TV 120: Z Cars - Johnny Keating and The Z Men

It ran for 16 years and 667 episodes. As police dramas go, it had the edge on Dixon Of Dock Green and was watched by millions all across the UK, finishing its run in 1978.

The theme tune is an adaptation of an old folk tune called Johnny Todd. This version is probably the best arrangement and was recorded by Johnny Keating and his Orchestra a.k.a. The Z Men.

I hope you have enjoyed listening to these television themes.

We are now at the end of the fourth and final part.

Hope to see you in 2011. Not sure what's planned on the television music front but I'll think of something.

Happy Christmas!

Comments and feedback are welcome.

Z Cars

TV on DVD schedule f/e 2 January

Monday 20 December
Crossroads - Episode 3093: February 1979 
Crown Court - 'Treason - Regina v Clement, Part 1'
The Office: An American Workplace - 'Survivor Man'
Northern Exposure - 'Thanksgiving'

Tuesday 21 December
Crossroads - Episode 3094: February 1979
Steptoe And Son - 'A Star Is Born'
Man About The House - 'Right Said George'
Callan - 'Let's Kill Everybody'

Wednesday 22 December
Crossroads - Episode 3095: February 1979
Crown Court - 'Treason - Regina v Clement, Part 2'
Four Idle Hands - 'Out Of The Frying Pan'
Travelling Man - 'The Watcher'

Thursday 30 December
Crossroads - Episode 3096: February 1979
Noah's Castle - Episode 2
On The Buses - 'Stan's Room'
The Power Game - 'The Goose Chase'

Friday 31 December
Crossroads - Episode 3097: February 1979 
Crown Court - 'Treason - Regina v Clement, Part 3'
Nobody's House - 'There's Nobody There'
Van Der Valk - 'Accidental'

Saturday 1 January
Crossroads - Episode 3098: February 1979
The Saint - 'Judith'
Poirot - 'Dead Man's Mirror'
The Sopranos - 'Calling All Cars'

Sunday 2 January
Crossroads - Episode 3099: February 1979
All Creatures Great And Small - Christmas Special 1983
The Champions - 'The Experiment'
Kojak - 'Close Cover Before Killing'

TV 119: Wycliffe - Nigel Hess

Wycliffe is not a pleasant individual but he gets the job done. Once you get used to Jack Shepherd's dour acting style and disagreeable disposition it's not a bad series.

Televison maestro Nigel Hess came up with the theme tune. Reminds me of college days.

Comments and feedback are welcome.

Wycliffe

TV 118: The World Of Tim Frazer (The Willow Waltz) - Cyril Watters

Jack Hedley was the star of The World Of Tim Frazer, an involving BBC series from 1960. He later went on to play a detective in Lucio Fulci's classic New York Ripper.

The atmospheric theme is by Cyril Watters.

Comments and feedback are welcome.

The World Of Tim Frazer (The Willow Waltz)

TV 117: World Of Sport (World Of Sport March) - Don Jackson

Immortalised by Half Man Half Biscuit in 1986, Dickie Davies was the face of ITV's World Of Sport. Often seen as poor relation to Grandstand, this compulsive piece of Saturday viewing gathered its own following and is fondly remembered today. 

Don Jackson gave us a superbly arranged theme tune.

Wipe your snot on the arm of your chair, sit back and listen.

Comments and feedback are welcome.

World Of Sport (World Of Sport March)

TV on DVD schedule w/e 19 December

Monday 13 December
Crossroads - Episode 3086: January 1979 
Crown Court - 'The Thunderbolts - Easter v Goss, Part 1'
The Office: An American Workplace - 'Branch Wars'
Northern Exposure - 'The Bad Seed'

Tuesday 14 December
Crossroads - Episode 3087: January 1979
Steptoe And Son - 'Men Of Letters'
Man About The House - 'The Last Picture Show'
Callan - 'The Little Bits And Pieces Of Love'

Wednesday 15 December
Crossroads - Episode 3088: January 1979
Crown Court - 'The Thunderbolts - Easter v Goss, Part 2'
Shadows - 'And For My Next Trick'
Travelling Man - 'The Collector'

Thursday 16 December
Crossroads - Episode 3089: January 1979
Noah's Castle - Episode 1
On The Buses - 'The Nursery'
The Power Game - 'The Outsider'

Friday 17 December
Crossroads - Episode 3090: January 1979 
Crown Court - 'The Thunderbolts - Easter v Goss, Part 3'
You Must Be Joking! - Episode 4
Van Der Valk - 'Enemy'

Saturday 18 December
Crossroads - Episode 3091: January 1979
The Saint - 'Starring The Saint'
Poirot - 'The Chocolate Box'
The Sopranos - 'The Strong, Silent Type'

Sunday 19 December
Crossroads - Episode 3092: February 1979
The Beiderbecke Connection - 'What Do We Have On Hockey Sticks?'
The Champions - 'The Iron Man'
Kojak - 'Loser Takes All' 

TV 116: Woof! - The Paul Lewis Woof Band

Woof - the boy who changed into a dog.
Classic Central TV production with a quirky theme tune.

Comments and feedback are welcome.

Woof!

TV 115: Wish Me Luck - Jim Parker

Wish Me Luck was broadcast by ITV in the late 1980s and is another of those gripping World War II dramas that focuses on female heroines - like Tenko before it.

Jim Parker composed the likeable theme tune.

Comments and feedback are welcome.

Wish Me Luck

TV 114: Whicker's World (The Trendsetters) - Laurie Johnson

I've recently re-lived the glory of Alan Whicker's wonderful documentary series by watching the two Network DVD releases. For those who have yet to sample his amazing global social / human interest stories, then you're in for a treat.

The series ran for almost 30 years - starting on BBC in 1959, moving to ITV in the late 1960s and then jettisoning back to the BBC for the last few series, finishing up in 1988.

The theme you will hear is by Laurie Johnson and was used for many of the 1960s episodes.

Comments and feedback are welcome.

Whicker's World (The Trendsetters)

TV on DVD schedule w/e 12 December

Monday 6 December
Crossroads - Episode 3079: January 1979 
Crown Court - 'Public Lives - Regina V Williams And Pastor, Part 1'
The Office: An American Workplace - 'Local Ad'
Northern Exposure - 'On Your Own'

Tuesday 7 December
Crossroads - Episode 3080: January 1979
Rising Damp - 'Come On In, The Water's Lovely'
Curry And Chips - Episode 6
Callan - 'The Most Promising Girl Of Her Year'

Wednesday 8 December
Crossroads - Episode 3081: January 1979
Crown Court - 'Public Lives - Regina V Williams And Pastor, Part 2'
Jamie - 'The Carpet'
Travelling Man - 'First Leg'

Thursday 9 December
Crossroads - Episode 3082: January 1979
Timeslip - 'The Day Of The Clone': Episode 6
Yus, My Dear - 'The Holiday'
The Power Game - 'The Big Nothing'

Friday 10 December
Crossroads - Episode 3083: January 1979 
Crown Court - 'Public Lives - Regina V Williams And Pastor, Part 3'
Follyfoot - 'A Day In The Sun'
Homicide: Life On The Street - 'Strangers And Other Partners, Part 2'

Saturday 11 December
Crossroads - Episode 3084: January 1979
The Saint - 'The Fellow Traveller'
Poirot - 'The Adventure Of The Italian Nobleman'
The Sopranos - 'Whoever Did This'

Sunday 12 December
Crossroads - Episode 3085: January 1979
The Beiderbecke Connection - 'Is He The Lodger?'
The Champions - 'The Dark Island'
Kojak - 'The Betrayal'

TV 113: When The Boat Comes In (Dance Ti Thi Daddy) - Alex Glasgow

James Bolam again.

When The Boat Comes In was a gritty and realistic portrayal of 1920s north east England that was broadcast in 1976.

The theme tune is an adaptation of a traditional northern folk tune by Alex Glasgow.

Comments and feedback are welcome.

When The Boat Comes In (Dance Ti Thi Daddy)

TV 112: Whatever Happened To The Likely Lads? (Whatever Happened To You?) - Highly Likely

The Likely Lads was one of the best 1960s sitcoms, airing between 1964 and 1966. Unfortunately only eight of the episodes survive which means that re-appraising it is somewhat restricted. Make the best of what you've got.

Seven years later Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais decided to re-unite Bob and Terry for a sequel. Appropriately enough it was called Whatever Happened To The Likely Lads? 26 episodes and a Christmas special were made over the next two years.

The title track, a moving examination of nostalgia and looking back, was released as a single by Highly Likely in 1973.

Comments and feedback are welcome.

Whatever Happened To The Likely Lads? (Whatever Happened To You?)

TV 111: Vision On (Left Bank Two) - Wayne Hill

Vision On was ostensibly a programme for children with learning difficulties. However right from its inception in 1964, it was loved by all children and many adults.

It concluded in 1976 and Tony Hart went to the equally brilliant Take Hart.

The wondrously evocative theme for the Gallery section is called Left Bank Two and was composed by Wayne Hill.

Oh to be a child again...

Comments and feedback are welcome.

Vision On (Left Bank Two)

TV on DVD schedule w/e 5 December

Monday 29 November
Crossroads - Episode 3072: December 1978 
Crown Court - 'Destruct, Destruct - Regina V Ainsworth, Part 1'
The Office: An American Workplace - 'Money'
Northern Exposure - 'Blowing Bubbles'

Tuesday 30 November
Crossroads - Episode 3073: January 1979
Rising Damp - 'Under The Influence'
Curry And Chips - Episode 5
Callan - 'Red Knight, White Knight'

Wednesday 1 December
Crossroads - Episode 3074: January 1979
Crown Court - 'Destruct, Destruct - Regina V Ainsworth, Part 2'
Ace Of Wands - 'Peacock Pie': Episode 1
Rumpole Of The Bailey - 'Rumpole's Last Case'

Thursday 2 December
Crossroads - Episode 3075: January 1979
Timeslip - 'The Day Of The Clone': Episode 5
Yus, My Dear - 'The Repair'
The Power Game - 'One Via Zurich'

Friday 3 December
Crossroads - Episode 3076: January 1979 
Crown Court - 'Destruct, Destruct - Regina V Ainsworth, Part 3'
Timeslip - 'The Time Of The Ice Box': Episode 6
Homicide: Life On The Street - 'Partners And Other Strangers, Part 1'

Saturday 4 December
Crossroads - Episode 3077: January 1979
Man Of The World - 'The Prince'
Poirot - 'The Case Of The Missing Will'
The Sopranos - 'Mergers And Acquisitions'

Sunday 5 December
Crossroads - Episode 3078: January 1979
The Beiderbecke Connection - 'Hello Sir, Hello Miss'
The Champions - 'The Search'
Kojak - 'Cross Your Heart And Hope To Die'

TV 110: Van Der Valk (Eye Level) - Jack Trombey

Eye Level was written by Jack Trombey and performed by The Simon Park Orchestra. It was a hit - and deservedly so. As an added bonus, Distant Hills (The Crown Court Theme) appears on the flip of the 45.

Van Der Valk starred Barry Foster (the nasty man in Hitchcock's Frenzy) as a Dutch police inspector. It's a marvellously enthralling piece of work.

Comments and feedback are welcome.

Van Der Valk (Eye Level)

TV 109: Upstairs Downstairs (The Edwardians) - The South Bank Orchestra

The greatest costume / historical drama of them all.

Upstairs Downstairs ran for five gripping series during the 1971 to 1975 period. 

It was the jewel in LWT's crown and has never been surpassed.

I was first introduced to it when RTE repeated the entire series in 1981.

The theme tune is performed by The South Bank Orchestra.

Comments and feedback are welcome.

Upstairs Downstairs (The Edwardians)

TV 108: The Trials Of Life (End Title) - George Fenton

Life. A trilogy. The Trials Of Life came third - after Life On Earth and The Living Planet. It was broadcast by the BBC in 1990. David Attenborough is the man.

George Fenton's fantastic end theme is breathtaking.

Comments and feedback are welcome.

The Trials Of Life (End Title)

TV on DVD schedule w/e 28 November

Monday 22 November
Crossroads - Episode 3065: December 1978 
Danger Man - 'Vacation'
The Office: An American Workplace - 'Launch Party'
Northern Exposure - 'Heroes'

Tuesday 23 November
Crossroads - Episode 3066: December 1978
Rising Damp - 'Pink Carnations'
Curry And Chips - Episode 4
Callan - 'You Should Have Got Here Sooner'

Wednesday 24 November
Crossroads - Episode 3067: December 1978
Danger Man - 'The Trap'
Little Blue - 'Little Blue Goes To The Moon'
Rumpole Of The Bailey - 'Rumpole And The Bright Seraphim'

Thursday 25 November
Crossroads - Episode 3068: December 1978
Timeslip - 'The Day Of The Clone': Episode 4
Yus, My Dear - 'The Policy'
Budgie - 'Run Rabbit, Run Rabbit, Run Run Run'

Friday 26 November
Crossroads - Episode 3069: December 1978 
Danger Man - 'The Actor'
Music Man - Episode 1
Homicide: Life On The Street - 'Narcissus'

Saturday 27 November
Crossroads - Episode 3070: December 1978
Man Of The World - 'The Bullfighter'
Poirot - 'The Yellow Iris'
The Sopranos - 'Watching Too Much Television'

Sunday 28 November
Crossroads - Episode 3071: December 1978
The Beiderbecke Connection - 'Oh Look - It's Average-Sized Trevor Chaplin'
The Champions - 'The Interrogation'
Kojak - 'The Best War In Town'

TV 107: Travelling Man (Max's Theme) - Duncan Browne

Travelling Man was a compelling mid-1980s drama starring Leigh Lawson as Lomax - a modern day Richard Kimble figure spending his days on the run amongst the canals.

The soundtrack LP was the work of Duncan Browne and while a charity shop staple, belongs in everybody's collection.

Comments and feedback are welcome.

Travelling Man (Max's Theme)

TV 106: Top Secret (Sucu Sucu) - Laurie Johnson

Top Secret was an above-average early 1960s espionage / intelligence drama that starred William "Schweppes" Franklyn.

The theme tune reached the top 10 in the UK charts and was composed by Laurie Johnson.

 

Comments and feedback are welcome.

Top Secret (Sucu Sucu)

TV 105: Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (Nunc Dimittis) - Lesley Garret

And now we have the atmospheric end theme to Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy sung by the gorgeous Lesley Garret.

Comments and feedback are welcome.

Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (Nunc Dimittis)

TV on DVD schedule w/e 21 November

Monday 15 November
Crossroads - Episode 3058: December 1978 
Danger Man - 'The Girl Who Liked G.I.s'
The Office: An American Workplace - 'Dunder Mifflin Infinity'
Northern Exposure - 'Nothing's Perfect'

Tuesday 16 November
Crossroads - Episode 3059: December 1978
Rising Damp - 'Great Expectations'
Curry And Chips - Episode 3
Callan - 'The Good Ones Are All Dead'

Wednesday 17 November
Crossroads - Episode 3060: December 1978
Danger Man - 'Hired Assassin'
Once Upon A Time - 'The Pig, The Squirrel And The Ladybird'
Rumpole Of The Bailey - 'Rumpole And The Judge's Elbow'

Thursday 18 November
Crossroads - Episode 3061: December 1978
Timeslip - 'The Day Of The Clone': Episode 3
Yus, My Dear - 'The Bargain'
Budgie - 'Brief Encounter'

Friday 19 November
Crossroads - Episode 3062: December 1978 
Danger Man - 'The Gallows Tree'
Animal Kwackers - 'Numbers'
Homicide: Life On The Street - 'Deception'

Saturday 20 November
Crossroads - Episode 3063: December 1978
Man Of The World - 'In The Picture'
Poirot - 'The Underdog'
The Sopranos - 'Everybody Hurts'

Sunday 21 November
Crossroads - Episode 3064: December 1978
Space 1999 - 'The Testament Of Arkadia'
The Champions - 'A Case Of Lemmings'
Kojak - 'A Killing In The Second House'

TV 104: Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (Main Title) - The Philharmonia Orchestra Conducted By Geoffrey Burgon

John Le Carre wrote the book in 1974. Arthur Hopcraft brought it to the UK's television screens in 1979.
It starred Alec Guinness and Michael Jayston.

Here is the main title, composed by Geoffrey Burgon.

Comments and feedback are welcome.

Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (Main Title)

TV 103: Thunderbirds - The Barry Gray Orchestra

First aired in 1965, Thunderbirds has become iconic and is the easily the most successful creation from Gerry Anderson and Sylvia Anderson. Parker and Lady Penelope were a formidable double act that never get old.

Once again Barry Gray was responsible for both the theme and incidental music. Instantly gripping.

Comments and feedback are welcome.

Thunderbirds

TV 102: This Is Your Life (Gala Performance) - Laurie Johnson

This Is Your Life.

The big red book.

Eamonn Andrews surprising the guests as he takes them on a journey through the past.
Real life biographies unfolded on the television screen.

Memorable theme from Laurie Johnson called Gala Performance.

Comments and feedback are welcome.

This Is Your Life (Gala Performance)

TV on DVD schedule w/e 14 November

Monday 8 November
Crossroads - Episode 3051: November 1978 
Danger Man - 'Name, Date And Place'
The Office: An American Workplace - 'Fun Run'
Northern Exposure - 'Midnight Sun'

Tuesday 9 November
Crossroads - Episode 3052: November 1978
Rising Damp - 'Fire And Brimstone'
Curry And Chips - Episode 2
Callan - Armchair Theatre: 'A Magnum For Schneider'

Wednesday 10 November
Crossroads - Episode 3053: November 1978
Danger Man - 'The Leak'
Topper's Tales - 'Rainbow Gold'
Rumpole Of The Bailey - 'Rumpole And The Official Secret'

Thursday 11 November
Crossroads - Episode 3054: November 1978
Timeslip - 'The Day Of The Clone': Episode 2
Yus, My Dear - 'The Job'
Budgie - 'The Man Outside'

Friday 12 November
Crossroads - Episode 3055: November 1978 
Danger Man - 'The Honeymooners'
Daisy Daisy - 'Brushes'
Homicide: Life On The Street - 'Double Blind'

Saturday 13 November
Crossroads - Episode 3056: November 1978
Man Of The World - 'Double Exposure'
Poirot - 'The Adventure Of The Egyptian Tomb'
The Sopranos - 'Pie-o-My'

Sunday 14 November
Crossroads - Episode 3057: December 1978
Space 1999 - 'Dragon's Domain'
The Champions - 'Operation Deep-Freeze'
Kojak - 'A Souvenir From Atlantic City'

TV 101: Thank Your Lucky Stars (Like Lucky Stars) - Peter Bright

Thank Your Lucky Stars started in 1961 and consisted of pop groups miming their hits.

The first theme tune was composed and conducted by Peter Bright before being replaced by a Johnny Hawksworth number in 1965.

It was on this programme - and its Spin-A-Disc section, where a panel aired their views on new 45s - that saw the emergence of the wonderful Janice Nicholls.

Oi'll give it foive.

Comments and feedback are welcome.

Thank Your Lucky Stars (Like Lucky Stars)

TV 100: Terry and June (Bell Hop) - John Shakespeare

Terry and June is scorned by many people as "boring, middle-class comedy where nothing ever happens".
I take an opposite view - it's well-crafted and sometimes surreal in its approach. Both leads are perfectly played by Terry Scott and June Whitfield. There are many memorable episodes and the DVDs are essential viewing.

John Shakespeare's theme tune is a happy and catchy composition.

Comments and feedback are welcome.

Terry and June (Bell Hop)

TV 099: Tales Of The Unexpected - Ron Grainer

One of the greatest anthology series of them all, Tales Of The Unexpected ran from 1979 to 1988 and was made by Anglia Television.
The first two series were largely based on adaptations of Roald Dahl short stories with subsequent programmes focusing on works from other authors.

Ron Grainer's wonderful theme tune accompanied an unforgettable title sequence and lasted for all nine series.

Comments and feedback are welcome.

Tales Of The Unexpected

TV on DVD schedule w/e 7 November

Monday 1 November
Crossroads - Episode 3044: November 1978 
Danger Man - 'Josetta'
Curb Your Enthusiasm - 'Seinfeld'
Northern Exposure - 'Northwest Passages'

Tuesday 2 November
Crossroads - Episode 3045: November 1978
Rising Damp - 'Hello Young Lovers'
Curry And Chips - Episode 1
Man At The Top - 'Fixtures And Fittings'

Wednesday 3 November
Crossroads - Episode 3046: November 1978
Danger Man - 'The Island'
The Magic Fountain - Episode 1
Rumpole Of The Bailey - 'Rumpole And The Blind Tasting'

Thursday 4 November
Crossroads - Episode 3047: November 1978
Timeslip - 'The Day Of The Clone': Episode 1
Yus, My Dear - 'Woman Trouble'
Budgie - 'The Outside Man'

Friday 5 November
Crossroads - Episode 3048: November 1978 
Danger Man - 'The Conspirators'
The Magic Ball - 'The Story Of The City Under The Sea'
Homicide: Life On The Street - 'Kaddish'

Saturday 6 November
Crossroads - Episode 3049: November 1978
Man Of The World - 'Jungle Mission'
Perry Mason - 'The Case Of The Rolling Bones'
The Sopranos - 'The Weight'

Sunday 7 November
Crossroads - Episode 3050: November 1978
Space 1999 - 'Mission Of The Darians'
The Champions - 'The Invisible Man'
Kojak - 'The Best Judge Money Can Buy'

TV 098: The Sweeney - Harry South

Beyond brilliant, The Sweeney ran for four series between 1975 and 1978 (following a 1974 pilot called Regan).
It paired John Thaw with Dennis Waterman as two no-nonsense 'ard detectives.
The violence was realistic and both leads were far from being perfect.
That made it even more enjoyable.

The theme tune was composed by Harry South.
This is his extended re-recording with some fantastic mid-section guitar playing.

Comments and feedback are welcome.

The Sweeney

TV 097: Supercar - The Charles Blackwell Orchestra

Supercar was the Andersons' follow-up to Four Feather Falls.
The plot dealt with a vertical taking-off and landing craft that gave the series its name.

Once again Barry Gray was involved in composing the theme.
This version was recorded by The Charles Blackwell Orchestra and released on a Columbia 45 in 1962.

Comments and feedback are welcome.

Supercar

TV 096: Stingray - The Barry Gray Orchestra and Gary Miller

Standby for action! We are about to launch Stingray! Anything can happen in the next half hour!

Stingray was ahead of its time. Made in 1964, set in 2065.
The first supermarionation series to be shot in colour.
Very enjoyable stuff.

The theme tune is sung by Gary Miller and backed by Barry Gray's Orchestra.

Comments and feedback are welcome.

Stingray

TV on DVD schedule w/e 31 October

Monday 25 October
Crossroads - Episode 3037: October 1978 
Danger Man - 'The Lonely Chair'
Curb Your Enthusiasm - 'The Table Read'
Seven Ages - Haughey And Fitzgerald: Great Adversaries Of The Eighties

Tuesday 26 October
Crossroads - Episode 3038: October 1978
Steptoe And Son - 'Cuckoo In The Nest'
Magpie - Orphaned Film Inserts
Man At The Top - '...A Bit Of Spare And Nothing Else'

Wednesday 27 October
Crossroads - Episode 3039: November 1978
Danger Man - 'The Dead Man Walks'
Mr Trimble - Episode 1
Rumpole Of The Bailey - 'Rumpole And The Old, Old Story'

Thursday 28 October
Crossroads - Episode 3040: November 1978
Sykes - 'Café'
Yus, My Dear - 'The Handyman'
Budgie - 'King For A Day'

Friday 29 October
Crossroads - Episode 3041: November 1978 
Danger Man - 'The Contessa'
Gideon - 'Gideon And The Ferret'
Homicide: Life On The Street - 'Valentine's Day'

Saturday 30 October
Crossroads - Episode 3042: November 1978
Man Of The World - 'The Enemy'
Perry Mason - 'The Case Of The Terrified Typist'
The Sopranos - 'Christopher'

Sunday 31 October
Crossroads - Episode 3043: November 1978
Space 1999 - 'The Infernal Machine'
The Champions - 'The Beginning'
Kojak - 'You Can't Tell A Hurt Man How To Holler'

TV 095: Steptoe and Son (Old Ned) - Ron Grainer

Well the horse was called Hercules...

Unforgettable theme to a wonderful series that ran from 1962 until 1974.
Harry H. Corbett and Wilfred Bramble being perfectly matched (on screen at least).

Comments and feedback are welcome.

Steptoe and Son (Old Ned)

TV 094: Sportsview (Saturday Sports) - Wilfred Burns

Sportsview was the precusor to Sportsnight and commenced broadcasting on BBC in 1954.
Peter Dimmock was the first presenter.

The theme tune was called Saturday Sports and was composed by Wilfred Burns.

Comments and feedback are welcome.

Sportsview (Saturday Sports)

TV 093: Sportsnight - Tony Hatch

Ah the memories! Sportsnight was a Wednesday night treat, presented by Harry Carpenter, Steve Rider or Des Lynam. It ran from 1968 to 1997 and the winning theme was another Tony Hatch classic.

Comments and feedback are welcome.

Sportsnight

TV on DVD schedule w/e 24 October

Monday 18 October
Crossroads - Episode 3030: October 1978 
Danger Man - 'The Relaxed Informer'
Curb Your Enthusiasm - 'Officer Krupke'
Seven Ages -  The Seventies: A Decade Of Terror, Tension And Transformation

Tuesday 19 October
Crossroads - Episode 3031: October 1978
Steptoe And Son - 'The Three Feathers'
Magpie - 13 May 1980
Man At The Top - 'Change Partners'

Wednesday 20 October
Crossroads - Episode 3032: October 1978
Danger Man - 'Find And Destroy'
The Laughing Policeman - Episode 1
Minder - 'The Cruel Canal' (1991 Christmas Special)

Thursday 21 October
Crossroads - Episode 3033: October 1978
Sykes - 'Lodger'
Yus, My Dear - 'The New Bed'
Budgie - 'Twenty Four Thousand Ball Point Pens'

Friday 22 October
Crossroads - Episode 3034: October 1978 
Danger Man - 'The Prisoner'
Hickory's House - 'Humphrey's Flower'
Homicide: Life On The Street - 'Wu's On First'

Saturday 23 October
Crossroads - Episode 3035: October 1978
Man Of The World - 'The Bandit'
Perry Mason - 'The Case Of The Black-Eyed Blonde'
The Sopranos - 'No-Show'

Sunday 24 October
Crossroads - Episode 3036: October 1978
Space 1999 - 'Space Brain'
Department S - 'Soup Of The Day'
Kojak - 'Nursemaid'

TV 092: Ski Sunday (Pop Looks Bach) - Sam Fonteyn

Ski Sunday has run on BBC since 1978 with Sam Fonteyn's super theme lasting the distance (with some minor amendments). It was originally a Boosey and Hawkes library track, recorded back in 1970.

Comments and feedback are welcome.

Ski Sunday (Pop Looks Bach)

TV 091: Shoestring - George Fenton

Shoestring is a fondly remembered BBC series from 1979 / 1980. It starred Trevor Eve in the leading role as a private detective cum radio presenter. It ran for 21 episodes before Eve decided that the theatre beckoned. The producers decided to re-locate the programme to Jersey and call it Bergerac.

George Fenton composed and performed the memorable theme tune.

Comments and feedback are welcome.

Shoestring

TV on DVD schedule w/e 17 October

Monday 11 October
Crossroads - Episode 3023: October 1978 
Danger Man - 'The Coyannis Story'
Curb Your Enthusiasm - 'The Black Swan'
Seven Ages - The Modernisation Of Ireland

Tuesday 12 October
Crossroads - Episode 3024: October 1978
Steptoe And Son - 'Pot Black'
Magpie - 11 April 1980
Man At The Top - 'The Name But Not The Game'

Wednesday 13 October
Crossroads - Episode 3025: October 1978
Danger Man - 'The Brothers'
Michael Bentine's Potty Time - 'North West Frontier'
Minder - 'The Coach That Came In From The Cold'

Thursday 14 October
Crossroads - Episode 3026: October 1978
Sykes - 'Journey'
Yus, My Dear - 'Blackjack'
Budgie - 'Glory Of Fulham'

Friday 15 October
Crossroads - Episode 3027: October 1978 
Danger Man - 'Colonel Rodriguez'
Jamie And The Magic Torch - 'Yoo Hoo Yeti!'
Homicide: Life On The Street - 'Diener'

Saturday 16 October
Crossroads - Episode 3028: October 1978
Man Of The World - 'Shadow Of The Wall'
Perry Mason - 'The Case Of The Prodigal Parent'
The Sopranos - 'For All Debts Public And Private'

Sunday 17 October
Crossroads - Episode 3029: October 1978
Space 1999 - 'The Troubled Spirit'
Department S - 'The Bones Of Byron Blain'
Kojak - 'Slay Ride'

TV on DVD schedule w/e 10 October

Monday 4 October
Crossroads - Episode 3016: September 1978 
Danger Man - 'The Blue Veil'
Curb Your Enthusiasm - 'The Bare Midriff'
Seven Ages - The Fifties: The Make Or Break Decade

Tuesday 5 October
Crossroads - Episode 3017: September 1978
Steptoe And Son - 'Without Prejudice'
Magpie - 28 December 1979
Man At The Top - 'I'll Do The Dirty Work'

Wednesday 6 October
Crossroads - Episode 3018: September 1978
Danger Man - 'The Lovers'
Tingha And Tucker Club - 13 July 1970
Minder - 'The Odds Couple'

Thursday 7 October
Crossroads - Episode 3019: September 1978
Sykes - 'Cat'
Yus, My Dear - 'Change Partners'
Budgie - 'Do Me A Favour'

Friday 8 October
Crossroads - Episode 3020: September 1978 
Danger Man - 'The Sanctuary'
Issi Noho - 'Panda Sandwiches Are Most Indigestible'
Homicide: Life On The Street - 'Have A Conscience'

Saturday 9 October
Crossroads - Episode 3021: October 1978
Man Of The World - 'A Family Affair'
Perry Mason - 'The Case Of The Lazy Lover'
The Sopranos - 'Army Of One'

Sunday 10 October
Crossroads - Episode 3022: October 1978
Space 1999 - 'The Last Enemy'
Department S - 'A Fish Out Of Water'
Kojak - 'Wall Street Gunslinger'

TV on DVD schedule w/e 3 October

Monday 27 September
Crossroads - Episode 3009: September 1978 
Danger Man - 'Sabotage'
Curb Your Enthusiasm - 'Denise Handicap'
Seven Ages -  The Forties: Decade Of Neutrality And Censorship

Tuesday 28 September
Crossroads - Episode 3010: September 1978
Steptoe And Son - 'Tea For Two'
Magpie - 23 February 1979
Man At The Top - 'Join The Human Race'

Wednesday 29 September
Crossroads - Episode 3011: September 1978
Danger Man - 'The Traitor'
A Handful Of Songs - 20 December 1976
Minder - 'Too Many Crooks'

Thursday 30 September
Crossroads - Episode 3012: September 1978
Sykes - 'Marriage'
Yus, My Dear - 'The Homework'
Budgie - 'Our Story So Far'

Friday 1 October
Crossroads - Episode 3013: September 1978 
Danger Man - 'The Nurse'
Paperplay - 'Swinging Cat'
Homicide: Life On The Street - 'Betrayal'

Saturday 2 October
Crossroads - Episode 3014: September 1978
Man Of The World - 'Portrait Of A Girl'
Perry Mason - 'The Case Of The Gilded Lily'
The Sopranos - 'Amour Fou'

Sunday 3 October
Crossroads - Episode 3015: September 1978
Space 1999 - 'War Games'
Department S - 'A Small War Of Nerves'
Kojak - 'A Very Deadly Game'

TV on DVD schedule w/e 26 September

Monday 20 September
Crossroads - Episode 3002: August 1978 
Danger Man - 'Deadline'
Curb Your Enthusiasm - 'The Hot Towel'
Seven Ages - Depression And The Rise Of Fianna Fáil To Power

Tuesday 21 September
Crossroads - Episode 3003: September 1978
Steptoe And Son - 'Two's Company'
Magpie - 21 April 1978
Man At The Top - 'The Prime Of Life'

Wednesday 22 September
Crossroads - Episode 3004: September 1978
Danger Man - 'Bury The Dead'
Cloppa Castle - 'Faces In Their Bonnets'
Minder - 'The Greatest Show In Willesden'

Thursday 23 September
Crossroads - Episode 3005: September 1978
Sykes - 'Dream'
Yus, My Dear - 'The Kid'
Budgie - 'The Jump-Up Boys'

Friday 24 September
Crossroads - Episode 3006: September 1978 
Danger Man - 'The Girl In Pink Pyjamas'
Gammon And Spinach - 'Garth Pig And The Ice Cream Lady'
Homicide: Life On The Street - 'The Documentary'

Saturday 25 September
Crossroads - Episode 3007: September 1978
Man Of The World - 'Specialist For The Kill'
Perry Mason - 'The Case Of The Long-Legged Models'
The Sopranos - 'Pine Barrens'

Sunday 26 September
Crossroads - Episode 3008: September 1978
Space 1999 - 'End Of Eternity'
Department S - 'Spencer Bodily Is Sixty Years Old'
Kojak - 'Hush Now Or You Die'

TV on DVD schedule w/e 19 September

Monday 13 September
Crossroads - Episode 2995: August 1978 
Danger Man - 'Position Of Trust'
Curb Your Enthusiasm - 'The Reunion'
Seven Ages - The Birth Of The New Irish State

Tuesday 14 September
Crossroads - Episode 2996: August 1978
Steptoe And Son - 'Come Dancing'
Magpie - 8 April 1977
Man At The Top - 'Too Good For This World'

Wednesday 15 September
Crossroads - Episode 2997: August 1978
Danger Man - 'The Sisters'
Rainbow - 'Shapes'
Minder - 'Him Indoors'

Thursday 16 September
Crossroads - Episode 2998: August 1978
Sykes - 'Mouse'
Yus, My Dear - 'Gambling Fever'
Budgie - 'Louie The Ring Is Dead And Buried In Kensal Green Cemetery'

Friday 17 September
Crossroads - Episode 2999: August 1978 
Danger Man - 'An Affair Of State'
Pipkins - 'Gnome Sweet Gnome'
Homicide: Life On The Street - 'Blood Wedding'

Saturday 18 September
Crossroads - Episode 3000: August 1978
Man Of The World - 'The Mind Reader'
Perry Mason - 'The Case Of The Substitute Face'
The Sopranos - 'To Save Us All From Satan's Power'

Sunday 19 September
Crossroads - Episode 3001: August 1978
Space 1999 - 'The Full Circle'
Department S - 'The Mysterious Man In The Flying Machine'
Kojak - 'The Chinatown Murders, Part 2'