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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..

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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

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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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)

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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.

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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.
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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.
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