Hughie Green's Farewell from "Opportunity Knocks" + The Musical Muscleman. Ouch!

Tony Holland The Musical Muscleman (Also Titles And End Credits) - Opportunity Knocks


This is from the last edition of the first and last run of "Opportunity Knocks" on ITV. Hughie Green would soon disappear from the limelight and moved on to other variety show work, presenting on the likes of Australian and Irish TV. This final edition featured the best and most famous performers throughout the run, and none more are unforgettable as "The Musical Muscleman" Tony Holland, who first appeared on the show in 1964.

The tune of "Wheel Cha Cha" (composed by Joe Loss in 1961) is synonymous with the bodybuilder's almost muscle hemorrhaging movements to the beat of the music. Those shoulder blades look like they're getting dislocated to move like that, my giddy aunt. Unbelievably, some people couldn't get enough of him, and he won the show six times. Since then, apart from the odd appearance on reminiscing TV shows, he has done work for the local community, running a children's home, becoming a social worker, and a gym worker throughout his lifetime.

Not to mention, Hughie Green's farewell speech, not THAT infamous speech, that probably put him in this situation of saying farewell(Stand Up and Be Counted Speech). Although cut at the beginning, at his over-dramatic best, with instrumental strings playing in the background, thanking all the stars and auditionees over the years as well as the behind-the-scenes staff, and officially declares his retirement from TV. It was thopught

Fun In the Sun

peters and lee



This was a variety show, that sort of alternated with the Victorian throw-back "The Good Old Days", although much more president in the summer months of the year, on once a week from June to September. It was 70s kitsch wrapped into a family seaside outing for all. The main show was usually presented in a circus big-top tent with some acts outdoors, if the weather's nice. This clip shows only presenter links from musicians Peters and Lee, and their actual performance, but we do get to see those all-important title for the show, which I can't find anywhere else. Well, the titles aren't that great, a cameraman walks in the way of an on-going act. What's up with that? Plus too much emphasis on women's posteriors. Oh, you'll have a look now won't you!

"Peters and Lee" are a male-female singing duo, most well known for their hit song "Welcome Home". Seaside Special ended in 1979, but came back in the 80s with a less gimmicky beach setting, under "Summertime Special" beginning in 1981, to 1988.

Alreet, Going Doon the Toon for a Reet Ol' Crack

Geordie Comedy From The Late 1970s - Part One



An 8 part obscure wonder of bygone times. We focus yet on again on regional comedy, this time from the North East of England or Tyneside region, from which the classic "Geordie" tag originated, especially referred to people born in the city of Newcastle. If you like your comedy, working class, northern, old school, and swear word-free, then you might very well enjoy this massive compilation of not only North East comedians, many you might never have heard of, but Scottish and Irish comedians too. This is from an obscure regional programme produced by Tyne Tees Television called "What Fettle?", and ran only for over a year between 1977-1978. The show took place in what looked like your typical comedy club,with some wiry 70s garb in the background, and the ever-so-slightly Americanised, small intimate tables with over-sized lamps! Featuring interview segments and some off-location clips. Also, marvel at the sheer ease of stand-up Bobby Thompson, puffing away on his cigarette as he fires off his stories and jokes about life in the North East.

Also, look 31 seconds into the first part, a man in audience looks a lot like future Tory MP,and member of the Tory sleaze club, Chelsea football supporter David Mellor? I could be wrong, but it's quite hard to believe!

"What Fettle?" is a Geordie expression, best described by the "Urban Dictionary":

"A greeting , mainly used by older members of the community in North East Mining communities, latterly bastardised by younger members of the community to signify the achievement of the physical act of love,when such topics are discussed in a public house etc."

The cast of comedians and entertainers include: Bobby Thompson, Billy Martin, Bobby Hooper, "Rab C. Nesbitt" look-a-like Alan Snell, the "charming" evening-gowned Scarlet O'Hara, Bobby Knoxall, Bobby Pattinson, Lambert and Ross, Peter Mitchell, the Dixielander and Walter Gee. Phew.

Jimmy Hill Tells Us to "Think Bike"

Jimmy Hill Says Think Bike



Now, I'm not going make any Jimmy "Chin, Chin, look at that Chinny McChin" Hill chin jokes, honestly, but the quoted nonsense, which you seen a few words ago, could make for a pretty catchy novelty pop song. Now this is a PIF,(Public Information Film, that is)that warns car motorists to check, check and check again, the opposing traffic, and to have pity on the poor motorcyclist. This can also be address similarly to cyclists too. However, motorcyclists can come out of nowhere like a flash. This a real hard-hitting PIF, with much credit going to the stuntman motorcyclist, who damn near looks like he may've broken his neck, as the momentum of the motorbike hurtles him forward and upside down onto his head and over the engine of the motor. Jimmy Hills mulls over the crash seen on his little TV, delivering his analysis in his accustomed Football-punditry manner, also over-seeing a replay of the crash.

The "Think Bike" campaign were a series of TV adverts shown in the mid-late 70's, which were a tremendous success, with the lasting message of "Think Once, Think Twice, Think Bike".