Barmitzvah Boy to A Better Class of Person @ Memorable TV's Guide to British Television

An indepth guide to pretty much every UK show ever seen on TV, all entries include cast and crew details as well as running times, plot details, when it was on, what it was about and more besides. Simply click on the links below to access the information, UK sitcoms and UK Comedy are treated separately in their own sections.

B2 - BARMITZVAH BOY to A BETTER CLASS OF PERSON
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BARMITZVAH BOY

BBC-1 / 1x75m-e / Broadcast 14 September 1976 @ 9.35pm

Writer: Jack Rosenthal / Script Editor: Colin Tucker | Photography: Elmer Cossey | Design: Geoffrey Patterson | Costume Design: George Ward | Producer: Graeme McDonald / Director: Michael Tuchner

Drama. A young Jewish boy struggles to cope with the pressures leading up to his Barmitzvah. Jack Rosenthal, who wrote the script, as always had a fantastic reputation for comedy dramas on middle class often Jewish life and this is widely regarded as one of his best. There was a repeat showing 23 June 1997.

With:-JEREMY STEYN as Eliot Green / MARIA CHARLES as Rita Green / BERNARD SPEAR as Victor Green / ADRIENNE POSTA as Lesley Green / CYRIL SHAPS as Grandad Wax / JONATHAN LYNN as Harold / JACK LYNN as Rabbi Sherman / PAMELA MANSON as Sylvia / HARRY LANDIS as Sylvia / KIM CLIFFORD as Denise

BARNET

BBC2 / 1x30m-e / 1985 3 April - Wednesday 9.45

Writer: Doris Richards, Allen Saddler, / Producer: Harold Snoad

Comedy. A barber who used to run an upmarket salon in the West End of London now runs a lowly shop in the East End.

With:- DONALD CHURCHILL as Maurice Barnet / PATRICK CARGILL as Clive Parmenter / TONI PALMER as Phoebe / SARAH WEBB as Petal

THE BARON

ITV Network-ITC / 30x30m-e / 1965

Creator/Producer: Monty Berman, Robert Baker / Script Editor: Terry Nation / Theme Music:Edwin Astley

Action adventure series. Back in the 1960's the ITC action adventure series were the most glamorous shows on TV, shot on film, in colour and usually with a well known American in the lead they were definitely a cut above your run of the mill plays and kitchen sink dramas that were clogging up the airwaves. The Baron, made in 1966, is no exception, starring red haired yank Steve Forrest as John Mannering , supposedly an intiques expert with shops in London, Washington and Paris but in reality an agent working for the secret service specialising in crimes involving valuable antiquities. Mannering was known as The Baron thanks to a huge family ranch back in Texas (The character was created by crime novelist John Creasey although in his stories Mannering is English). Like all good crime drama shows of the sixties (bar The Saint) Mannering needed a glamorous sidekick, here played by Crossroads alumni Sue Lloyd, she played Cordelia Winfield (named after the Aussie cigarette brand of course ;-) who was on secondment from Special Branch's Diplomatic Service. The real star of the show though would have to be The Baron's awesome Jenson (number plate BAR 1).

It's a nicely entertaining series though and watch out for some famous names in guest roles including the likes of John Thaw, Peter Wyngarde, Peter Bowles, George Baker, Jeremy Brett and Edward Woodward.

With:- STEVE FORREST as John Mannering / SUE LLOYD as Cordelia Winfield / COLIN GORDON as Templeton-Green / PAUL FERRIS as David Marlowe

BARRISTER AT LAW

BBC1 (Drama Playhouse) / 1x50m-e / 1969 Thursday 17-Jul-1969 / 8.00pm

Writer: Max Marquis / Design: Roy Oxley / Producer: Peter Alexander / Director: Vere Lorrimer

Drama. Barrister Percy Brent is asked by his daughter to defend her lover, however Brent severely dislikes the man. This was the first Drama Playhouse production, a pilot for a series that never happened. It was subtitled Winner Take Nothing.

With:- EDWARD CHAPMAN as Percy Brent / SHEILA FEARN as Catherine / JOHN MOORE as Eric Moore / BRIAN BLESSED as Tom Gardner / ILONA RODGERS as Jane Paston / JOHN CARLISLE as Victor / JOY SHELTON as Mrs Trevelyan / MARY MILLER as Anna / NEAL ARDEN as Captain Putts / GEOFFREY SUMNER as Dr Packard / MICHAEL BEINT as Detective Inspector Chester / KYNASTON REEVES as Judge / NOEL JOHNSON as Grenville / NORMAN ATKYNN as Usher / ALEX GALLIER as Clerk of the Court / PHILIP HOWARD as Foreman / PHILIPPA URQUHART as Policewoman / PAMELA PITCHFORD as Lena Dwyer

THE BASEMENT

BBC / 1x / 1967

Writer: Harold Pinter / Director: Charles Jarrott

Drama. The strange relationship between two men who share both a basement flat and a young woman.

With:- DEREK MARKHAM / HAROLD PINTER /KIKA MARKHAM

THE BASS PLAYER AND THE BLONDE

ATV / 1x90m-e 3x60m-e / 1978

Creator: Roy Clarke / Writers: Roy Clarke, Ian Lindsay, Phil Redmond / Producer/Director: Dennis Vance

Comedy drama serial. Middle aged, debt ridden Jazz musician George Manghan, falls in love with the wealthy and much younger Terry much to the distress of her father. The three part serial was preceded by a 90 minute play (reflected above). The three episodes were titled Rondo, Allegro and Andante.

With:- EDWARD WOODWARD as George Mangham / JANE WYMARK as Terry / RONALD FRASER as Charlie / SAM KYDD / BETTY McDOWELL / JEREMY SINDEN as Nigel

BAT OUT OF HELL

BBC2 'Francis Durbridge Presents' / 5x50m-e / 1967 black and white

Writer: Francis Durbridge / Design: Roy Oxley / Producer: Alan Bromly

Thriller serial. A couple embarking on a foreign holiday find themselves caught up in a wave of terror and intrigue.

With:- NOEL JOHNSON as Geoffrey Stewart / SYLVIA SYMS as Diana / JOHN THAW as Mark / DUDLEY FOSTER as Inspector Clay

BAVARIAN KNIGHT

BBC1 / 1x75m-e / 1981

Writer: Andrew Davies / Director: Jack Gold

Drama. Events at a school parents evening begin to get out of hand.

With:- BOB PECK / SARAH BADEL

BBC CHILDREN IN NEED

BBC / 1980 - continuing

The BBC have actually been running this annual appeal since 1927, first on the radio and it's first short television slot in 1956. Since 1980 the event has occupied a substantial part of the BBC's output each third Friday in November. Terry Wogan has hosted since 1980 along with Sue Lawley, Esther Rantzen, Sue Cook, Joanna Lumley and Gaby Roslin. The shows mascot is Pudsey Bear. A large proportion of money raised is from private individuals rather than corporations, what's great about the event is not only does it raise huge sums of money for charity but it also enables us to see well known celebrities making fools of themselves, one memorable occasion saw a lot of money being raised to persuade Joanna Lumley to strip down to her underwear. The first show on radio back in 1927 raised 1000 pounds whilst the first TV production managed to raise over a million. Latterly the events have been raising at least 20 million pounds plus each year.

BBC3 LAUNCH NIGHT

9 February 2003 / starting 7:00pm

The first night of a new digital channel aimed at an audience between the ages of 20 and 40 or for those who would like to be. The channel replaced BBC Choice and inherited some of that channels programmes. But BBC3 has a requirement to have more original programming than Choice did. The first 2 hours were simulcast on BBC2. A selection of the best of BBC3 is shown late night of BBC1 for the benefit of those without digital reception.

BBC3 Launch Night Programmes (also on BBC2)

Johnny Vaughan Tonight - a live edition of his chat show

Re:Covered - a music show presented by Dermot O'Leary in which showcase their original work and cover of a well known hit.

Little Britain - a sketch based comedy show satirising modern life. With Matt Lucas and David Walliams. This was the pilot edition with a full series to follow in the future.

The remainder of the evening was on BBC3 only

Paul and Pauline Calf's Cheese and Ham Sandwich - Comedy with Steve Coogan playing both Paul and his sister Pauline.

Body Hits - Documentary about the science behind our social lives

This Is Dom Joly - chat show

Burn It - First of a 10-part drama series about twenty-somethings. See separate entry.

Liquid News - Celebrity news

Monkey Dust - Animated comedy sketches

3 Non Blondes - Hidden camera show with Tameka Empson, Jocelyn Lee Elson and Ninia Benjamin out and about spoofing the public.

BBC4 LAUNCH NIGHT

BBC2 / 7:00pm - midnight / 2 March 2002

BBC4, a digital channel devoted to cultural achievement, encompassing documentary, music, theatre and international cinema. The launch night was simulcast on BBC2. NOTE: BBC4 launched before the proposed BBC3 channel.

The launch night programmes were as follows:-

The Man Who Destroyed Everything:- Documentary about artist Michael Landy who in February 2001 set about destroying all his worldly possessions

BBC4 News:- Presented by George Alagiah and Kirsty Young

Goya: Crazy Like A Genius:- Documentary exploring the life and work of 19th century Spanish artist Francisco de Goya

Surrealissimo:- Comedy drama about a mock trial of Salvador Dali. See separate entry for full details.

The Gist:- Spoof arts magazine from the creator of People Like Us. Starring Emma Fielding as Harriet Gould and Robert Webb as Paul Ashdown - the hosts of the show.
Director:- John Morton, Producer: Paul Schlesinger.

Concert:- Senegal’s Baaba Maal and his Dande Lenol band

BBC NEWS 24

BBC / x30 minute episodes / 9 November 1997 - continuing

A BBC News channel dedicated to the news, initially the channel was only available to cable TV subscribers and then in 1998 to satellite TV viewers also, the channel is now able to be received by anyone with access to digital TV. The channel is also seen on BBC-1 and BBC-2 when those channels are "off-air". Gavin Esler was the first presenter, his first words being “Hello, and welcome for the first time to BBC News 24”. Audiences to News 24 coverage reached an all-time high during the War in Iraq. With simulcasting on BBC One and BBC Two, the service was watched by 23 million people on one day alone. The three main BBC News bulletins (One O'Clock, Six O'Clock and Ten O'Clock) are also simulcast on News 24. The channel received a lot of criticism at first but has since come of age winning the news channel of the year award at the television journalism awards on 22 February 2006.

BBC NINE O'CLOCK NEWS

BBC / 14 September 1970 - 15 October 2000

Nightly news summary. For 30 years the BBC's flagship evening news show and pretty much a continuation of BBC Television News. The thirty minute news bulletin was first presented by Robert Dougal, the many changes over the years included the appointment in 1975 of the first woman presenter, Angela Rippon. Later additions saw the arrival of John Humphrys and John Simpson. It was a Nine O’Clock news report that perhaps had more repercussions than any other. It was Michael Buerk's report of the Ethiopia famine that inspired Bob Geldof to organise Live Aid. Another tumultuous change took place on October 16th, 2000. After 30 years in the nine pm slot, BBC One's main late evening bulletin moved to Ten O’Clock. The BBC Ten O’Clock bulletin has been presented by Huw Edwards and Fiona Bruce.

BBC ONE O'CLOCK NEWS

BBC / x30 minute episodes / 27 October 1986 - continuing

The BBC's half hour lunch news bulletin is the most watched lunchtime news show, for many years Martyn Lewis was the main newsreader and whilst it doesn't offer too much different in the way of content to the main late evening news it does tend to a slightly lighter tone at times. Jill Dando was also a newsreader for the show for most of the nineties until her murder in 1999. Sophie Raworth took over as anchor after Anna Ford broadcast her final edition on 27 April 2006.

John Simpson is been world affairs editor of the show.

BBC REGIONAL NEWS

BBC-1

The BBC have always had a policy of opting out for local or regional news bulletins, in the sixties Nationwide sought to bring all of the different regions together but since the demise of that hour long show each region, usually after the main six o'clock evening news, has their own half hour news round up show. All of the regions (apart from BBC Points West) share the same title music.

The regional shows include:-

BBC East Midlands Today (1991 - continuing) This show grew out of the Birmingham centric Midlands Today (which now focuses on the West Midlands). Key presenters have been Anne Davies (since 2001), Kathy Rochford, Janet Mayo and Quentin Raynor. The area covers Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Southern Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire and Rutland.
BBC London (2001 - continuing) Originally known as BBC LDN the show came into being when the region split from BBC South East on 1 October 2001. Main presenters have included Emily Maitlis, Asad Ahmad, Matt Barbet, Riz Lateef, Mike Ramsden and Louisa Preston.
BBC Look East covers Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Norfolk, Northamptonshire and Suffolk and presenters have included Stewart White , Susie Fowler-Watt, Carol Bundock and Helen Morton
BBC Look North actually three separate Regional shows
1. Covers East Yorkshire and Lincolnshire and began on 11 November 2002. Before that date viewers in these areas were served by Look North from Leeds. Main presenters have been Peter Levy, Lisa Gallagher (weather) and Jenny Hill.
2. Covers North East and Cumbria this version of Look North began in 1964 and for a long time was hosted by Mike Neville (who stayed with the show for years before being poached by ITV's Tyne Tees in 1996), the show was originally called Home at Six (in 1963) and was hosted by Frank Bough who quickly left to become one of the BBC's major sports presenters. Other presenters have included Carol Malia, John Lawrence and Wendy Gibson.
3. covers Yorkshire and North Midlands and began on 25 March 1968, presenters have included Christina Ackroyd (from 3 September 2001 - ), Clare Frisby, Philip Hayton and Harry Gration (most of the 1980's and 1990's). Sophie Raworth (now one of the BBC's main news anchors) was also a presenter between 1995 and 1997.
BBC Newsroom South East (March 1989 - 2001) covered south east England and was cancelled when the BBC split the region into BBC London and BBC South East. Main presenters have included Mike Embley, Gwenan Edwards, Gillian Joseph, Tim Donovan, Heather Lima and sports presenter Rob Curling.
BBC North West Tonight covers Greater Manchester, Merseyside, Lancashire, Cheshire and the Isle of Man. Initially another of the shows called Look North and then in 1980 Look North West then News Northwest in 1981 but settling on North West Tonight in 1984. Presenters have included Stuart Hall, David Davies and Philip Hayton as well as the Krypton Factor's Gordon Burns.
BBC Points West covers Bristol, Gloucestershire, Somerset and Wiltshire and from June 1991 to 22 May 2000 the show was named BBC News West (it's also the only regional show to have its own individual theme music), presenters have included Michael Buerk, Chris Vacher, Alex Lovell and Amanda Parr.
BBC South East Today covers Kent, East Sussex, West Sussex, Surrey and Essex. Launched on 3 September 2001 the shows roots were in BBC Newsroom Southeast. Presenters have included Laurie Mayer, Geoff Clark and Beverley Thompson.
BBC South Today covers Dorset, Hampshire, The Isle of Wight and West Sussex as well as parts of Berkshire, Oxfordshire, Surrey and Wiltshire. A long runner (began in the early 1970's) and presenters have included Sally Taylor, Roger Finn, Bruce Parker, Caroline Richardson and Pauline Brandt.
BBC Spotlight covers Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, and Somerset as well as a special Channel Islands version of the show. The show began in 1961 and was known as South West at Six. Presenters have included Teresa Driscoll, Juliet Morris, Christopher Slade and Julia Peet.
BBC Wales Today covers Wales and began broadcasting in 1962. Presenters have included Jamie Owen and Sara Edwards.

BBC SIX O'CLOCK NEWS

BBC-1 / x30 minute episodes / September 1984 - continuing

The second of the BBC's main channel daily half hour news bulletins, again it doesn't offer much different in the way of actual news covered to the other bulletins.

BBC TELEVISION NEWS

BBC / 5 July 1954-70

Nightly news summary, the early news readers were Kenneth Kendall, Robert Dougall and Richard Baker but until September of 1955 the newsreaders were not actually allowed in vision. Richard Baker was the first to announce the news although John Snagge actually read the bulk of the news items. Kenneth Kendall was the first in vision news reader; The show ran for 22 minutes initially. By 14 September 1970 the news was re-badged as the BBC Nine O'Clock News and run as one of the flagship primetime shows.

BBC TEN O'CLOCK NEWS

BBC-1 / x30 minute episodes / 16 October 2000 - continuing

When the ITV Network scrapped their long running news at ten bulletin the BBC decided to take advantage and move their evening bulletin from Nine to Ten, this also allowed them to run big productions straight through the evening rather than having them split by the news as before. The first newsreaders were Michael Buerk and Peter Sissons but they were replaced by Huw Edwards and Fiona Bruce in 2003. The Sunday evening bulletin runs for 15 minutes.

The following have also been regulars on the show Jennie Bond (Royal Correspondent 2000-2003) | Tom Coulter Northern Ireland Correspondent 2000-2002) | Frank Gardner (Security Correspondent 2003-) | Gavin Hewitt ( Special Correspondent ) | Andrew Marr (Political Editor 2000-2005) | Stephen Sackur (Washington correspondent ) | John Simpson (World Affairs Editor) | Sue Thearle (Sports Correspondent 2004-)

THE BBC TELEVISION SHAKESPEARE

BBC / 1978-85

Producers: Cedric Messina, Jonathan Miller, Shaun Sutton

An attempt to stage all of Shakespeare's 37 plays to form a definitive canon of his work, however the attempt lacked cohesion as the plays were filmed in such a wide variety of styles, with some shot on film, some studio bound etc. The casts though featured the cream of British acting talent including John Gielgud, Helen Mirren, Anthony Hopkins, James Bolam, Timothy West, and Virginia McKenna. see individual entries for more details. An alphabetical listing of the plays produced:- ALLS WELL THAT ENDS WELL(1980) / ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA (1981) / AS YOU LIKE IT(1979) / CYMBELINE(1983) / HAMLET(1980) / HENRY II (1979) / HENRY IV Parts 1&2(1979) / HENRY V(1979) / HENRY VI Parts 1-3(1983) / JULIUS CAESAR(1979) / KING LEAR(1982) / MACBETH (1983)/ MEASURE FOR MEASURE(1978) / THE MERCHANT OF VENICE(1980) / THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR / A MIDSUMMER NIGHTS DREAM / MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING(1984) / OTHELLO(1980) / PERICLES, PRINCE OF TYRE(1984) / RICHARD II(1978) / RICHARD III (1982) / ROMEO AND JULIET(1978) / THE TAMING OF THE SHREW(1980) / THE TEMPEST(1980) / TIMON OF ATHENS(1981) / TITUS ANDRONICUS(1985) / THE TRADEGY OF CORIALANUS(1984) / TROILUS AND CRESSIDA(1981) / TWELFTH NIGHT(1980) / THE TWO GENTLEMEN OF VERONA(1984) / THE WINTERS TALE

THE BEAST MUST DIE

BBC / 1968 black and white

Writers: Pip and Jane Baker / Novel:Nicholas Blake / Producer: Verity Lambert

Crime drama. A murder is investigated by dapper detective Nigel Strangeways.

With:- BERNARD HORSFALL as Nigel Strangeways

A BEAST WITH TWO BACKS

BBC 'The Wednesday Play' / 1x75m-e / 1968 black and white

Writer: Dennis Potter / Director: Graeme McDonald / Producer: Kenith Trodd / Costume Design: June Wilson

Period drama. In the 1830's an innocent bear has to pay the penalty for a crime that was committed by the simple member of a small village. Set in Potter's own Forest of Dean, the tale is supposedly based on an old legend of the area.

With:- Patrick Barr as Joe / Denis Carey as Ebenezer / Laurence Carter as Micky Teague / Madeleine Newbury as Joan Teague / Christian Rodska as Rufus / Geraldine Newman as Rebecca / Roger Gartland as Jack Hooper / Terence Sewards as Will / Anthony Andrews as Harry / Basil Henson as Inspector / Audine Leith as Nellie / Esther Lawrence as Mary / Llewellyn Rees as Arnold / Ron Eagleton as Policeman / Rica Fox as Organist / Rosalie Horner as Barmaid / Gina as Dancing Bear / Stephen Pudge as Boy 1 / Eddie Blow as Boy 2 / Kevin Toogood as

Boy 3 and The Berry Hill Silver Band

BEASTS

ITV Network -ATV / 6x60m-e / 1976 (Saturday 16 October - Saturday 20 November / All episodes broadcast at 9.30pm except episode one which went out at 9.00pm)

Writer: Nigel Kneale / Music: Derek Bourgeois / Producer: Nicholas Palmer

An anthology series of supernatural themed dramas from the pen of the creator of Quatermass. Beasts has a terrific reputation despite the fact that it has been barely seen since its original transmission. As usual with Nigel Kneale the productions had a big impact of viewers at home with scenes that have lived long in the memory. For more details see the episode guide here.

The plays were:- 1.SPECIAL OFFER, 2. DURING BARTY'S PARTY 3.BUDDY BOY, 4.BABY, 5. WHAT BIG EYES, 6. THE DUMMY The casts included the likes of Pauline Quirke, John Ryhs-Davies, Martin Shaw, Jane Wymark, Simon MacCorkindale, T P McKenna, Patrick Magee, Madge Ryan, Michael Kitchen, Simon Oates, Bernard Horsfall, Clive Swift and Glyn Houston.

BEATEN

BBC1 / 1x60m / 14 March 2005 / 2:05pm

Writer: Alison Hume / Producer/Director: Jon East

Drama. Young Jamie witnesses his father, an ex-boxer, punching his mother and believes he is beating her. But what he saw was the father finally retaliating after years of systematic abuse he had been suffering from her.

With:- ROBSON GREEN as Michael / SAIRA TODD as Stephanie / COREY J SMITH as Jamie / JUDITH BARKER as Nancy

THE BEAT ROOM

BBC2 / x30m-e / 1964-65

Producer: Barry Langford

Music programme capitalising on the beat music explosion at the time. Introduced by Pat Campbell. The programme developed into Gadzooks! It's All Happening.

BEAU GESTE

BBC-1 / 8x30m-e / 1982 31 October -19 December

Writer: Alastair Bell / Novel:C.P. Wren / Visual Effects: Jim Francis / Producer: Barry Letts / Director: Douglas Camfield

Period action adventure serial. Life for the Geste brothers, members of the tough Foreign Legion in the 19th century.

cast
Benedict Taylor as Beau Geste / Anthony Calf as Digby Geste / Jonathan Morris as John Geste / Stefan Gryff as Boldini / Julia Chambers as Claudia / Sally Baxter as Isobel / Philip Shelley as Augustus Brandon / Andrew Armour as recruiting sergeant major / Randal Herley as recruiting colonel / Terry Gurry as corporal / John Forgeham as Sergeant Major Lejeune / David Shawyer as Sergeant Major Dufour / John Repsch as corporal / John Patrick as Rastignac / Paul Hawkins as young Beau / Paul Critchley as young John / Robin Crane as young Digby / Sian Pattenden as young Isobel / Lucy Baker as young Claudia

BEAUTY

ITV1 'Trapped' / 1x60m / 11 September 2004

Writer: Simon Nye / Director: Ben Bolt / Producer: Margot Gavan Duffy

Drama. Tom Fitzhenry is a recluse whose unappealing looks have caused him to withdraw from society and live alone in his large manor house with just his two ageing servants for company. When extensive plumbing work is required the plumber and his beautiful daughter Cathy come to stay while the work is being carried out. Tom falls for Cathy and she in-turn sees past his physical appearance and brings him out of his shell. Martin Clunes wore prosthetics to ugly-up his appearance.

With:- MARTIN CLUNES as Tom Fitzhenry / SIENNA GUILLORY as Cathy / SAM KELLY as Bernard / CHRISTIAN SOLIMENO as Ryan / PETER VAUGHAN as Robbins

BECK

BBC1-Tempest Films / 6x50m-e / Broadcast 2 October - 1 November 1996

Creator: Paul Hines / Producer: Jacky Stoller / Director: Maurice Phillips

Drama series. Cases of a woman who runs the Locate missing persons agency in Kings Cross London.

cast
AMANDA REDMAN as Beck / CAROLINE LONCQ as Therese / DAVID HUNT as Mick Farrant / WILLIAM ASH as Ralph

BED

BBC2 (for Performance) / 1x50m-e / Broadcast 21 October 1995 @ 9.40pm

Writer: Jim Cartwright / Producer: Kevin Loader / Director: Steve Shill

Surreal comedy drama. Seven very old people all share the same bed. Much of the drama is a kind of dream sequence as Captain, a new patient in a long care home for the elderly, tries to settle in to his new surroundings.

RENEE ASHERSON as Marjorie / ROBIN BAILEY as Charles / JUNE BROWN as Spinster / DORA BRYAN as Bosom Lady / PHYLLIS CALVERT as Woman / MAURICE DENHAM as Man / RICHARD E. GRANT as Nurse/Bedhead / LIONEL JEFFRIES as Captain

BEDTIME

BBC1 / 12x30m / 2001,2002

Writer/Director: Andy Hamilton / Producer: Sue Howells

Comedy drama looking into the lives of the residents of three adjoining houses as bedtime approaches. Andrew and Alice Oldfield live in the middle house and have appeared in both series. Their neighbours changed between series 1 and 2.

With: SHEILA HANCOCK as Alice / TIMOTHY WEST as Andrew /
Series 2 additional cast:- ALUN ARMSTRONG as Neil / KEVIN MCNALLY as Simon / DOON MACKICHAN as Faith / ADAM PAUL HARVEY as Ralph / SIENNA MILLER as Stacey

BEECH IS BACK

ITV1 / 6x60 minute episodes / 2001

Directors:- Justin Hardy, Derek Lister

A short-run series spinning off from THE BILL telling the story of the return of corrupt former-Sun Hill officer Don Beech who escaped justice and fled to Australia at the conclusion of a long-running plotline in The Bill the previous year. Ex-Detective Sergeant Claire Stanton obsessed with putting Don Beech away following his murder of her boyfriend DS John Boulton follows a lead and attempts to track him down.

With :- BILLY MURRAY as Don Beech / CLARA SALAMAN as Claire Stanton /MILES PARAS as Frankie Nguyen

BEFORE THE SUN GOES DOWN

ITV Network-Associated Rediffusion (for Television Playhouse) / 1x60m-e / 1959 20 February black and white

Writer: Lester Fuller / Music: Ron Grainer played by Ron Grainer and Geoff Lofts / Design: John Clements / Director: Robert Tronson

SciFi drama. What is the significance of a mysterious satellite that appears over London - is it alien or military in origin? A drunken Irishman and a young girl find themselves alone in the city after the capital is evacuated.

cast
Moultrie Kelsall as Prime Minister / Joyce Barbour as Madame / Charles Farrell as Bully / Richard Caldicott as General / Margot Van der Burgh as Anna / Harry Landis as Spiv / Anthony Nicholls as Doctor / Douglas Bradley-Smith as Civil servant / Eddie Byrne as Vek / Gerald C. Lawson as Revivalist / Colin Keith Johnson as Scientist / Ewen MacDuff as Admiral

THE BEFRIENDERS

BBC1 / 11x50m-e / 1972 (19 Feb to 29-Apr)

Creator: Harry W. Junkin / Producers: John Henderson, Harry W. Junkin

Drama. Cases from the files of a group of Samaritans. Guest stars included Patrick Troughton, Liza Goddard, Jean Marsh, Anthony Bate, Gordon Jackson, William Lucas, Glyn Houston and Barbara Lott. Grew out of a Drama Playhouse entry broadcast Monday 30 November 1970 @ 9.50pm

With:- PETER ARMITAGE as Chuck / MICHAEL CULVER as Jerry / MEGS JENKINS as Janet / JENNY TILL as Frances

THE BEGGAR BRIDE

BBC1 / 2x75m-e / 1997

Writer: Lizzie Mickery / Novel:Gillian White / Producer: Kate Harwood / Director: Diarmuid Lawrence

Drama serial. Angela Harper decides to save her family from the poverty trap by embarking on a bigamous marriage with an extremely wealthy man.

With:- KEELEY HAWES as Angela Harper / JOE DUTTINE as Billy Harper / NICHOLAS JONES as Sir Fabian Ormerod / CHARLOTTE WILLIAMS as Honesty Ormerod / JEAN ANDERSON as Lady Alice / DIANA KENT as Ffiona Ormerod

BEGGARS AND CHOOSERS

ITV Network-ATV (for Love Story) / 1x55 minute episode / Broadcast: Tuesday 7th July 1964 @ 9.10pm

Writer: Lewis Greifer / Producer: Hugh Rennie / Director: Eric Price

Romantic drama. A long-time bachelor Sergeant falls in love with a NAAFI girl.

cast
Leonard Rossiter as Sgt 'Tubby' Watson / Patrick Newell as Sgt Arthur Shrubsole / Avril Elgar as Louise Hargreaves / James Culliford as Private Mason / Marjie Lawrence as Anne Riley / Nicholas Bennett as Private Horner

BEHAVING BADLY

Channel 4-Humphrey Barclay Productions / 4x60 minutes / 20 February - 13 March 1989

Writers: Catherine Heath, Moira Williams / Music: Stephen Oliver / Production Design: Eileen Diss / Producers: Humphrey Barclay, Moira Williams / Executive Producer: Al Mitchell / Director: David Tucker

Drama serial. A faithful wife's life is changed when her husband walks out on her for another woman. She amazes her family by starting to live life to the full. Fore more details see the episode guide here.

cast
JUDI DENCH as Bridget / DOUGLAS HODGE as Giles / GWEN WATFORD as Frieda / RONALD PICKUP as Mark / JOELY RICHARDSON as Serafina / FRANCES BARBER as Rebecca

THE BEIDERBECKE AFFAIR

ITV Network-Yorkshire / 6x60m-e / 1985 6 Jan - 10 Feb

Writer: Alan Plater / Music: Frank Ricotti / Producer: Anne W. Gibbons / Designer: Mike Long / Director: David Reynolds

Comedy drama serial. The first of the Beiderbecke Trilogy. Schoolteachers Trevor Chaplin and Jill Swinburne uncover a sinister web of corruption whilst on the trail of some jazz LP's by Bix Beiderbecke. For more details see the episode guide here.

See also The Beiderbecke Tapes and The Beiderbecke Connection

With:- JAMES BOLAM as Trevor Chaplin / BARBARA FLYNN as Jill Swinburne / DOMINIC JEPHCOTT as Det Sgt Hobson / DUDLEY SUTTON as Mr Carter / KEITH SMITH as Mr Wheeler / TERENCE RIGBY as Big Al / COLIN BLAKELY as Ch Supt Forest / DANNY SCHILLER as Little Norm

THE BEIDERBECKE CONNECTION

ITV Network-Yorkshire / 4x60m-e / 1988 27 Nov - 18 Dec

Writer: Alan Plater / Music: Frank Ricotti / Producer: Michael Glynn

Comedy drama serial. The third in the Beiderbecke trilogy. Schoolteachers Trevor and Jill help a Russian refugee who is seeking political asylum, but things are not what they seem. In this serial Trevor and Jill have finally got married and have a child.

With:- JAMES BOLAM as Trevor Chaplin / BARBARA FLYNN as Jill Swinburne / DUDLEY SUTTON as Mr Carter / KEITH SMITH as Mr Wheeler / PATRICK DRURY as Ivan / TERENCE RIGBY as Big Al / DANNY SCHILLER as Little Norm / DOMINIC JEPHCOTT as Det Insp Hobson

THE BEIDERBECKE TAPES

ITV Network-Yorkshire / 2x90m-e / 1987 13-20 December

Writer: Alan Plater / Music: Frank Ricotti / Producer: Michael Glynn

Comedy drama serial. Part two of the Beiderbecke trilogy. Trevor and Jill stumble across a government conspiracy to dump atomic waste in the Yorkshire Dales, and end up being chased by Special Branch to Holland and Scotland.

With:- JAMES BOLAM as Trevor Chaplin / BARBARA FLYNN as Jill Swinburne / DUDLEY SUTTON as Mr Carter / KEITH SMITH as Mr Wheeler / BERYL REID as Sylvia / MALCOLM STORRY as Peterson / DAVID BATTLEY as John

BEING APRIL

BBC1 / 6x60m / started 20 June / 9:00pm

Writer: Pete Lawson / Director: Syd Macartney / Producer: Deborah Jones

Comedy drama series. April is the mother of three children all of whom have different fathers that are very much still on the scene.

With:- PAULINE QUIRKE as April / VICTOR MCGUIRE as Richard / NICHOLAS GLEAVES as Eddie / NITIN GANATRA as Sunil / CLIVE RUSSELL as Callum / RAKIE AYLOA as Taneshia / JUSTIN ALLDER as Grainger / AMITA DHIRI as Nikshita

BEING HUMAN
BBC Three comedy drama about a werewolf, a vampire and a ghost. Full story.

BEING NORMAL

BBC / 1x85m-e / 1983

Writer: Brian Phelan / Director: Pete Smith

Drama. A young boy has a medical condition which stops him growing.

With:-ANNA CARTERET / DAVID SUCHET

BEL AMI

BBC-2 / 5x45 minute episodes / Broadcast Sunday 8 May - Sunday 5 June 1971

Writer: Guy De Maupassant (Dramatised by Robert Muller) / Designer: Chris Pemsel / Script Editor: Lennox Phillips / Producer: Martin Lisemore / Director: John Davies

Period drama serial. The life of thoroughly bad egg Georges Duroy, set in Paris in the 1890's. The five episodes were:- Georges (8 May 71); Clotilde (15 May 71); Madeleine (22 May 71); Virginie (29 May 71) and Suzanne (5 June 71)

cast
Robin Ellis as Georges Duroy / Suzanne Neve as Madeleine / Elvi Hale as Clotilde / John Bryans as M. Walter / James Cossins as Forestier

THE BELL

BBC2 / 1x50 minute episode 3x55m-e / 13 January - 3 February 1982

Writer: Reg Gadney / Script Editor: Betty Willingale / Novel: Iris Murdoch / Production Design: Chris Pemsel / Music: Chris Wilkinson / Producer: Jonathan Powell / Director: Barry Davis DAVIS, Barry

Period drama serial. In the 1950's problems arise in the lay vegetarian community attached to a convent. For more details see the episode guide here.

cast
Tessa Peake-Jones as Dora Greenfield / Derrick O'Connor as Noel Spens / Gareth Thomas as James Tayper / Michael Maloney as Toby Gashe / James Warwick as Paul Greenfield / Rowena Cooper as Mrs Mark / Trudie Styler as Catherine Fawley / Tim Wylton as Fr Bob Joyce / Patricia Heneghan as Sister Ursula / Ian Holm as Michael Meade / Kenneth Cranham as Nick Fawley / Edward Hardwicke as Peter Topglass / Bryan Pringle as Patchway / William Simons as Mark Strafford / Rachel Kempson as Abbess / Richard Pearson as Bishop / Lottie as Murphy (the dog)

BELLA AND THE BOYS

BBC2 / 1x80m / 15 February 2004

Writer/Director: Brian Hill / Producer: Katie Baliff

Drama. Set in 1990 in a children's home as Bella and her two friends Lee and Martin share a sometimes very intimate friendship - intermixed with scenes from the present day as the care home is closing down and the ex-residents get together for a reunion.

With:- BILLIE PIPER as Bella / TOM BURKE as Lee / FREDDIE CUNLIFFE as Martin / LENORA CRICHLOW as Stacy / JANE LAPOTAIRE as Mrs Rogers

THE BELLS OF HELL

BBC-2 (Late Night Horror) / 1x22 minutes / Friday 17 May 1968 @ 11.15pm

Writer: Hugh Whitmore / Story by Robert Aickman / Producer: Harry Moore / Story Editor: Richard Davis / Designer: Richard Wilmot / Director: Naomi Capon

Spooky drama. Three months after their marriage Phrynne and Gerald Banstead spend some time at picturesque East Anglian pub The Bell, deserted apart from the owners Mr and Mrs Pascoe and the strange Commander Shotcroft, the Bansteads soon find out they are in for a night of terror. Repeated on BBC-1 on 5 December 1969. The production is no longer in existence but in 2002 Mark Gatiss and Jeremy Dyson of The League of Gentlemen mounted a radio version with George Baker and Barbara Shelley as The Bansteads. 1 of 6 productions that went under the Umbrella title Late Night Horror.

cast
Michele Dotrice as Phrynne Banstead / Ronald Hines as Gerald Banstead / Pauline Letts as Mrs Pascoe / Keith Pyott as Commander Shotcroft / Jerold Wells as Don Pascoe
Lindsay Kemp as Gravedigger/Ealing Dancer / Gavin Campbell as Ealing Dancer/voice recording / Dancers were George Rutland, Robin Sherringham, Aubrey Wolfson, Roy Simpson, Bob Anthony, Jack Birkett

BELLWEATHER NINE

ITV Network-Associated Rediffusion (for Television Playhouse) / 1x60m-e / Broadcast Friday 15 May 1959 @ 9.00pm in black and white

Writer: A.P. Dearsley / Design: Frank Gillman / Director: John Rhodes

SciFi drama. A scatty professor plans to beat the government into the space race.

With:- CHARLES LLOYD PACK as Humphrey Bellweather / JOYCE CAREY as Amanda Pryce-Pryce / PETER MYERS as Monty Brotherton / JOSE READ as Doris Hockley / ANTHONY SHARP as Fingle / JAMES BELCHAMBER as Jones / DEREK AYLWARD as Mervyn Dashwood

BELONGING

ITV1 / 1x120m / 12 September 2004

Novel: Stevie Davis / Dramatised by: Alan Plater / Director: Chris Menaul / Producers: Jenny Edwards, Jeanna Polley

When Jess Copplestone's husband Jacob leaves her for a younger woman, she is left to care for his frail elderly relatives.

With:- BRENDA BELTHYN as Jess Copplestone / ROSEMARY HARRIS as May Copplestone / ANNA MASSEY as Brenda / PETER SALLIS as Nathan / KEVIN WHATELY as Jacob Copplestone / JILL BAKER as Cathy

BEN AGAIN

ITV Network-Granada (for Television Playhouse) / 1x60 minute episode / Broadcast Friday 22 March 1963 @ 9.15pm in black and white

Writer: Peter Nichols / Director: Gordon Flemyng

Comedy drama. A sequel to the two years earlier Ben Spray detailing further episodes in the life of put upon school teacher Ben Spray (see below).

With:- Dinsdale Landen as Ben Spray / Ann Bell / John Bonney / Joyce Heron / William Kendall / Philip Locke / Diana Coupland

THE BENCH

BBC1 / 10x30m / Began 27 May 2002 / 2:55pm

Drama following the proceedings of a welsh magistrate’s court. Originally shown regionally on BBC Wales.

With:- MARK LEWIS JONES as Des Davies / LESLEY VICKERAGE as Katharine Tyrell

BENEATH THE SKIN

ITV1 / 2x90m / 3-4 July 2005

Novel: Nicci French / Adaption: Gwyneth Hughes / Director: Sarah Harding / Producer: Lars MacFarlane

Young teacher Zoe foils a mugging and becomes a local hero. She then receives anonymous letters threatening her life and is later murdered. Jennifer is a mother who starts to receive similar letters and is also murdered - what links these women? When
pet shop worker Nadia starts to get similar letters, the police put her under protection but she is determined to find out the truth herself. The viewer knows who the villain is and he has befriended Nadia but the police have ruled him out of their enquiries!

With:- REBECCA PALMER as Nadia Blake / STEPHANIE LEONIDAS as Zoe Haratounian / EMMA FIELDING as Jennifer Hintlesham / JAMIE DRAVEN as PC Andrew Stadden / PHYLLIS LOGAN as DCI Grace Shilling / LEX SHRAPNEL as Fred / DANIEL MAYS Moz

BEN HALL

BBC/ABC / 13x50m-e / 1975

Producer: Neil McCallum

Period action adventure series. Exploits of an Aussie outlaw called Ben Hall. An Australian-Britain co-production.

With:- JON FINCH / JOHN CASTLE

BENNY HILL

BBC / 19x25m-e / 1962-63 3 Seasons

Producers: Duncan Wood, John Street

An anthology series of one off comedies tailored to the talents of Benny Hill who was normally to be seen in his sketch series The Benny Hill Show.

BEN SPRAY

Twice done comedy by Peter Nichols about Schoolteacher Ben going to a party.

1. 1961 Granada

Ben...................................................... IAN HENDRY

2. 1972 LWT

Ben....................................................... JOHN ALDERTON

BEN TRAVERS FARCES

BBC1 / 7x60m-e / 1970 19 Sep - 31 Oct Saturdays 9.00pm

Writer: Ben Travers / Producer: Eric Fawcett

An antholgy of seven Ben Travers classic stage farces. 1.ROOKERY NOOK 2. A CUCKOO IN THE NEST, 3. TURKEY TIME, 4. A CUP OF KINDNESS 5. PLUNDER, 6. DIRTY WORK, 7. SHE FOLLOWS ME ABOUT. The casts included:- Richard Briars, Arthur Lowe, Irene Handl, Megs Jenkins, Frank Thornton, Clive Dunn and Terence Alexander

BERGERAC

BBC1 / 81x50m-e 5x90m-e / 1981-91

Creator: Robert Banks Stewart / Music: George Fenton / Producers: Robert Banks Stewart, Jonathan Alwyn, George Gallaccio, Juliet Grimm

Crime drama series set on the idyllic tax haven of Jersey, the series starred John Nettles as recovering alcoholic Sergeant Jim Bergerac. Jim worked for the for the Bureau Des Estrangers which specialised in dealing with millionaire tax exiles and tourists and so on. Originally known jokingly among the press as "Jersey Five-0" the show was immediately popular and actually boosted the tourist trade on the island ten fold. Jim was divorced but his father in law, the very rich Charlie Hungerford, appeared in every episode, over the years the pair had a kind of love hate relationship but ended up quietly respecting each other.
During the first season Jim shacked up with the beautiful French girl Frankie but his most long term relationship was with estate agent Susan Young who would later die in very mysterious circumstances. Jim also had a very flirtatious thing going with jewel thief Phillipa Vale played by Liza Goddard who appeared in several episodes over the years.
Although obviously mainly concerning itself with thievery, murder and the like the was not scared to occasionally experiment and the odd episode edged towards horror or the unexplained. Towards the end of the show Jim fell in love with a French woman and actually quit the force and by the final series was working as a private detective both in Jersey and France. Other regulars on the show included Jim's boss Barney Crozier, secretary Peggy Masters and pub owner Diamante Lil. Over the years there were five feature length Christmas specials, the show also attracted a high calibre of guest stars including a young Joanne Whalley, Geoffrey Palmer, Liza Goddard, Greta Scacchi (in season ones The Hood and the Harlequin), Warren Clarke and many more. Jim drove a vintage 1959 burgundy triumph roadster. John Nettles went on to star in the Miss Marple like Midsomer Murders.

With:- JOHN NETTLES as Jim Bergerac / TERENCE ALEXANDER as Charlie Hungerford / SEAN ARNOLD as Barney Crozier / DEBORAH GRANT as Deborah Bergerac / LOUISE JAMESON as Susan Young / MELA WHITE as Diamante Lil / NANCY MANSFIELD as Peggy Masters / JOHN TELFER as D.C. Willy Petit / DAVID KERSHAW as D.C. Ben Lomas / CECILE PAOLI as Frankie(season 1)

BERKELY SQUARE

BBC1 / 10x50m-e / 1998

Creators: Deborah Cook, Suzanne Van de Velde / Music: John Altman / Costume: Jeremy Turner / Producer: Alison Davis

Period drama series. In 1902 three young girls become nannies to three well to do families in the posh area of London, Berkely Square.

With:- VICTORIA SMURFIT as Hannah Randall / TABITHA WADEY as Lydia Weston / CLARE WILKIE as Matty Wickham / ROSEMARY LEACH as Nanny Collins / KATE WILLIAMS as Mrs McClusky / BRIONY GLASSCO as Constance / RUTH SHEEN as Nanny Simmons / HERMOINE NORRIS as Victoria St John

BERNARD AND THE GENIE

BBC1 / 1x70m-e / 1991

Writer: Richard Curtis / Director: Colin Weitland

Comedy Fantasy. An out of work art dealer discovers a genie inside a magic lamp who brings him revenge on the oily boss who sacked him.

With:- ALAN CUMMING as Bernard / LENNY HENRY as Josephus / ROWAN ATKINSON / DENIS LILL / ANGELA CLARKE / JOHN GABRIEL / BEAU BRYANT / ANDREE BERNARD / MELVYN BRAGG / ANGIE CLARK / JANET HENREY / MARCIA ASHTON / SHEILA LATIMER / SALLY GEOGHAN / GARY WHELAN / TREVOR LAIRD

BERNARD DELFONT'S SUNDAY SHOW

ITV (ATV) / x60 minute episodes / 1960-62 shown Sundays between 8.00 and 9.00pm / black and white

Producers: Albert Locke, Kenneth Carter, Jon Scoffield

A variety show that was broadcast from prominent impresario Bernard Delfont's own Prince of Wales theatre in London.

BERTIE AND ELIZABETH

ITV1 / 1x120m / 4 June 2002 / 8:30pm

Writer: Nigel Williams / Director: Giles Foster / Producer: Jo Willett

Period drama. The story of Elizabeth Bowes Lyon’s marriage to the king’s brother, the Duke of York (known as Bertie), showing how their lives changed following the king’s abdication and Bertie’s succession to the thrown as King George VI with Elizabeth as his Queen. Elizabeth would later become known as The Queen Mother and this drama was broadcast two months after her death.

With:- JAMES WILBY as Bertie / JULIET AUBREY as Elizabeth / EILEEN ATKINS as Queen Mary / ALAN BATES as King George V / DOLLY WELLS as Princes Mary

BERYL'S LOT

Yorkshire / 26x60m-e 26x30m-e / 1973-77 3 Seasons

Creator: Kevin Laffan / Executive Producers: Peter Wiles, David Cunliffe

Comedy drama series. Milkman's wife Beryl Humphries is determined to improve herself, and sets about doing so. This easy going series was part of ITV's afternoon schedule

With:- CARMEL McSHARRY as Beryl Humphries / MARK KINGSTON as Tom Humphries(S1-2) / GEORGE SELWAY as Tom Humphries(S3) / VERNA HARVEY as Rosie Humphries / TONY CAUNTER as Trevor Tonks / ANITA CAREY as Babs Humphries / ROBIN ASKWITH as Fred Pickering(S1-2) / BRIAN CAPRON as Jack Humphries

THE BESPOKE OVERCOAT

BBC / 1x30m-e / 1954 17 February black and white

Writer: Wolf Mankowitz / Producer: Eric Fawcett

Drama. The ghost of a poor warehouse clerk who died from the cold persuades a tailor to steal a coat.

Fender............................................... ALFIE BASS

Morry................................................. DAVID KOSSOFF

Ranting.............................................. ARNOLD DIAMOND

BEST EVER BOND

ITV1 / 1x90m / 22 November 2002

Director: John Piper / Executive Producer: Peter A Gordon

To celebrate 40 years of James Bond films, former Bond actor, Roger Moore, presented a run-down of the top 10 best ever Bond film moments as voted for by TV Times readers. Each entry was accompanied by interviews with those involved giving behind the scenes insights to the clips. The top voted moment was the laser beam scene in Goldfinger, "Do you expect me to talk?", "No, Mr Bond, I expect you to die!".

BEST INVENTIONS

BBC1 / 7x30m / started 16 January 2002 / 7:30pm

Producer: Catherine Mabb / Series Producer: Alison Gregory

New British inventions are tested before a studio audience who judge which is the most effective. Presented by Katy Hill and Trevor Baylis.

BEST OF BOTH WORLDS

BBC1-AKA Pics-Zenith Entertainment / 3x50m-e / 2001 (First Episode: Sunday 18 February / 9.00pm)

Writer: Paul Abbott / Producer: Hilary Bevan Jones / Executive Producers: Adrian Bate, Gareth Neame / Director: David Richards

Drama serial. Diane Sullivan is an air stewardess and is married, her dilemma starts when she falls in love with Italian Mark Landucci and starts a double life spending half the week in Italy and half the week in the UK.

With:- ALICE EVANS as Diane Sullivan / JO STONE-FEWINGS as Martin Sullivan / CAL MACANINCH as Mark Landucci / EWAN PHILLIPS as Jack Sullivan / SUSAN BROWN as Annie Sullivan / CAROL STARKS as Karen / JOSEPH KPOBIE as Craig / FROG STONE as Justine / ALEX NOODLE as Sean / LINDA KERR SCOTT as Ida / KATE WILLIAMS as Brigitte / CATHY MURPHY as Trish / ROBERTO CITRAN as Signor Garaldi

THE BEST OF FRIENDS

ATV / 1x30m-e / 1977 1 September - Thursday 7.00pm

Writer: Linette Purbi Perry / Producer/Director: Shaun O'Riordan

Comedy. Nicholas Barry and his girlfriend go to stay with his elderly aunt, she doesn't realise they expect to share a bed.

Miss Vaughan.................................... JESSIE EVANS

Nicholas Barry................................... PETER BLYTHE

Sally Morton...................................... CATHERINE CHASE

Olwyn Lloyd....................................... MARGARET COURTNAY

Emily Lloyd........................................ MEGS JENKINS

Dr Hamer........................................... GERALD JAMES

THE BEST OF FRIENDS

London / 1x95m-e / 1991

Writer: Hugh Whitmore / Producer/Director: Alvin Rakoff

Period drama. The relationship (through the letters they regularly sent one another) of Museum director Sir Sydney Cockerell, a Benedictine Abbess and George Bernard Shaw.

Sir Sydney Cockerell..................... JOHN GIELGUD

George Bernard Shaw................... PATRICK McGOOHAN

Also with:- WENDY HILLER / PAUL KEOWN / ALAN ROWE / AMMA ASSANTE

THE BEST PAIR OF LEGS IN THE BUSINESS

Yorkshire / 1x60m-e / 1968

Writer: Kevin Laffan

Comedy drama. The story of fading music hall star Sherry Sheridan.

Sherry Sheridan............................. REG VARNEY

THE BEST PLAY OF...

ITV (Granada) / 6 episodes / 5 December 1976 - 8 Mar 1978

Producers: Laurence Olivier, Derek Granger

Staging of various plays targeting various years of this century. This was big budget stuff as befitting someone of the stature of Olivier who had plans to produce a play for every year of the century but in the end only 6 were produced. Olivier himself co-directed Hindle Wakes which marked his debut as a TV director.

The plays were:-

1. 1960: THE COLLECTION
Writer: Harold Pinter / Director: Michael Apted
With:- Alan Bates / Helen Mirren / Malcom McDowell

2. 1955: CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF
Writer: Tennessee Williams / Director: Robert Moore
With:- Laurence Olivier as Big Daddy / Natalie Wood / Robert Wagner / Maureen Stapleton / Jack Hedley

3. 1912: HINDLE WAKES
Directors: June Howson, Laurence Olivier
With:- Donald Pleasance / Rosemary Leach / Jack Hedley / Pat Heywood / Rosalind Ayres / Roy Dotrice

4. 1973: SATURDAY SUNDAY MONDAY
Director: Alan Bridges / Writers: Keith Waterhouse, Willis Hall
With:- Edward Woodward, Frank Finlay

5. 1950: COME BACK LITTLE SHEBA
Director: Silvio Narizzano
With:- Patience Collier / Joanne Woodward / Carrie Fisher

6. 1949: DAPHNE LAUREOLA
Director: Waris Hussein
With:- Arthur Lowe / Joan Plowright

BETJEMAN'S BRITAIN

ITV / 1980 25 August

Producer/Director: Charles Wallace

Light Entertainment. A bringing to life of some of John Betjeman's poems featuring Eric Morecambe, Jenny Agutter, Beryl Reid, Susannah York and John Alderton.

BETSY MAE

BBC 'Comedy Playhouse' / 1x25m-e / 1965

Writers: Mike Sharland, Ken Hoare / Director: Douglas Moodie

Comedy. A 12 year old boy interviews a well known children's author who unfortunately doesn't like children.

Betsy Mae Meadows......................... HERMOINE GINGOLD

Roger Kaye...................................... NICHOLAS PHIPPS

Also with:- PETER ELLIOTT / MICHAEL NEWPORT

A BETTER CLASS OF PERSON