BBC Schools - Zig Zag
Another landmark BBC schools series that began in 1983, replacing "Merry-go-round" that focused on historical content. This was a series of programmes that focused on the early middle ages and the Normans in 1985. Continuity is shown first, much to type, for TV was much slower paced in those days. We see the old striped 70s/80s BBC2 ident, and then we're off to an intro of Tron-like proportions at 1 mins 5 seconds in. Very 80s, with creepy sounding 80s synth, and wire-frame computer technology. The robotised voice at the end, was to creep you out further with rapid interjections of "Zig Zag!".
The educational programme is still repeated today, and new programmes were being made right up to the 2000s, focusing on Tudor history and ancient history.
Showing posts with label 1985. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 1985. Show all posts
Saturday, 6 March 2010
Thursday, 4 March 2010
Argggggghhhhhhh!
Grace Jones Citroen CX Car Advert
Well I was looking for a certain Grace Jones chat show interview (but was open to others though) on Youtube, but when I came across this, I had to add this. The truth is, Grace Jones, wants to scream you into submission to buy this Citreon CX, and if you don't, she will devour you. Knowing her, that wouldn't be far from the real truth. If that type of advert was produced now, you would have the likes of Cheryl Cole charming the pants off you, but no, back in the 1980s, this was the age of power walking, power napping and power women. The banshee like howls from Jones wants to grab your attention...by the balls.
This advert was alledgedly too pertrifying for some countries, and the advert was banned. It's not only Grace Jones impeccable manners, but the large winding, turning head model of Grace Jones with headlights for eyes, is pretty damn creepy, and the mouth opens so much, gold splits from her sides, and then it burps, obviously some computer trickey going on there. The advert is actually quite cool though perversely bizarre.
Grace Jones was a larger-than-life character of Jamaican-American origin, who became firstly a model, then a singer and then as an actress in some high-profile movies like "Conan the Destroyer" and James Bond's "A View to a Kill" as villain "May Day". Jones sported a very iconic "flat-top" haircut beginning in 1985, and together lumped with her 5'10" athletic frame, she appeared adrodynous in nature, and very scary looking. This where she achieved her greatest fame in the UK with her 1985 album "Slave to the Rhythm", which also, by coincidence or not, has a distorted looking Grace Jones on the front cover with a large mouth very extensive up and down, like the mechanical head in the advert. The album reached No.12 in the UK album charts. Maybe as no surprise as to why it did well, this album having been produced with a British edge, produced by Trevor Horn. Jones had started her singing career in the late 70s, and had already had a major American hit in 1981 with "Pull up to the Bumper", staying at No.2 in the Billboard US charts for 7 weeks.
The Citreon CX actually appears in the music video for the single "Slave to the Rhythm".
Well I was looking for a certain Grace Jones chat show interview (but was open to others though) on Youtube, but when I came across this, I had to add this. The truth is, Grace Jones, wants to scream you into submission to buy this Citreon CX, and if you don't, she will devour you. Knowing her, that wouldn't be far from the real truth. If that type of advert was produced now, you would have the likes of Cheryl Cole charming the pants off you, but no, back in the 1980s, this was the age of power walking, power napping and power women. The banshee like howls from Jones wants to grab your attention...by the balls.
This advert was alledgedly too pertrifying for some countries, and the advert was banned. It's not only Grace Jones impeccable manners, but the large winding, turning head model of Grace Jones with headlights for eyes, is pretty damn creepy, and the mouth opens so much, gold splits from her sides, and then it burps, obviously some computer trickey going on there. The advert is actually quite cool though perversely bizarre.
Grace Jones was a larger-than-life character of Jamaican-American origin, who became firstly a model, then a singer and then as an actress in some high-profile movies like "Conan the Destroyer" and James Bond's "A View to a Kill" as villain "May Day". Jones sported a very iconic "flat-top" haircut beginning in 1985, and together lumped with her 5'10" athletic frame, she appeared adrodynous in nature, and very scary looking. This where she achieved her greatest fame in the UK with her 1985 album "Slave to the Rhythm", which also, by coincidence or not, has a distorted looking Grace Jones on the front cover with a large mouth very extensive up and down, like the mechanical head in the advert. The album reached No.12 in the UK album charts. Maybe as no surprise as to why it did well, this album having been produced with a British edge, produced by Trevor Horn. Jones had started her singing career in the late 70s, and had already had a major American hit in 1981 with "Pull up to the Bumper", staying at No.2 in the Billboard US charts for 7 weeks.
The Citreon CX actually appears in the music video for the single "Slave to the Rhythm".
Hey You! Nicholas Parsons' Dancing at 2:47
No. 73: Series 5: Programme 4: TXN 23.2.85
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oVv2ZAX9smQ
Here is a small clip of an episode of ITV's "No.73" from 23rd February 1985. Although alot less hyper and anarchaic from it's predecessor "Tiswas", this was still a ground-breaking Saturday morning live kids show. Featuring Danish-born English comedienne, author and presenter Sandi Toksvig starring as Ethel Davis, who is jolly well excitied about going skiing, delivers much japes and puns in a show that was mostly improvised. We first come across the 2nd theme for the show with "Hey You" as the stand-out feature, featuring stock footage of wacky stunts such as jousting knights, cycling monkey's and black and white clips of ridiculous inventions.
After Toksvig's witticisms, we come to the end of the show (edited highlights?). Wondering who the reggae/ska band is? Well, it is Jamaican reggae and dancehall music artist Barrington Levy with the song "Under Mi Sensi". He achieved his best performing singles in Britain at this time in 1985. The rest of the No.73 cast join in coming down the stairs, to dance to the musing sounds. By this point, the other chracters were Andrea Arnold as roller-skating Dawn Lodge, Nick Wilton as Tony Deal, a local call man and Nick Staverson as the amazing mullet-haired Harry Stern. Look at Nicholas Parsons dancing with that wild look of open-mouthed joygasm on his face.
Also, there a brief of clip of Nick Wilton as the con-man sitting on top of Rani the Elephant. Anyway, the show by this point was increasing in it's popularity. The show was set in the home abode of No.73, an ordinary setting in a coastal town by the sea, however the main character Ethel Davis (Sandi Toksvig) had started off as an old woman in the first series but gets younger in each series. Harry Stern was the nephew. Dawn Lodge, believe it or not, was a lodger. We also had inventor Percy Simmonds (Patrick Doyle) playing as Ethel's love interest. Local con man Tony Deal was a new character from the 1984 series. I this 1985 series, there was also a mini series within entitled "Roman Around" set in Ancient Rome. This was also played for laughs, presented by Ethel's fictional theatre company "Front Door Productions". It also starred a young Neil Buchanan, who would later present in Saturday morning's "Motormouth" and more famously in CITV's "Art Attack" in the 90s.
The show lasted from 1982-1988. In the last series (1987-88), the name of the show was changed to "7T3". The show was now set in a mock western setting with the saloon doors conveying "7T3". Maybe the show had lost the plot by now. "Motormouth" replaced it in September '88.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oVv2ZAX9smQ
Here is a small clip of an episode of ITV's "No.73" from 23rd February 1985. Although alot less hyper and anarchaic from it's predecessor "Tiswas", this was still a ground-breaking Saturday morning live kids show. Featuring Danish-born English comedienne, author and presenter Sandi Toksvig starring as Ethel Davis, who is jolly well excitied about going skiing, delivers much japes and puns in a show that was mostly improvised. We first come across the 2nd theme for the show with "Hey You" as the stand-out feature, featuring stock footage of wacky stunts such as jousting knights, cycling monkey's and black and white clips of ridiculous inventions.
After Toksvig's witticisms, we come to the end of the show (edited highlights?). Wondering who the reggae/ska band is? Well, it is Jamaican reggae and dancehall music artist Barrington Levy with the song "Under Mi Sensi". He achieved his best performing singles in Britain at this time in 1985. The rest of the No.73 cast join in coming down the stairs, to dance to the musing sounds. By this point, the other chracters were Andrea Arnold as roller-skating Dawn Lodge, Nick Wilton as Tony Deal, a local call man and Nick Staverson as the amazing mullet-haired Harry Stern. Look at Nicholas Parsons dancing with that wild look of open-mouthed joygasm on his face.
Also, there a brief of clip of Nick Wilton as the con-man sitting on top of Rani the Elephant. Anyway, the show by this point was increasing in it's popularity. The show was set in the home abode of No.73, an ordinary setting in a coastal town by the sea, however the main character Ethel Davis (Sandi Toksvig) had started off as an old woman in the first series but gets younger in each series. Harry Stern was the nephew. Dawn Lodge, believe it or not, was a lodger. We also had inventor Percy Simmonds (Patrick Doyle) playing as Ethel's love interest. Local con man Tony Deal was a new character from the 1984 series. I this 1985 series, there was also a mini series within entitled "Roman Around" set in Ancient Rome. This was also played for laughs, presented by Ethel's fictional theatre company "Front Door Productions". It also starred a young Neil Buchanan, who would later present in Saturday morning's "Motormouth" and more famously in CITV's "Art Attack" in the 90s.
The show lasted from 1982-1988. In the last series (1987-88), the name of the show was changed to "7T3". The show was now set in a mock western setting with the saloon doors conveying "7T3". Maybe the show had lost the plot by now. "Motormouth" replaced it in September '88.
Wednesday, 24 February 2010
Le Resistance on Le Wogan with Nasty Gerries!
'Allo 'Allo on Wogan
A rare stage-version of the classic British comedy sitcom "'Allo 'Allo" featuring on the biggest chat show of the 1980s, "Wogan" presented by Irish radio & TV broadcaster funnyman Terry Wogan, who never seems to disappear from Britain's screens! This sitcom was set in France during the Second World War created by David Croft, who had produced a few other very successful, war-themed sitcoms like "Dad's Army" and "It Ain't Half Hot Mum". The show lampooned the French and German stereotypes, along with nods to British and Italian stereotypes. Cue silly accents from a British cast, and humour taken from culture differences. Although the subject matter of it being the Second World War and the Nazi's fascist regime and grief they caused for real, the humour did not step over the line, but was something all the family could enjoy.
Here we see a small part of the live stage version of the show, featuring the main couple of the show, René Artois (Gordon Kaye) and wife Edith (Carmen Silvera) staying in character talking to Wogan, posing with a faux French moustache. Also featuring are the Artois arch enemies Herr Otto Flick (Richard Gibson) and Private Helga Geerhart (Kim Hartman) who amuse the audience with some great but odd physical comedy in the form of dance. Herr Flick pulls out a wicked breakdancing move at one point! Near the end, we hear the cast out-of-character, with their natural English accents, which of course feels odd, if you've grown up with it.
A rare stage-version of the classic British comedy sitcom "'Allo 'Allo" featuring on the biggest chat show of the 1980s, "Wogan" presented by Irish radio & TV broadcaster funnyman Terry Wogan, who never seems to disappear from Britain's screens! This sitcom was set in France during the Second World War created by David Croft, who had produced a few other very successful, war-themed sitcoms like "Dad's Army" and "It Ain't Half Hot Mum". The show lampooned the French and German stereotypes, along with nods to British and Italian stereotypes. Cue silly accents from a British cast, and humour taken from culture differences. Although the subject matter of it being the Second World War and the Nazi's fascist regime and grief they caused for real, the humour did not step over the line, but was something all the family could enjoy.
Here we see a small part of the live stage version of the show, featuring the main couple of the show, René Artois (Gordon Kaye) and wife Edith (Carmen Silvera) staying in character talking to Wogan, posing with a faux French moustache. Also featuring are the Artois arch enemies Herr Otto Flick (Richard Gibson) and Private Helga Geerhart (Kim Hartman) who amuse the audience with some great but odd physical comedy in the form of dance. Herr Flick pulls out a wicked breakdancing move at one point! Near the end, we hear the cast out-of-character, with their natural English accents, which of course feels odd, if you've grown up with it.
Sunday, 14 February 2010
"Aye, Aye, What's Going on Here Then?"
28 feb 1985
So what will it be Lofty, Sharon or Angie? From the 4th episode of the East-end London's soap first year in 1985, first off, we see a very frisky (and permed) 17 year old Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean), adopted daughter of Dennis "Dirty Den" and Angie Watts, whose epic arguments were very much the bread and butter of Eastenders in the 80s. Here we a fleeting, not-well-profiled clinch between Lofty or rather George Holloway -nicknamed for his tall stature- and Sharon in the Queen Vic pub. Mother Angie catches this playful behaviour between employee and daughter. However, at the scene of this late-night party taking place behind the scenes and not in the actual pub, once Dirty Den has his "eye off the ball" as they say, Angie is making a play for Lofty! Lofty had only just appeared for the first time in the previous episode, and being really the only young male in the serial, and well, the pond wasn't very big!
"Lofty" was an affectionate but isolated character, whose physical-looking awkwardness matched his social attributes. Depicted as weak and vulnerable, he was bullied by his boss Dirty Den. he would soon fall in love with teenage mum Michelle Fowler, although, that wasn't always returned. A reluctant marriage ensued, while Dirty Den continued to make Lofty's life a misery, by discovering he was the father of Michelle's child, and he paid to abort Michelle's next baby, via Lofty's handiwork. Lofty became a distant and bitter but still participating in the local community, however, he couldn't stand the sight of Michelle any longer in his life, so left for Bedfordshire in 1988, to work as a handyman for a children's home. He never came back.
So what will it be Lofty, Sharon or Angie? From the 4th episode of the East-end London's soap first year in 1985, first off, we see a very frisky (and permed) 17 year old Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean), adopted daughter of Dennis "Dirty Den" and Angie Watts, whose epic arguments were very much the bread and butter of Eastenders in the 80s. Here we a fleeting, not-well-profiled clinch between Lofty or rather George Holloway -nicknamed for his tall stature- and Sharon in the Queen Vic pub. Mother Angie catches this playful behaviour between employee and daughter. However, at the scene of this late-night party taking place behind the scenes and not in the actual pub, once Dirty Den has his "eye off the ball" as they say, Angie is making a play for Lofty! Lofty had only just appeared for the first time in the previous episode, and being really the only young male in the serial, and well, the pond wasn't very big!
"Lofty" was an affectionate but isolated character, whose physical-looking awkwardness matched his social attributes. Depicted as weak and vulnerable, he was bullied by his boss Dirty Den. he would soon fall in love with teenage mum Michelle Fowler, although, that wasn't always returned. A reluctant marriage ensued, while Dirty Den continued to make Lofty's life a misery, by discovering he was the father of Michelle's child, and he paid to abort Michelle's next baby, via Lofty's handiwork. Lofty became a distant and bitter but still participating in the local community, however, he couldn't stand the sight of Michelle any longer in his life, so left for Bedfordshire in 1988, to work as a handyman for a children's home. He never came back.
You Chose That?
Blind Date - Pilot Episode 1985
Valentine's Day themed post time! Here is a newly uploaded rare clip of the pilot version of ITV dating show "Blind Date" from 1985. It's our "chuck" Cilla Black at the beginning of the peak of her powers shortly before "Blind Date" became a Saturday night primetime ratings jauggernaut. Forget about her singing career in the 1960s and 70s, this was her definitive moment. The user says there was an alternative version of the show being piloted, presented by comedian Duncan "Oooh, chase me" Norvelle. I think we're all glad who took the upper hand there. The clip begins with continuity from the old LWT ident (London Weekend Television).
The one major change between the pilot and the regular series, is the relatively nice, glazed-looking pink set with the magical door, is replaced with a terrible, placid dim brown with a streak of darker grimy brown stripes under a sky blue luminary above, and then there's the middle elbowing out, with an outline of a man's hooked nose. Also add to that, a catchphrase-less, slightly more subdued looking Cilla Black (less egomaniacal?) in a black transparent, silver frock. Now that sounds more exciting the way I've said it, but no.
It's believe by the owner of the clip, that the pilot episode was never fully shown on ITV, only highlight clips, presumably on nostalgia-reminiscing shows.
"Blind Date" was ITV's jewel in the crown from 1985-2003(18 series) for most of it's run. At it's peak in the 80s, the programme garnered 18 million viewers. The show was inspired by similar dating shows like "The Dating Game" in the US. Each episode would star a single and unattached male and female over the course of the show. They would seperately ask 3 members of the opposite sex questions, sitting on the other side of the sliding door. The choice of questions would be extremely flirtacious but good-natured. Question could be "If you were a flavour of ice cream, what would you be". Cue someone witha terrible pun. Were these answers scripted or thought-on-the-spot, that's what I would like to know.
The single man/lady would choose who they like the sound of best, and then suck in the joy/despair, as they their identities are revealed to one another. The couple would pick a card at random from Cilla, to choose their holiday, and would come back next week to tell the usually cringeworthy and incompatible goings-on, however for a few, it was the case of "Mr Right Meets Mrs Right". Cilla would try to tempt more out of the couple, after they confess the truth in a pre-recorded confession box-style interview, being shown to the other partner for the first time, with a camera on his/her face to show their reactions. Their time on holiday would What we all wanted to know was "Did you kiss?", as queried by Cilla. I can't put my finger on it, but why did all the couple only seem to kiss on holiday? Some couples must've had a good hard sh...
Cilla Black was not alone as the furniture of the show. We also had off-screen announcer Graham Skidmore, who would sum up witty comments about our 3 contestants who are trying to get lucky, ending it with the catchphrase "The Choice is Yours!"
By 2003, the show had run out of stream, was no longer seen as edgy light entertainment, and Cilla blurted out live on TV, it would be the last ever series. The show did try to modernise, with the "Ditch or Date" option, maybe that guy/woman she/he chose were more akin to breaking a mirror, however, it was a horrible new element to the show, but these were the times now. It felt though, like it was crapping all over the legacy of the show, and it didn't feel right with our Cilla on board. There were plans for a new presenter at the end of the run, but that's like trying to rip a shell off a Tortoise. Cilla was the show.
Valentine's Day themed post time! Here is a newly uploaded rare clip of the pilot version of ITV dating show "Blind Date" from 1985. It's our "chuck" Cilla Black at the beginning of the peak of her powers shortly before "Blind Date" became a Saturday night primetime ratings jauggernaut. Forget about her singing career in the 1960s and 70s, this was her definitive moment. The user says there was an alternative version of the show being piloted, presented by comedian Duncan "Oooh, chase me" Norvelle. I think we're all glad who took the upper hand there. The clip begins with continuity from the old LWT ident (London Weekend Television).
The one major change between the pilot and the regular series, is the relatively nice, glazed-looking pink set with the magical door, is replaced with a terrible, placid dim brown with a streak of darker grimy brown stripes under a sky blue luminary above, and then there's the middle elbowing out, with an outline of a man's hooked nose. Also add to that, a catchphrase-less, slightly more subdued looking Cilla Black (less egomaniacal?) in a black transparent, silver frock. Now that sounds more exciting the way I've said it, but no.
It's believe by the owner of the clip, that the pilot episode was never fully shown on ITV, only highlight clips, presumably on nostalgia-reminiscing shows.
"Blind Date" was ITV's jewel in the crown from 1985-2003(18 series) for most of it's run. At it's peak in the 80s, the programme garnered 18 million viewers. The show was inspired by similar dating shows like "The Dating Game" in the US. Each episode would star a single and unattached male and female over the course of the show. They would seperately ask 3 members of the opposite sex questions, sitting on the other side of the sliding door. The choice of questions would be extremely flirtacious but good-natured. Question could be "If you were a flavour of ice cream, what would you be". Cue someone witha terrible pun. Were these answers scripted or thought-on-the-spot, that's what I would like to know.
The single man/lady would choose who they like the sound of best, and then suck in the joy/despair, as they their identities are revealed to one another. The couple would pick a card at random from Cilla, to choose their holiday, and would come back next week to tell the usually cringeworthy and incompatible goings-on, however for a few, it was the case of "Mr Right Meets Mrs Right". Cilla would try to tempt more out of the couple, after they confess the truth in a pre-recorded confession box-style interview, being shown to the other partner for the first time, with a camera on his/her face to show their reactions. Their time on holiday would What we all wanted to know was "Did you kiss?", as queried by Cilla. I can't put my finger on it, but why did all the couple only seem to kiss on holiday? Some couples must've had a good hard sh...
Cilla Black was not alone as the furniture of the show. We also had off-screen announcer Graham Skidmore, who would sum up witty comments about our 3 contestants who are trying to get lucky, ending it with the catchphrase "The Choice is Yours!"
By 2003, the show had run out of stream, was no longer seen as edgy light entertainment, and Cilla blurted out live on TV, it would be the last ever series. The show did try to modernise, with the "Ditch or Date" option, maybe that guy/woman she/he chose were more akin to breaking a mirror, however, it was a horrible new element to the show, but these were the times now. It felt though, like it was crapping all over the legacy of the show, and it didn't feel right with our Cilla on board. There were plans for a new presenter at the end of the run, but that's like trying to rip a shell off a Tortoise. Cilla was the show.
Thursday, 4 February 2010
A London Routemaster and a Lorry Introduce "The Eastenders"
Eastenders Promo 1985 - UK TV BBC1
If you didn't know the show, it would be hard to grasp what the show would be about watching this preview clip. It's a soap, a programme about people and their lives and relationships, but all that is shown is an non-affectionate steering of a London Routemaster and a Lorry with the Eastenders logo printed on it's side, as it encounters a roundabout, along with the famous drum of the Eastenders theme, and the whistling bit. I mean, this just shows how emotionally unattached the 1980's could be, but yeah, it makes sense having the London routemaster, but you watch the clip, it builds up to the climax, and you think what's going to happen, will the lorry and the bus collide, or perform sychronised waltzing driving with other look-a-likeys, creating the "Eastenders" title from a bird's eye view? No.
To celebrate the 25th anniversary of Eastenders, I'll be posting (more extensive) clips from EE down the years soon!
Presently, Eastenders are on the cusp of celebrating their 25th Anniversary as advertised heavily on the BBC, the looming of what viewers are casting as their favourite "duff duff's"- pretty corny - as well as seeing the climax of a much-anticipated storyline/whodunnit? scenario, but let's delve on what was probably one of the best "duff duff's", here in this very short preview before the show came on air. The duff's mean the big drums that hit at the end of each cliffhanger, which are epic of course. It give a moment to reflect on the character receiving this blow/shock/unhappiness to their life, and then onto the credits.
If you didn't know the show, it would be hard to grasp what the show would be about watching this preview clip. It's a soap, a programme about people and their lives and relationships, but all that is shown is an non-affectionate steering of a London Routemaster and a Lorry with the Eastenders logo printed on it's side, as it encounters a roundabout, along with the famous drum of the Eastenders theme, and the whistling bit. I mean, this just shows how emotionally unattached the 1980's could be, but yeah, it makes sense having the London routemaster, but you watch the clip, it builds up to the climax, and you think what's going to happen, will the lorry and the bus collide, or perform sychronised waltzing driving with other look-a-likeys, creating the "Eastenders" title from a bird's eye view? No.
To celebrate the 25th anniversary of Eastenders, I'll be posting (more extensive) clips from EE down the years soon!
Presently, Eastenders are on the cusp of celebrating their 25th Anniversary as advertised heavily on the BBC, the looming of what viewers are casting as their favourite "duff duff's"- pretty corny - as well as seeing the climax of a much-anticipated storyline/whodunnit? scenario, but let's delve on what was probably one of the best "duff duff's", here in this very short preview before the show came on air. The duff's mean the big drums that hit at the end of each cliffhanger, which are epic of course. It give a moment to reflect on the character receiving this blow/shock/unhappiness to their life, and then onto the credits.
Wednesday, 6 January 2010
Largely Forgotten Dame Detective Duo Spin-Off with Hair of High Perm-atude
C.A.T.S Eyes First Series titles
C.A.T.S. Eyes was a mid-80's detective drama, and a spin-off, of LWT's police drama "The Gentle Touch" that starred a non-trout, future "Men Behaving Badly" star Leslie Ash with extra permage. Produced by TVS (old ITV region Television South for Oxford and to the south) for ITV, the show ran from 1985-1987. The initials C.A.T.S. stands for Covert Activities Thames Section.
Good choice for theme music instruments here. Sounds like a cat getting his tail stepped on at times. Perfect.
C.A.T.S. Eyes was a mid-80's detective drama, and a spin-off, of LWT's police drama "The Gentle Touch" that starred a non-trout, future "Men Behaving Badly" star Leslie Ash with extra permage. Produced by TVS (old ITV region Television South for Oxford and to the south) for ITV, the show ran from 1985-1987. The initials C.A.T.S. stands for Covert Activities Thames Section.
Good choice for theme music instruments here. Sounds like a cat getting his tail stepped on at times. Perfect.
Sunday, 20 December 2009
Youtube Drama Sweepstake
Sweepstake series continues! Awooga!
K9 plays chess - Dr Who - BBC sci-fi
A fine Tom Baker-fied Doctor Who clip from the episode 'The Sunmakers'. His second assistant Leela, looking every inch the Chess grandmaster in her skimpy leather garb. Somehow, i just can't look beyond those legs. Anyway, K9 is the true chessbrains here aiding Leela, and in the process they come across the planet of Pluto. Hang on, it's set in the future, yet it should know Pluto was de-moted from being a planet!
In the 'The Sunmakers', Doctor Who and Leela travel to the now habitable planet of Pluto, and are confronted by The Gatherer of Megropolis One, Hade(Richard Leech)and his cruel tax system which taxes to excess. Hade belongs to the company that created artifical suns, that helped create life on Pluto.
Boys from the Blackstuff - Yosser's Desperate
This clip follows the classic scene where a broken Yosser, with his kids in tow, going to confession. This mixes extreme sadness with some comedy, as the priest asks Yosser to call him Dan for short, instead of "Father". Yosser mutters "I'm desperate, Dan", but it can also be interpreted, for if you know the main comic character of the UK comic "The Dandy", as I'm Desperate Dan, the cow-pie eating, gun-slinging, cowboy strongman.
If you grew up or lived in the early 80's, who doesn't know Yosser's classic line "Gizza Job"? "Boys From the Blackstuff" was not only one of the best quality drama's of the 1980's, but it was also effective, as the real background behind the struggle of everyday Britons plight against a large economic recession, and sounded the death knell, truly, for Britain as one of world's biggest manufacturing forces. Set in one of the hardest hit areas in the UK, Liverpool, each of the five episodes focused on a different character, who were all made unemployed in this economic climate. It's powerful and gripping stuff, and the most memorable of the 5, transmitted in 1982, was Yosser Hughes plight.
"Boys From the Blackstuff" was actually the sequel to "The Black Stuff", which was made in 1978, but never got transmitted until 1980. Written by Alan Bleasdale, also from Liverpool, the drama was an award-winner, and still regarded as one of the best British drama serials.
Classic Minder - Minder on the Orient Express Part 1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ROgeEQUTrvU
Minder was a long running drama/action serial on ITV, lasted an incredible 15 years (1979-1994). The series follow main character wheelin' dealin' con-man Arthur Daley(George Cole), who employs a bodyguard, a former professional boxer and some-time criminal Terry McCann (Dennis Waterman). Despite the dodgy character backgrounds, they're loveable rogues as displayed by fine acting to the viewers, and display geniune honesty and friendship.
This is a 2-part feature, focusing on clips for an episode from the sixth series. A throughly entertaining one, especially the knock-about in the second part. Also feature an inebriated Arthur Daley. Also, great funny line from Terry "Do you fancy me or something"?
K9 plays chess - Dr Who - BBC sci-fi
A fine Tom Baker-fied Doctor Who clip from the episode 'The Sunmakers'. His second assistant Leela, looking every inch the Chess grandmaster in her skimpy leather garb. Somehow, i just can't look beyond those legs. Anyway, K9 is the true chessbrains here aiding Leela, and in the process they come across the planet of Pluto. Hang on, it's set in the future, yet it should know Pluto was de-moted from being a planet!
In the 'The Sunmakers', Doctor Who and Leela travel to the now habitable planet of Pluto, and are confronted by The Gatherer of Megropolis One, Hade(Richard Leech)and his cruel tax system which taxes to excess. Hade belongs to the company that created artifical suns, that helped create life on Pluto.
Boys from the Blackstuff - Yosser's Desperate
This clip follows the classic scene where a broken Yosser, with his kids in tow, going to confession. This mixes extreme sadness with some comedy, as the priest asks Yosser to call him Dan for short, instead of "Father". Yosser mutters "I'm desperate, Dan", but it can also be interpreted, for if you know the main comic character of the UK comic "The Dandy", as I'm Desperate Dan, the cow-pie eating, gun-slinging, cowboy strongman.
If you grew up or lived in the early 80's, who doesn't know Yosser's classic line "Gizza Job"? "Boys From the Blackstuff" was not only one of the best quality drama's of the 1980's, but it was also effective, as the real background behind the struggle of everyday Britons plight against a large economic recession, and sounded the death knell, truly, for Britain as one of world's biggest manufacturing forces. Set in one of the hardest hit areas in the UK, Liverpool, each of the five episodes focused on a different character, who were all made unemployed in this economic climate. It's powerful and gripping stuff, and the most memorable of the 5, transmitted in 1982, was Yosser Hughes plight.
"Boys From the Blackstuff" was actually the sequel to "The Black Stuff", which was made in 1978, but never got transmitted until 1980. Written by Alan Bleasdale, also from Liverpool, the drama was an award-winner, and still regarded as one of the best British drama serials.
Classic Minder - Minder on the Orient Express Part 1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ROgeEQUTrvU
Minder was a long running drama/action serial on ITV, lasted an incredible 15 years (1979-1994). The series follow main character wheelin' dealin' con-man Arthur Daley(George Cole), who employs a bodyguard, a former professional boxer and some-time criminal Terry McCann (Dennis Waterman). Despite the dodgy character backgrounds, they're loveable rogues as displayed by fine acting to the viewers, and display geniune honesty and friendship.
This is a 2-part feature, focusing on clips for an episode from the sixth series. A throughly entertaining one, especially the knock-about in the second part. Also feature an inebriated Arthur Daley. Also, great funny line from Terry "Do you fancy me or something"?
Monday, 14 December 2009
Youtube Children's Sweepstake
The Fourth post in a series of "sweepstakes" to give a mini-taste of each genre of UK nostalgia TV!
Grange Hill (1989) Series 12 - Episode 1 part 1 of 3
As of now, all episodes of Grange Hill series 5-12 (1982-1989) are uploaded onto Youtube, along with a part of the 1993 series. This is great news, because only Grange Hill series 1-4 were released on DVD. There seems to be no intention of any following Grange Hill DVD releases. Now you can get to see the Gripper/Zammo/Roland era, including all the series that wig-wearing Mr. "the teacher we loved to hate" Bronson appeared in, including his farewell. Get to see other classic character like Gonch, Ziggy, Tucker (his last year), Trevor, Calley, Holloway & many more! There's the classic racism storyline involving hardman bully Gripper in 1983, and Zammo's demise into hard drugs in 1986. This season i have highlighted, is one of my favourites, a great cast and variety of characters despite no Zammo or Roland by this point, and a great ending which was really an end of an era. Most of main cast didn't appear again.
Bitsa 1992 Part 1
"Bitsa" was the BBC's secondary arts & craft programme at this time. Second only to the late-Tony Hart's "Hartbeat". Watching this again, it's actually better than what I remember! This was a great alternative to the more stuffy "Hartbeat", this was chaotic, fast-moving and the 2 presenters fit in really well with the programme. It lasted from 1991-1996, presented by Simon Pascoe and Caitlin Easterby. Heaven knows where they are now. I can imagine them bustling amongst the rubble looking for "pipe cleaners" or whatever you call those copper-cloted wiry things in some charitable community centre event. They also look like they've came from some Rock/indie band. Don't get many children presenters like this!
It was crazy, making stuff from bits and bobs of rubbish! In one part of the show, in this Willy Wonka factory setting studio, they would be given orders by schoolchildren on rubbish items to choose, and the 2 would have to think quick on their feet, to think up of something to make.
There was a freakish aspect to the show, a artificial being who lives in a box called "Hands", which was a puppeteered, artifical top half of a man, dressed ina suit. His hands were painted/spray-painted blue. You'd get close-ups of what he's creating, making some pretty surreal laughing noises in the process. Anyway, a great name for the show, as explained in the theme song. There's some freaky items being shown at the start of this specific episode.
NOTE: Simon Pascoe and Caitlin Easterby are actually a married couple now.
T Bag - Wonders in Letterland
This is the first ever episode of T-Bag in 1985, however, the first part is missing.
On the other side, CITV, was a fantasy/comedy serial called T-Bag, which was one of their flagship shows from the mid-80's to early 90's. T-Bag was something like a tea-obsessed witch, usually up to no good with her sidekick T-Shirt(John Hasler), a boy/teenage usually wearing a whipped round baseball cap. Each series was a different story, but each one was like a mission for various small girls to save the day or for T-Bag to find these hidden items to achieve great power to conquer the world. The girl would also search for the items, to be able to defeat T-Bag
The first T-Bag (Tallulah Bag) was played by Elizabeth Estensen, who left the show in 1990. This is the one that is most remembered. You can now see Elizabeth in "Emmerdale" as Diane Sugden. She was replaced by blondie Georgina Hale (Tabatha Bag), who also appeared in "Emmerdale", but no longer. For most of the time, the T-bag role was played for laugh, but she was a baddie, but a likeable one.
Grange Hill (1989) Series 12 - Episode 1 part 1 of 3
As of now, all episodes of Grange Hill series 5-12 (1982-1989) are uploaded onto Youtube, along with a part of the 1993 series. This is great news, because only Grange Hill series 1-4 were released on DVD. There seems to be no intention of any following Grange Hill DVD releases. Now you can get to see the Gripper/Zammo/Roland era, including all the series that wig-wearing Mr. "the teacher we loved to hate" Bronson appeared in, including his farewell. Get to see other classic character like Gonch, Ziggy, Tucker (his last year), Trevor, Calley, Holloway & many more! There's the classic racism storyline involving hardman bully Gripper in 1983, and Zammo's demise into hard drugs in 1986. This season i have highlighted, is one of my favourites, a great cast and variety of characters despite no Zammo or Roland by this point, and a great ending which was really an end of an era. Most of main cast didn't appear again.
Bitsa 1992 Part 1
"Bitsa" was the BBC's secondary arts & craft programme at this time. Second only to the late-Tony Hart's "Hartbeat". Watching this again, it's actually better than what I remember! This was a great alternative to the more stuffy "Hartbeat", this was chaotic, fast-moving and the 2 presenters fit in really well with the programme. It lasted from 1991-1996, presented by Simon Pascoe and Caitlin Easterby. Heaven knows where they are now. I can imagine them bustling amongst the rubble looking for "pipe cleaners" or whatever you call those copper-cloted wiry things in some charitable community centre event. They also look like they've came from some Rock/indie band. Don't get many children presenters like this!
It was crazy, making stuff from bits and bobs of rubbish! In one part of the show, in this Willy Wonka factory setting studio, they would be given orders by schoolchildren on rubbish items to choose, and the 2 would have to think quick on their feet, to think up of something to make.
There was a freakish aspect to the show, a artificial being who lives in a box called "Hands", which was a puppeteered, artifical top half of a man, dressed ina suit. His hands were painted/spray-painted blue. You'd get close-ups of what he's creating, making some pretty surreal laughing noises in the process. Anyway, a great name for the show, as explained in the theme song. There's some freaky items being shown at the start of this specific episode.
NOTE: Simon Pascoe and Caitlin Easterby are actually a married couple now.
T Bag - Wonders in Letterland
This is the first ever episode of T-Bag in 1985, however, the first part is missing.
On the other side, CITV, was a fantasy/comedy serial called T-Bag, which was one of their flagship shows from the mid-80's to early 90's. T-Bag was something like a tea-obsessed witch, usually up to no good with her sidekick T-Shirt(John Hasler), a boy/teenage usually wearing a whipped round baseball cap. Each series was a different story, but each one was like a mission for various small girls to save the day or for T-Bag to find these hidden items to achieve great power to conquer the world. The girl would also search for the items, to be able to defeat T-Bag
The first T-Bag (Tallulah Bag) was played by Elizabeth Estensen, who left the show in 1990. This is the one that is most remembered. You can now see Elizabeth in "Emmerdale" as Diane Sugden. She was replaced by blondie Georgina Hale (Tabatha Bag), who also appeared in "Emmerdale", but no longer. For most of the time, the T-bag role was played for laugh, but she was a baddie, but a likeable one.
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