This time, I take a look at two examples of BBC Radio's classic series starring June Whitfield as Agatha Christie’s Miss Marple. Miss Marple - At Bertram’s Hotel I love Agatha Christie’s books, but I used to have problem with Miss Marple. Something about a lady of senior years who earwigs conversations that seemed a … Continue reading Agatha Christie full-cast audio review: At Bertram’s Hotel and A Caribbean Mystery
Porridge – The surprising facts behind this book based on the classic comedy
A quick look at a book based on the prison-based comedy series, Porridge. This paperback book of the BBC's Porridge was adapted by Jonathan Marshall from Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais’s television scripts. Inside, each of the seven chapters are re-tellings of the television episodes, starting with the 'unofficial' pilot episode, Prisoner and Escort … Continue reading Porridge – The surprising facts behind this book based on the classic comedy
In-Depth Review of Tightrope (1972), the Cold War Classroom Thriller
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 Omega Factor book
A quick look at The Omega Factor paperback published in 1979. The back cover text: There is a highly-secret government organisation called Department 7. Its existence is known only to the Prime Minister and some members of the Cabinet. Its brief is to investigate the Supernatural—to discover the Omega Factor. Journalist Tom Crane has been … Continue reading The Omega Factor book
Price Promotion: Environmental thriller Morrison’s Ghost
“Have you ever heard of an anti-gravity generator?” Graduate, find a job, meet someone and settle down. For ‘Jim’ (aka Morrison’s Ghost) it was supposed to be easy, so how did he wind up pursued by secret government agencies, shady corporations and a trigger-happy private eye? This fast paced environmental thriller is now half price … Continue reading Price Promotion: Environmental thriller Morrison’s Ghost
This isn’t my first self-published book, but it’s the first time I’ve promoted one
Phil's Marvellous Machine isn’t my first self-published book. But it's the first one I’ve actually tried hard to promote.I realise that may seem strange. Why would anyone go to the trouble of writing and publishing a book, then not tell anyone about it?There is a reason. I’ve always had social media anxiety. In 2018, I … Continue reading This isn’t my first self-published book, but it’s the first time I’ve promoted one
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
Untangling Red Dwarf on Audio, Bill Bailey and more
It should perhaps come as no surprise that sci-fi comedy Red Dwarf is the latest TV series to get a soundtrack release. Available to download from November 20 on Audible, the soundtrack of Red Dwarf I to VIII comes amid a resurgence in TV soundtracks, joining recently released comedy classics Are You Being Served (February … Continue reading Untangling Red Dwarf on Audio, Bill Bailey and more
Classic BBC Radio comedy: Dad’s Army and To The Manor Born
Two full-cast radio adaptations of television comedy classics reviewed.
