TV 048: Hadleigh - Tony Hatch

Hadleigh comprised of four series and ran from 1969 to 1976. Gerald Harper was the star, a noble squire who simply wanted to do the right thing - by his tenants or the locals in the village where he lived. His wife was played by Hilary Dwyer.

The dramatic theme tune was composed by Tony Hatch and bears his unique touch of melody and strings. 

Comments and feedback are welcome.

Hadleigh

TV on DVD schedule w/e 18 April

Monday 12 April
Crossroads - Episode 1758: August 1972 
British Transport Films - 'Wild Wings' (1965)
Curb Your Enthusiasm - 'The Rat Dog'
Northern Exposure - 'Our Wedding'

Tuesday 13 April
Crossroads - Episode 1759: September 1972
Yes Minister - 'The Moral Dimension'
Robert's Robots - 'Double Trouble'
Callan - 'The Contract'

Wednesday 14 April
Crossroads - Episode 1817: November 1972
British Transport Films - 'An Artist Looks At Churches' (1959)
Arthur C. Clarke's Mysterious World - 'The Great Siberian Explosion'
Rumpole Of The Bailey - 'Rumpole's Return'

Thursday 15 April
Crossroads - Episode 1868: February 1973
Tales Of The Unexpected - 'The Open Window'
Pardon My Genie - 'Sink Or Swim'
The Forsyte Saga - 'The Silver Spoon'

Friday 16 April
Crossroads - Episode 1884: March 1973
British Transport Films - 'Railways For Ever!' (1970)
Whatever Happened To The Likely Lads? - 'No Hiding Place'
Van Der Valk - 'The Rainbow Ends Here'

Saturday 17 April
Crossroads - Episode 1886: March 1973
The Saint - 'The Talented Husband'
Monk - 'Mr Monk And The Captain's Marriage'
The Sopranos - 'Toodle-Fucking-Oo'

Sunday 18 April
Crossroads - Episode 1890: April 1973
Wonder Woman - 'Seance Of Terror'
All Creatures Great And Small - 'The Pig Man Cometh'
The Rockford Files - 'The Battle Of Canoga Park'

TV 047: Grandstand - Keith Mansfield

Grandstand was at the height of its popularity during the late 1970s and early 1980s. It had now branched out into occasional Sunday broadcasts when the situation demanded it - usually on BBC 2.

Keith Mansfield wrote a new theme which was first used in October 1975 and lasted right up until the show was axed in 2007.

It's unforgettable and astounding good. Pure genius from the library god.

Comments and feedback are welcome.

Grandstand

TV 046: Grandstand (News Scoop) - Len Stevens

Grandstand was the BBC's flagship sports programme that aired every Saturday afternoon. It was launched in 1958 and was first presented by Peter Dimmock who lasted for just three editions. He was replaced by David Coleman who is photographed above.

The first theme tune was called News Scoop and was written by Len Stevens.

Comments and feedback are welcome.

Grandstand (News Scoop)

TV 045: Freewheelers (Private Eye) - Laurie Johnson

Freewheelers was made by Southern Television and ran for seven series between 1967 and 1973. The premise was kids versus villains and in some ways, was a precursor for The Famous Five dramatisations that unfolded in 1978 - also a product of Southern.

It was consistently entertaining with decent scripts and reliable guest stars. The dramatic string-laden theme tune was written by Laurie Johnson back in 1962 and was previously used for early editions of World In Action.

Comments and feedback are welcome.

Freewheelers (Private Eye)

TV on DVD schedule w/e 11 April

Monday 5 April
Crossroads - Episode 1674: March 1972 
British Transport Films - 'Giant Load' (1958)
Curb Your Enthusiasm - 'The Freak Book'
Northern Exposure - 'It Happened In Juneau'

Tuesday 6 April
Crossroads - Episode 1688: April 1972
Yes Minister - 'The Skeleton In The Cupboard'
Robert's Robots - 'Kill Or Cure'
Callan - 'The Carrier'

Wednesday 7 April
Crossroads - Episode 1736: July 1972
British Transport Films - 'They Take The High Road' (1960)
Arthur C. Clarke's Mysterious World - 'The Monsters Of The Lakes'
Minder - 'The Wrong Goodbye'

Thursday 8 April
Crossroads - Episode 1754: August 1972
Tales Of The Unexpected - 'I Like It Here In Wilmington'
Pardon My Genie - 'It's A Small World'
The Forsyte Saga - 'Action For Libel'

Friday 9 April
Crossroads - Episode 1755: August 1972
British Transport Films - 'Wild Highlands' (1961)
Whatever Happened To The Likely Lads? - 'Birthday Boy'
Van Der Valk - 'Rich Man, Poor Man'

Saturday 10 April
Crossroads - Episode 1756: August 1972
The Equalizer - 'Pretenders'
Monk - 'Mr Monk Bumps His Head'
The Sopranos - 'Do Not Resuscitate'

Sunday 11 April
Crossroads - Episode 1757: August 1972
Wonder Woman - 'Flight To Oblivion'
All Creatures Great And Small - 'The Bull With The Bowler Hat'
The Rockford Files - 'Trouble In Chapter 17'

TV 044: Four Feather Falls - Michael Holliday

Four Feather Falls was the third series created by Gerry Anderson and his wife Sylvia. It was set in the wild west with its hero being Tex Tucker. Ably assisting were his horse Rocky and dog Dusty.

Once again Barry Gray wrote the theme tune as well as the incidental music. This was sung by Michael Holliday and was a hit during 1960.

Comments and feedback are welcome.

Four Feather Falls