Play For Today: The Happy Hunting Ground (BBC-1 1976, Neil Phillips)

Published

8 years ago

May 19, 2016

In The Happy Hunting Ground, which is set amongst the fishing quaysides of the North East of England, manipulative Bob is first able to wangle his way into a prominent position within a fish distribution firm. It isn’t long before he has his sights not only on the boss’s job but also his wife as well.

Fabulous entry in the Play For Today strand, all shot on film and on location. Neil Phillips is very strong in the central role as Bob who for all his sparkling eyes and happy go lucky manner is not actually very nice at all. The Happy Hunting Ground also offers up a very valuable glimpse into a way of life that has all but disappeared these days. Watch out too for Tim Healy’s debut performance as a fish worker.

classic quote
“Well it’s like me Ma says one day Angels and sinners always meet…”

production details
UK / BBC-1 / 1×75 minute episode / Broadcast 10 February 1976

Writer: Tom Hadaway / Script Editor: Alan Seymour / Costumes: Christian Dyall / Production Design: Peter Thorpe / Producer: Anne Head / Director: Brian Parker

Series: Play For Today / Season 6 Episode 16

cast
NEIL PHILLIPS as Bob
VALERIE GEORGESON as Jenny
RONALD HERDMAN as Mr Brown
ALAN HOCKEY as Smith
FRED PEARSON as Ernie
MAX SMITH as Joe
TIMOTHY HEALY as Phil
PETER MARSHALL as Ted
ROGER AVON as Watchman
HUGH EVANS as Skipper
DANNY DEE as Mate
GORDON FAITH as Charlie
SAMMY JOHNSON as Ron
DAVID WHITAKER as Workman
ALLEN CUTLER as Photographer
HUGH TURNER, GARY ROBERTS as Policemen
ALAN SNELL, TONY DANINO as Auctioneers
RAY STUBBS, JAMES RUSHTON, JAMES KILLEEN as Cardplayers
MAX FORD as Publican

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Alastair James

Alastair James is the editor in chief for Memorable TV. He has been involved in media since his university days. Alastair is passionate about television, and some of his favourite shows include Line of Duty, Luther and Traitors. He is always on the lookout for hot new shows, and is always keen to share his knowledge with others.