TV 043: The Forsyte Saga - The Cyril Stapleton Choir And Orchestra

The Forsyte Saga captivated the British public for 26 consecutive Sundays during 1967. Based on John Galsworthy's novels, it was a splendid production that spanned many years and was the last major drama to be made in black and white.

The theme tune was composed by Eric Coates and this version was recorded by Cyril Stapleton in 1968.

Comments and feedback are welcome.

The Forsyte Saga

TV 042: Follyfoot (The Lightning Tree) - The Settlers

Follyfoot was a memorable series with a social conscience where people and animals were given a second chance.
Three series were made between 1971 and 1973 by Yorkshire Television. It was broadcast by RTE during 1985 and 1986.

The theme song was performed by The Settlers and is a cracker.

Lightning Tree. Llllllliiiggggghhhhhhhhttttnnnniiiiiiiiiinnnnnnggggg Tree.

Comments and feedback are welcome.

Follyfoot (The Lightning Tree)

TV on DVD schedule w/e 4 April

Monday 29 March
Crossroads - Episode 1009: January 1969 
British Transport Films - 'Every Valley' (1957)
Curb Your Enthusiasm - 'The Lefty Call'
Northern Exposure - 'The Final Frontier'

Tuesday 30 March
Crossroads - Episode 1182: November 1969
Yes Minister - 'The Challenge'
Robert's Robots - 'A Long, Cold Summerby'
Callan - 'I Never Wanted The Job'

Wednesday 31 March
Crossroads - Episode 1192: November 1969
British Transport Films - 'Journey Into Spring' (1957)
Arthur C. Clarke's Mysterious World - 'Giants For The Gods'
Minder - 'Fiddler On The Hoof'

Thursday 1 April
Crossroads - Episode 1304: May 1970
Tales Of The Unexpected - 'Bird Of Prey'
Pardon My Genie - 'If Opportunity Knocks: I'm Out'
The Forsyte Saga - 'A Silent Wooing'

Friday 2 April
Crossroads - Episode 1366: September 1970
British Transport Films - 'Between The Tides' (1958)
Whatever Happened To The Likely Lads? - 'I'll Never Forget Whatshername'
Van Der Valk - 'Season For Love'

Saturday 3 April
Crossroads - Episode 1481: April 1971
The Equalizer - 'Unpunished Crimes'
Monk - 'Mr Monk Goes To A Fashion Show'
The Sopranos - 'Guy Walks Into A Psychiatrist's Office...'

Sunday 4 April
Crossroads - Episode 1495: May 1971
Wonder Woman - 'IRAC Is Missing'
All Creatures Great And Small - 'Barks And Bites'
The Rockford Files - 'Beamer's Last Case'

TV 041: Fireball XL5 (Fireball) - The Flee-Rekkers

Fireball XL5 was a science fiction show from the genius Andersons - Gerry and Sylvia. Once again, Marionettes were to the fore and 39 black and white episodes were produced.

Barry Gray wrote the theme which was sung by Don Spencer. Gray would also go on to write the music for other Anderson shows such as Thunderbirds and Space 1999. The version here was a contemporary instrumental cover version by The Flee-Rekkers who were managed by Joe Meek. It's a fine cover which deserves more widespread acclaim.

Comments and feedback are welcome.

Fireball XL5 (Fireball)

TV 040: The Fenn Street Gang (The Dandy) - Denis King

The Fenn Street Gang was a Please Sir! spin-off and showed us what became of the students when they entered the big bad world of work.

Two themes were composed by Denis King and The Dandy was used for later episodes.

Comments and feedback are welcome.

The Fenn Street Gang

TV 039: Emmerdale Farm - Tony Hatch

Emmerdale Farm started life as daytime Yorkshire TV drama in 1972. The pace was a lot slower then and watching the Network DVD releases of the first 52 episodes, I am immediately struck by the keen plotting and strong character development.

RTE started showing episodes in September 1983 - right from the start, five days a week. It was a glorious time.

Tony Hatch composed the dramatic and windswept theme tune. Rock on.

Comments and feedback are welcome.

Emmerdale Farm

TV on DVD schedule w/e 28 March

Monday 22 March
Crossroads - Episode 126: April 1965 
British Transport Films - 'Ocean Terminal' (1952)
Curb Your Enthusiasm - 'The Ida Funkhouser Roadside Memorial'
Northern Exposure - 'Wake-Up Call'

Tuesday 23 March
Crossroads - Episode 496: November 1966
Yes Minister - 'Equal Opportunities'
Robert's Robots - 'Dial C For Chaos'
Callan - 'Charlie Says It's Goodbye'

Wednesday 24 March
Crossroads - Episode 497: November 1966
British Transport Films - 'Dodging The Column' (1952)
Arthur C. Clarke's Mysterious World - 'The Missing Apeman'
Minder - 'The Last Video Show'

Thursday 25 March
Crossroads - Episode 498: November 1966
Tales Of The Unexpected - 'Sauce For The Goose'
Pardon My Genie - 'My Fête Is Killing Me'
The Forsyte Saga - 'No Retreat'

Friday 26 March
Crossroads - Episode 499: November 1966
British Transport Films - 'Link Span' (1956)
Whatever Happened To The Likely Lads? - 'Moving On'
Van Der Valk - 'A Dangerous Point Of View'

Saturday 27 March
Crossroads - Episode 500: November 1966
The Equalizer - 'No Conscience'
Monk - 'Mr Monk And The Secret Santa'
The Sopranos - 'I Dream Of Jeannie Cusamano'

Sunday 28 March
Crossroads - Episode 986: November 1968
Wonder Woman - 'Death In Disguise'
All Creatures Great And Small - 'One Of Nature's Little Miracles'
NYPD Blue - 'He's Not Guilty, He's My Brother'