5 Series / 33 Episodes / Original television broadcast 1967 - 1971 / BBC Television Spoiler-free review Between 1968 and 1971, "All Gas and Gaiters" was one of the highest-rated and well-loved shows on television. Set around the fictional Cathedral of Saint Og’s, the series follows The Bishop (William Mervyn) in his attempts to run … Continue reading It’s a Gas! All Gas and Gaiters on DVD and Beyond (A Heavenly Review)
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
Outside Edge , Central TV’s cricketing comedy
The BAFTA-winning Outside Edge (made by Central for ITV) is a gentle comedy-drama about a sub-league cricket team captained by Roger Dervish (Robert Daws), assisted by his wife Mim (Brenda Blethyn). Their lives become entwined with a married couple who are vastly different. Kevin (Timothy Spall) and Maggie (Josie Lawrence) couldn’t be more different. It's … Continue reading Outside Edge , Central TV’s cricketing comedy
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
Classic BBC Radio comedy: Dad’s Army and To The Manor Born
Two full-cast radio adaptations of television comedy classics reviewed.
How I Got Lost in Clouds of Witness by Dorothy L. Sayers
I have a confession to make, and while it might be slightly embarrassing for me, it will almost certainly be amusing for you. As an audiobook devotee, I usually pride myself on vetting my listening queue. But recently, I threw caution to the wind and downloaded Dorothy L. Sayers’ Clouds of Witness completely blind. Three … Continue reading How I Got Lost in Clouds of Witness by Dorothy L. Sayers
The Slide by Victor Pemberton – A Slow-Build Sci-Fi Thriller
Full review of the original BBC Radio horror serial of creeping, sentient mud.
Audio book review: Odysseus – The Greatest Hero of Them All
Richard Curtis and Tony Robinson's irreverent take on Homer's Iliad
SpaceForce I – classic sci-fi review (with music by Jerry Goldsmith)
If you should listen Space Force, written by Charles Chiltern for BBC Radio and broadcast in 1984 (a second series followed in 1985) you might be forgiven for thinking it has a slight 1950's vintage about it. At least, that's what I thought when I listened to this series last week. But then I remembered … Continue reading SpaceForce I – classic sci-fi review (with music by Jerry Goldsmith)
