Tightrope was a tense Cold War thriller for younger viewers, written by former Doctor Who scriptwriter Victor Pemberton and stars Coronation Street’s John Savident, Timeslip’s Spencer Banks, and future BAFTA-winning producer and director David Munro. Intriguing and, at times, compelling, the series brilliantly captures the paranoia of the Cold War in a setting close to … Continue reading In-Depth Review of Tightrope (1972), the Cold War Classroom Thriller
The Daleks’ Master Plan – The Surreal Dream Begins
Where does a lifelong fan of Doctor Who even begin to describe the thrill of anticipation before watching two old but new episodes of my favourite programme on a bank holiday afternoon? Turning up sixty years after their original broadcast, two episodes of the twelve-part Doctor Who story, The Daleks' Master Plan are available to … Continue reading The Daleks’ Master Plan – The Surreal Dream Begins
Review: 1960s Drama Special Branch
Special Branch was highly popular during its tenure as Thames TV's top police show from 1969-1970 and 1973-1974. I had limited knowledge about the series before watching it but vaguely remembered reading about the various changes the show underwent, many of which are evident in Series 1 and 2. The action is centered on members … Continue reading Review: 1960s Drama Special Branch
Network DVD review: The Tyrant King – A psychedelic journey across swinging 60’s London
In 1968, Thames Television tested the feasibility of having another in-house production team, making programmes without the use of studios. The 'second unit' would be entirely on location and recorded entirely on Film. Eventually, this set-up became Euston Films, responsible for many films and television shows including The Sweeney and Minder. The Tyrant King was … Continue reading Network DVD review: The Tyrant King – A psychedelic journey across swinging 60’s London
Series Retrospective: The Man in Room 17 – More Than Just a Cool Title?
On the surface, we can say The Man in Room 17 is about two criminologists solving mysteries and uncovering crime from a secret room somewhere in Whitehall (London). Frequently extending the limits or interpretation of their brief, they are the epitome of faceless suits in grey buildings. Nestled in the grey areas between the police … Continue reading Series Retrospective: The Man in Room 17 – More Than Just a Cool Title?
From the archive: Edward & Mrs Simpson DVD review
Ever since Network DVD went into administration in 2023, I have made it my mission to pick up releases from their back catalogue wherever I see one that might appeal to me - for a sensible price of course. Generally speaking, I don’t like biopics. I’m not especially enamored with the Royal Family, and truthfully … Continue reading From the archive: Edward & Mrs Simpson DVD review
