rick Jones (Mogat), Arthur Blake (Sgt Zahaz).
3.12 The Death of Karaloff (January 18th 1965)
Script: Ludovic Peters. Designer: Barbara Bates. Director: Marc Miller.
Crane is involved in an attempt to keep Karaloff alive.
Rest of cast: Denys Graham (Karaloff), Tony Steedman (Brig Harris), Danvers Walker (Perlington), Robert Gillespie (Ames), John Garvin (Doctor), Philip Stone (Boris), Brian Cobby (Lev), Frank Tregear (Sir Pelham Forster), Leonard Trolley, Zoe Starr (Yasmin), Artro Morris (Prof Ikbal), Aubrey Morris (Mustafa), Hazel Terry (Lady Julia).
3.13 The Man in the Gold Waistcoat (January 25th 1965, last ever story, though Orlando returned with his own series in April that year)
Script: James Mitchell. Designer: Henry Federer. Director: Christopher Hodsony.
The murder in the desert would not have involved Crane at all if it had not been for the waistcoat.
Rest of cast: Leonard Trolley (a regular in this series), Steve Plytas (Franz Bauer), Frank Singuineau (Ali), Nicholas Chagrin (Selim), William Devlin (Sheik Gamal), Annette Carell (Giulia Bauer), Alan MacNaughton (The Major), Ayton Medas (Didi), Zoe Starr (Yasmin), Alan Wheatley (Dr Hilfe).
Missing Menu

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Stryker of The Yard
These were cinema second features made by Republic at Nettlefold Studios in 1953/4. The star was Clifford Evans who played Chief Inspector Robert Stryker, and his assistant was the genial George Woodbridge. Narrator was ex policeman Tom Fallon, who went on to be adviser on Dial 999.
The films were screened on British television in the 1960's. One survives at the BFI, and the whole series was available to TV companies from Republic in the 1990s. Some dubbed prints turned up in Australia a few years back, but any sign of a dvd reissue?
The stories were, in no special order-
1 The Case of The Studio Payroll (Cinema release date, with #2, Jan 18th 1954)- with Jack Watling and Susan Stephen. An unpremeditated crime on the part of a young man who takes £10,000.
2 The Case of Uncle Henry- with Eliot Makeham seen on the right in this picture. The story of an old man whose good heart leads him to steal cash to help others.
3 The Case of Canary Jones- A nightclub singer is found dead in her apartment.
4 The Case of Gracie Budd- The sad tale of seventeen year old blonde and petite Gracie, a typical juvenile delinquent whose parents were killed in the war. With no loving hands to guide her, the lure of easy money leads her into bad company.
5 The Case of Soho Red- with Sebastian Cabot and Esma Cannon. Stryker investigates The Kataro Marriage Bureau in London. Kathy O'Hara, a lovely orphaned Irish girl, had answered one of their advertisements. The boss had embarked on an evil plan, after reading her letter which gave her complete financial details.
6 The Case of The Burnt Alibi- with Joss Ambler, John Chandos and Avis Scott. Written by Lester Powell. Directed by Arthur Crabtree. An explosion in a deserted barn- and Stryker finds the charred remains of an unidentified man.
7 The Case of the Two Brothers- (Cinema release, 1954 with #8 as 'Companions in Crime.') with Maurice Kaufmann and Kenneth Haigh. Also in cast- Gaylord Cavallaro, Ian Fleming, Jack Lambert, Fred Griffiths, Russell Napier, Billie Whitelaw, Christine Silver, Patrick Jordan, Gillian Lutyens, Cyril Chamberlain. Arnold helps his young brother to find a job with a haulage company. But John soon realises the company is just a cover for a more sinister business.
8 The Case of The Black Falcon- with Tim Turner, Dorothy Alison, David Perrin, Guy Deghy, Eliot Makeham and Philo Hauser. A tale of smuggled diamonds.
9 The Case of the Bogus Count- with Anthony Newley as a singer, Gerry Barnes, who gets a job at a crooked night club. Stryker exposes a racket involving burglars.
10 The Case of The Express Delivery- with Sandra Dorne, a bad time girl who leads astray a once reliable mechanic Wally Ross.
11 The Case of Diamond Annie- with Hugh Moxey, and Marjorie Rhodes in the title role. Also with Vida Hope, Harold Lang and Peter Swanwick. Inspector Susan Bond starts work as a shoplifter in order to help Stryker catch Diamond Annie who runs a junk shop, where stolen goods are bought and sold
12 The Case of the Pearl Payroll- with Mary Merrall,Joan Newell and Russell Waters. Written by Lester Powell. Directed by Arthur Crabtree. Stryker chases a gang of bank robbers- and the final showdown comes in a lonely warehouse....
13 The Case of the Second Shot- with Irene Handl. To pay for his wife's medical treatment, Joe turns to crime.
Missing Menu

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

King of Diamonds

Starring John Lupton as Johnny King
Director: Robert Lynn
Devised and produced by Harry Alan Towers.
A ZIV production.
Date: 1960.
39 stories presold to A-R in London, ABC in the Midlands and Granada in the North.
A half hour series shot in Hollywood, but with location scenes in London and Europe. The plan had been to make half the series in Britain, the remainder in America.
The pilot shot in early 1960 and finished by March, was
Appointment in Pelikan Straat
Co-star was Audrey Dalton. Others in the cast: Bill Owen, Douglas Wilmer, Claire Gordon, John van Eyssen, Jean Long.
Scenes were shot in the Criterion Restaurant and Festival Hall London as well as abroad in Antwerp, and at Brussels, Orly and Le Bouget Airports.

My guess is that this pilot was transformed into the American series which was to have as its star Broderick Crawford. I'd be pleased if you can add anything, about this particular story.

Pilot Menu
Missing Menu

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

The Locked Book (working title)
At the height of the 'pilot craze' in 1959, this pilot was made for a possible series of 13 half hour films based on the writings of Harry Price.
The Hon Derek E Winn and Bill Luckwell formed Winwell productions and made

"The Case of the Devil Girl" at St John's Wood Studios.
That fine actress Ann Todd was the linking narrator and the film starred Dennis Price as Harry Price.
Others in the cast included Ellen Pollock and Jean Dawnay. Co-producer and scriptwriter was Paul Tabori.

The plan was to make the remaining twelve films (The Locked Door was the finally agreed title for the series) at Walton Studios - directors Henry Katz and Laurence Huntingdon were named as probable directors.
So what happened to that filmed pilot? An American TV network is alleged to have bought the series for £130,000 in August 1959- was anything ever shown there?

Missing Menu

Pilot Menu

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

DICK TURPIN
I'd be very pleased to hear from anyone who has a print of this 1959 pilot film, or even remembers ever seeing it. The stars were Alan Browning as the celebrated highwayman and Jane Hylton who played Lady Elizabeth. With a script by Alan Reeve-Jones from a story by Jimmy Liggatt, it was directed by Max Varnel. The theme music was written by Frank Cordell (1918-1980).
The producer was Bert Page an enterprising bookie (yes really), who was younger brother of the singer Jill Day (real name Yvonne Page). He was an amateur jockey, riding his sister's horse Christella for a while. With Denton de Gray as associate producer, Page formed Four Seasons Productions Ltd (National House, Wardour Street) and splashed out £15,000 for this film, which was sent to America with six further scripts. However there do not seem to have been any takers.
Alan Browning "took over the lead at a day's notice" when an accident on the first day of shooting befell the original star David Davenport.... Alan had been due to play the second lead, Turpin's friend 'Tom King'.
Filming commenced on August 10th 1959 with "the full cooperation of the Brighton Council". I doubt whether Brighton Studios were used at all, but certainly since Jill Day's horse was stabled near Lewes, this explains why much of the filming was done on location near here, in particular at East Chiltington. Perhaps it was Jill Day's horse that was used in the film? Though I haven't seen the film, it is fortunate that contemporary fan and tv journalist Margaret Cowan watched the pilot in December 1959 and gave her brief appraisal of the story:
"There are some obvious and glaring weaknesses in the film (which will be number 3 or 4 in the series), all of which can be easily corrected if the series is made. But Max Varnel has succeeded in capturing breadth and space in his outdoor scenes among real parks and forests, and the photography of historical English buildings has come over very well. The action scenes have pace and excitement, much helped by the original Dick Turpin music, which is a mixture of stirring modern music set into a period piece. Alan Browning... is quite capable of developing the character into the devil-may-care laughing-cavalier type, which should go down well, and upon which interpretation, I think, the success of the series will depend. I wish it luck, as something just that little bit different from the usual studio job." Alas, it seems these hopes were never fulfilled
Pilot Menu

.

.

.

.

.

.

All Aboard
The story of the Adriana cruise ship. During the run of 26 episodes there were several crossings of the Atlantic plus a tour of the Med- in the studio at least!

This series started on 6th December 1958 in the ABC region only, but was networked from 24th January 1959, replacing Southern TV's Mary Britten MD.
The regular stars were Susan Shaw as assistant purser Janet Fraser, Avril Angers as stewardess Joan Harrison, Richard Coleman as radio operator Mark Rogers, and the then little known Arthur Lowe as a steward, Sydney Barker. Included in familiar faces on the passenger list was Susannah Yorke (see picture) who falls in love with a violinist (seated next to her). Others on board for some stories were Gordon Jackson, Gerald Flood, Terence Alexander and Richard O'Sullivan.
The script was by Gerald Kelsey and Dick Sharples, and directors included ABC's regular, Guy Verney, and, later stories, Anthony Finnigan who had been floor manager at the commencement of the series. Also seen here is an ad in a trade paper by the producer- who applied, and who got the part?

Details of the first fully networked story:
Saturday January 24th 1959, 6.30-7pm. The ship's company prepare to cross the Atlantic from New York. Steward Syd Barker is in trouble already. Peter Norton has had more adventures ashore than he bargained for. Full cast: Avril Angers, Arthur Lowe, Susan Shaw, Richard Coleman, John Gale (Third Officer Peter Norton), Charles Morgan (Bill Stafford), Marion Mathie (Betty Masters), Richard Thorp (John Caldwell), Peter Greenspan (Bell Boy), Leslie Sands (Austin Carter), Elizabeth Wallace (Penelope Smith), and David Kelly (Terry O'Brien).
To
Missing Menu

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

DIAL RIX -
Brian Rix was the master of farce in post war Britain. His contract with the BBC started in 1956, and classics such as Dry Rot were adapted from their Whitehall Theatre origins for showing on telly. Rix was a shrewd actor manager and he also arranged for the BBC to show one act of his latest play, which certainly sent me off to the Whitehall to see the rest! Perhaps the cream of the plays was the hilarious One for The Pot.
In his autobiography My Farce from My Elbow, Rix wrote (p139)- "Negotiating with the BBC for another TV excerpt.... once more the effect on the box office was electric and this started me thinking yet again about a regular series of full-length farces on television. On this occasion, though, my timing was spot-on for the spectre of ITV was haunting the BBC and they needed some popular old rubbish such as mine to put them on even terms."
In 1962-3 Brian Rix appeared in a regular 50 minute series of nine plays under the title Dial Rix, starring in some new farces for tv but still using his trusted team - who can forget Leo Franklyn often as the original grumpy old man, or chirpy little Larry Noble or indeed Rix's wife Elspet, who always seemed to be being pushed into some cranny or cupboard. In an interview, Rix once put his success down to the fact that "as a team we know each other and don't need to waste any time warming up." The climate for the farce has sadly gone, along with tv's innocence. But Brian Rix will be remembered for the sidesplitting pleasure he provided by the bucketful in his day. Thankfully some of Rix's output was put on to feature film, the best being 'The Night We Got the Bird', but where have his BBC plays gone?

Among the many plays specially made for tv, before Dial Rix, were:
Reluctant Heroes (1952)- the first arrangement between Brian Rix and the BBC's Cecil Madden saw the first ever televising of a play direct from a West End theatre. It was an excerpt from the farce currently running at the Whitehall.
Dry Rot (July 27th 1955)- a specially performed extract from the Whitehall success introduced by Brian Johnston. The cast were Brian Rix as Fred Phipps, John Slater as Alfred Tubbe, Hazel Gouglas as Beth Barton, John Chapman (the author) as John Danby, Diana Calderwood as Susan Wagstaff, Charles Cameron as Colonel Wagstaff, Basil Lord as Flash Harry, Cicely Paget-Bowman as Mrs Wagstaff, Larry Noble as Albert Polignac, and Wynne Clark as Sergeant Fire.
Love in a Mist (January 29th 1956)- the first television play by Kenneth Horne. With Brian Rix and Elspeth Gray as newly weds, and Basil Lord and Diana Calderwood, a more experienced couple, all stranded by fog at an Exmoor duck farm. "Joan Sanderson gave a fascinating study of a duck farmer's wife, and John Slater made some brief but highly effective appearances as her spouse."
The Perfect Woman (1956)- the second Whitehall tv farce for 1956
Madame Louise (July 15th 1956)- Vernon Sylvaine adapted his stage and film success for tv with the usual team appearing in Dry Rot plus Toby Perkins, Anna Gerber, Hazel Sutton, Joan Ingram, Garth Adams and Elspeth Gray.
You Too Can Have a Body (March 3rd 1957) by FA Robinson. Two scriptwriters retire to the peace of Creekwood Castle to write a comedy thriller for the telly. The script starts to take on a life of its own, when a corpse materialises....Note that for the first time, all the cast of the current Whitehall farce, Dry Rot, were able to appear, Brian Rix, Basil Lord, Leo Franklyn, Larry Noble, Charles Cameron, Cecily Paget-Bowman, Diana Calderwood, Beryl Ede, Hugh Douglas, and Peter Mercer
Jane Steps Out (April 28th 1957) by Kenneth Horne.Described as a modern Cinderella story of Jane Wilton (Ann Firbank) who, goaded by her lazy selfish sister, sets out to ensnare her sister's boy friend. The cast also included the current Whitehall Dry Rot team.
What the Doctor Ordered (October 6th 1957) by Vernon Sylvaine and Lawrence Huntingdon, directed by Jack Williams. Leo Frankyn had the starring role as hypochondriac JG Van Velt, who has a casket of many pills, only the labels have come off. He's most interested in the one that offers rejuvenation, and his trial and error method of finding it gives ample scope for Brian Rix and Basil Lord as JG's nephews to create a lot of fun. Peter Mercer also starred as an escaped criminal, Hazel Douglas as a slighted girl friend, Barbara Hicks as a would-be breach of promise plaintiff, and Eunice Gayson as a gold digger. Completing the cast were Larry Noble (butler), Elizabeth Chambers (maid), Garth Adams (policeman), and Charles Cameron (solicitor)
A Policeman's Lot (March 1959)
Nap Hand (May 17th 1959) by Vernon Sylvaine." The cast, working beautifully as a team, showed many of the profession what perfect timing does"
A Cup of Kindness (Dec 20th 1959) by Ben Travers
Doctor in the House (June 5th 1960) based on Richard Gordon's book, this story, the 21st BBC play from the Whitehall, was adapted for TV by no less than Ted Willis. "A very jolly evening. Dickie Henderson was superb as Tony Grimsdyke. He took the limelight from Brian Rix's Simon Sparrow by sheer force of personality. Still, Rix being the unselfish actor that he is, must have expected it." Others in the cast included Liz Fraser, Fabia Drake, Sheila Hancock and Charles Cameron. Directed by Wallas Eaton
Reluctant Heroes (September 11th 1960) - tv script by Colin Morris, celebrating 10 years of Whitehall farce, a new version of the play first televised eight years previously
Babes in the Wood (Christmas 1960)
Missing Menu

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Jezebel ex U.K.

The byline of this forgotten 1963 ABC series was: "A Ship- the Sea... and People." This followed a similar concept to ABC's earlier All Aboard.
It was only partially networked, but must have been quite a success as other regions showed recordings later in 1963.
Regulars in the series were
Ernest Hare as the ship's Captain,
Alan Browning the Chief Officer Steve Rettar,
Emrys Jones as the purser Lawton, with
Cavan Kendall his assistant Carr and
Patrick Bedford the barman Pomeroy.
Guy Verney was producer and directors included Jonathan Alwyn.
Theme music was by ABC's Robert Earley

First story was transmitted on Saturday 30th March 1963 at 6.30pm (ABC Midlands/ The North) and was Sea of Doubt starring Heather Sears and Pete Murray. The series started in Sydney with the Jezebel returning to England, with newlyweds Larry and Maxine (the two stars), others in this opening story being Mark Dignam, Patrick Holt and John Bonney. others in the cast were Margaret Courtenay, Reg Lye, Keith Anderson, David Webb, Fredric Abbott, Walter Sparrow (a semi regular as a sailor), and Jeffrey Ashby (semi-regular as a dining steward).
Problems arise when Larry starts to suspect his wife has murdered a child back in Australia.
Send a Telegram was story no 2, with Guy Doleman, Jennifer Wright, Mark Eden and Shirley Lawrence. Also with John Trenaman, Roy Stephens, Haydn Jones, Terence Brook, Morris Perry, Timothy Parkes.
An everyday story of a live nuclear warhead getting lost in the Pacific.
Story no 3 on April 13th was Sister Ship about ex- racing driver Robert Steele (Terence Alexander) and his wife (Miranda Connell). Also starring were John Turner and George Coulouris, with in smaller roles, Garfield Morgan, John Forbes-Robertson, Dudley Jones, Morris Perry, and Jeffrey Ashby.
Things go mysteriously wrong with the Jezebel's new radar system. The problem is no unconnected with Robert Steele. others in the cast were Gordon Sterne, Job Stewart, Philippa Gail, Robert MacLeod, Gillian Raine, Roberta Huby and Mavis Villiers.
Story number 4 was The Unforgotten Country (20 April).
The fifth story (27 April) was Slow Boat to Nineveh and starred George Pravda, Neil Hallett, Richard Carpenter, Margaretta Scott and Noel Howlett. Also appearing were Linda Marlowe, Sheila Brennan, Frederick Piper, Anthony Viccars, Maurice Durant, Walter Sparrow, and Bill Nagy.
By now the ship was entering the Atlantic but a mysterious Frenchman causes "strange things" to happen.
Sanderson and the Sea was the sixth story, and starred Maurice Good in the title role, with Hugh Paddick and Juliet Cooke. Amanda Barrie also appeared, along with Michael Wynne, Ian Clark, Stephen Thorne, Margo Croan, Peter Hager, and David Webb.
Story 7, now shown at 9.10pm on 11th May was Return to Look Behind, with Charles Hyatt as Gabriel Thompson, on his way home to Trinidad. However his warm overcoat hides something.... Also starring were Margaret Anderson and Jacqui Chan.
The eighth story on 18th May was probably The Stand In.
Next week, the ninth story was The Long Cool Drop (25th May) which starred William Sylvester and Helen Lindsay. With Gordon Sterne, Phillipa Gail, Robert MacLeod, Gillian Raine, Roberta Huby, Mavis Villiers, and Job Stewart (as Dr Stannard the ship's doctor, a semi-regular character).
One of two Canadian Air Force Officers returning home on the Jezebel, falls mysteriously ill.
On June 1st the tenth story Bitter Lemon in Biscay written by Hugh Leonard had a strong cast of Gwen Watford as Miss Beecher and Maurice Denham. Others appearing were Maitland Moss, Ewan Roberts, Betty Hare, Anthony Verner, Bridget Wood, and Job Stewart.
Mr Appleby is a difficult passenger with a bulging briefcase.
The last few programmes of the series were not shown as stated in TV Times.
Story No 12 on 22nd June had been scheduled for 8th June originally. It was Love and Let Love with Richard O'Sullivan as Paul Brooks and Kika Markham as Ruth who fall in love on board. Ernest Clark and Georgina Cookson as Paul's parents are not too keen. Also in the cast were Lisa Daniely, Alan MacNaughtan, Anna Wing and Geoffrey Palmer.
On 15th June the story advertised was The Long Voyage, the ship now docking at Gibraltar where a high pressure businessman, Byrne (Brian Nissen), comes on board. He seems obsessed with retired architect George Gladstone (Kynaston Reeves). Other stars in this story are Joan Haythorne and Elizabeth Shepherd. Also in this story were Brian Nissen, Victor Platt, June Ellis, and Bart Allison.

In all there were thirteen stories (I am missing the title of one), the good news being that all survive in the ABC archive.

Others to appear in one of the stories, details not to hand of which, were Jane Asher, Donald Hewlett, and Muriel Pavlow.
Missing Menu

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Dick and the Duchess (1957)
It's scarcely possible to imagine this comedy series, filmed at MGM Elstree Studios, hasn't survived.
With Hazel Court as the star, here's one seriously neglected series. Maybe this was producer Sheldon Reynolds best filmed series, for with a supporting cast that included Richard Wattis, Michael Shepley and Beatrice Varley it must be worth another look today! Another character who made occasional appearances was the police sergeant played by the fine Peter Butterworth. OK, so the star was more forgettable, Patrick O'Neal playing an insurance agent, married to The Duchess of the title, but one feels that any series that could attract Margaret Rutherford as a guest star, must be due for resurrection. Margaret Rutherford appeared in The Kissing Bandit as a much married widow. Amongst others appearing in one of the stories were Sydney Tafler, William Mervyn, Irene Handl, Michael Medwin, Kenneth Williams and William Franklyn.
Also involved was the only rival to top female tv executive Hannah Weinstein- executive producer Nicole Milinaire.
Michael Winner in his own entry in a 1960's Film and TV Year Book states he was "director" on this series, but probably this means of the second unit?
There were 26 twenty five minute films made. Where are they all hiding? Hazel Court went to New York in late 1957 for a four day "exposure and promotional trip." Let's expose this series again!

Picture- On the left is Patrick O'Neal, with Hazel Court on the right, whilst caught in the middle is Richard Wattis
Missing Menu

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Discs a Gogo (first opened in 1961)
"The gayest coffee bar in town," created by Harry Hargreaves.
A lot of independent tv stations attempted to cash in on the pop music bandwagon. In Wales and the West, TWW persuaded Kent Walton, better known for his wrestling commentaries, to compere their weekly swinging show. Some famous names appeared on the half hour show, and it became so popular that it was taken by a number of the lesser ITV companies (TTT, Anglia and Westward periodically), but as far as I recall it was never screened by the Big Four companies.
Opal Louis Nations, aka Martin Hummingbird of The Frays, tells me of an appearances alongside The Who and Dusty Springfield. He writes, "our segments of Go-Go were pre-recorded during the afternoon of the telecast. I sung Turn on your Love Light with the group, and Take the Easy Way Out, with a female as a love ballad duet. I seem to recall that the female was a regular stand-in on the program. All I remember is we came on before The Who, I chatted with all of the members. They thought The Frays were really good. I saw the whole show from the windows of the studio."
Geoff Leonard has said to me that Starfire by The John Barry Seven & Orchestra was the signature tune for the programme.
On many of the episodes they would show a sequence of cartoons, almost like an early pop video. David Hoey can recall some of these cartoons, "one of which was The Girl from Wolverton Mountain by Jo Ann Campbell (1962), another was Do you hear what I hear? by Bing Crosby (1963), this one being shown for two consecutive weeks. Three other songs I remember were Starfire by the John Barry Seven (1961), Bambino by the Springfields and Sound of Silence by Simon and Garfunkel (1965)." Geoff says "the cartoon was a fox called Gogo, animated by Harry Hargreaves, which accompanied a different record each week. One I remember was I won't Go Hunting With You Jake, But I'll Go Chasing Women, by Jimmy Dean."
A Discs a Gogo bonus if you came to dance on the show was the gift of a badge. They are quite common today, so they must have been dished out fairly liberally! There was also a dance troupe, The Gojo's, the brainchild of choreographer Jo Cook. Geoff remembers the girl who looked after the coffee bar with Frank (Harding) was "a dumb blonde called Connie (Greengrove). She literally never spoke, it was a kind of gimmick."

Thank you to Opal Louis Nations, David Hoey and Geoff Leonard, also to Oliver Tooley for details below of 21st Dec 64. If you can supply more information, I'd be
pleased to hear from you, and acknowledge your help here.
Details of a few of the shows:
Please note that transmission dates varied in the regions that even showed Gogos. TWW started showing it on Mondays at 7pm, but in 1964 for example Anglia screened it on Tuesdays. In Autumn 1965 it moved to Wednesdays on TWW /Thursdays is some other areas.

KENT WALTON introduced the shows, except where stated otherwise. (For later programmes, he was joined by Tony Prince, a DJ at The Top Rank in Bristol.)
Monday October 16th 1962 with Mike Cotton and His Jazzmen, Russ Sainty, Christine Quaite (singing Your Nose is Gonna Grow). Plus Frank Harding, Connie Greengrove. Producer- Christopher Mercer.
Monday December 31st 1962 with Gerry Brown's Jazzmen, Simone Jackson, Neil Christian and Jimmy Powell. Plus Frank Harding, Connie Greengrove. Script: Ker Robertson. Producer- Chris Mercer.
Monday April 22nd 1963 with Patsy Ann Noble, Chris Barber's Jazz Band, Mike Preston and Vince Hill
100th show: Monday September 23rd 1963 with Frank Ifield, Susan Maughan, Johnny Dankworth Quintet. Producer- Chris Mercer.
Monday March 30th 1964 with Alma Cogan, Ian McCulloch, The Mojos, Jackie and Jill. Producer- Christopher Mercer.
Monday July 6th 1964 with The Mojos, Freddie and The Dreamers. Producer- Christopher Mercer.
Monday August 24th 1964 with The Dave Clark Five, Mose Allison, The T-Bones. Script- Ker Robertson. Producer- Ned Kelly.
Monday October 5th 1964 with The Dave Clark Five, Anita Harris, Tommy Quickly, The Chants. Producer- Christopher Mercer.
Tuesday October 27th 1964 with Marianne Faithfull, The Plebs, Lorne Gibson, Spencer Davis Group. Script- Ker Robertson. Producer- Christopher Mercer.
Monday December 14th 1964 with Lulu, The Four Pennies, The Barron Knights. Producer- Christopher Mercer.
Monday December 21st 1964 with Brian Poole and the Tremeloes, Jackie Trent, Des and Dave
Tuesday January 26th 1965 with Cilla Black, Cliff Bennett, Dev Douglas, The Syndicats. Script- Ker Robertson. Producer- Christopher Mercer.
Tuesday February 2nd 1965 with Milly, Billy J Kramer and ther Dakotas, The Riot Squad. Script- Ker Robertson. Producer- Christopher Mercer.
Tuesday February 23rd 1965 with Kenny Rankin, The Nashville Teens, Herman's Hermits. Script- Ker Robertson. Producer- Christopher Mercer.
Tuesday March 2nd 1965 with Long John Baldry, The Pretty Things, Just Four Men.
Monday March 8th 1965 with The Dave Clark Five, Anita Harris, The Messengers, Rick and Sandy.
Monday April 19th 1965 with Sounds Incorporated, Cliff Bennett, Donovan. Script- Ker Robertson. Producer- Christopher Mercer.
Tuesday June 1st 1965 with Donovan, Anita Harris, The Frays. Script- Ker Robertson. Producer- Christopher Mercer.
Tuesday June 29th 1965 with The Fortunes, The Moody Blues, Solomon Burke. Producer- Christopher Mercer.
Tuesday July 6th 1965 with Dave Berry, Millie, Eden Kane, Spencer Davis Group. Producer- Christopher Mercer.
Tuesday July 20th 1965 with Tom Jones, Vikki Carr, Terry Butler, Simon and Garfunkel, The Quiet Five, The Fourmost. Producer- Christopher Mercer.
Tuesday August 10th 1965 with The Moody Blues, The Pretty Things. Producer- Chris Mercer.
Tuesday September 7th 1965 hosts Tony Blackburn and Tony Prince: with Cliff Bennett, The Hollies, The Measles. Director- Terence Lacey. Producer- CM.
Wednesday October 13th 1965 with Jackie Trent, The Fortunes, Bo Diddley, The Pack, The Candy Dates. Producer- Chris Mercer.
Wednesday October 20th 1965 with Georgie Fame and the Blue Flames, Barry McGuire, Millie, PF Sloan, The Hedgehoppers Anonymous, The Yardbirds. Producer- Chris Mercer.
Wednesday November 3rd 1965 with The Animals, Susan Maughan, Ben E King, Paul & Barry Ryan, Anita Harris, The Moody Blues. Producer- Chris Mercer.
Thursday November 25th 1965 with Sir Douglas Quintet, Russ Sainty, The Keys. Producer- Chris Mercer.
I have been unable to trace the date the series ended, but it was very soon after this last listed show.
However, to mark the channel TWW's demise, Gogos, with host Tony Blackburn, was reopened for one special show on Saturday March 2nd 1968. With The Symbols, Paul & Barry Ryan, Tomorrow & Keith West, Solomon King, Samantha Lee, accompanied by Bob Miller and the Millermen. Plus an interview with Englebert Humperdinck. Producer- Peter Dulay. Director- John Scriminger.
TWW stopped broadcasting that Sunday, and Gogos sadly closed its doors for good. It would appear probable this final show is the only Gogos to survive, unless you know better...
To 'Missing' Menu

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

BBC Children's Serials
Click, where highlighted, for details:
1953:
Robin Hood, Heidi
1956: Rex Milligan, Potts
1957: Sara Crewe, The Railway Children
1958: Captain Moonlight Man of Mystery
1959: The Golden Spur, Redgauntlet, Three Golden Nobles, The Young Lady From London, Great Expectations
1960: The Adventures of St Ives, The Long Way Home
1963: No Cloak- No Dagger

Most people would agree that 'Auntie' BBC lead the way in Children's serials in the 1950's and 1960's. At one stage Studio E at the BBC were making three children's serials each week. Despite a lot of effort, and a bit of money, ITV never quite managed to wrest the laurels from their rival.
For the BBC had a long experience of producing quality children's drama, admittedly mostly of the rather superior classical genre adapting not only Dickens but more ethereal classics by John Buchan, E Nesbitt and the like also.
However they did attempt some lower brow material, if I can call it that, though always to high production values (by the standards of those days).
If you have memories of any other serials, if you, like me, hid behind the sofa when the bagpipes skirled in Huntingtower, I would be pleased to hear from you, and acknowledge any contribution you make (not Dr Who, please).

Picture- one of the better remembered popular heroes, Captain Moonlight
Missing Menu

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

The Long Way Home (BBC)
A serial in 7 episodes commencing April 24th 1960.
Written and produced by Shaun Sutton.

Subtitled The Escape The Germans Allowed, this was the story of four English officers who tunnel out of a camp in the north of occupied France. The Nazis permit them to break out and remain at liberty- but why?
The four were Capt Gill played by Nigel Arkwright, Lt Anson played by Barry Letts, Neil Wilson playing Gunner Parker and James Sharkey as Capt Miller. Amongst others in the cast were Laurence Hardy (Col von Stretzheim), Arnold Bell (Major Bruckner), Patrick Cargill (Herr Grosnitz). William Mervyn appeared as a French policeman.

BBC Children's Menu

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Heidi (1953, BBC)

An adaptation of Johanna Spyri's celebrated novel by Joy Harrington who also produced this serial.
Episode 1 Up the Mountain was first screened on October 6th 1953, with Julia Lockwood in the title role.
Her Aunt Dete was played by Vari Falconer, Peter the goatherd by Lance Secretan, with Dorothy Primrose as Brigitta (she also was Narrator) and Roger Maxwell as Grandfather.

BBC Children's Menu

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Captain Moonlight, Man of Mystery

A 1958 BBC children's serial, its dashing hero created by Terry Sheldon.
"When the British Government are worried... when MI5 is baffled... whom do they send for?" He was the childhood hero par excellence, I was enthralled.
The first series starred Jeremy White as Captain Moonlight.
In the 1960 six part serial, Bernard Horsfall played our hero, whose alter ego is actor Stephen Sycamore. For a hundred episodes he has played the gallant Captain, who, aided by his faithful assistants Lofty and Taffy, defeats the machinations of his arch enemies who plan to rule the world. In his immaculate evening dress, sword stick and mask, Moonlight travels the world in his private helicopter, though Stephen's real life mode is transport is more prosaic- a bubble car (see picture). Heron Carvic was his inscrutable opponent. Young and pretty reporter Maggie Hart of the Daily News, who accompanies Stephen on his adventures, was played by Pamela Buck, with Denise Coffey playing one of Moonlight's devoted fans. John Brooking also appeared in this series.
The script was by EJ Bell and music composed by Lawrence Leonard. First episode was shown on Saturday March 12th 1960 at 5.25pm.
To
BBC Children's Menu

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Great Expectations (BBC)

Of the numerous adaptations of Dickens' novel, this 1959 children's serial (repeated in 1960) starred Colin Spaull as Pip, and Dinsdale Landen as the grown up Pip. Estella was portrayed by Sandra Michaels, while as a grown up Helen Lindsay played her. Colin Jeavons was Herbert Pocket, Nigel Davenport Bentley Drummle, and Marjorie Hawtrey played Miss Havisham. Most people, according to producer Dorothea Brooking, found Michael Gwynn's performance as Joe Gargery the one that gave them most pleasure.

To BBC Children's Menu

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

The Adventures of St Ives (BBC)

Robert Louis Stevenson's novel had previously been adapted for children's tv in 1955 by Rex Tucker.

This new version was serialised in 1960, and shown on Sundays at 5.5pm commencing on June 12th 1960. William Russell again starred as St Ives, with other parts taken by Audrey Nicholson as La Belle Flora, and Denis Goacher as the evil Alain.

To BBC Children's Menu

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Robin Hood

Before ever ITV introduced us to Richard Greene, in 1953 the BBC serialised the legend of Robin Hood in 6 parts, Max Kester writing the script, and Joy Harington producer.
The main cast were Patrick Troughton in the title role, Wensley Pithey as Friar Tuck, Kenneth Mackintosh as Little John, John Breslin as Alan-A-Dale, Philip Guard as Will Scarlett, and Dudley Jones as Much the miller's son.
It began on Tuesday March 17th 1953 with Episode 1: Gathering the Band.
Episode 2: The Abbot of St Mary's (March 24th 1953) also had in the cast Raymond Rollett as the Abbot of St Mary's, Guy Verney as Sir Richard at the Lee, Maurice Jones as Sir Guy of Gisborne, and Mark Daly as Prior. Also appearing were Miles Brown, Peter Doughty, Eric Evans, and David Askey.
Episode 3: Who is Robin? (March 31st 1953) also included David Kossoff, rather improbably cast as the Sheriff of Nottingham, with Christopher Hodge as Cook, Jimmy Vernor as Kitchen boy, Ronald Marriott, Anthony Marriott, and David Askey.
Episode 4: The Silver Arrow was shown on April 7th 1953,
Episode 5: A King Comes to Greenwood on April 14th with
the final episode called The Secret shown on April 21st 1953.

To BBC Children's Menu

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Rex Milligan (April/ May 1956)
The scripts by author Anthony Buckeridge were produced by Pharic Maclaren.
The opening theme music by Bob Farnon was called Playtime.
The regular cast included Paul Streather as Rex Milligan, Anthony Bryant as Jigger Johnson, Anthony Valentine as JO Stagg, William Simons as Alfie Cutforth, The Tech Juniors: Wilfrid Downing as Spikey Andrews, Melvyn Hayes as Bubblegum Tucker, with Anthony Sharp as Mr Hunter, Headmaster of Sheldrake Grammar School (in #5).

Cast details of the last 3 stories:
Programme 4: Rex Milligan Keeps The Flag Flying (May 6th 1956).
Also in this cast: Maud Long (Mrs Tucker), Lane Meddick (Builder), Douglas Chapman, Graham Larkin, Roger Page, Kenneth Tyllsen, Andrew Vale, and James Warren.
Programme 5: The Bogus Formula (May 13th 1956).
Also in this cast: Philip Ray (Dr Stallybone), Reginald Barratt (Mr Pavlowski), Joan Sanderson (Mrs Pinkney), Tom Bowan (Policeman), Jack Bond, Barry Knight, Larry Dann, Maurice Lane, David Higson, and Derek Hodgson.
Programme 6: Rex Milligan Raises the Roof (May 20th 1956).
Also appearing: Jefferson Clifford (Mr Birkinshaw), Philip Ray, Jack Bond, Derek Hodgson, Larry Dann, Barry Knight, David Higson, Maurice Lane, Colin Wall, and John Rhodes.

To BBC Children's Menu

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Sara Crewe (BBC)

A 6 part serial starting on Tuesday April 30th 1957.
Adapted by Penelope Knox. Produced by Naomi Capon.
Frances Hodgson Burnett's story was originally adapted for tv in 1951, the tale of Sara who lives with her father in India until she is sent to Miss Minchin's Select Seminary for Young Ladies.
In the title role as The Little Princess was Carol Wolveridge, with Peggy Livesey as Miss Minchin and Rosamund Greenwood as Miss Amelia.
Other parts were taken by David Aylmer as Captain Crewe, Julie Desmond as Lavinia, Susan Lyall Grant as Ermengarde, Andre Maranne as M Dufarge, and Hamlyn Benson as Mr Barrow.

BBC Children's Menu

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

The Young Lady From London (BBC)
Sundays commencing November 22nd 1959.

Anne Castaldini starred as the London girl Jane, who wins a trip to Paris, and there discovers she has a double, Anna Jortzeroth, a young pianist with a brilliant reputation. Anna is madly in love with Prince Laszlo (Sandor Eles), son of the exiled King of Soldania, Anna's father has taken over as dictator in Soldania. Others in the cast included Hugh David as Klipel and Steve Plytas as Otto, two disreputable journalists. Some location shooting was done in Paris with Anne Castaldini and Sandor Eles.

To BBC Children's Menu

.

.

.

.

.

.

.


The Railway Children (1957)

The BBC produced several successful adaptations of this memorable E Nesbit novel, this 1957 version was given the honour of appearing on the cover of Radio Times at the beginning of March 1957.
Jean Anderson reprised her role of Mother from the earlier 1951 BBC version, whilst Norman Shelley made a fine Old Gentleman. The children, seen here, were: Anneke Willys as Bobbie, Cavan Kendall as Peter and Sandra Michaels as Phyl. The music perfectly fitted the mood of the story, Grieg's Norwegian Dance No.2.
Producer was Dorothea Brooking, who wrote in Radio Times about some of the production difficulties: "filming in 1957 for the period of 1906 means finding a station and a bit of line that is not electrified. After quite a long search.... we have found a country station and a line that winds through a tunnel between high wooded hills." In the tradition of the time, she does not of course reveal that location. Edwin Laming Macadam kindly informs me that the line was the Horsham to Guildford line, and that the tunnel was probably Baynards Tunnel. Edwin is fairly certain that the station in this photo is thus Baynards.

To BBC Children's Menu
For my review of the 1968 BBC Railway Children serial

.

.

.

.

.

.

.


No Cloak- No Dagger

A six part serial starting Sunday September 1st 1963,
script by Duncan Ross, produced by Christopher Barry.

Synopsis: Ian Lambert (William Franklyn) and Emma Cresswell (Lana Morris) help Pat Penmore (Caroline Blakiston) clear her father's name. Their quest takes them to Cornwall and those mysterious man-made caves, the fogous. At an old Cornish hotel, the Trevone Arms, they encounter Donald Fraser (Jack Stewart), a former friend of the imprisoned Prof Penmore (Keith Pyott). But more informative still is an old miner, now a handyman at the hotel, named Trev (Patrick Troughton): "that's the man who knew the professor better than anybody."
The serial also starred Cyril Luckham as Det Chief Supt Gage.

To BBC Children's Menu

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Potts (1956-8)
My favourite ever BBC children's serial starred ex-Whirlygig stalwart Humphrey Lestocq as ex-Flight Lieutenant Peter Potts. The four serial adventures were:
Potts in Parovia (1956),
Potts and the Phantom Piper (1957),
Potts and The Night Whistlers (1957), and
Potts, Gangbuster

Some details:
Potts in Parovia: script by Ingram D'Abbes. Producer: Desmond O'Donovan.
Episode 5 The Leaflet Raid (November 3rd 1956) The rest of the cast: George Tovey as Mike, Walter Gotell as General Schmidt, Barrie Martin as Tony Quiva, Trefor Jones as Pedro, Edmund Warwick as Jose, Raymond Rollett as Don Miguel Perrera y Quiva, Arthur Goullet as Don Julio Alonso Mendavo, John H Watson as Claude Eaton-Smythe, Lynette Mills as Laura Mendavo and Innes Hirson as Carlos.
Potts and the Phantom Piper: written by Lane Meddick. It concluded on March 9th 1957 with
Episode 6 The Stranger in the Dungeon. The interesting cast comprised George Tovey as Mike Moroney, John Rae as Angus McDrew, Hilary Mason as Mrs Flint, Mac Picton as James McWhissle, Oliver Burt as Prof Spenser, Maureen Beck as Terry Spenser, Maurice Durant as Herr Spitzbauer, John Saunders as Lloyd, Neil Hallett as Mulaney, Peter Vaughan as Stannard and John Dunbar as PC Buchanan. As a young lad, I recall being thoroughly absorbed by this gripping adventure.
Potts and The Night Whistlers: written by Desmond O'Donovan, which began with
Episode 1 Diamonds in the Rough (May 4th 1957). The cast included Alastair Hunter as Inspector Power, John H Watson as Sgt Rogers, Yah Ming as Ho Lim, Ellen Pollock as Captain Tempest, Geoffrey Denton as Fairweather, Michael Corcoran as Sprig, Frederick Schiller as Van Mallen, Richard Shaw as Helder, Ronald Wilson as Dick Hamilton, Patrick Connor as Brennan, Roger Winton as Capricorn Jones, and George Tovey as Mike Maroney.
Episode 2 The Mystery of Black Lodge Creek (May 11th). The cast: Yah Ming, Ellen Pollock, Pauline Olsen as Anne Fisher, Geoffrey Denton, Michael Corcoran, Frederick Schiller, Guy Deghy as a Dutch Skipper, John Law as Evans, Alastair Hunter, John Watson, Roger Winton and Richard Shaw.

If you can add to the above, I would be for ever grateful, and will acknowledge your help on my site
To
BBC Children's Menu

.

.

.

.

ITV Children's Serials and Plays
I'm recording here details of some mostly forgotten children's drama- if you can add anything, I would be very pleased to hear from you, especially if you appeared in any of the series, or worked behind the scenes.
Below are all serials that are being covered in a fair amount of detail. Where highlighted, please click for fuller information. Data on the other series listed will follow.

Colour code in the chart below only: A-R ATV ABC GRANADA SOUTHERN

1955 on 1957 on 1960 on 1961 on 1963 on 1967 on
WRITE IT YOURSELF DEAD GIVEAWAY TARGET LUNA THE SECRET OF THE NUBIAN TOMB EMERALD SOUP SEND FOSTER
CALLING ALL BOYS SACRED SEEDS OF TANGLA TUCK FRANCIS STORM INVESTIGATES THE SKEWBALD BADGER'S BEND WESTWARD TV DRAMA
OVER TO WILLIAM SECRET OF CARRICK HOUSE MILL OF SECRETS SUGGESTION OF SABOTAGE THE BARNSTORMERS DANGER ISLAND
PERIL IN THE AIR THE DIAMOND BIRD THE ROVING REASONS THE HANDY GANG MIKE MYSTERY HALL
SCHOOL OF SECRETS THE LITTLE SHIP ROMANO THE PEASANT SIERRA NINE THE MASTER THE FLOWER OF GLOSTER
DAVID FLAME FORMULA FOR DANGER THE CHEQUERED FLAG SMUGGLERS' COVE THE NEW FOREST RUSTLERS DEVIL-IN-THE-FOG
See also for my own reviews of some serials that have survived:
COUNTER ATTACK (ABC 1960), CITY BENEATH THE SEA (ABC 1962), SECRET BENEATH THE SEA (ABC 1963), OBJECT Z , ORLANDO , SEXTON BLAKE, FREEWHEELERS (Southern 1968)

A-R, later Rediffusion, was perhaps the best of the ITV companies at producing children's serials in the early years of independent television. Click here for brief details of some A-R children's plays for which I have only got scant details.

Click here for a little about three ATV children's serials.

To the 'Missing' Menu

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Other ATV Children's Serials

Dangerous Holiday (ATV)
Saturdays 5pm commencing November 10th 1956
Script David Carr. Director: Antony Keary.
With the boys, Warren Hearnden as Mitch, James Doran as Tracker, and Vernon Morris as Andy. Also Richard Burrell as Baxter, AJ Brown as Mr Hinks, Peter Bathurst as Colonel Gregory, and Sidney Vivian as Wilson.

No Man's Island (ATV)
in seven parts, shown October to December 1960 on Sunday afternoons.
Script: Alan Reeve-Jones
Producer: Cecil Petty.
Stars: Vincent Ball as Denis Barker,
AJ Brown as Captain Cork,
Rosemary Miller as Miss Ellis,
Dan Meaden as Mr Dyson, and
Douglas Livingstone as Leo.
Also appearing Frazer Hines as Tim.

Strange Concealments (ATV)
Subtitled: An Adventure in 7 clues.
Script: Barbara Clegg. Producer: Cecil Petty.
Starring: Barbara Clegg as Kate George, Frederick Jaegar as David Stimpson, Victor Platt as John Harmer, Henry Soskin as Ambrose Lemmon, Clare Asher as Victoria Lemmon, Robin Walker as Boyd George.
1 The Clue in the Lockets - Saturday September 29th 1962 5.15pm, 2 A Precious Jewel- October 6th 1962, 3 Tongues in Trees, - October 13th 1962, 4 October 20th 1962, 5 Sermons in Stones - October 27th 1962, 6 The Uses of Adversity- November 3rd 1962, 7 November 10th 1962
ATV stopped producing serials after this until 1966
To
Children's Menu

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Children's drama began with enthusiasm from the inception of A-R's broadcasting. During the first week this drama was shown in the 5.30pm slot:
Hand in Glove
Monday September 26th 1955, written by Mary Cathcart Borer.
The tale of some village schoolchildren who become involved with a gang of crooks on the run. But the children eventually help police round up the criminals.
Cast: Janet Harrison as Jean, Diana Beavers as Ann, Fella Edmonds as Peter, Ross Goodall as John, Huw Evans as Lance, with Sylvia Marriott as Mrs Harris, Olga Dickie as Miss Talbot, Lloyd Pearson as PC Summers, Arthur Lovegrove as Bert, Len Sharp as Joe, Betty Wolfe as Mrs Anderson, Margaret Sawyers as Margaret, Pamela Lagg as Janet and Doreen Season as Miss Bennett.

The first ever A-R serial was in the Friday slot at 5.45pm, aimed at the five to nine age group. It was the fifteen minute
The Little Round House, adapted for tv by Peter Ling.
Episode 1 was on 30th September 1955.
It was about Robin (Michael Bryant) who gets a big surprise when he is posting his letter, for the pillar box turns into a little house. Mr Papingay (Toke Townley) lives in this strange home, and he invites Robin to meet the strange people there.
June Kirkham played Penny, others in the cast included Jocelyn Britton as The Home-made Fairy, Jack Howard as the Farmer, Catherine George as the Little Girl, Robert Bardwell as the Fat Boy, Vi Stevens was Mrs Tupp with Charles Rea as the Narrator.
A sequel to THE LITTLE ROUND HOUSE was
Mr Papinjay's Ship
This seven part sequel started on 7th February 1956
Robin is looking wistfully at the pillar box remembering his enjoyable adventures, and it is only when he goes to the seaside that he meets all his friends again. The narrator and main parts were the same though John Douglas now played Fat Boy. Beatrice Varley appeared as The Baker's Grandmother and Patience Collier as Aunt Boffin.

Steve Hunter, Trouble Merchant (1955/6)
Shown Mondays at 5.30pm. Script by Gerald Kelsey and Stefan Ricardo.
Produced and Directed by Hugh Rennie
Alan Edwards starred in the title role. Other regulars were Harry Towb as Wally Smith and Carl Duering as Carlo.
There were several adventures, the first shown from October to December 1955.
A second serial began in January 1956, entitled The Mystery of the Marshes.
In this, the formula of a secret fuel and a special fuel adaptor have been stolen from Dr Badel the inventor. The Admiralty commissions Steve and the crew of Sea Wolf to recover the formula.

The second serial in A-R's Friday 5.45pm slot was
The Snow Queen, written by Suria Magito and Rudolph Weil, based on the well known fairy tale.
The Storyteller was Tony Sympson, with Sheila Ward as Klara and A-R announcer Redvers Kyle as Karl.
Maureen Davies played Princess Christina, Bruce Sharman appeared as Prince Klaus and Hugh Manning was The King.
Episode 1 November 18th 1955 Others in this cast included Dorothy Marks (Gerda), and Carl Bernard (The Chancellor).

A serial for older children screened in seven parts from October to December 1955 on Tuesdays at 5.30pm was Barbie
written by Diana Noel from the book by Kitty Barne. The great veteran star Zena Dare played Miss Fothergill, with Marcia Manolescue in the title role.
The story was about the daughter of a famous conductor who has to go on a world tour, so sends Barbie to stay in the country with her uncle (David Markham) and her two cousins Simon (Jonathan Swift) and Laurel (Erika Markham). A wealthy neighbour and music lover, Miss Fothergill, befriends the child and pays for Barbie's violin lessons with Vascoletti a famous teacher.

The Ambermere Treasure by Malcolm Saville, adapted in six parts by Derek Hoddinott. Director: David Eady. December 1955- January 1956.
Afternoon Post (February 10th 1956, 5.40-6pm, A-R)
Script: Frederick H Wiseman.
Cast: Robert Sansom (Rev Stuart Austin), Gwynne Whitby (Mrs Austin), Cavan Malone (Noel), Wendy Adams (Joanna), Michael Caridia (Colin) and Lane Meddick (Policeman).
Noel is the eldest of the Austin family, and he makes a film of the family preparations for his sister Joanna's birthday. However the postman has strong views on amateur film makers, but when a local crime comes to light, the secret of The Afternoon Post is revealed

Top Secret shown in July/ August 1956 was a six part serial by Peter Hayes.
The children were Malcolm (Christopher Sandford) and Dicky (Tony Ford) with Nicholas Selby as Inspector Maclean. Liz Fraser had a small part as Linda Hanssen.
Note- not to be confused with A-R's 1961/2 series with William Franklyn

Passport to Danger was a seven part serial beginning on Friday 28th September 1956 and shown fortnightly.
It was written by Peter Ling and Jonathan Alwyn, who also directed the stories.
Michael Pelham (Paul Streather) is travelling on the Orient Express to join his parents in Belgrade. An adventure for any boy to dream of. But no sooner has he left Paris, than there follows a mysterious train of events. A spy ring! He meets a Roumanian travel courier who tells Michael he's working for British Intelligence, and interrogates a suspect in Michael's compartment. But when Michael returns he finds the suspect dead, and the courier nowhere to be seen.

The File on Voronov was a half hour play shown on Christmas Day 1956.
Peter Ling wrote it with his wife Sheilah Ward, and David Eady was the director.
Synopsis: Russian military attache Maxim Voronov (George Murcell) leaves his embassy to attend a hush-hush international conference. What begins as a practical joke by three small boys, Joe (Glyn Dearman), Charlie (Anthony Green) and Steven (Ian Hobbs) has Scotland Yard, MI5 and the security forces involved...
Jim Whittington and His Sealion (see picture, right)
(December 26th 1956 5.00-5.55pm, Associated Rediffusion)
Described as a "super colossal extravaganza" written "by mistake" by Peter Ling with music "by accident" by Eric Spear. The programme was "misdirected" by Roger Jenkins.
"Miscast" in order of appearance were:
Dorothy Smith as The Fairy Queen, Rolf Harris as The Demon King, Muriel Young as Alice Fitzwarren, Jack Edwardes as Michaela the Cook, Charlie Drake as Idle Montmorency, Jimmy Hanley as Jim Whittington, Peter Ling as The Sea Captain and Eric Spear as The Sultan of Morocco

The serial McFarlane's Way was set in Scotland and began on April 28th 1959. The stars were Peter Furnell and Gay Gordon who were later to appear in different roles in The Diamond Bird. Peter Furnell starred as Andrew McFarlane, Gay Gordon as Flora Donald. Others appearing included Douglas Muir, Barrie Ingham and Ralph Nossek. The story was written by Elisabeth Beresford and directed by Marion Radclyffe.
The Highwayman
was a one-off musical adventure set in the 18th century. It was shown on August 25th 1959 from 5.45pm to 6.15pm.
This was a bold attempt at a musical play for children written by Elisabeth Paine with lyrics by David Dearlove and music by Ron Grainer (one of his less remembered efforts?). Marion Radclyffe directed.
Denis Martin starred in the title role with Miriam Karlin as Lady Sedgewick.
Also in the cast were Pat Laurence as Sarah Grey, Nevil Whiting as Lord Sedgewick, Brian Alexis (who also arranged the choreography) as Peter Potts and Doris Littel as Martha.
The Missing Mercury
written by Anthony Sheppard, directed by Marion Radclyffe.
Tues Oct 20th 1959 5.25pm.
A one-off story about two children and a mysterious stranger who join in the search for an aircraft which vanishes on a trial flight over the Bristol Channel.
Cast: Ruth Kettlewell as Mrs Green, Peter Collingwood as Mr Jones, Michael Logan as Bill Cotton, June Ellis as June Cotton, Gay Gordon as Penny, Sam Jephcott as Jim, Ross Hutchinson as Mr Thorpe, Anthony Parker as Flt Lt James, Edmond Bennett as Police sgt, Bill Cartwright as RAF sgt, and Paul Streather as Aircraftman.
The Cornet Player
Tuesday 22nd December 1959, 5.25-5.55pm
Written by SL Hastings, directed by Rollo Gamble.
A boy named Graham (Michael Caridia) finds himself in difficulties but there's an unexpected way out.
Others in the cast of this one-off story:
Edward Dewsbury... Mr Knight
Barbara Ogilvie... Mrs Knight
Sylvia Davies... Susie
Anthony Valentine... The Cornet Player

The Old Pull 'N Push
(A-R) Tuesdays 5.25pm. 6 episodes in November and December 1960.
Script: Elisabeth Beresford. Director: Bimbi Harris.
Theme music played by Terry Lightfoot's New Orleans Jazzmen.
The children: John Pike as Andrew, Waveney Lee as Judith. Joe Gibbons plays kindly stationmaster Uncle Joe, and Ann Wrigg Miss Bunch the village postmistress. Nicholas Amer played the Italian villain Perelli.
Set on a fictional branch line at Coudhurst, (actually Goudhurst in Kent) the train runs to Mill End. Ironically the real life railway through Goudhurst was closed on June 12th 1961 the day before the final episode of the second series was screened!
The Return Of The Old Pull 'N Push
Same personnel, May- June 1961. Perelli however was now a reformed character. Gerald Harper appeared in the later episodes.
Bimbi Harris explained "the new series is being recorded and I expect it will be shown in many children's programmes overseas." So there's a good chance that this series exists somewhere, but where?

Fact and Fiction
Ex-teacher Redvers Kyle introduced a magazine about new books for children, each week the programme included an excerpt from a 'Star Book of the Week.'
Drum and Trumpet Sound (November 11th 1960)
Book by Sutherland Ross, adapted by Joy Thwaytes. Directed by Jim Pople.
Cast: Colin Spaull as Simon Aycliffe, Edward Higgins as Peter Thake, Sharon Sharp as Barbara Tempest, Roy Spencer as Sir Richard Clifton, Hal Dyer as Elizabeth Clifton and Neville Jason as Nigel Ashford.
The Birds of Thimblepins (December 2nd 1960). Book by Margaret J Baker, adapted and introduced by Eric Leyland. Directed by Sheila Gregg. Cast: Peter Sanders as David, Wendy Turner as Elisabeth, John Stirling as Jason, Jacqueline Brodin as Jemima, and Michael Lewis as Jonathan.
Seraphina (December 9th 1960).
Book by Mary K Harris. Adapted by Joy Thwaytes. Directed by Tig Roe.
Cast: Sandra Michaels as Seraphina, Valerie Fletcher as Stephanie, Sally Murrell as Jenny, Lynda Evry as Lydia, and Lee Rowe as Miss Jason.
In the Window Seat (December 23rd 1960).
Edited by Gillian Avery. Adapted by Joy Thwaytes. Directed by Tig Roe.
Cast: David Lott as Auguste, Eithne Milne as Porcelain figure, Paul Whitsun-Jones as Dealer, Raymond Mason as Father, Edward Malin as Old Man, and Sandra Michaels as Dorothea.

The Blackness
This six part serial that started on January 17th 1961.
Script by Howard Williams and Barry Pevan.
Director: Jim Pople.
With Rosalie Westwater as Anne Owens, Diarmid Cammell as Donald Owens and Shandra Walden as Mary Owens (the latter two pictured). With Ralph Nossek as Mr McGhee.

A Brother For Joe
Script: Eric Allen. Director: Vladek Sheybal.
The search by 15 year old Joe May (William Victor) for his missing brother Francesco takes a dramatic turn when he joins an international school in Rome.
With Colin Spaull as Roddy, Penny Watts as Susanne Monnier, Joanna Craig as Miss Wisdom, John Gardiner as Lawrence Shapiro, Anthony Morton as Bruno Pugi and Edina Rona as Gina.
Six episodes on Tuesdays at 5.25pm running from episode 1 The Knife (14th March 1961) to episode 6 The Morning After (18th April 1961)

Frontier Drums (1961)
Script: Peter Hayes. Director: Jim Pople, Fridays 5pm-5.25pm.
Set in the north west frontier of India in 1879. Kardar Khan the Maharajah of Ghurkistan (Derek Sydney) is plotting against the British Raj. Starring Bernard Brown as Major Neville Chrichton and Edmond Bennett as Sgt Ramdass.
Others in the cast were Ronnie Raymond as Nigel Chrichton, Daphne Johnson as Lucy Chrichton, Kika Markham as Helena Chrichton, Peter Bathurst as Major-Gen Anderson, Roy Purcell as Col Courtenay, Norman Claridge as Henry Marchbanks, William Lyon Brown as Sultan Ahmed, Joseph Cuby as Abu, David Spenser as Azim Khan, Bill Burridge as Akbar and Ivan Craig as Sayid Lal.
The serial began with episode 1, Soldier of the Queen, on September 22nd 1961
Episode 5: The Night of the Flame (Oct 20th) showed the success of Kardar Khan's plot in luring the army out of The Garrison.

Due to the Equity strike, production of A-R children's serials ceased before the end of 1961. During 1962 A-R concentrated on quality schools drama, and their next dramatic production for children's tv was not screened until Friday December 28th 1962 at 5pm.
It was Mr Toby's Christmas
and starred Andrew Sachs in the tile role, with Carol Dilworth as Sarah, Gareth Robinson as Jeremy and Johnny Lamont as Juggler.
The story included carols sung by the Orpington Junior Singers, a dance by Ronnie Curran and Greta Hanby and a puppet show titled The Three Wishes performed by John Wright's Marionettes.
That was a lot to squeeze into this 25 minute programme, which was directed by Marc Miller.
To
Children's Menu

.

.

.

.

.

.

The New Forest Rustlers (Southern TV, in 6 parts)
Script: Stephen Mogridge, consultant: John Gray
Director: John Brayburn (also producer), Ian Curteis for later stories.
The main cast: Ronan O'Casey starred as Chief, and
Anita Harris as Maureen, an ice-skater (story 1 and 6)
Reginald Marsh as Inspector Foster (stories 2 to 6)
Plus the children, two brothers and two sisters:
Daphne Foreman as Patricia Deverill
Paul Guess as Bill Deverill
Gina Clow as Fiona Guise
Michael Sarson as Freddy Guise.
The children who live near Lymington, are on their school holidays, when they become involved with a gang of international crooks who are planning the theft of a valuable painting.

1 The House in the Trees
Thursday September 29th 1966 5.25pm
Odd happenings in a disused airfield- is it smuggling or rustling?
Rest of cast:
Stephen Moore... Jack
Malcolm Taylor... Joe
Neville Barber... Pierre
Tom de Ville... Ginger

3 Enter the Law
Thursday October 13th 1966
The gang in Ridgeway House is definitely smuggling, so the children contact the police.
also with Patrick Westwood... Mr Guise
and Malcolm Taylor, Neville Barber, Tom de Ville

5 Operation Stampede
Thursday October 27th 1966
The children rescue Star the foal, but look like losing him again.
also with Malcolm Taylor, Neville Barber, Tom de Ville, Patrick Westwood

6 The Round Up
Thursday November 3rd 1966
Dt Insp Foster gets his men, but will Patricia get her foal?
also with Kenneth Thornett... Insp Maskell
Monica Stewart... Mrs Guise
and Malcolm Taylor, Neville Barber, Tom de Ville, Patrick Westwood.
Also appearing: John Holmes, David Watson, Marcel Boyd, Alan Stuart, Elvin Hood.
To
Children's Menu

.

.

.

.

.

.

The Secret of the Nubian Tomb (ATV, 1961, in 5 parts)
Script from a story by Mary Cathcart Borer.
Producer: Cecil Petty.
Stars: John Carson as Sheikh Ahmed,
Jerry Stovin as Jud Blackwell
Shirley Lawrence as Ann Newman,
with Mark Burns as Mike Newman, Henry Soskin as The Omda, Peter Hempson as Tony Newman, Aleksander Browne as Policeman.

1 The Unexpected Visitors
Sunday April 30th 1961

2 Plot and Counter-Plot
Sunday May 7th 1961
There are two days left to finish the dig and find the sepulchre of Lady Nefermaat. Then the tomb will be flooded. The diggers have got unexpected help from Mike's friend, Sheikh Ahmed, but suddenly a policeman arrives and arrests Mike.

3 Sunday May 14th 1961

4 The Tomb and the Cellar
Sunday May 21st 1961
Sheikh Ahmed has seen Mike in prison without rousing the Omda's suspicions. But he and Jud still think the Sheikh is hiding somewhere, and decide to interrogate Ann and Tony. This time the Omda seems to make them all talk.

5 The Sheikh and the Omda
Sunday May 28th 1961
Jud has found the store of engine oil for which Sheikh Ahmed has been searching. The oil is in the Omda's cellar, where he has trapped Jud. But Sheikh Ahmed, Tony and Ann, who have found Lady Nefermaat's burial chamber, have discovered another entrance to the cellar.
To
Children's Menu

.

.

.

.

.

.

The Barnstormers

Cast: That most interesting child star Dennis Waterman appeared as Mike, Gerald Rowland as Rusty, Peter Hempson as Philip, Patricia Wilson as Sarah, and John Pike (late of 'Ivanhoe' and 'The Old Pull n Push') as Alan. Tina Martin as Miranda, Susan Purdie as Elizabeth and Jeffrey Shankley as Peter appeared after the first story.
Joy Thwaites wrote the scripts, and the director was Marc Miller.
The five children, their leader Mike, decide to form their own dramatic society and write and produce their own play. But they need to find a suitable venue and hit on a deserted 18th century water mill that stands in a stream outside their village. As the production takes shape they discover interesting facts about the mill. One rumour claims a pirate once lived here and hid his treasure within its walls. Secret passages and a concealed trapdoor confirm the tale. A property speculator hears about the treasure and attempts to buy the mill for redevelopment.

The first episode was screened March 3rd 1964. It was 'Mystery at the Mill' in which the children, wanting to make the most of their holidays, try to join The Tudor Players. They are also intrigued by a strange light in an old mill. Also in this story were Gillian Webb as Miss Brentford and Peggy Ann Wood as Mrs Smith.
Episode 2 (Mar 10th)- also appearing were Gillian Webb, and Nadine Hanwell.
Episode 3 was 'The Lost Treasure' (Mar 17th) and introduced Henry Soskin as Mr Selbourne, whom Sarah and Rusty meet as they start rehearsals for their play.
Episode 4 was 'Enter a Stranger' (Mar 24th) in which the future of the Mill is threatened.
Episode 5 (Mar 31st)
Episode 6 was 'Camberley's Quest' (April 7th) in which the mystery of the casket grows deeper. (Note- no story on April 14th due to Budget.)
Episode 7 was 'The Spanish Casket' (April 21st) in which the casket is stolen.
Episode 8 was 'A Door to Nowhere' (April 28th) featured AJ Brown as Alderman Purbeck.
Episode 9 'Rusty in Danger,' again included AJ Brown and told how Rusty did some exploring.
The tenth and final episode was on May 12th and titled 'Old Alexander's Secret.' Nora Nicholson played Mrs Herriard, and the story showed The Barnstormers thoroughly exploring the tunnel.
A finale titled Playmaking with the Barnstormers was shown on May 19th.

To Children's Menu

.

.

.

.

.

.

The Secret of Carrick House (A-R)

shown on Tuesdays in September/October 1959.
Written by John Rhodes, directed by Marion Radclyffe.

The star was Barry MacGregor who played Ken Brodie,
and also appearing were Judy Bloom as Pilar Cortella, Lilian Grassom as Peggy Myers, David Waller as Richard Adams, Roderick Lovell as Uncle Manuel, Hugh Evans as Simon Greeb, Gordon Whiting as Carlos, and Brenda Saunders as a waitress (stories 1 to 4), and with Michael Browning as a policeman (stories 4 to 6).
Ken takes up his first job as a reporter on the South Cornish Echo. Always on the lookout for a scrap, he is soon in hot water...

Episode 1: Hot Water- 1st Sept 1959 5.45-6.15pm, With Nicholas Light as Brian Field.
Episode 2: The Intruder- 8th September 1959
3: The Hostage- 15th September 1959 (now at 5.25-5.55pm).
4: The Boss- 22nd September 1959
5: Marooned- 29th September 1959
6: The Scoop- 6th October 1959 (final episode).

To Children's Menu

.

.

.

.

.

.

Over to William (ATV, 1956)

Keith Crane starred as Richmal Crompton's hero, with the other outlaws played by Meurig Wyn-Jones (Ginger), John Symonds (Henry) and Michael Saunders (Douglas). Other semi regulars were Frank Sieman as Mr Brown, and Sylvia Marriott as Mrs Brown. Cavan Malone played Robert and Shirley Lawrence played Ethel in a few stories. Ditto Jeanette Phillips as Violet Elizabeth.
Donald Wilson adapted the tales for tv. The producer was Cecil Petty.

Programmes included:
Episode 1: September 16th 1956.
Episode 2: Claude Finds a Companion (September 23rd 1956). William and the Outlaws make the first sardine toffee ever. With Howard Vaughan as Claude. Also Oliver Johnston as Gardener.
Episode 5: Aunt Louie's Birthday Present (October 18th 1956). William goes shopping for Mrs Brown. With Hedi Schnabel as Aunt Louie.
Episode 6: William and the Three-Forty (October 25th 1956). William's good deed for the day has some very unexpected results.
Episode 10: Cats and White Elephants (November 22nd 1956). Where once again one learns never to rely on William. With Kenneth Gilbert as Archie.
Final Episode: William Meets a Professor (December 13th 1956). In which William gets away with it. With Charles Houston as Professor Golightly.

To Children's Menu

.

.

.

.

.

.

Rediffusion's children's serials ended with a bang, as the company was making two serials per week when their contract expired.

Devil-in-the-Fog was a six part serial made in the summer of 1968.
Stanley Miller dramatised the story by Leon Garfield. Michael Currer-Briggs was producer. The star was Nicholas Evans who appeared in each story playing George Treet. He is sixteen years old (even though Nicholas who portrayed him was aged 28!), when he learns he is heir to Lord Dexter's estate at Ightham Mote. He has to put aside his former life as a rough strolling player, to pretend to be a man-of-the-world, all dressed up in lace and fine clothes.

1 Some Are Born to Greatness... (Friday 21st June 1968)
In the beginning this tale tells how I, George, the eldest born son of Master Salathiel Treet, strolling player and man of genius, came to have greatness thrust upon me.
With Valentine Dyall... The Stranger, Martin Dempsey... Salathiel Treet, Diana Simpson... Jane Treet, Keith Skinner... Edward Treet, John Moulder-Brown... Hotspur Treet, Verina Greenlaw... Ross Treet, Jeremy Longhurst... Breath, a highwayman, Kenneth Thornett... Manager, a tavern keeper, Richard Shaw... Rummage, a beadle, George Desmond... Camber, a gate keeper, and Milton Johns... Joseph.
2 Some Have Greatness Thrust Upon Them... (28th June 1968).
From a night of fog and mystery to a future of promise and prosperity, and yet at what price.
With Martin Dempsey... Salathiel Treet, Milton Johns... Joseph, Diana Simpson... Jane Treet, Keith Skinner... Edward Treet, John Moulder-Brown... Hotspur Treet, Verina Greenlaw... Ross Treet, John Baskcomb... Dr Newby, Stephanie Bidmead... Lady Dexter, Peggyann Clifford... Mrs Goater, Richard Leech... Sir John Dexter, Donald Eccles... Rev Mr Rumbold, and Henry Moxon... Mr Bennett.
3 O My Prophetic Soul: My Uncle! (5th July 1968).
Fog darkness and mystery follow me still. All my questions however natural, have met with no real answer.
With Gary Watson... Captain Richard Dexter, Peggyann Clifford... Mrs Goater, Stephanie Bidmead... Lady Dexter, and Richard Leech... Sir John Dexter.
4 That One May Smile, and Smile, And Be a Villain... (12th July 1968).
A miasma of fog and skullduggery attended my birth and abduction, and now I find myself deep in a midnight wood and face to face with a murder.
With Gary Watson... Captain Richard Dexter, Peggyann Clifford... Mrs Goater, Martin Dempsey... Salathiel Treet, Diana Simpson... Jane Treet, Keith Skinner... Edward Treet, John Moulder-Brown... Hotspur Treet, Verina Greenlaw... Ross Treet, Milton Johns... Joseph, Stephanie Bidmead... Lady Dexter, and Richard Leech... Sir John Dexter.
5 Fair is Foul, and Foul is Fair... (19th July 1968).
Why should I,the accepted son and heir of a noble baronet, listen to my ruffianly uncle and whey-faced old witch, known liars both? With Patsy Rowands... Mrs Dexter, Denis Gilmore... Bertram Dexter, and Gary Watson, Peggyann Clifford, Martin Dempsey, Diana Simpson, Keith Skinner, John Moulder-Brown, Verina Greenlaw, Milton Johns, Stephanie Bidmead, and Richard Leech.
6 ... This Fell Serjeant, Death... (26th July 1968, Rediffusion's final month of broadcasting).
With the immediate departure of my foster family, leaving me alone to face the unknown enemy, I came near despair. With Valentine Dyall (as in story 1), Jeremy Longhurst (as in 1) Patsy Rowands, Denis Gilmore, Gary Watson, Peggyann Clifford, Martin Dempsey, Diana Simpson, Keith Skinner, John Moulder-Brown, Verina Greenlaw, Milton Johns, Stephanie Bidmead, Richard Leech, and John Baskcomb as Dr Newby.
To
Children's Menu

.

.

.

.

.

Westward Television
only very rarely contributed drama to the network.
Occasionally some local talent was on show as in these half hour offerings for children produced by John Bartlett:

Jamaica Inn (26th January/ 3rd February 1967) from Westhill County Secondary School St Austell. Cast: Penny Wilton (Mary Yellan), Laurence Martyn (Jass Merlyn), Peter Barker (Harry the Pedlar), Geoffrey Honeywell (Jem Merlyn), Helen Plowman (Aunt Patience) and Martyn Crowle (Francis Davey).
The Deterrent by Charles Mander (14th June 1967) from Millfield School Somerset.
Henry IV (21st/28th June 1967) from Wellington School Somerset. "Freely adapted" by Joe Storr.

If you have details of any other Westward originated drama, or can throw more light on the above, I'd be very pleased to hear from you.

To Children's Menu

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.


Associated Rediffusion tried to encourage new young writers to contribute to various children's serials. Budding authors were invited to 'write the next episode.' No doubt it was a cheap way to produce programmes, but there seemed no shortage of entrants!
Write It Yourself began a fortnightly run in October 1955 and was the story The Tale of Two Halves. The director was Clare Ash. Apparently the author of the winning submission was made a member of the Flickwiz Playwrights' Guild, and runners up received "certificates." (Flickwiz was the umbrella name for the children's programmes on Thursdays.) Presumably some talent was uncovered because the idea continued over the years.
The format was modified for the next serial from April 1956, Peter in the Air.
This time viewers were invited to send "ideas and suggestions" how the story could continue. Prizes were again offered for the best.
The idea was revived in 1957 starting on September 24th, when Daphne Shadwell directed a fortnightly thriller serial Dangerous Cargo. This time A-R opted for a mixture of the two previous formats, for viewers were offered prizes for "the best scripts or ideas showing how the story should be continued." Keith Faulkner played the hero Dick Davidson, and Anthony Ford was Greg. Lawrence James played Toby and John Martin was Jacob.
World of Darkness began a fortnightly run on 10th January 1958 again directed by Daphne Shadwell with Peter Ling introducing the story. This was a space serial with prizes offered as before with the invitation to Write it Yourself. Robert Cartland starred as Dr Mark Starr with Anneke Willys as Susan Carpenter and Robin Willett as Chip Carpenter. There were about 8 or 9 episodes before a new story began on May 2nd 1958
Trouble at Northbrook was again introduced by Peter Ling, but directed by Prudence Nesbitt. It was 'a 3 J's adventure' with John Allen (Pearson Dodd), Jacko Eccles (Keith Davis) and Jimmy 'Specs' Davis (Peter Soule). The three lads lasted 5 fortnightly episodes and then began another 6 part adventure on 11th July 1958 called Northbrook Holiday.
October 3rd 1958 saw the final programme of the "successful" Write It Yourself introduced by Peter Ling and directed by Prudence Nesbitt. This was a New Play "full of surprises" written by young viewers. Unfortunately TV Times was unable to give more up to the minute details.

The Write a Play idea was resurrected by Rediffusion after a gap of six years, in a new series of this name at the start of 1965. It was a competition for the under 15's. "Out of the hundreds of plays written by you and sent to us," each week Rediffusion chose two. Long time children's favourite Jimmy Hanley introduced the rather distinguished resident cast of Peter Halliday, Geraldine Newman, Kanneth Nash, Jonathan Collins, Gerald Rowland and Carla Challoner. Script editor was Denis Butler- it's not stated how much editing was needed- and Michael Segal produced.
If you were a winner, or even a loser, and can tell us more about this competition, please email me

These are the plays that were screened:
January 5th 1965: The Golden Feather by Lesley Dear, and Treasure Hunt by Stephen Batty. Marc Miller directed.
January 12th 1965: The Witch of the New Forest by Susan Ames, and The Basnji by Kenneth Lingford. Henry Soskin also starred.
January 19th 1965: Four minutes To... by Derek Webb and Christopher Gillings, and The Frog Ling by Janet Mitchell.
January 16th 1965: The Changing World by Jill Povall, and The Compartment by Nicholas Gray and Frances Allan.
February 2nd /9th 1965: Hail to the Queen by Carol Waite, and The Blue Flower by Jayne Brownsword. (possibly the first transmission postponed?)
February 16th 1965: Time and Time Again by Philip Egner, and So You're the Leader Now by Susan Lees. Now directed by Hugh Munro.
February 23rd 1965: The Deadly Stage Coach by Brian Lead, and It's Funny After All by Christopher Ellis.
March 2nd 1965: Mr Timbrel's Reckoning by Margaret Whiteley, and Freedom Railway (unknown author).
March 9th 1965: The Waiting Room by Marilyn Ford, and The Messengers by Annabel Burbrook. Daphne Shadwell now directed.
March 16th 1965: Here We Go Round by Godfrey Smith, and Poetic Justice by Anthony Suggitt.
March 23rd 1965: A Rebellion by Gerald O'Hagan, and The Box by David Thompson.
March 30th 1965 was the last in the series and Lord Willis presented the prizes to the winners. The final play was The Beat Caterpillar by Gabrielle and Maeve O'Mahoney.
Stage One "for Older Children" followed during summer 1965, and this series, introduced by Gwyneth Surdivall, gave children "all the facilities of a television studio" so they could improvise their own productions. After a break in October, on 30th November 1965 Stage One Contest began, "an inter-city contest in play making." Ronald Marriott directed, as he had done many of the earlier programmes, and five stories came from
Birmingham (programme 1- The Sound Mixer by Dorien Argent, with guest Heinz),
Glasgow (Dec 7th- Caroline by Jennifer James with Eric Burden of The Animals),
Manchester (Dec 14th- The Party by Beverley Williams with Graham Nash of The Hollies),
Bristol (Dec 21st- The Monster by Bradley Nicholas with Billie Hutton of The Fourmost) and
London (Dec 28th- The Sad King by Jean Mageean with special guest Donovan).
Write a Play returned after a year's break in 1967 now introduced by Clive Goodwin. Ronald Marriott produced. This series did not have a resident cast, but instead some famous names appeared. The plays included:
April 4th 1967: 1 The Prehistoric Man by Laurence G Dion. 2 Thrice Upon a Night-time by Jane Harwood. Directed by Fred Sadoff. Casts: Patrick Barr, John Cater, Jimmy Gardner, David Rowlands, Judith Smith, and Elizabeth Weaver.
April 18th 1967: 1 Johnny Dies at War by Elizabeth Logsdon. 2 The Legend by Janice Chegwin. Directed by Adrian Cooper. Casts: Simon Prebble, Anne Stallybrass, Karin MacCarthy, Clive Merrison, and Roger Rowland.
April 25th 1967: 1 Revenge is Not So Sweet by Peter Oxendale. 2 Shoplifting by Anthony Bash. Directed by Adrian Cooper. Casts: 1 with Basil Moss, Jonathan Elsom, John Carlin and Bill Meilen. 2 With Carolyn Moody, John Carlin and Peter MacKriel.
May 2nd 1967: 1 I Say James by Gordon Hay. 2 The Geranium Boy by Lynn Martin. Directed by Fred Sadoff. Casts: James Cossins, Ann Castle and Alan Wade. In story 1 only, also appearing were Pamela Strong, Anthony Howard and Julian Orchard.
May 9th 1967: 1 A Question of Moral Values by Form 4L1 Plant Hill Comprehensive School Blackley. 2 To Sleep, perchance to Dream by Theresa Flynn. Directed by Fred Sadoff. Cast: Jessie Evans, David Kelsey, Dorothy Reynolds, Annette Robertson, John Garrie (story 1 only), Darryl Read (2 only).
May 16th 1967: 1 The Escape by John O'Hannon. 2 Death Sentence by Christopher Morray-Jones. Directed by Vic Hughes. Casts: 1 Ken Parry (Mumsey), Larry Noble (Weasel), William Kendall (Head warder), Michael Balfour (Warder), and Peter Bayliss (Visitor). 2 Richard O'Callaghan as Youth, William Kendall as Judge.
May 23rd 1967: 1 The White Christ by Angela Simmons. 2 The Freeze Man by Richard Wood Smith. Directed by Fred Sadoff. Cast: Donald Eccles, Paul Williamson, Derren Nesbitt, Bruce Purchase, Michael Ripper. Also Christopher Matthews (story 1 only).
May 30th 1967: 1 The Mind of Man by Margaret Eldridge and Jacqueline Pragnell. 2 Poetic Justice. Directed by Vic Hughes. With Tim Brooke-Taylor (as 1 Mr Hogarth, 2 Fred), Beatty Walters, Aubrey Morris, John Blythe, Hazel Hughes and Dudley Jones.
June 13th 1967: 1 The Dim by Janet Ward. 2 Eight Minutes to Go by JS White. Directed by Fred Sadoff. Cast: Peter Eyre, Allan Cuthbertson, Jack Smethurst, Valerie Taylor, Frances Cuka, also Pippa Lowe (1) and Clifford Earl (2).
June 20th 1967: 1 The Masterpiece by David Hardie. 2 To an Audience of Cork-Lined Ears by Robert Mason. Directed by Peter Croft. Cast: Sydney Tafler, Kynaston Reeves, Rosamund Greenwood and Henry Soskin. Also Aimi MacDonald (in 1) and Michael Rothwell (2).

To Children's Menu

.

.

.

.

.

.

THE HANDY GANG (A-R) ('Odd Men for Odd Jobs')
Written by David Edwards and Johnny Hutch. Norman Murray also helped on some stories. Directed by Pat Baker (nos 1-3), Harry Sloan (4-9), J Murray Ashford (10-13). The stars were: Johnny Hutch as Johnny, Dave Jackley as Dave and Bob Bryan as Tiny. Co-starring Freddie Foss as Mr Arkingshaw (stories 1-7) or Reginald Marsh as The Colonel (8-13).
1 May 3rd 1963 The Inspection. Dave and Johnny prepare for an inspection by the manager, Arkingshaw, of their work at the block of flats. Their friend Tiny doesn't help matters.
2- May 10th 1963 The Distempered Soprano. With Dorothea Phillips as Madame Coloratura. The Handy Gang, in an effort to please Mr Arkingshaw, take on an unusual decorating job.
3- May 17th 1963 In the Soup. Arkingshaw is short of staff and the Handy gang manage to talk him into letting them run the restaurant in his block of flats.
4- May 24th 1963 Window Cleaners. The Handy Gang are involved in a crash programme to get the windows cleaned for Arkingshaw.
5- May 31st 1963 Clean Sweep. Mr Arkingshaw soon realises his mistake when he asks the Gang to make a clean sweep.
6- June 7th 1963 Too Many Cooks. The Gang discover that many hands do not always make light work.
7- June 14th 1963 Danger Gang at Work. The Gang attempts a simple repair job with riotous results.
8- June 21st 1963 A Close Shave. The Gang take over the hairdressing salon- and the Colonel has great difficulty keeping his hair on.
9- June 28th 1963 Green Gingers- Red Faces. Everything in the garden is not quite so rosy when the Gang help the Colonel to weed his prize blooms.
10- July 5th 1963 Fire! Fire! The Gang practise their fire drill and first aid, but in the end it is they who need rescuing from the Colonel.
11- July 12th 1963 Old Crocks. The Gang have a smashing time when the Colonel orders them to help with stock-taking.
12- July 19th 1963 Danger! Gang at Work. The Gang try their hand at building and manage to drop quite a few bricks.
13- July 26th 1963 (final story) Uncertain Curtain. The Gang volunteers to put on a show for some Very Important Persons, but soon discover that practice does not always make perfect.

To Children's Menu

.

.

.

.

.

.

Emerald Soup

A serial for children from ABC TV.
Script: Martin Woodhouse. Director: Bill Bain
Starring: Jessica Spencer as Jessica Maxwell, and William Dexter as John Maxwell, with
Janina Faye as Jo Maxwell, Karl Lanchbury as Gally Lloyd, and Gregory Philips as Tim Maxwell.

I think this was the last of ABC's children's serials.
Details of some of the stories
Episode 1 (Sat Nov 9th 1963 5.15pm.)
In the Maxwell laboratory an exciting experiment is under way, but unexpected results occur. The children discover that mysterious parties are interested. Also with Annette Andre... Penny Dalton, Michael Bangerter... Poynter, Ethel Gabriel... Mrs Evans, Allan McClelland... Gaunt, Fredric Abbott... Lee, Blake Butler... Pascoe
Episode 3 (Sat Nov 23rd 1963) - on the 'other side' at 5.15 a new series began.... Dr Who!
Episode 5 (Sat Dec 7th 1963)
The Gaunt gang make final preparations for leaving the country with stolen samples. Their plans are unexpectedly upset. Also with Allan McClelland, Fredric Abbott, Blake Butler, Michael Bangerter, Annette Andre, Ethel Gabriel and Robert Sansom... Chorley
Final Episode (Dec 21st 1963)
John sets out to discover what caused the explosion in his laboratory. What can the children do to recover the stolen samples, or is this the end of project Emerald Soup? Also with Michael Bangerter, Annette Andre, Ethel Gabriel, Allan McClelland, Fredric Abbott, Blake Butler.

To Children's Menu

.

.

.

.

.

.

THE LITTLE SHIP (1960)
The Little Ship is the name of a model made in 1600 by Giles Kendall (Jimmy Ray) of his dad's ship The Phoenix.
The serial is about this boy, who is searching in Southwark for news of his father when he meets the wily Dr Pietro, an alchemist (Peter Collingwood). Giles rescues the tough Sam Gilburne (Colin Wall) in a fight and Sam, a young actor, takes a liking for Giles, showing him round The Globe Theatre. There he meets actor Richard Burbage (Nicholas Brady), and Robin Goffe (John Forrest) a handsome actor in love with Pietro's stepdaughter Elizabeth (Shan Lawson). Stagekeeper Jenkin (Martin Wyldeck) engages the lad to help with the props.
Script: Joy Thwaytes, Director: John Rhodes.
Others in each week's cast: Kenneth Adams and Neville Jason.
1 The Alchemist, January 5th 1960 also with Steven Scott.
2 The Rivals, January 12th 1960.
3 Secret of the Phoenix, January 19th 1960, plus Eric Dodson as Master Will.
4 Conspiracy, Jan 26th 1960, plus Eric Dodson and Edward Harvey.
5 Trapped! Feb 2nd 1960.
6 The Phoenix, Feb 9th 1960, same cast plus Edward Rees and John Kidd.

To Children's Menu

.

.

.

.

.

.

Peril in the Air
(ATV, Thursdays 5pm, commencing December 20th 1956).

A serial in four parts with Maurice Lane as Michael Williams, Malcolm Kirby as Roger Williams, Vernon Morris as Peter Blackett, Betty Henderson as Mrs Makenzie (not #4), John Brooking as Wing-Cdr Marten, Geoffrey Lewis as Flt-Sgt Bradshaw, and Paul Hardtmuth as Franz Schulter.
Script: David Carr. Director: Antony Keary.

Episode 1 (Dec 20th 1956)
2: Discovery (Dec 27th 1956). Mike Roger and Peter discover that the airfield is not deserted but is being used for secret tests.
3 (Jan 3rd 1957). The boys are certain that Schulter, the missing rocket scientist, is somehow involved in the events at the airfield, but they fail to convince the authorities and so decide to take a hand themselves.
4: Flight into Danger (Jan 10th 1957). In a desperate attempt to prevent Franz Schulter from leaving the country, the boys are caught and taken off in the plane with him on a flight into danger.

Children's Menu of Lost Dinosaur TV

.

.

.

.

.

.

THE SKEWBALD (A-R)
Script: Jean McConnell. Director David Gardiner. Tuesdays 5.25pm.
The story of Penny (16 year old Maris Tant) who has always been afraid of horses. She befriends a horse (real name Sixpence) nervous as it had been mistreated. She feels an outsider among other riders, but soon she finds herself competing with her nemesis Eva (Jenny Russell). Other regulars were Derek Needs as Timothy and Margaret Denyer as Mrs Anderson.
1 Odd One Out June 27th 1961. This year, Penny's holidays are to be spent with strangers whose lives revolve around horses. But though she is scared of these terrifying animals, she makes an unexpected friend.
2 First Foot Wrong July 4th 1961. Penny meets a new friend Yvonne (Maureen Davis) at a gymkhana. There's trouble when she causes Eva to miss a major event.
3 Penny and Sixpence July 11th 1961. Penny takes drastic steps not to lose the Skewbald, but Eva ruins her plans. Rosemary Nicols appears as Wendy.
4 A Strange Success July 18th 1961. Penny faces a strange accusation.
5 Surprise Encounters July 25th 1961. Penny finds there might be some truth in Eva's tale of ghosts at Brattles Grange. With Dermot Kelly as Phizachaly.
6 Sevenpenny Victory Aug 1st 1961. With Dermot Kelly. With the help of Sixpence, Penny finally challenges Eva on her own ground.

To Children's Menu

.

.

.

.

.

.

FRANCIS STORM INVESTIGATES
A-R Tuesdays 5.25pm (30 minutes)
starring Brian Worth as Francis Storm, a 'Professional Investigator of the Unusual.' His office is in a mews flat in cobbled Kensington Palace Close. He has three helpers- his personal assistant, 17 year old Robin (William Simons), 18 year old Penelope 'Penny' Worth (Sarah Long), and handyman 04129 Sgt Pilcher (Robin Wentworth).
Scripts were by Peter Elliott Hayes. The Director was Grahame Turner for all stories except for story 2, which was Jim Pople.

There were only six stories, which were:
1 The Black Mermaid, March 1st 1960. Cast also included: Robert Raglan, Richard Vernon, Bruce Seton.
2 The Clock That Struck Thirteen, March 8th 1960, with Bartlett Mullins, Peter Swanwick, Elsie Wagstaff, Carmel McSherry, Anthony Sagar.
3 The House in the Fog, March 15th 1960, with John Laurie as Colonel Monckton.
4 The Trail of the Spaniard, March 22nd 1960, with Charles Carson.
5 The Vengeance of Colonel Sartory, March 29th 1960, with Ian Fleming, Kynaston Reeves as Col Sartory.
6 The Sealed Room, April 5th 1960, with Ronald Ibbs.

To Children's Menu

.

.

.

.

.

.

A Rediffusion children's serial from 1964:

MIKE
In the title role was Denis Gilmore (the former star of the William tv series). Script: Dickens Crouch. Director: Bob Gray.
Regulars in the cast: Laurie Heath as Pete, Leslie Hart as Alfie, Billy Hamon (earlier in A-R's Smugglers' Cave) as Joey, Deborah Cranston as Kate. With Sheila Shand Gibbs as mum (Edna), Geoffrey Matthews as dad (Jim Willis) and John Barrard (Ron Coggins).

Part 1: A Black Wash-Out, Sept 29th 1964. With Edward Evans as Mr Godfrey. Mike decides to help his dad by inventing something new for the building trade.
Part 2: A Night to Remember, Oct 6th 1964. In spite of Mike's efforts to help, mum and dad eventually get to go out for the evening.
Part 3: Oct 13th 1964.
Part 4: The Spirit of Flung Tu Lo, Oct 20th 1964. With Damaris Hayman as Aunt Jemima. Mike ventures into the realms of hynoptism, and brings a taste of the Mysterious East into Stilton Street.
Part 5: Oil... Black Gold! Oct 27th 1964. With Archie Duncan as Mr Paterson. Mike trains Joey for athletic laurels, leading to trouble with a different plant.
Part 6: One Swallow Does Not a Summer Make, Nov 3rd 1964. An artistic and cultured peace descends on Stilton Street- for a while
Part 7: The Return of Stockpot Johnson, Nov 10th 1964. With Geoffrey Hibbert as Stockpot. There is a hint of magic in the disappearance of the entries for the local baking contest.
Part 8: The Quiet Little Restaurant, Nov 17th 1964. With Peter Swanwick as Jocelyn Waterberry. In order to help Kate, the boys enter the world of good food and ladies' fashions.
Part 9: What a Motley Lot, Nov 24th 1964. With John Wentworth. In which the gang prove the play's the thing with a vengeance.
Part 10: It's a Good Job Dummies Can't Speak, Dec 1st 1964. With Barbara Hicks as Lady Springup. The gang goes to Ron's rescue with some very strange allies.
Part 11: From Berlin with Love, Dec 8th 1964. With Brian Hawksley. Mike and his friends set out to prove that the age of chivalry is not past.
Part 12: How to Get in a Pickle Without Really Trying, Dec 15th 1964. With Michael Balfour as Squeaky Jenkins, and Stewart Guidotti. A monetary misfortune leads Mike and his friends into a misguided commercial enterprise.
Part 13: The Big Beat Contest, Dec 22nd 1964. With Stewart Guidotti as Billy Elkes. Alfie, aided by the rest, discovers that it takes more than music to soothe a savage beast.

To Children's Menu

.

.

.

.

.


The first children's serial proper from A-R for over a year was

BADGER'S BEND (subtitle: The Animal Hotel)
screened Fridays 5pm to 5.25pm starting at the beginning of 1963 (A-R)
Script: Suzanne Gibbs from a story by John Rhodes. Director: Adrian Brown.
The regular members of the cast were: Malcolm Patton as Tim Cordon, Gay Emma as Betsy Alder, Geoffrey Russell and Pamela Putchford as Mr and Mrs Cordon, James Ward as Mr Francis, a vet, and Rosemary Nicols as Sheila Dicken.

I only have details of these stories (if you can add any information your help will be gratefully received):
1: Jan 4th 1963. Because of his father's illness, Tim moves from London to the country, where he first meets his next door neighbour Betsy who has a smallholding with lots of small animals. He invites her to tea and meets the local vet. (No Rosemary Nichols).
6: Feb 8th 1963. The Animal Hotel's first guests leave rather abruptly but Tim finds something to take their place when he goes to Lapton. While he is helping at Mr Francis' surgery there is an emergency call for the vet who also asks Tim to go with him and assist. With Kenneth Nash as Joe, Stephen Hancock as Mr Price.
7: Feb 15th 1963. Tim goes on a rescue mission with Mr Francis and Sheila and helps to bring a casualty back to the surgery. Later, the vet brings some sad news but also a wonderful present for Tim.
8: Feb 22nd 1963. Two new guests arrive at the Animal Hotel. One is quiet and looks likely to settle down without trouble, but the other gives the impression of being spoiled and temperamental.
11: Mar 15th 1963. Betsy's Uncle Fred (Anthony Howard) is giving her a pony for her birthday and Mr Francis inspects it carefully before the purchase is made. Tim decides on his present for Betsy and an unexpected guest arrives at his hotel.
12: Mar 22nd 1963. Tim makes a new acquaintance at the vet's surgery, and learns some interesting things about monkeys. He hears that a new pet is on its way to him from Yorkshire, but on arrival it turns out to be an unwelcome guest.
13: Mar 29th 1963. Tim poodle-sits and has a more exciting evening than he expects.
15: Apr 12th 1963 (Good Friday). Stories now directed by Eric Croall. Tim makes the acquaintance of a conjuror called Manverdi (Rick Jones) and gets the chance of taking his parents to the theatre. He and Betsy go for a picnic and find themselves involved in an unexpected adventure.
17: Apr 26th 1963. In the last story, Mr Francis investigates the injuries in Badger's paw and Tim and Betsy visit Lapton Cattle Market. Tim finds his hotel so prosperous that he has no room for further guests.

The series proved so popular it returned in the autumn:
Badger's Bend (The Animal Hotel)
screened Tuesdays 5.25pm to 5.55pm.
Script: Jeremy Kingston from a story by John Rhodes. Director: Marc Miller. (Except 2:10, directed by Bob Gray.)
Gay Emma returned as Betsy Alder.
With Kenneth Nash as Oliver Crossley, plus Margaret John as Aunt Madge and Philip Stone as Uncle Steve.
2:1 October 1st 1963. Betsy goes to stay with her aunt and uncle by the sea and meets a new friend.
2.3 Ocrober 15th 1963. With Geraldine Moffat and George Roubicek.
2:4 October 22nd 1963. With Geraldine Moffat and George Roubicek
2:5 October 29th 1963. With Geraldine Moffat, George Roubicek, Frank Williams and Roy Holder.
2:6 November 5th 1963. Same cast plus Betty Huntley-Wright as Mrs Bravington.
2:7 November 12th 1963. With Geraldine Moffat, George Roubicek, Betty Huntley-Wright, Peter Bayliss, Peggy Thorpe-Bates.
2:10 December 3rd 1963. With Geraldine Moffat, George Roubicek, Mary Kenton, Caroline Sheldon and Ivor Salter.
2:12 (final story) December 17th 1963. With Geraldine Moffat, George Roubicek, Jonathan Collins, and Archie Duncan as Capt Cusack.

Badger's Bend (The Animal Hotel)
screened Tuesdays 5.25pm to 5.55pm. Script now by Suzanne Gibbs again, directed by Bob Gray. With Gay Emma and Kenneth Nash. and Hugh Janes as Dave Banks. Also: James Ward as John Francis, Michael Beint as Mr Alder, and Jean Alexander as Mrs Alder
3:3 January 14th 1964. With David Garth as Lord Willshaw. Ocky returns to Alemouth- Betsy and Dave prepare for new adventures.
3:4 January 21st 1964. With Margaret McCourt as Irene Palmer, Richard Wilding as Mr Ramsden. Betsy meets the new vet assistant. A mystery meeting and a case of mistaken identity almost have unfortunate results.
3:5 January 28th 1964. With Margaret McCourt, Pip Rolls as Neal Brody, Amy Dalby as Mrs Russell. Betsy and David have an eventful picnic on the river bank and David receives an unexpected present.
3:7 February 11th 1964. With Margaret McCourt, Brian Hewlett as Charles Holmes and John Scott as Henry Maxwell. David and Betsy find a stray alsatian, and when nobody claims the dog, David has high hopes of being able to keep him.
3:8 February 18th 1964. With Margaret McCourt, Hugh Cross as Insp Todd and Doris Hare as Mrs Hayden. David has a big surprise, and Mr Francis helps to investigate a suspected case of cruelty to an animal.
3:9 (final story) February 25th 1964.
After 38 stories, the series with Gay Emma finally ended. It was the second longest running children's drama series the Associated Rediffusion company made.
To ITV
Children's Menu

.

.

.

.

.

Danger Island (A 1967 Southern TV children's serial in 6 parts)
The tale of a twelve year old boy, holidaying on a Mediteranean island, who overhears two sinister men plotting to assasinate their country's ruler.
Script: John Gray Music: Ron Grainer Director: John Brayburn
The regular cast were
Mervyn Joseph as Nicholas
Robert Gillespie... Jose Sirena
Garard Green... Father
Pearl Hackney... Mother
Norman Mitchell... Augustus Jones
Araby Lockhart... Mrs Ridout
Nicholas Smith... Sgt Marena
Linda Marlowe... Helga (not episode 4)
Bruno Barnabe... Insp Molina
Neville Barber... Major Herve de Sang
and Eric Barker as The President (stories 2 to 6)

Here are details of the individual episodes of Danger Island :
1 The Conspirators
Thursday July 6th 1967 5.25pm
Nicholas hears more than is good for him.
also with Antonia Pemberton... Anna

2 The Holiday Continues
Thursday July 13th 1967
Nicholas is on the run, not only from his parents, but the police.
Also in this cast:
Ian Ricketts... Garage owner
Jean Marlow... Margaret Gonzales
Steve Arneil... Miguel
Hugh Futcher... Porter
Christopher Wray... 'Maria' engineer
and Antonia Pemberton.

3 Help Wanted
Thursday July 20th 1967
At last Nicholas has found an ally, but is he much help?
with Jean Marlow, Steve Arneil, Antonia Pemberton and Anthony Eady as a soldier.

4 Captured
Thursday July 27th 1967
The President has arrived. Can Nicholas and Augustus do anything to save him?
with Jean Marlow.

5 The Assassin
Thursday August 3rd 1967
Father is asked to use his imagination and pretend he is wrong!
with Jean Marlow.

6 All at Sea
Thursday August 10th 1967
Augustus finds himself in deep water.
with Jean Marlow and Robin Fletcher as a messenger.

To Children's Menu . . . Missing Menu

.

.

.

.

.

.



Suggestion of Sabotage
(an ATV serial in in three parts)
Script: Michael Bancroft. Producer: Cecil Petty.
Cast: Oliver Johnston as Sir Edward Rigby, Larry Burns as McCabe, Geoffrey Matthews as Jim Granville, Audrey Nicholson as Carol Stokes, Mavis Ranson as Penny, and Hennie Scott as Peter.

1 Start of Suspicion
Sunday June 4th 1961 4.50pm
Jim Granville's trials of his pilotless aircraft are meeting with disaster. The first two flights have ended with the planes crashing in the air. Then his son Peter suggests it might have been sabotage.
2 The Trap Closes
Sunday June 11th 1961
Jim Granville, with his children Penny and Peter, and his technical assistant Carol are visiting his old chief Sir Edward Rigby, at Borhurst Castle. Jim's invention of radio controlled aircraft is being sabotaged, and he asks Sir Edward's advice, not knowing that his old chief is the saboteur.
3 Failure or Success?
Sunday June 18th 1961
Sir Edward and McCabe are preparing to crash Jim Granville's third plane. Carol Peter and Penny have been locked up by McCabe and must escape to tell Jim what Sir Edward is doing.

To Children's Menu
Missing Menu

To Children's Menu

.

.

.

.

.

.

Formula for Danger (ATV)
March-April 1960.
Script: Vivian Milroy. Producer: Cecil Petty.
Stars: John Carson as Landauer (stories 1, 2, and 4 only) and
Gene Anderson as Nina Sjapary (stories 2 to 7)
with the three kids, Joseph Cuby, David Langford and Jeanette Bradbury.
A boy escapes from Ostonia with the secret formula developed by his scientist father. This formula enables ordinary water to burn! The authoress produced a new language called Ostonian for the programme, a mix, she said, of Russian, Swedish, and German.
Episode details-

1 A Red Dawn Tomorrow
Sunday March 6th 1960 5.15-5.45pm.
Synopsis: It's 1959. Under the shadow of tyranny, leading scientist Otto Stahl is working on his top secret formula, code number 987. Can he and his son prevent it from falling into enemy hands? With Stratford Johns as Otto Stahl, and Janek Smigielski, Irene Sutcliffe, John Abineri as Malovicz, Donald Tandy, John Ringham, Ronald Harwood, Malcolm Ranson as Titch, John Adan as Jonah, and Kenneth Watson as Mr Winston.

2 The Ostonian Lecture
Sunday March 13th 1960
Synopsis: Why has Landauer come to England? Is Nina Sjapary, the Hungarian schoolmistress, anything more than a teacher? Erik's father has said Trust Nobody. With John Abineri, Malcolm Ranson, John Adan, and Kenneth Watson.

3 An Interview with the Press
Sunday March 20th 1960
Synopsis: The formula has now been successfully demonstrated. But how do the Press get to hear of it? With John Adan, Kenneth Watson, William Forbes, Larry Burns and Robert James.

4 Big Business and Shady Business
Sunday March 27th 1960
Synopsis: A message is pinned to the school notice board. Who has put it there, and what does it mean? With John Adan, Kenneth Watson, William Forbes, Larry Burns, Robert James, Peter Stephens, John Abineri, James Donnelly, Irene Sutcliffe, Ronald Harwood, and Malcolm Ranson.

5 A Face At the Window
Sunday April 3rd 1960
Synopsis: Erik has disappeared. Why is Petersen so keen to find him?
With John Adan, Kenneth Watson, William Forbes, Larry Burns, Robert James, Peter Stephens, John Abineri, Irene Sutcliffe, Ronald Harwood, and Malcolm Ranson.

6 Pat the Accuser
Sunday April 10th 1960
Synopsis: How much does Nina know about Erik's disappearance?
With James Donnelly, Kenneth Watson, William Forbes, Larry Burns, Peter Stephens, and Irene Sutcliffe.

7 An Experiment with Danger
Easter Sunday April 17th 1960
Synopsis: Malovicz has followed Roger and Pat to the school. What is waiting for them there?
With John Abineri, James Donnelly Kenneth Watson, William Forbes, Larry Burns, Peter Stephens, and Ronald Harwood.

To the sequel, Mill of Secrets . . . . to Children's Menu

.

.

.

.

.

.

Mill of Secrets (ATV) was a 1960 sequel to Formula for Danger,
with David Langford as Simon and Jeanette Bradbury as Amanda, returning. They go on holiday with Aunt Joanne (Gene Anderson again) and meet a boy from down under, Claude 'Snow' Nolan, played by Sean Scully, his first tv role.
The story is about Tom Briereley (Ken Watson again) and his rival the mysterious Douglas Wallace (Glyn Houston), who are out to learn the secret of an old barn. Buried underneath it is an old mill.
Script: Diana K Watson and Peter Johnston. Producer: Cecil Petty.

Episode details: 1 The Auction
Sunday June 5th 1960 5.15pm
Synopsis: Simon and Amanda's holiday in Kent with their Aunt Jo becomes a thrilling adventure when they make a startling discovery in an old barn. They are digging for the remains of a seventeenth century watermill, but find more than they bargained for.
Also in this cast are
John Ringham... Auctioneer. Nicholas Grimshaw... Farmer
2 The Secret of The Golden Horn
Sunday June 12th 1960
Digging in the old barn, Jo and the children have found a golden horn. They meet Mr Wallace again, and find out what the horn contains.
3 Mr Wallace Shows his Hand
Sunday June 19th 1960
Simon and Mandy, disgruntled by the loss of the map showing the site of the Plague Pit, are photographing the golden horn. Snow and Auntie Jo get trapped by the collapse of the old water wheel. And why is Tom Briereley acting in such a peculiar fashion?
4 A Headache for Mr Briereley
Sunday June 26th 1960
Mandy and Simon have found that map which Mr Briereley had told them had disintegrated, is still in existence. In the underground room that Snow and Auntie Jo have discovered, Snow finds himself alone. Auntie Jo has disappeared.
5 Jo gets Down to Business
Sunday July 3rd 1960
Simon, having found the missing book, returns it to Wallace. But Snow, infuriated that his discovery has been given away so easily, snatches it away and runs. Cornered by Wallace, he throws it into the lion's cage.
with Rex Graham... Percy Clements
6 final episode
Sunday July 10th 1960 anyone know how it finished?
To Lost Menu . . . to Children's Menu

.

.

.

.

.

.

THE ROVING REASONS (1960, Associated Rediffusion)
This 1960 serial written by Peter Ling (the first story is also credited to Allan McLelland) was shown on Fridays at 5pm
Each 25 minute story starred Noelle Middleton as Mary Reason, Charles Morgan as her husband Simon, a roving reporter on The Daily Post, with young Cavan Kendall as 16 year old Jonathan Reason, who has just sat his GCEs. Cavan said that he enjoyed location shooting on "a flying visit" to Italy, Sicily and Malta.
The only other regular in the series was Gerald Andersen as foreign editor John Boult.
The directors were: odd numbered episodes Prudence Nesbitt. Even numbered episodes: Jim Pople.

The stories were:
1 (Friday 1st April) The Dublin Double, with Tony Quinn, Mignon O'Doherty, Sheila Ward, Anthony Wilson, Declan Harvey.
2 (Friday 8th April) with Steve Plytas, Edward Rhodes, Arthur Gross, Jane Lamb, Nicholas Brady. Episode title not stated, but set in Holland.
3 (Good Friday 15th April) The Civil Sevillian with Graydon Gould, Laurence Payne, Jill Booty, Carter Douglas, Michael da Costa.
4 (Friday 22nd April) The Maltese Malefactor.
5 (Friday 29th April) The Oslo Ostler with Olaf Pooley, Milo Sperber, Dixon Adams, Graham Carnow- the family are now in Norway.
6 (Friday 6th May) The Neat Neapolitan with Alexander Archdale, Rashid Karaplet.
7 (Friday 13th May) The Paris Parasol with Terence Soall, Daniel Thorndike, Carlos Douglas.
8 (Friday 20th May) The Catanian Catastrophe with Nicholas Amer, Steven Scott, Amanda Grinting - in Sicily.
9 (Friday 27th May) The Salzburg Salesman with David Lander, Murray Yeo, Gisela Birke, Bernard Kay.
10 (Friday 3rd June) The Gibbering Gibraltarian with Donald Hewlett, Norman Mitchell, Tony Hilton, Arnold Yarrow.
11 (Friday 10th June) The Copenhagen Copperplate with Elizabeth Hart, Tony Bateman, John Gatrell, Miranda Connell.
12 (Friday 17th June) The Athenian Athlete with Andre Charles, David Cole, Jacqueline Henry, Robert James.
13 (Friday 24th June) The London Lunch Basket- The family have completed their roving assignment and find one further adventure on their London doorstep.
To
Children's Menu

.

.

.

.

.

.

Joan and Leslie
ITV's first home grown domestic situation comedy starred Leslie Randall and his wife Joan Reynolds.
It began on Sunday afternoon, October 2nd 1955 as a fortnightly 15 minute series. It was called Leslie Randall Entertains and was produced by Bill Ward, directed by Dicky Leeman. It ran until April 1956. By this date, ATV had now begun in the Midlands, and the programme was doubled in length that summer, retitled Joan and Leslie, and shown on Tuesdays at 9pm. Harry Towb and Noel Dyson were regular supporting stars. However, an early networking impasse resulted in London viewers no longer seeing the programme they had helped to popularise! But the husband and wife team just had to return, and were offered a £7,000 annual contract for a new networked series starting in September 1956 on Mondays at 8.30pm. This was scripted alternate weeks by Gerald Kelsey and Dick Sharples, and the next week by John Law and Bill Craig. The producer was Hugh Rennie.
The long run of weekly shows ended on Whit Monday June 10th 1957. But the same cast with Joan and Leslie now on a reported £12,000 annual contract, returned for a final series, again on Mondays at 8.30pm in December 1957, though it moved to Wednesdays for the last few shows in March 1958. Retitled The Randall Touch, Joan and Leslie returned during summer 1958, with the same scriptwriters alternating. That was the end of their tv series, and talk of a film never materialised. It's difficult for us today to realise their popularity, a kind of English version of I Love Lucy, though Joan claimed, "it's unfair to compare us with that show. We're completely different. Wheareas Ricky is a foil for Lucy, I'm a foil for Leslie."

Joan and Leslie returned during the 1960's for the long running Fairy Snow commercials, and made a final series of 13 programmes of Joan and Leslie in Australia at the end of 1969.
Note- regrettably TV Times never mentioned any supporting actors in this show (apart from regulars Harry Towb and Noel Dyson), but the programme on Feb 25th 1957 did also include Bill Shine and Gerton Klauber. The April 8th 1957 show was "cancelled" as Leslie Randall had contracted mumps (Harry Towb had missed the previous two shows with the same complaint).

To 'Missing' Menu

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.


Mary Britten MD.
This was a brave bid by a regional company to break into the ITV network. Southern TV soon learned the hard facts of life.
Starring Brenda Bruce in the title role
with Ronald Howard as her husband Stephen Britten.
Also in most of the stories were Henry Vidon (Dr Bishop), Olive Milbourne (Miss Wicker), Jessica Spencer (Miss Jackson), James Raglan (Walter Davis), and Bernard Archard (Councillor Pyke). Gillian Lind (Winnie Bishop) was a regular also, until she fell ill and missed the final programmes.
The opening scene showed a scene on the footpath by the river at Winchester.

1 Opening story- Home
Saturday 13th September 1958 6.30pm

2 Like a House on Fire
Sat 20th September 1958. Mary Britten is trying to settle in to domestic life. Stephen her husband finds having two doctors under one roof spells trouble. With Coral Fairweather (Mrs Wigg).

3 A Day's Fishing
Sat 27th September 1958, with Irene Handl as Mrs Levy, plus: George Dudley as 'Bandages,' Humphrey Heathcote as Bar customer, Ruth Kettlewell... First neighbour, Henrietta Russell... Second neighbour, Ronald Cardew... Old soldier, and Basil Beale... Police constable.

4 The Imperfect Secretary
October 4th 1958: Stephen discovers that even the best of intentions can be misconstrued. And Mary shows how medical advice need not be confined to the sick. With Jemma Hyde as Julia Haynes, Violet Gould as Mrs Pink.

5 The Wrecker
October 11th 1958: with Humphery Heath, Peter Vaughan and Margaret Long.

6 The Man from the Sea
Sat 18th October 1958: Although Mary is doing her best not to practise as a doctor, an occasion arises when she has to fight to keep an unexpected patient, and this time Stephen agrees. Also in cast: Murray Hayne... Ian, Alexis Chesnaker... Marinu, Edward Kelsey... Aleko, and Ian Macnaughton... Mr Fraser.

7 The Brothers
Sat 25th October 1958: Mystery surrounds David, one of Stephen's first-term pupils, when he is sent home from school. Mary investigates, but the question is eventually solved by a surprise visitor to Dr Bishop's house. With Richard O'Sullivan as David/ Jimmy, plus John Symonds... Pyke Jr, Elsie Wagstaff... Granny, and Robert Crewdson... Bar customer (also in next story).

8 The Wanderers
1st November 1958: with Angela Owen, David Franks, Ann Cooke, Celia Hewitt and Robert Crewdson.

9 Bonfire Night
8th November 1958: Dr Mary Britten MD, who for reasons of health is helping her husband with his work, unearths a Guy Fawkes plot. Also in the cast: Hal Osmond as Fred.

10 English Without Tears
15th November 1958: with John Symonds and Christopher Hey.

11 The Doctor in the Dark
Sat 22nd November 1958: Mary helps Dr Bishop to see things clearly- and he knows what he has to do. With Nancy Roberts... Grannie, Sheelah Wilcocks... Mrs Bates, Frazer Hines... Geoff Bates, Donald Finlay... First chemist, and Geoffrey Goldsmith... Second chemist.

12 A Partner From The Past
This was the final episode to be fully networked, and was shown on Saturday 29th November 1958. With Neil Hallett and Susan Maryott.
ABC replaced it the following week with their own drama All Aboard, and this really sounded the death knell for the programme. However it did continue on Southern TV and in some other regions.

The very last story was number 19, and was shown on 17th January 1959. A report in the trade press announced that "after nineteen weeks Southern TV is to drop its weekly serial. It was one of the first local stations to network a programme from the beginning of its existence." Maybe it was the last.

Thanks to Keith Campbell for some of this data. If you can add any further details, your help will be acknowledged.
Return to
Missing TV Menu

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Some Abortive Series
Some interesting projected series that never made it into production. Can you add any data?
Ali Baba or Arabian Nights, planned as early as 1956 by the Danzigers, was finally scheduled for filming in 1962, but was stillborn when the studios were closed. Rumours suggested Daniel Massey would have been the star. Max Varnel said he directed some sequences, presumably location scenes.
A1 at Lloyds - This troubled project was first mooted in 1957 and finally scheduled for starting filming on 6th July 1959. But delays pushed this date back until September. Producer was James Swan, associate producer: Jesse Corallo, script editor: Doreen Montgomery, script for pilot by Leigh Vance, and it was to be made by Sydney Box Productions, part of the Rank Organisation. When Sydney Box suffered a stroke and had to retire from the business, the writing was on the wall for this projected series in October 1959. As far as I can ascertain, no complete episodes were ever finished.
The Lives of Frankenstein - This 39 part series was announced at the start of 1958, with Anton Diffring in the lead. The first episode was to have been made in Hollywood, the remainder in Bray Studios. Was anything ever made?
Continental Patrol - Broderick Crawford, star of the long running and successful Highway Patrol, came to London in the summer of 1959 to drum up support for an international version of his popular American series. John Nasht, an experienced European Producer (Orient Express etc) was booked as the producer, and a provisional starting date for filming at Pinewood was scheduled for 16 November that year. As however this was to be another Sydney Box production, the plan collapsed when Mr Box fell ill.
A Man of the World - Ubangi Film Productions were formed by Dan Jackson and Russell Enoch (aka William Russell) and in January 1959 a report stated "the pilot is being made in Naples now. Balbina, Russell's pretty French actress wife, will be in it too."
It's not known if this pilot was ever completed. Russell stated his idea was to sell it to the BBC.
Staircase 13 - ABC (Midlands/The North) were said to be in discussion with Alastair Sim over a series of this name during the summer of 1959. What a pity that it never came to anything!
Women in Love - Sapphire Films planned to make this series in the autumn of 1959 following on from their ambitious The Four Just Men. Whether this latter series was less of a financial success than expected I don't know. What is certain is that this project, Women in Love, was abandoned. Basil Appleby was casting director. Louis Marks was Script Editor and Marc Brandel definitely wrote a script for the proposed programme. According to a report in August that year, Sapphire had already got "several completed scripts." Production had been tentatively scheduled to start in November 1959 at Walton Studios. Sapphire had planned two other series at this time, but both seem to have fallen through and made less progress than Women in Love. The series were 'Stingaree' to be made on location in Australia, and 'Underground,' the theme being the French Resistance in the last war. (Whether these two bore any relation at all to Whiplash and Sword in the Web respectively, anyone know?) But The Four Just Men was Sapphire's last film series, and the company eventually decided to cease production in favour of starting a writing school for aspiring writers
Soho - starring Richard Basehart. Following on from the success of his long running series, this was the proposed title for a new series from Douglas Fairbanks Jr. In an interview, he stated he was starting negotiations in January 1960. Unlike his earlier marathon series this never got going.
The Rolling Stones
This 1960 six part ABC series was scheduled to start on Saturday January 23rd 1960. The stars were Barbara Kelly and Bernard Braden, along with their children Chris and Kelly Braden.
The story was based around father Sandy Stone, a maker of film travelogues, his family helping him shoot them in various spots around the world. Based in London, he might be phoned by his New York boss to go anywhere in the world. He takes his family with him, only leaving behind Kim his youngest at school.
The first scripts were by Tom Espie and Stanley Myers. Incidental music was written by Paddy Roberts. The producer was Anthony Finigan.
But the series was never shown, the quiz For Love of Money replaced it. Why? ABC stated the show "was not quite what they expected." Another reason offered was that the programmes had not yet been recorded! Another that Braden had to fly urgently back to his home country of Canada in connection with a television station there. However the truth emerged that summer when ABC admitted the the scripts "were found to be unsatisfactory," although two episodes had been taped. Braden said, "one good thing is that The Rolling Stones will be definitely gathering moss. None of us were happy with the scripts." Anyone seen any mossy tapes of the show???

Women - was the title of a proposed series by Anna Neagle and Herbert Wilcox. They announced a series of six one hour dramas to be shot starting in February 1960. Based on classic women writers (Jane Austen, Mary Shelley, Anne Bronte), Doreen Montgomery (again!) definitely wrote three of the proposed scripts, and in January that year, Wilcox claimed four had been written. Anna Neagle planned to read an introduction portraying the author of the story, and speaking as the author in the first person. Herbert Wilcox flew to America in February, when his American backers wanted to turn the stories into half hour ones. Probably an impasse was reached and I don't think the project ever got off the ground.

No. 13 Golden Square was at the planning stage in February 1960. "This will be the first time an American network goes into partnership with a British producing company." The companies in question were the American ABC Network and ATV. The address of the title is a tourist information bureau, and the series was planned as a "light comedy." Clearly the strains of a co-production lead to the abandonment of the idea, though it is said a pilot script had been written, by a Canadian named Alex Guiness.
Hong Kong Harbour - (Cable Dragon-Fly had been the original proposed title for this series)- February 1960 was the starting date for production scheduled by producers Sam Bischoff and Dave Diamond. After planned location shooting in Hong Kong, the series of 13 hour long colour films was to have been made in Britain. Hammer Films' executive producer Michael Carreras announced "at least 12 scripts will be completely cut and dried before beginning production." He added that Gordon Wellesley had already completed the first. Another writer was said to be Joyce Bellack. Visa to Canton starring Richard Basehart and Lisa Gastoni was definitely made, but with the series aborted as early as June that year, it was turned into a 75 minute feature film. Shooting for this story was definitely done during June 1960 both at Bray Studios, and on Monkey Island in the Thames. This is the only physical relic of this aborted series, as I think the 1961 Hammer feature film Terror of the Tongs, was never intended to be part of this project.
The Ambassador's Daughter was a pilot that ITC announced that they would film in May/June 1960. It sounds like part of their ill fated attempt at Anglo-American co-operation for the writers were to be Seeman and Rose
The World is My Beat- Godfrey Grayson confirmed he had done some location shooting in 1960 for Danzigers' 78 episode series about a roving reporter writing syndicated stories from all over the world: see Brian Taylor's reminiscence
Brainwaves (1960) - After Eric Sykes starred in his successful BBC series Sykes and A... in 1960, he made an effort to break into the American market with a pilot to be made by Roxy Films. "The series will be based on Sykes' reactions to the peculiar, crazy, or bizarre inventions of the last century," said B Charles-Dean, head of Roxy. He described it as "intelligent Goonery with a theme. There is already enough material for 26 half hour films," he claimed in July 1960, adding that filming of the pilot would commence very shortly. Dail Ambler provided the outline for this, as well as full scripts for the rest of the series. In September that year it was announced that Paul Merton (not today's comedian) was to write the scripts, and music would be provided by Norrie Paramor. Interesting that Sykes stated that he "won't make another long tv series," this would be his last, he saw the future in feature films. Fortunately, for us, his career with MGM didn't take off and he returned to the BBC, though what became of Brainwaves, who knows? (This photo shows Sykes in costume discussing the project with B Charles-Dean)
Fleet Street (1960)- Apparently unrelated to ATV's Deadline Midnight, the plan was for ITC to make this filmed series, and naturally one of the characters would have been an American correspondent attached to the Fleet Street office. By the middle of the year the proposed title of this hour long series had been altered to London Bureau, and Julian Bond had done some background research for it, and Bob Musel of United Press was brought in to provide authentic story backgrounds, but maybe the idea was just a little too similar to the ATV series
The Man from Monte Carlo- though this was never anything more than an idea, Crestview Productions who made the series The Pursuers had announced this series would be shot at Elstree "back-to-back" with The Pursuers starting December 1960. Nothing seems to have come of it. Crestview directors were Ian Warren (1913-2009) and Tom Donald.
Missing Menu

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.


The Fox -

NBC announced in February 1957 that a deal had been struck for ITP (later ITC) to film this series in England starring Anthony Dexter as an eighteenth century French royal.

David Diamond (of Sam Bischoff-David Diamond company) was in charge of production, which never got beyond the pilot, which does seem to have survived.

Pilot Menu

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Crime Club
In 1959 Towers of London announced work was starting at the end of June on this proposed series of one-off stories that aimed to repeat the success of Towers' earlier successful radio series.
First in production was planned to be You'll Never See Me Again. This was the story of an American architect living in England, who is suspected of murdering the wife he says he loves. Her dying words had been 'You'll never see me again.'
The script was by Cornell Woolrich, adapted for TV by Joel Murcott. Director: Ted Post. The strong cast consisted of: Ben Gazzara as Jim Mason, Leo Genn as Inspector Stillman, Brenda de Banzie as Mrs Alden, James Hayteras Joe Alden, Derek Aylward as Bob Roberts, Jacqueline Ellis as Myra, Ivor Salter as Sgt Mitchell and Betty McDowall as Anne Roberts. However, the first of the series to be made was definitely Invitation to Murder.
The director was Robert Lynn, the writer Joel Murcott. Robert Beatty starred as Michael Steel, Ernest Thesiger as Sadouris Andrade, Lisa Daniely as Joan, and Douglas Wilmer as Insp Marquand. Others in the cast were Catherine Feller, John Howlett, Bud Knapp, Denis Shaw, Guy Kingsley Poynter, Keith Pyott, Tony Thawnton and Olga Dickie. A bed ridden eccentric leaves his money to the last beneficiary to survive him: one of his two grand-daughters, or his lawyer, his secretary or his nurse. A private eye (Robert Beatty) vies with the police to solve the crimes.

As far as I can ascertain these two films were all that were made in this Crime Club series, and rather improbably they were screened in the 'Summer Armchair Theatre' slot in August 1959. Presumably the project was abandoned?
Pilot Menu

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.


Professor Tim
was completed in April 1957 and given a private showing in Dublin that month. It was made for American TV by Dublin Film and Television Productions: "if it is a success the company plan to film short versions of 39 other Abbey plays."
The famous Abbey players were the stars of this film, with Seamus Kavanagh in the title role, others appearing included Ray McAnally. Dialogue director was Ria Mooney from a script by Robert S Baker, with Englishman Henry Cass also brought in to direct.

The same group also made the film
Boyd's Shop with Geoffrey Golden as Boyd. This received a press screening in Dublin on April 7th 1958. A report stated, "the play is one of 13 Abbey successes to be filmed for the American market." Henry Cass again directed, with Ria Mooney as dialogue director.

Pilot Menu

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.


Trader Horn -

This 1958 series was first announced in August 1957, when it was stated that Hollywood producer Michel Kraike had acquired the rights to Trader Horn. "Filming is to be done in London and Kenya," he added.
Ronald Kinnock was probably the writer. The company
Gross-Kasne made at least a pilot, and it is mentioned in the 1959 Film Review Annual.
Clifford Evans and John Turner both said that they had appeared in it, and Jane Asher also put in print that she appeared in this "tv film." However no-one has seen it in living memory, to my knowledge... Unless you can tell me otherwise

Pilot Menu

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Calling All Lovers

Nicholas Parsons made a curious light situation comedy in 1959 in Antwerp, for the Belgian United Continents company.
Lana Morris was his leading lady in this pilot film completed in August that year.
Paul Tabori wrote the script, and also wrote two further stories for the proposed series of 39, which however seems to have not got off the ground. But this pilot was definitely completed, by producer Jacques Verdicjk, a Flemish tv producer.
Several of the technicians were British, including Eric Bast (lighting) and Peter Tabori (camera).
Does Mr Parsons himself recall anything of this abortive project?

Missing Menu

Pilot Menu

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Rogue for Hire
was one of a number of projects by the company Gross-Kasne. In the 1950's Jack J Gross and Philip Kasne made some low budget feature films, and had a string of successful television series behind them, several starring
Thomas Mitchell, another being The Lone Wolf with Louis Hayward. In 1957 they became more ambitious making Adventures of a Jungle Boy and African Patrol both on location in Africa, before a 1958 attempt to film a series Trader Horn, which never got beyond a pilot. Then further problems in 1959 with a series that was to have been titled Fate (the first idea had been to call it Destiny). Gross-Kasne planned to shoot at Elstree two of the planned 39 half hour films, "not bothering with the expensive and often disheartening custom of making pilots," though what else these films were to have been only JG and PK know. However that project also collapsed before this troubled series, Rogue for Hire, set them back still further. Despite this failure Jack Gross did manage to make one further series with Louis Hayward, The Pursuers.

Originally Rogue for Hire was to have been called by the imitative title Have Plane Will Travel. Filming began in 1959 with star Jerome Thor in Hollywood, the plan had been to make this one of those American/British co-productions, with ABP Elstree Studios being used by producer Donald Hyde.
However I do not believe any of the proposed films were ever made in the UK, though the schedule drawn up was to start in November that year. Certainly Philip Levene confirmed that he had written some scripts for this series.
As regards the American episodes of Rogue for Hire, movie stunt pilot Paul Mantz contributed some sequences, about which it was reported in June 1959 that "several episodes have been completed." It does seem six were actually finished. The script for one episode, Operation Jaguar, survives, what else, who knows?
At the end of 1959 G-K axed the project, Thor being summoned back from Japan where he was shooting sequences for Rogue for Hire. A statement claimed "the American-made films were not approved, and did not get a sale."

Missing Menu
Pilot Menu

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Mr Riviera -

A 25 minute ITC pilot that was originally titled Sirocco was scheduled for shooting starting June 14th 1960. ITC held screen tests at the start of that month, choosing Charles Drake as the star. It would be interesting to know who else tested for the series.
But production did not actually start until August 4th 1960, since the casting session had failed to find a female co-star. This pilot was made at MGM Studios Elstree, by producer Dennis O'Dell. Location shooting was done that month also, at Monte Carlo "with a cast of 20 people." The script was by Bill Strutton and the film was directed by Peter Graham Scott.
I remember it was actually screened on British television, by ATV. However this projected series never got beyond this pilot. Charles Drake played freelance reporter and photographer Neil McCrea, with guest star for this story Anna Gaylor as Annette Brosse.
Others in the cast were Warren Mitchell, Kenneth Griffith, Harry Locke and Michael Peake.
The storyline:
The Sirocco is a yacht, which sails into the harbour at Monte Carlo. On board is McCrea who receives this message from one of his editors:
'Planning feature on plastic surgeon, Jules Brosse killed in crash over Corniche. Appreciate new piece on him.'

To Pilot Menu

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

The Adventures of an Elephant Boy
Three pilot films were made starting late 1958, and finishing early April 1959, for a projected series starring 14 year old David Wyman.
The scriptwriter and director was Kenneth Hume and the producer John Kennedy. The series was shot on location in Ceylon, but the team encountered problems with their Cingalese extras, who were allegedly paid in beer, but when this ran out, so did the extras! Worse, two cameramen were said to have died during the filming, as a result of snake bites. Less serious was the problem illustrating that old adage, Never Work with Animals or Children, for claimed Hume, "shots relying on the antics of animals took up a lot of time."
John Kennedy claimed that the series had been made in Ceylon because "within the Commonwealth, there is a feast fit for a king of television material." He also wanted to avoid the "vice like grip on British screens held by American productions," a very laudable aim, but one which may have lead to the downfall of the project.
Anyone know if any tv station bought up these pilots, and even more boldly, screened 'em?

Pilot Menu
Missing Menu

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

ABC (Midlands and The North) Variety and Comedy Shows
Managing director of ABC, Howard Thomas, was for ever trying to compete with the more powerful ATV, and occasionally he won a national victory with his comedy and variety offerings, as with Mike and Bernie Winters in Big Night Out. But quite often these ABC shows failed to achieve full networking, and maybe anyway ABC were at their best when they concentrated on Northern humour with which ATV couldn't compete, and with which the other local ITV company Granada, initially proved generally inept at doing so, until they had seen off their local rival.
. . . . . . . . . . COMEDY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . VARIETY SHOWS

Those Kids (1956)

Time Out for Peggy (1958)

Our House (1960-2)

Happily Ever After (1961)

Best of Friends (1963)

Just Jimmy (Clitheroe) (1964-8)

Room at the Bottom (1964)

Miss Adventure (1964)

Vacant Lot (1967)

Those Two Fellers (1967)

Pictured: BID FOR FAME ABC Outside Broadcast Unit

Holiday Town Parade (1956-62)

Bid For Fame (1956-9)

After Hours (1958/9)

Mantovani (1959)

Make a Date (1960)

Steamboat Shuffle (1960)

Saturday Bandbox (1962-4)

Big Night Out (1961-5)

The David Nixon Show (1965)

Brief details of some other ABC shows
To Missing Menu

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Hometown Saturday Night (1956)
A 'Meet the People' show on Saturdays at 7.30pm on ABC Midlands who had announced that Ken Platt was to be the compere of the first four shows, though he decided not to do the job, so McDonald Hobley became the regular compere. The series was produced by David Southwood. The resident band was that of Joe Loss.
The first show came from the Leofric Hotel, Coventry on February 18th 1956. Coventry-born John Hanson was an appropriate choice as one of the stars, Phyllis Calvert also starred- her first stage appearance had been with Coventry Repertory. Another local to feature, albeit on film, was local lad made good Reg Dixon who'd once been in the Sunshine Serenaders Concert Party in town. Then there was Reg Matthews of Coventry Football Club and 18 year old Graham Symonds, currently training to represent Britain in the forthcoming Olympics. Billie Whitelaw, also Coventry born, completed the line up.
Some other venues were: Woverhampton (Feb 25th), Leicester, Leamington Spa. Ashby-de-la Zouche (Apr 28th), Stoke-on-Trent (May 19th), and Warrington (May 26th).
That summer, the programme was renamed and revamped as
Holiday Town Saturday Night.

Time for Rhythm
Autumn 1956.
On Saturdays from 4.02pm to 4.30, Jerry Dawson hosted this series produced by David Southwood.
Live outside broadcasts from a different venue each week. On Sept 29th the show came from Borough Hall Stafford, whilst on October 20th, it was Queen's Hall Preston. The venue on October 27th was the Town Hall Walsall.

Rendezvous / Saturday Carousel (from June 6th 1959)
ABC publicity: "A meeting place of music talents and faces in and behind the news, capturing the surprise of the unexpected and the excitement of the unusual." Francis Linel was flown from Paris each week to act as compere. With him was Jacqueline MacKenzie, who introduced someone in the weekend news. Music came from George Clouston and his Orchestra. The producer was Paul Kimberley. Guest on the first show was Millicent Martin. Others appearing in the series included Monty Landis, Barnet and Del Rio.

On April 16th 1960 at the odd time of 9.47pm, ABC offered viewers in The Midlands and The North a one-off special titled Clubland Saturday Night. Top of the bill was Ronnie Hilton, ahead of rising stars Morecambe and Wise. Jimmy Gay and The Littlewood Songsters also featured with the Harry Hayward Quartet and Lloyd Lewis at the electronic organ. This outside broadcast was recorded at the British Legion Club in Leigh, Lancashire by producer Ronnie Taylor.

Buckaroo! was a wild west-type show with Tessie O'Shea, Jim Dale and Joyce Blair shown on June 10th 1961 (7.40-8.30pm). Also appearing were Gordon Boyd and The Vernons Girls. The series appeared irregularly, on July 1st 1961 (7.55-8.45pm) the same cast were joined by Stubby Kaye. The next show on July 22nd again included Stubby and came from "the Golden Horse Ranch" in Sussex.

On Saturday June 2nd 1962, ABC had something of a coup, with the hour long This is Sinatra! Introduced by David Jacobs, this was his first ever personal appearance on British TV. The show was recorded at The Royal Festival Hall.

The Dave King Show starred this hugely popular comedian, running for six shows in 1963 and lasting 34 minutes starting at 8.30pm, produced by Ernest Maxin. Patsy Ann Noble was a regular. Starting on May 4th the first guest star was Dennis Price. On May 11th and May 25th guest star was Bernard Bresslaw whilst on May 18th it was Patrick MacNee, and June 1st Martin Benson. There was no special guest advertised for the final show on June 8th, though initial publicity for the series stated Jack Solomons would be a guest in the series.

Life and Al Read (ABC)
Musical director- Bob Sharples. Produced by Ronnie Taylor.
The series started on Sunday 29th September 1963 at 4.5pm.
Guests- Shani Wallis & The King Brothers. Directed by Helen Standage.
On 20th October 1963, Guests- Susan Maughan, The Temperance Seven. Directed by David Main.
On 27th October 1963, Guest- Annie Ross.
On 3rd November 1963, Guests- Don Riddell Four, Dalmour Trio.
A second series followed in the autumn of 1964, now at 5.10pm.
Ronnie Taylor was again the producer.
On October 13th 1964, Guests were Susan Maughan, and The Temperance Seven. Director: David Main
On 1st November 1964, Guest was Susan Maughan. Director: Ronnie Baxter

The Bruce Forsyth Show
Christmas Day 1965 fell on a Saturday, and ABC managed to network a show with ATV's big star, Bruce Forsyth!
He starred in the hour long The Bruce Forsyth Show with guest Cilla Black. Also appearing were Miriam Karlin, Francis Matthews, Jack Douglas, Ann Hamilton, Josephine Blake, Aleta Morrison, John Black and the Morgan-James Duo. Sid Green and Dick Hill wrote the script, and the producer was Philip Jones.
ABC Menu

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Jimmy Clitheroe
To the definitive site on Jimmy.
enjoyed a long run on radio as the Clitheroe Kid, and had made his tv debut for the BBC in the late 1950's. He returned to tv for ABC in 1963 with the series
That's My Boy, scripted by Bob Block. Regrettably the show was not networked and was only shown in a few ITV regions.
One show was on Sunday 22nd December 1963 at 4.5pm with Deryck Guyler, June Monkhouse, Vicky Harrington and Gordon Rollings. Directed by David Main.

At the end of 1964, his next series was
Just Jimmy, and memorably featured Mollie Sugden. Danny Ross was the other regular.
Ronnie Taylor was the producer also writing many of the scripts, and director was Ronnie Baxter.
Transmission dates are for ABC (Midlands/The North) except where indicated.
1 Chips with Nothing (November 29th 1964, rpt Feb 5th 1966 5.15pm, rpt Apr 1st 1967)- The Battle of the Bulge- Jimmy rifles the rations and cuts off his own retreat. With guest star Peter Butterworth, and Patricia Clapton, Tony Melody and John Miller.
2 A Match for Jim (December 6th 1964) was about Jimmy using cousin Danny's motor bike. Others in the cast were Jack Douglas, Eileen Mayers and Charles Hill.
3 Accidents Will Happen (December 13th 1964, rpt Feb 19th 1966) - When Jimmy plans to inherit a rich father.... poor mother! With David Davies and Alison Bayley.
4 Happy Birthday, Dear Mother! (December 20th) was about Jimmy rashing cash for his mum's birthday present. Cousin Danny's tooth has got to come out! With Joe Gladwin, Tony Melody, Jack Woolgar, Jill Huskinson.
5 Trouble with a Bird (December 27th, rpt April 29th 1966) When you've done mischief and Mum finds out about it, that's a predicament. But when Mum catches you at it and keeps 'mum' herself, that's a crisis! With Edwin Apps, Julian Sherrier, Alison Bayley, and Jill Huskisson. Script: Frank Roscoe.
6 What a Pantomime! (final programme of this series January 2nd 1965, rpt 6th May 1967)- With Uncle James planning to take the family to see The Babes in the Wood and Jimmy scheming to stay at home to see the Busby Babes on tv, it takes more than the Fairy Queen to sort out a happy ending. With Jameson Clark.

Just Jimmy returned the following autumn on Saturdays at 5.40pm starting on October 30th 1965. Mollie Sugden and Danny Ross continued as mother and cousin, Ronnie Taylor was producer, and Ronnie Baxter director.
7 (Series 2.1) He Shall Have Music (Oct 30th 1965)- Jimmy inherits a musical instrument. With Christine Hargreaves, Joe Gladwin, Rose Howlett and John Miller.
8 (2.2) The Kid's Last Fight (Nov 6th)- Jimmy defends the family honour. With Daphne Oxenford and Jill Thompson.
9 (2.3) House Full (Nov 13th)
10 (2.4) Art for Pete's Sake (Nov 20th, now at 5.15pm)- Every picture tells a story- and so does Jimmy Clitheroe. With Bert Palmer, Ann Lancaster, Tony Melody, John Lesley, Jim Hoskisson and Billy Winsor.
11 (2.5) May The Best Man Lose (Nov 27th)- Jimmy buys a wedding ring. With Brian Rawlinson and Bill Waddington.
12 (2.6) My Part-time Mum (Dec 4th 1965)- A lad may think of leaving home, but it's nice to have a mum around the home. With Marjorie Rhodes, Tony Melody, Alick Hayes, Billy Winsor, Roy Maxwell.
13 (2.7) The Happiest Days of Your What? (Dec 11th 1965)- When Jimmy has to study the three Rs, the result is riot, rebellion and revolt. With Maurice Hedley, Tony Melody, Billy Winsor,
14 (2.8) I Gotta Horse (Dec 18th 1965)- with Edwin Apps, Patrick McAlinney and Leonard Sachs.
15 (2.9) Money Matters (January 1st 1966)
16 (2.10) It's Not Cricket (Jan 8th)
17 (2.11) The Double aka Double Trouble (Jan 15th 1966, rpt Mar 11th 1967 5.15pm)- Boys will be boys, but, oh brother, when Jimmy decides to invent one! With Fred Ferris. Script: Frank Roscoe.
18 (2.12) As I Said To Matt Busby... (Jan 22nd 1966)- Jimmy becomes a Law unto himself - but he's more of a menace than Denis! Includes an appearance by Matt Busby with filmed sequences at Old Trafford.
19 (2.13) It's A Plant (Jan 29th 1966)

The third series began on October 1st 1966 and ran for 12 shows, the last on Christmas Eve 1966.
20 (3.1) It's A Mod, Mod World! (October 1st 1966)
21 (3.2) Eight Draws, One Drawback! (Oct 8th 1966, rpt 13th Jan 1968) When Jim thinks they've won on the pools, he dives in at the deep end, and gets into hot water- with Angela Crow, Jow Gladwin, Sidney Vivian, Bryan Kendrick, Eddie King, Roy Maxwell and Anthony Hardman.
22 (3.3) It's an Education (Oct 15th, rpt 20th Jan 1967) - When sent to school with the upper crust, Master James uses his loaf! with Douglas Muir, Tony Melody, Peggy Aitcheson and Raymond Clarke.
23 (3.4) Son of Mata Hari (scheduled for Oct 22nd 1966, but apparently not screened then, postponed until Dec 24th 1966. Rpt 13th April 1968)- I spy with my little eye- Something ending in trouble! With Bill Waddington.
24 (3.5) Harum Scarem! (Oct 29th 1966)
25 (3.6) In the Still of the Night (November 5th 1966). When Jimmy boxes clever, Danny's a knockout, but Mum wins on points. With Tony Melody, and Rex Boyd. Script: Frank Roscoe.
26 (3.7) Fancy Falling for That! (Nov 12th 1966, shown on Rediffusion London, Tues 23rd July 1968, 4.58pm)- When Jimmy tries to swing the lead- everybody duck!
27 (3.8) A Trifling Matter (Nov 19th 1966)
28 (3.9) Post Early for Trouble (Nov 26th 1966, shown Mar 4th 1967 (STV)) - When dealing with Danny's correspondence, Jimmy keeps strictly to the letter. With Joe Gladwin, Bill Waddington, and Bill Winsor. Script: Keith Lancaster.
29 (3.10) Jim's Bad Neighbour Policy (Dec 3rd, rpt March 23rd 1968. Shown on Anglia TV 22 June 68)- written by Frank Roscoe: House for sale: with kit, lge din rim- and the Clitheroes next door! With William Moore, Ronald Harvi, Les Clark and guest star Avril Angers.
30 (3.11) My Stars (Dec 10th, shown on Anglia 29th Jun 68)- Script by Fred Robinson. Jim follows his horoscope- but it's not the hand of fate which strikes the final blow. With Jack Haig, Douglas Muir, Daphne Oxenford, and Wanda Sinclair.
31 (3.12) Poor Little Rich Boy (Dec 17th 1966)
(Son of Mata Hari - see 3.4 above - was first screened on Dec 24th 1966, to conclude this series.)

Series 4 began on October 7th 1967 and comprised of 13 shows, the last shown on December 30th 1967.
32 (4.1) A Taste of Money (pct 7th 1967 rpt 1st June 1968) - with Bill Waddington and Rosemary King.
33 (4.2) A Matter of Pot Luck (Oct 14th, rpt 15th June 1968)- with William Moore and Jack Grieve.
35 (4.4) Clinic a Goo-Goo (Oct 28th 1967, rpt 6th July 68)- with Rose Power, Rex Boyd and Valerie Dane. Script: Keith Lancaster.
36 (4.5) Little Orphan Jimmy (Nov 4th, rpt 13th July 1968)- With Anthony Sharp, Keneth Thornett, Ronald Harvi, and Eddie King.
39 (4.8) What is a Girl? (shown on 23rd April 1968 Rediffusion) - When a boy gets invited to a girl's party, it's not a simple matter to get out of going. With Bill Waddington.
41 (4.10) It Always Comes Out in the Wash (Dec 9th, shown on 28th May 1968 Rediffusion) - With Betty Driver and Nita Valerie. Script: Harry Stansfield.
42 (4.11) One Minus Two Leaves Jim? (Dec 17th 1967)- Jimmy develops a plan to get rid of his schoolteacher and Danny, but it backfires! With Jan Butlin and Leslie Dwyer.
43 (4.12) Bob's Your Uncle (Dec 23rd, shown on 4th June 1968 Rediffusion). Jimmy thinks Uncle Bobby is in trouble- but in trying to help he only makes matters worse. With John Baddeley, William Moore, and George Betton.

The fifth and final series with the same stars was in 1968 shown on ABC at 5.50pm.
Because ABC were losing their franchise, this began after only a few month's break from the previous series, on 20th April 1968 with
45 (5.1) A Bicycle Made For Jim- with Daphne Oxenford, Patricia Leach and Rosemary King.
46 (5.2) The Last Resort (27th April 1968 on ABC, shown 9th Aug 68 in London Thames area)- with John Barrard and Amanda Grinling.
47 (5.3) Fab Jim (4th May 1968, 16th Aug 68- Thames)- with Vicky Udall.
48 (5.4) That's Show Business (11th May 1968) - When he gets involved with comedians, the joke's on Jimmy. With George Moon, Bryan Mosley, Cyril Jackson, Lindy Ratcliff and Billy Winsor, with guest stars Peter Goodwright and Stanley Unwin.
49 (5.5) Man About the House (May 18th, shown on Thames TV, Fri 30th Aug 1968, 4.55pm)- With Vernon Joyner, and Valerie Ann Fisher.
This series consisted of six new shows, the last programme number 50 (5.6) being first shown on May 25th 1968.
If you can add to this information, I would be very pleased to receive your email

ABC Menu

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Room at the Bottom
A comedy of television errors starring Lionel Jeffries as Nesbitt Gunn, "recently nominated as Television Producer Least Likely To." Allegedly, he once produced Hamlet with great success with a very important minority. The trouble is, he ought to have been fired years ago, because he's such a dreadful tv producer. But somehow he has always survived, perhaps because of his outrageous audacity. "He's a delightful character," confessed Jeffries, wisely adding, "though very daffy." Or an alternative title was Confessions of a Television Producer, it was written by John Antrobus and directed by Dick Lester.

1 A Show for Monty (7th June 1964, 3.35-4.05pm) with Wendy Craig, Arnold Diamond, Monty Landis, Betty Mowle, Patrick Newell, Johnny Vyvyan, John Wood, and Dick Emery. Also "a gentleman who left without giving his name." Music by Reg Owen and His Orchestra.
2 It Came From Outer Hollywood (14th June 1964, 3.35pm) with guest stars John le Mesurier, Patience Collier and Clive Dunn. With Wendy Craig, Monty Landis and John Wood. Victor Platt as the Superintendant from Scotland Yard.
4 A Job With the Other Lot (28th June 1964) with guest stars Dick Emery, Pamela Harrington, Ellen Pollock and John Wood. Valentine Dyall as the BBC doctor.
ABC Menu

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

On 12th March 1960 at 6.30pm, ABC began their own the half hour variety series

Make A Date made by their top producer Ernest Maxin (pictured), who also fronted the show. Scripts were by Denis Goodwin. Newcomer Cedrik Monarch appeared each week as the resident comedian, though a critic found him the only weak link: "apart from starring in the show, Maxin does almost everything else. He produces it, he dances in it and conducts a splendidly arrayed orchestra. He also sings and plays comic feed...the result is a delightful show, spectacular.. and presented as if a showman had something to do with it."
The first programme scored something of a coup with guest star Anna Neagle. Naturally her picture graced the front of TV Times. Other guests were Toni Dalli and Maria Pavlou.
On March 19th Dave King, ironically "by permission of Associated TeleVision," was top guest, with The Kaye Sisters.
Show 3 on March 26th starred Jill Day and included an interview with Charlie Drake, "by permission of the BBC!"
April 2nd saw Petula Clark and Craig Douglas starring.
The following week on April 9th, the guests were Yana and Adam Faith.
The sixth and final show on April 16th had Michael Holliday as guest star with ABC's own Julie Stevens.

ABC Menu

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

HAPPILY EVER AFTER
This 1961 Sunday night ABC situation comedy series was billed as The Dora Bryan Show. The first eight shows were screened at 7.30pm, then the final four stories were mysteriously not shown until 1964. filling a half hour Sunday afternoon slot at 3.35pm, between repeats of old film series and old films. Sadly it was not fully networked and so has been largely overlooked.
Starring was the unique talent of Dora Bryan, co-starring Pete Murray. Other regulars were Bryan Coleman and Audrey Noble as Harry and Grace Watkins.
Script by James Kelly and Peter Miller, directed by Philip Jones.

Here are synopses of a few of the stories:

Programme 5, March 12th 1961: Dora persuades Peter to copy her favourite Italian film star. All goes well until other women start to appreciate Peter's new charms. Also appearing were Margaret Bull and Natalie Kent.

Programme 9, first of the 'second' series on 10th May 1964 was about poor Dora feeling neglected by husband Peter who is absorbed in his medical research. Her plans to make him jealous go typically awry. Also appearing were Brian Nissen, Derek Benfield and Betty Berrell.
Programme 10, 17th May 1964: Neither Dora nor Peter can pluck up the courage to tell the other that their respective mothers are coming to stay. Not even when they have both, separately, arrived. As the mothers were Joan Ingram and Nan Munro maybe all is explained.
11, May 24th 1964; When the president of the Women's Club resigns, Dora believes she'll land this plum role. But she soon finds it's a bigger task than she ever imagined. Also in the cast: Rosemary Scott, Hilda Meacham, Frances Guthrie, Michael Hawkins, Barry MacGregor and Jacqueline Hussey.
12, 31st May 1964: What starts as Dora's attempt to mend her sister's broken heart, nearly ends with one broken marriage for her best friend. Also with Joan Benham, Adam Kean and Brian Rawlinson.
ABC Menu

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Bid For Fame
Jimmy Hanley introduced one of tv's many local talent contests in the autumn of 1956.
Joe Loss provided the musical accompaniment and David Southwood was producer.
The biggest 'discoveries' made by this series included Tony Dalli, Bob Hatch and Eric Flynn.

The series began on Sunday September 16th 1956 from Wallasley Town Hall (originally announced as from the Tower Theatre New Brighton). The glamorous location for the second show on September 23rd was the Moseley and Balsall Heath Institute! September 30th visited Borough Hall Stafford, and October 7th Central Hall Derby. On October 21st the programme came from Queen's Hall Preston, whilst on November 18th cameras were at the Hotel Leofric in Coventry. December 9th saw the team searching for talent at the Palais de Danse in Bury, with special host Dickie Henderson.
Jan 27th 1957 included Lorna Brown, 16 year old table tennis champion playing with Benny Casofsky, at the Casino Ballroom Leigh. With the 'filling in' of the blank slot from 6-7pm, the show's run of 13 shows was extended, now screened on Saturday nights at 6.20pm. The new host was Paul Carpenter. March 2nd saw cameras at King's Hall Stoke on Trent, with a Grand Final held April 20th 1957. One finalist was Margaret Joyce who played the xylophone with her feet, amongst other feats, but the overall series winner was Bob Hatch, whose prize was a seven week tv contract. However an unfortunate car accident stalled his career.

The second series started in autumn 1957 on Sunday September 15th, shown from 4.15pm to 4.45pm. McDonald Hobley, fresh from Holiday Parade, was the host, alongside Joan Edwards, with Joe Loss and His Orchestra supplying the music. Producer was Eddie Kebball. The ABC studios were used for this new series.

An early winner was 25 year old singer George Walton. The third show on September 29th included pianist Rena Baillie. The October 6th Show (4.35pm) also included Kathryn Greenaway, and the talent on display was: Ann Coppen, the Basil Kirchin Group, Olive Dewhurst and Clive Willis, Pat Howard, Syd Walton, John Padbury, Brenda Vickers. A fortnight later on October 20th (4.15pm) the artists were Scot and A'scot, the Cordonian Trio, The Bernies, Scott Campbell, Johnny Stevens, Jackie White. The next week, October 27th included ventriloquist Len Belmont, then Johnny Warner and his Hells Angels appeared on the November 3rd show, and versatile Lancashire comedian Colin Norman, "the chattering whistler," was on the November 10th show. December 1st 1957 welcomed these acts: The Bombshells, Denby and Grant, Jo Peters, Brian Budge, Lee Cardi, Roy Gibbs and his Live Jive Five. The first show of 1958 on January 5th included these: Lyndy Lou, Susan Sorrell, Tino Christidi, Roberts and Knight, The Alley Cats Skiffle Group, Sujata Jayawardena. From the next week the artists are not mentioned in TV Times, though The Helen Caine Bid For Fame Singers are credited for the January 12th 1958 show.
However in mid February 1958, the show was on the road again, ABC stating that this was due to "pressure on studio space." On March 2nd it came from Hotel Leofric Coventry. Artists are also noted, viz Val and Laurie Ashley, Valerie Kleiner, Fred Shaw, Pat Dawson and Arnold Crowther, Colin and Christine Campbell. Next week on March 9th, the outside broadcast came from the Adelphi Ballroom West Bromwich, March 16th from Town Hall Leeds, with the final held the following Sunday.

The third and final series began in September 1958 with McDonald Hobley again the host. Joe Loss and his Orchestra were joined by the George Mitchell Singers. Eddie Kebbell was again in charge behind the scenes. The prize fund was announced at £1,000, while viewers could win £5 for voting "and appear on the programme." Hostess Marilyn Davis had the task of escorting the winning viewer.

Details of some programmes. September 14th 1958 (4.30pm)- Eileen Higgins, Jimmy Nolan, Kit Lassett, Leslie Lynes, Pat Laurence. September 21st- Charles Arnold, David Anthony, Carol Jenner, John Adams, Eric Granville, The Ferisons, Deirdre Pleydell, Leon Maure. September 28th- Anne Lorraine, Roger and Coward, Lee Kenton, Pauline Mee, Ken and Dolly Noble, Charles Arnold, The Foo Foo Fuseliers. October 19th- Bill Crompton, Roberta Kirkwood, Alan Bruce, Morgan Jones, Michel and Vivienne, Ann Field. November 16th- The Glyn Thomas Trio, Tommy Wright, Tommy Thompson, Barbara Walter, Harry Benet, Michael Skinner. The George Mitchell Singers are no longer participating now. January 4th 1959- The Monograms, The Avon Sisters, Sylvia Rowlands, Robert Guard. February 8th 1959- Georgina Pearce, Paul Chapman, Leon Green, Tony and Trish, Roy Price, and Elfrida Kerby. Director: Paul Kimberley. In this show Tony and Trish performed a 1920’s song and dance number which was voted in second place. Tony Singleton tells me that the winner was "a very good tenor singing on a set with a lot of candles." March 15th 1959- Gloria Gale, Pamela Bean, Eduardo Asquez, Glen Wilcox, The Planets, Pat Ross.
Among the hostesses on these programmes were Rosalie Ashley and, latterly, Leila Williams (Miss Great Britain 1957).
May 10th 1959- see publicity photo in ABC section menu. The final quarter final included Tony and Trish (see Feb 8th), who received a panic phone call when one of the heat winners was unable to make it. They performed a Bob Fosse number coming up out of a couple of dustbins. Again they came second. The victor, Tony seems to recall was a dog act, “that’s Variety!”
The semi-finals took place on May 17th and 24th, among those seeking your vote were Pat Howard, Eileen Higgins, Jack and Eddie Swan, Claudius Powell, George Walton, Doreen Beales.
The Grand Final was shown on May 31st 1959, with the Prize Giving Ceremony on June 7th 1959. Judges were Jimmy Jewel and Ben Warris, Norrie Paramor, Jack Good and Dick Richards. The winner was Alan Bruce from Glasgow, second were Birmingham's Second City Jazzmen, while in third place was Liverpudlian Tommy Wright.

If you are able to add any more details, or even appeared on Bid for Fame, do drop me a line, or even two

ABC Menu

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Miss Adventure
A comedy thriller with Hattie Jacques as confidential investigator Stacey Smith. The theme music was titled 'Stacey' written by Ernest Maxin.

The first adventure in six parts was: Strangers in Paradise, which started July 5th 1964, in six parts ending 16th August.
With Maurice Kaufmann as Andreas, Bill Kerr as Max Parrish, Yvonne Romain as Sophia and Jameson Clark as Henry Stanton.
Synopsis- Stacey boards a number 22 London bus and ends up stranded on a Greek island. But what of the man who paid her fare? An unsolved jewel robbery is complicated by murder. Stacey enjoys a cocktail party where she meets the corpse!
Others appearing in one of the episodes included Michael Griffiths, Steve Plytas, Simon Lack, Ann Sears and Arthur Gomez. George Coulouris was in some stories as Sgt Papas.

The Velvet Touch in four parts began on 23rd August 1964 and featured Tony Britton, John Arnatt, Jennifer Jayne and Tom Bowman. Jameson Clark continued as Henry Stratton.
In small parts in one of the stories were Robert Raglan as Insp Reid, John Stone, Alan Browning and Raymond Young appeared as Rex in the final story.
Brief synopsis- Stacey seeks a handsome chaperone and is hired by a man who has a motive for murder.

Journey to Copenhagen in three parts began on 20th September 1964 and featured Paul Whitsun Jones as Alexei Adamov, with faces from the previous stories returning- John Stone as Philip Costain, Alan Browning as Roberts and Jameson Clark.
Basil Henson, Frederick Farley, Sheila Barker and Barry Wilsher also appeared. Others in one episode included Diana Hope, Eric Flynn and David Davies.
Synopsis- A new assignment sees Stacey all at sea en route to Denmark.

ABC Menu

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Steamboat Shuffle
with resident band Kenny Baker and the Swamplanders with Peter Elliott as the regular vocalist. The series was made at ABC's Teddington Studios using a specially constructed riverboat named Cottontail. Director Ben Churchill "manages by well placed and moving camera shots to give the impression that the boat is moving." Bob Wallis and the Storyville Jazzmen made a trailer for the series, as well as appearing in the third show.
1 August 6th 1960- Guests on the first show were the Alex Welsh Band, the Mike Daniels Delta Jazz Band, Cy Grant, Joanne Scoon and Kenny Lynch. The closing number was singing and dancing to There'll Be Some Changes Made.
2 August 13th- I assume this picture of Humphrey Lyttelton is from this second show
3 August 20th- the regulars were joined by the Bob Wallis Storyville Jazzmen, The Fairweather-Brown All Stars, 19 year old Dickie Pride and Elaine Delmar.
4 August 27th 1960- Aker Bilk's Paramount Jazz Band were guests, which also featured Kenny Ball's Jazz Men, Cy Grant again, Don Rennie and Marion Williams.

To ABC Menu

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Time Out for Peggy (1958 ABC)
A Sunday afternoon comedy series, not networked, created by Budd Grossman and starring Billie Whitelaw, with Diana King as Norma. Others to appear in more than one episode were Christopher Steele as Mr Kirby and Grace Arnold as Mrs Johnson. Anthony Howard played Mr Brothers, replaced in series 2 by Bethell Horton.
The series was about a blonde landlady and set in "Britain's craziest boarding house." ABC returned to the same theme in 1960 for
'Our House.'
The later stories were directed by Geoffrey Nethercott (though 2.1 was directed by Philip Bray), and produced by Philip Dale. The theme was written by the accomplished Eric Spear.

I only have details of these stories. If you can add any data, your assistance will be acknowledged.
1.1 The Investor (30th March 1958) Peggy Spencer inherits a broken down boarding house.
1.4 The Painting (20th April 1958) Writer: Budd Grossman. An unsuspecting Frenchman asks Peggy to help sell a famous painting. But when it's all over, it looks as if neither the Frenchman nor the painting will ever be the same again.
1.6 The Robot (4th May 1958) Writer: Budd Grossman, Peggy meets the Mechanical Man. Guess which has a nervous breakdown
1.7 The Courtship (11th May 1958). Guest star Desmond Walter-Ellis. Writer: Budd Grossman. When Peggy tries to help Norma sell her matrimonial agency, anything is bound to happen- and does!
2.1 The Soldier (14th September 1958) Written by Budd Grossman. Peggy and Norma break into an army camp.
2.2 The Greetings Cards (21st September 1958). Guest star Kenneth Williams. Written by Diana Noel from a story by Budd Grossman. Peggy's poetic efforts are not appreciated by Mr Simms- foreign customers only.
2.3 The Grosvenor Four (28th September 1958) Written by Budd Grossman. Peggy turns her talents to launching the Grosvenor Four, to prove she is no square.
2.5 The Dress Contest (12th October 1958) Written by Budd Grossman. Peggy's attempt to win a dress competition falls apart at the seams.
2.6 The Gambler (19th October 1958) Written by Diana Noel. Peggy tries to prove the evils of gambling- and it is not the bank that is broken.
2.8 The Birdnapping (16th November 1958) Written by Budd Grossman. Polly tries a new seed, and Peggy and Norma get the bird in a big way.
In all there were eleven stories in series 1, and 13 in series two, which ended in January 1959.

ABC Menu

.

.

.

.

Our House
ABC produced a cast to die for, in this Sunday afternoon 55 minute comedy in 1960, including Hattie Jacques as Georgina Ruddy, Charles Hawtrey as Simon Willow and Frederick Peisley as Herbert Keene. Ina de la Haye, Frank Pettingell, Norman Rossington, Trader Faulkner, Leigh Madison and Joan Sims also starred in this first series which ran to 13 episodes. Producer: Ernest Maxin.

The stories were:
1.1 Moving In (11th September 1960)- here's a contemporary review by James O'Toole: "We were introduced to a number of old gags and a number of people. There were: the newly weds who won't live with in-laws. A librarian and a bank clerk who are thrown out of their digs by the landlady for playing the wireless too loud. An elderly husband and wife. A young man studying law and an odd-job girl. They have something in common - nowhere to stay. Inevitably they buy a broken down house. The episode closes with the difficult local government man wanting to take a room. This part is played beautifully by Charles Hawtrey, Hattie Jacques is the librarian and also her brilliant self. She has to make the laughs with her personality. Joan Sims is in the cast too, but after this showing she probably wishes she wasn't. Canned laughter doesn't make a show funny. And the director badly needed a less heavy hand."
Some of the visual gags in this episode included: throwing a shoe at a chamber pot- ping! A sneeze which blows off someone's headpiece. Ink spilled on a chair, which someone then sits in. A foot stuck in a wastepaper basket, and a character covered with plaster.
1.2 Simply Simon (18th September 1960) - this episode and the next 1.3 as well as 1.11 are the only stories still extant
1.3 A Thin Time (25th September 1960)
1.4 The Man Who Knew Nothing (2nd October 1960)
1.5 Annie Does Live Here (9th October 1960) - also appearing: Doreen Aris, John Bailey, Sidney Vivian, Jon Skinner, Betty Turner, Hilda Meacham, Marie Makino and Garard Green. Script by Norman Hudis. Our House is haunted, but what kind of ghost is it who does the washing up? To find out, the householders go about things in what proves to be quite the wrong 'spirit'.
1.6 Surprise for Stephen (16th October 1960)
1.7 All in a Good Cause (23rd October 1960)
1.8 To Please Louise (30th October 1960)
1.9 Speechless (6th November 1960)
1.10 Day Time (13th November 1960)
1.11 Love to Georgina from Our House (20th November 1960)
1.12 Things of the Past (27th November 1960) - guest star McDonald Hobley. (Hattie Jacques not in this story.) Script by Norman Hudis. Artwork for Stephen means character work for everyone!
1.13 And Then There Was One (4th December 1960) - time for almost everyone to go from Our House. But parting is not all sweet sorrow. Script by Norman Hudis. (No Ina de la Haye in this episode.)

Our House must have been quite a success as a second series of 26 forty five minute stories was shown on Saturday nights in 1961/2, the stars now being Bernard Bresslaw as a struggling ham actor, veteran Northern comic Harry Korris as a retired ship's captain, with Hylda Baker as his sister. Returning from the earlier series were Hattie Jacques Frederick Peisley and Leigh Madison, whilst also featured were Johnny Vyvyan and Eugenie Cavanagh.
An Equity dispute did not directly affect this programme, although oddly it was shown in London before the dispute, but not when the dispute began!

2:1 Not for Sale (16th September 1961, 7.40-8.25pm) - Our House is not for sale, but only if Herbert can find enough people to help him keep the old place going. Result? Some old familiar faces, some new faces, and Our House is in business again. Script by Norman Hudis.
2:2 Vote for Georgina (30th September 1961) - With Luke as her committee chairman, Henrietta as canvasser, Marina and Linda adding a bit of glamour, William as speech coach and meetings steward, and Herbert organising the whole affair, it's Vote for Georgina. How can she fail to be elected councillor? With Frank Thornton, Frank Sieman, Mark Singleton, Bill Maxam, Raymond Newell and Derek Hunt. Script by Norman Hudis.
2:3 A Quiet Time (14th October 1961)
2:4 Revolution in Walthamstow (28th October 1961)
2:5 Best Man (11th November 1961) - Simon never does things by halves, so he's twice as anxious as is necessary when he has to be best man at a friend's wedding. (No Hattie Jacques), also with Anita Sharp Bolster.
2:6 Battle of the Borough (25th November 1961) - Our House object to an increase in local rates, and find themselves fighting a battle. With Cameron Hall, Ernest Bale and Eric Nicholson. (no Hylda Baker.) Script by Brad Ashton and Bob Block.
2:7 Knocko (9th December 1961)- Knocko relaxing pills can be obtained without prescription. Their effect on Our House beggars the imagination. With Heron Carvic. (No Hattie Jacques.)
2:8 Willow the Winger (16th December 1961)
2:9 Complications of the Season (23rd December 1961 6.30-7.15pm) - Preparations for Christmas. Script by Brad Ashton and Bob Block.
2:10 Treble Mischance (30th December 1961) - When Our House tries its luck on the football pools, 1, 2 and X add up to a treble mischance. Script by Bob Block.
2:11 Where Is Everybody? (6th January 1962) - Simon Willow decides to make a casual call, but as he is unable to let anyone know of his plans, he is mistaken for a burglar. With Charles Cameron. (no Bernard Bresslaw.) Script by Brad Ashton and Bob Block.
2:12 Riviera Incident (13th January 1962)
2:13 Georgina Goes to Press (20th January 1962) - Georgina gets a new job, leaving Our House with a lots of problems to sort out. With Stella Moray and Henry Longhurst. (No Hylda Baker.) Script by Brad Ashton and Bob Block.
2:14 Simon Comes to Stay (27th January 1962)
2:15 Hobbies Galore (3rd February 1962) - When Our House find themselves without a television, they decide to occupy themselves with hobbies. But these hobbies prove more exhausting than watching tv. (No Hylda Baker.) Script by Brad Ashton and Bob Block.
2:16 There's No Business Like (10th February 1962) - William gets his big chance in show business at last, and the rest of Our House all lend a hand to make sure of his success. (No Hylda Baker.) Script by Brad Ashton and Bob Block.
2:17 Off the Rails (17th February 1962) - Our House go into the railway business. (No Hylda Baker.) Script by Brad Ashton and Bob Block.
2:18 The Tooth Will Out (24th February 1962)- When William loses a tooth, he worries about the effect it will have on his romance with a wealthy girl friend. (No Hylda Baker.) Script by Brad Ashton and Bob Block.
2:19 Economy Wave (3rd March 1962) - Everyone gets the economy bug and Henrietta's no exception- but her friends take a more extravagant view. Script by Norman Hudis.
2:20 Horse Power (10th March 1962) - Simon suggest Our House should buy a small car. But what can they get for only £40? (No Hylda Baker.) Script by Brad Ashton and Bob Block.
2:21 Uncle Silas (17th March 1962)
2:22 The Den of Vice (24th March 1962)
2:23 First Night (31st March 1962) - Our House goes to a first night. Preparing for his first appearance on a London stage, William is well aware that he must be careful not to get incapacitated in any way. He lives at Our House. What would you give for his chances of emerging unscathed? (no Leigh Madison) With Leonard Sachs, Alex Gallier and Harry Brunning. Script by Brad Ashton.
2:24 Safari (7th April 1962) - William becomes interested in making documentary films, and with the rest of Our House as his production team, he sets off for Africa. (No Hylda Baker.) Script by Brad Ashton and Bob Block.
2:25 Oh, Julie! (14th April 1962)
2:26 Talking Shop (21st April 1962)- To give Georgina some practical experience for an article she is writing, Our House decides to open a shop, but before very long the spirit of rivalry creeps in. (No Hylda Baker.) Script by Brad Ashton and Bob Block.

Note- Charles Hawtrey and Hylda Baker returned in 1963 to make
Best of Friends for ABC.
Note- If you can add to any of the above details, I would be pleased to hear from you.
ABC Menu

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Best Of Friends (ABC, 1963)
A fine comedy starring Charles Hawtrey and Hylda Baker with Sheena Marshe and Henry Longhurst (as Uncle Sidney).
Hylda played a cafe proprietress, which is next door to an insurance office in which Charles Hawtrey works as a clerk. She joins him on some of his insurance assignments.
Scripts: Brad Ashton, Bob Block and Gerry Maxin.

There were 13 stories (dates for ABC Midlands and North except as stated):
1 Incognito (6th January 1963, 26th May 1963 London) with Richard Beale, Mark Singleton, Ronnie Brodie and Dorothy Darke (no Sheena Marshe).
2 The Noble Art of Self Destruction (April 28th 1963, London) with Arnold Diamond, Gerry Elboz, Gerry Colleano, Derek Royal and Eric Boon (No HL).
3 Stars and Strife (20th January 1963, 12th May 1963 London) with David Healy, Robert Arden, John Bluthal, Roland Brand and Keith Goodman.
4 No Policy
5 Ghost of a Chance
6 Double Trouble (10th February 1963) with Fred and Frank Cox, Benn Simons.
7 Star Struck (17th February 1963) with Steve Plytas, Alexandra Dane.
8 Foreign Policy ( 24th February 1963, 14th September 1963, Southern) with Robert Rietty, Ted Carson, Lisa Page, Claire Ruane, Len Russell, Keith Goodman, Frank Peters.
9 The Painting
10 Jack in the Box (10th March 1963, shown in London June 30th 1963) with John Blythe. Also Gabrielle Daye, Natalie Kent.
11 All of a Zither (17th March 1963) with guest Shirley Abicair.
12 Desert Island Risks (24th March 1963) with Freddie Mills.
13 This Is Your Wife (31st March 1963).

ABC Menu

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Early ABC Outside Broadcasts - (the Midlands and the North).
The scene of ABC's first ever outside broadcast on their opening night, February 18th 1956, was the Hotel Leofric in Coventry.
This show was the first in the series
Hometown Saturday Night, introduced by the well known McDonald Hobley and produced by the Head of OB's, David Southwood (pictured left).
That summer, the show was transformed into Holiday Town Saturday Night, now in essence a beauty contest.

Beside the Seaside (1956)
Another ABC Outside Broadcast, shown live on summer Sunday afternoons, directed by David Southwood. Details of a few shows:
Programme 1 (July 15th 1956) from Berengaria Theatre at Middleton Tower Holiday Camp with 12 Florence Whiteley Zio Angels and Celia Nicholls, plus guest artist Jon Pertwee.
'Highlights' starring veteran Roy Barbour from Rhyl, shown on August 5th, 4-4.30pm.
August 19th from Cambridge Hall Southport, with The Four Southlanders singing Hush a bye Rock, In an Old Shanty Town, and We'll Keep a Welcome. Others in the show: Reg Daponte, Eddie Morrell with Harold Graham, Jimmy Hampson, and the Horler Twins.
August 26th 'Buoys and Gulls' from the Palladium Theatre Llandudno, with Max and Maisie Norris, Jack Storey, Jean Ward, The Denis Brothers and June, and Betty Emery, with George Mitchell Quartette and Harold Graham at the organ.

David Southwood Presents
In February 1957, ABC's head of outside broadcasts, David Southwood, received top billing when on Feb 2nd David Southwood Presents Snakes Alive was shown at 4.02pm, live from the Reptile House in Dudley Zoo. Southwood had been producing ABC OB's since the station opened, everything from wrestling to pantos, but this was the first time I have noted he received an equal billing with the name of the programme. After this there followed on March 2nd at 10pm: David Southwood presents Round the Ring, ie wrestling, from The Victoria Hall Hanley.
Mar 16th at 4pm David Southwood presents The White Rose Parade of Fashion, "live" from the Queen's Hotel Leeds. Then a quick shift to later that night at 9.30pm for another David Southwood presents Round the Ring, from Cambridge Road Baths Huddersfield.
On April 13th 1957 there was a two and a half hour David Southwood presents Motor Cycle Scramble from Bentley Springs, Emley, whilst on May 4th, there was something completely different for ninety minutes, David Southwood presents Variety Showtime from the NCO's Club Ballroom, USAF Base, Burtonwood. Regrettably, the acts appearing were not identified in TV Times.
At 2pm on June 1st 1957 was another marathon two and a half hour show, entitled Festival of Stars presented by David Southwood, the Variety Club of Great Britain at the Festival Gardens in Battersea Park. Only the hosts were named, McDonald Hobley, Peter Lloyd and Jacqueline Mackenzie.
Though Holiday Town Saturday Night was keeping David busy during the summer, he still had time on July 13th whilst in Scarborough for this show, to present in the afternoon Tennis Tournament presented by David Southwood, though his name was now in slightly smaller print. The matches shown were part of the Red and White Rose Inter-County Match.
With the summer over, he returned for Round the Rings presented by David Southwood though by now his name, as noted, was no longer 'top of the bill.'
Two O'Clock Trip saw a further downgrading, as it were, as the byline stated "David Southwood and the Outside broadcast Unit invite viewers to join people who are out and about." This 45 minute Sunday afternoon programme came from Sheffield on October 6th 1957. David continued to directed numerous OB's, everything from horse racing to church services, but 1957 was the only year which saw him with this top billing. By the time The White Rose Parade of Fashion for 1958 came round again, on January 18th 1958, his name was down at the foot of the credits again.

It was a hectic schedule, dashing from one venue to another, sometimes two shows to be made on one day! For example on August 16th 1958, after Holiday Town Parade ended at 6.30pm in Rhyl, there was a rush along the coast to Craigside Hydro in Llandudno for Wrestling starting at 9pm. Next year, after Steeplechasing at Market Rasen on October 17th 1959, with the final race at 4.30pm, cameras moved swiftly to the Corn Exchange Doncaster for the 9pm Wrestling, David Southwood producing both programmes.

One of David Southwood's most acclaimed programmes was a communion service from Liverpool Cathdral in September 1959. "The film is considered so important that arrangements are being made for it to be shown to interested people in this country and overseas." It is preserved in the ABC archive
ABC Menu

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Holiday Town Parade (original title: Holiday Town Saturday Night, 1956-1962)
was a regular summer attraction attracting audiences of up to 20 million, even though it was not fully networked. It started in ABC's first year of broadcasting in 1956, and was hosted from the outset by McDonald Hobley.
The theme Holiday Town Parade march was composed by Danny Miller and Bill Oliver. The show was, don't laugh, "the contest for Great Britain's Television Bathing Beauty Queen, Fashion Queen and Adonis."

Avril Angers and Billy Ternent were also part of the team for this 1956 season.
In 1956, 'bloopers' included a contestant at the Colwyn Bay heat fainting on screen on August 11th. An ABC official was seen to carry her off. At the New Brighton heat, a strap of a bathing costume snapped... Other venues for the show in this first season were Morecambe (first programe on July 14th), Llandudno, Rhyl, Southport, New Brighton and Blackpool. Though McDonald Hobley was the regular host, he was temporarily replaced by Eddie Morrell (manager of Morecambe's Central Pier) for the show from Southport on August 18th, and the following week's programme also.
Winner of the 1956 series, with chief judge being Errol Flynn, was Marion Lewis who came from Douglas IOM, winner of the Llandudno heat.

The winning 1957 Beauty Queen won a Morris car, the Adonis an auto scooter and the Fashion Queen a holiday wardrobe from Dorville's. All three also received a return flight to Bermuda plus £100 spending money.
The 1957 series began on June 15th at the same venue as 1956, coming from Central Pier Ballroom Morecambe. Future venues included Floral Hall Southport (June 22nd 1957), Tower Theatre New Brighton (June 29th), Norbreck Hydro Ballroom Blackpool (July 6th), Olympia Ballroom Scarborough (July 13th 1957- even though BBC tv engineers had claimed the town presented "immense technical difficulties for a live transmission"), Town Hall Rhyl (Aug 3rd), Pier Pavilion Colwyn Bay (Aug 10th), Palladium Theatre Llandudno (Aug 17th), Marine Hall Fleetwood (Aug 24th), Palace Ballroom Douglas IOM (Aug 31st) before the Grand Final in Blackpool (Sept 7th). The 1957 winner was Christine Gregg.

The 1958 series included a prize fund of £5,000 and followed the successful format of the previous season. The 1958 winner was Caroline Thomas.

For the fourth series in 1959, a theme tune was specially composed for the series called Coastride, the incidental music when the OB camera travels down the prom - the composer was Brian Fahey.
It was this season that the prize Fund was raised to the highest ever, £5,500. Derek Roy and singer Carmita joined the team for this series, while harpist Carl Ames appeared in most if not all programmes. Here are details of some of the shows: June 27th 1959 Marine Pavilion Fleetwood, July 25th Pier Pavilion Colwyn Bay guest star Mr Pastry dancing The Lancers, Aug 1st 1959 from Majestic Ballroom Llandudno, Aug 8th Spa Grand Hall Scarborough, April 15th Butlin's Filey, Aug 22nd 1959 from Spa Royal Hall Bridlington, Aug 29th 1959 from Embassy Ballroom Skegness- guest spot was the return visit of Mr Pastry. Then the final on Sept 5th 1959 which was from the Spa Grand Hotel Scarborough. Barbara Smith was crowned Queen, whilst Jean Barber was declared Fashion Queen and Earl Maynard was Adonis.

For the fifth series in 1960 the prize fund was set at £5,160. However the top prize was actually the maximum £1,000 for the Beauty Queen with £250 each for the other prizes. In each heat, the three winners received a humble £25 each! Second got £20, third £15 and a consolation of £10 was handed to disappointed runners-up.
The Larry Gordon Dancers were also regulars in this series which was directed by ABC's Chief of Outside Broadcasts, David Southwood.
Details of each show: 1 (June 25th 1960) at the Floral Hall Morecambe with Stromboli (the sword swallower). 2 (July 2nd) from the Norbreck Hydro Blackpool, 3 (July 9th) from the Floral Hall Southport, 4 (July 16th) from the Tower Ballroom New Brighton, 5 (July 23rd) from Town Hall Rhyl with Jacko the monkey and Rosita, 6 (July 30th) from the Pier Pavilion Colwyn Bay with Henry Zeisal and his violin, 7 (August 6th) at the Winter Gardens Ballroom Llandudno, 8 (August 13th) the production moved across to the Spa Grand Hall Scarborough, 9 (August 20th) at Butlin's Filey, 10 (August 27th) at the Embassy Ballroom Skegness with Watter Li, Chinese novelty sensation, and 11 (September 3rd)- The 1960 finals with the winners being Marny Birchall, Joan Boardman and Maureen Hayden.

Series 6 in 1961 started on June 24th at Morecambe's Central Pier Shrimpway again with Hobley hosting, and resident band Joe Loss. David Southwood was the producer once more. Peter Lloyd introduced a new 'live' feature, Out and About, meeting local characters and holidyamakers.
Other venues included The Floral Hall Southport (July 1st), the Norbreck Hydro Blackpool (July 8th), The Tower Ballroom New Brighton (July 15th), the Town Hall Rhyl (July 22nd), the Winter Gardens Ballroom Llandudno (July 29th), Butlin's Pwllheli (August 5th), over to the Spa Grand Hall Scarborough (August 12th) with Max Jaffa, and the Spa Royal Hall Bridlington (August 19th).
The 1961 finals returned to Morecambe on September 2nd with Patrick MacNee as chief judge. The contenders for the main title included Joyce Kay, Jackie White, Dorothy Hazeldine, and Lynda Dickman (Llandudno winner). The overall winner was Sue Burgess.

The 1962 prize fund was actually lowered to £4,000 and the Adonis section dropped. Keith Fordyce, fresh from Thank Your Lucky Stars, was the new compere, and formation dancers replaced the famous line of dancing girls. Coastride continued with Peter Lloyd. Resident band was directed by ABC's Bob Sharples.
The series started at Morecambe on June 30th 1962, with the remaining heats at Blackpool (July 7th), Prestatyn (July 14th), Colwyn Bay (July 21st), Butlin's Pwllheli (July 28th), Southport, Embassy Ballroom Skegness (Aug 11th), Great Yarmouth, Filey, Bridlington (Sept 1st), Marine Hall Fleetwood (Sept 8th) and Olympia Ballroom Scarborough (Sept 15th). The 1962 final, the last ever, with 24 entrants on September 22nd was judged by Norman Hartnell and Richard Todd and came from The Norbreck Hydro Blackpool. If you can supply the name of the winner, or make any corrections, do please email me.
Footnote: Nicholas Parsons also appeared sometime in the series (according to TV Times edition #268).

ABC Menu
Missing Menu

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.


The David Nixon Show-
an ABC series of 6 shows in 1965, with the first programme on April 17th from 8.25-9pm. It was only shown in a few ITV regions.
Each week included a guest magician, whilst others appearing weekly were Barbara Evans and Billy Dainty.
In the first show it was Al Koran, then on May 8th Johnny Hart and Dennis Lotis joined Nixon.
Billy Dainty wasn't in any further shows, but on the May 15th show Ted Ray was, along with Clinton Ford and Claudine.
Next week for the final programme on May 22nd Stanley Unwin, Ronnie Hilton, van Buren and Greta joined David Nixon.

The five minute Here's David Nixon programmes, which were shown by ABC on Sunday nights in 1963 at 10.35pm, were possibly edited highlights of some earlier shows featuring Nixon. Of course for many years before this, he had been a stalwart of BBC Television.

Details of David Nixon's Comedy Bandbox (1966) will be found in the Saturday Bandbox section

ABC Menu

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

After Hours
ABC's 25 minute late Sunday night entertainment in 1958 hosted by Michael Bentine with Dick Emery, Benny Lee and Clive Dunn.
Bentine wrote the script with Dick Lester who also produced the programmes. Music was by Reg Owen. It was described as "a late night mixture of comedy, music, personalities and sports." Today, After Hours can be seen as a pioneer for many of the later better remembered late night weekend shows.

Some of the 1958 series, which began on 5th October 1958 and ran for 15 weeks, were:
Programme 2- 12th Oct 1958 with guest star Brian Hewson. Plus Shirley Bassey, June Cunningham and David Lodge.
3- 19th Oct 1958 with guest stars Brian London and Mike Hawthorn. Plus Shirley Bassey June Cunningham and David Lodge.
5- 2nd Nov 1958 with guest stars Shirley Bassey, Bernard Braden and Stirling Moss, plus Dave Lodge (no Dick Emery).
7- 16th Nov 1958 with guest stars Alfred Marks and Humphrey Lyttelton. Also with Rosemary Squires.
12- 21st Dec 1958 with guest stars Dave King, Rose Hill and Judy Grinham. Also with Rosemary Squires.
13- 4th Jan 1959 with guest stars Michael Craig and Eric Bedser. Also with Rosemary Squires.
A second series followed in 1959, now on Saturday nights late, and lasting 30 minutes. Here are details of all thirteen shows:
Programme 1 Sept 12th 1959 at 11pm with Mel Charles and Sir Donald Wolfit.
2 Sept 19th 1959 at 11.30pm with Tommy Cooper, Godfrey Evans and Cleo Laine.
(No shows on Sept 26th/Oct 3rd due to election coverage.)
3 Oct 10th 1959 at 11pm with John Bentley, Henry Cooper, Monty Babson and Janet Waters.
4 Oct 17th 1959 at 11.10pm with Lonnie Donegan, Joan Greenwood and Cleo Laine.
5 Oct 24th 1959 at 10.50pm with Ann Todd.
6 Oct 31st 1959 at 11.30pm with Brian Hewson, Shane Rimmer and Cleo Laine.
7 Nov 7th 1959 at 10.50pm with Ronnie Clayton and Janet Waters.
8 Nov 14th 1959 at 10.50pm with Dora Bryan, Jack Brabham and Cleo Laine.
9 Nov 21st 1959 at 11.5pm with Lonnie Donegan, John Surtees and Janet Waters.
10 Nov 28th 1959 at 10.50pm with Sylvia Sims, Ronald Howard, Shane Rimmer and Cleo Laine.
11 Dec 5th 1959 11pm with Christine Truman, Frankie Howerd and Janet Waters.
12 Dec 12th 1959 10.50pm with Judy Grinham, Bernard Bresslaw, Cleo Laine, Shane Rimmer.
13 Dec 19th 1959 11pm with Jayne Mansfield, Jimmy Greaves, Janet Waters, Cleo Laine, Shane Rimmer. (Last programme)
ABC Menu

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

PILOT PROGRAMMES
Pilot shows were all the rage at the end of the 1950's.
Click titles for details of a few that were definitely made though none made it into a full series.

Professor Tim (1957)
The Fox (1958)
The Highwayman (1958)
Trader Horn (1958)
Elephant Boy (1958/9) - see photo
The Locked Door (1959)
Dick Turpin (1959)
Rogue for Hire (1959)
Calling All Lovers (1959)
Crime Club (1959)
Have Jazz- Will Travel (1960)
Mr Riviera (1960)
King of Diamonds (1960)

Though this site is about UK productions, I'm including these next two as they starred British actors:
North of '53 (1959) - made in Vancouver, starring Archie Duncan. He played a bush pilot named Archie McNab, posted at Lost Lake in the present day Yukon.

Jonnie and me (1960) - made in Mexico, with Richard Greene - see my review.

See also my review of The Man Who Walks By Night (1949)
Missing Menu

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

The Highwayman (1958)
A one-off ITC 25 minute film film that never got beyond the pilot, sadly.
Directed by Robert Day, this was the story of an eighteenth century gentleman who assumed the disguise of a highwayman to save victims of injustice.

The cast included several old hands of historical tv series, apart from its swashbuckling film star. These included Richard O'Sullivan (later to be in Dick Turpin), Adrienne Corri (co-star of Sword of Freedom), and Stanley van Beers (the evil Chauvelin in Scarlet Pimpernel).
The complete cast was:
Louis Hayward... James Macdonald
Richard O'Sullivan... Luke
Adrienne Corri... Lady Sylvia
Sam Kydd... Jerry Badger
Peter Coke... Lord Harrington
Anne Blake... Mrs Badger
Thomas Heathcote... Willetts
Carl Bernard... Crouch
Jack May... Cowley
John Dearth... Somers
Michael Peake... Pendleton
Peter Retey... Fletcher
Stanley van Beers... Chief Judge

Pilot Menu

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Have Jazz- Will Travel (1960)

A pilot for this series was definitely made and is at BFI. Whether any more of the planned 26 or 39 half hour programmes were ever made is uncertain. Completion of this pilot was announced in March 1960, those appearing were Chris Barber's Band and the Tony Kinsey Quartet, with scenes around various locations in London. It was stated that production on the series would commence that June. However at the Marquee Club on April 19th and 20th filming was definitely done of four numbers by Chris Barber and three by Joe Harriot.
Ron Rowson Associates stated that Dick Lester would direct this series, he had already made the pilot. Steve Race was musical director, and Bob Krasker the lighting and camera supervisor.
As the title suggests, it was all about jazz both trad and modern. To go with the jazz, filmed shots of the locations were initially planned to include London, Paris, Rome and Oslo. Later plans were firmed up to have two shows in London, two in Paris, two in Rome, with also two in Rome and two in Stockholm, and more ambitiously one each in Warsaw and Moscow. So, no surprise that Rowson was able to claim there was strong interest for the series not only in USA but also in Germany and Australia. "We are going out to show the working calibre of European music," Rowson claimed, "the camera will be the guide of the series and bandleaders will introduce the numbers.... We will be shooting the series at live sessions so as to capture the atmosphere of a jazz club."

Pilot Menu