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1960s
 |
 Sixties
Television - 1969 |
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| The
Benny Hill Show THAMES TELEVISION 1969 |
The
Benny Hill Show was a rather generic television programme starring
the comedian Benny Hill. It was produced by Thames Television
from 1969 to 1989 and broadcast in over 140 countries. Previous
versions and series of the show had aired on BBC Television from
1955 to 1968, and on ATV Associated Television from 1957 to 1960
plus a one-off TV special in 1967. Click here for 'The Wishing Well' sketch - video clip |
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| Big
Breadwinner Hog GRANADA 1969 |
The
superb Peter Egan played the title role in this London gangland
underworld series noted for its unprecedented violence. This led
to many viewer complaints, even after the first episode, which
is probably the reason why the otherwise brilliant series was
so short lived. Ruthlessly ambitious, long-haired and flash, Hog
was the nemesis of the old-style London gangs as well as the police.
Robin Chapman produced and wrote the 8 x 60 minute episodes with
Mike Newell and Michael Apted directing |
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| Civilisation BBC2 1969 |
13
x 50 minute documentary programmes presented by Sir Kenneth Clark
which charted the events and ideologies from the fall of the Greek
and Roman empires which led to current 20th century Western civilisation.
The series, which took two years to make in 13 different countries,
was produced by Peter Montagnon and Michael Gill |
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| Counterstrike BBC1 1969 |
A
science fiction series created by Tony Williamson featuring Jon
Finch as Simon King. After an alien invasion of Earth by the Centaurans,
King is sent along by the Intergalactic Council as an undercover
agent to help us fight the alien menace. He is assisted in his
mission by a doctor called Mary ( played by Sarah Brackett ) after
she discovers his true origin. Although 10 x 50 minute episodes
were made, produced by Patrick Alexander, only 9 were actually
transmitted. The episode postponed due to other broadcasting needs
was never rescheduled |
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| Curry
and Chips LWT 1969 |
Extremely
controversial for its time, written by who else but Johnny Speight,
this sitcom series tried to deal with racial and class hatred
and bigotry in a light-hearted manner, not always successfully.
Produced and Directed by Keith Beckett, the 6 x 30 minute episodes
featured Eric Sykes as the liberal, somewhat confused factory
foreman who suddenly has thrust upon him a new worker in the shape
of a Pakistani called Kevin O'Grady, played by the brilliant Spike
Milligan |
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| Dear
Mother ... Love Albert THAMES 1969, YORKSHIRE 1970 - 1971 |
Northern
lad moves to London and manages to scrape a living, but exaggerates
his success and experiences in letters home to his mum. Rodney
Bewes starred as the bemused Albert Courtnay in 19 x 30 minute
episodes of this 'Billy Liar' type sitcom, with Garfield Morgan
as his boss, A.C.Strain. Bewes wrote and produced with Derrick
Goodwin, John Duncan also co-producing. 7 x 30 minute episodes
were made by Yorkshire in 1972 of a follow-up series in the same
vein simply called 'Albert!' |
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| Department
'S' ATV / ITC 1969 |
Classic
action / adventure / espionage television series created by Monty
Berman and Dennis Spooner. Featuring Joel Fabiani as Stewart Sullivan,
Rosemary Nicols as Annabelle Hurst and, of course, Peter Wyngarde
as the fashion conscious playboy, part-time writer, part-time
agent Jason King. The three agents were called into action by
Department 'S', an off-shoot of Interpol to deal with 'Avengers'
type situations which no other official agencies could handle.
Dennis Alaba Peters also featured as boss Sir Curtis Seretse in
the 28 x 50 minute episodes produced by Monty Berman. Wyngarde
later featured in his own series 'Jason King', also produced by
Berman, for ATV/ITC 1971-72, taking the character into more of
an adventurer-type role |
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| Doctor
In The House LWT 1969 - 1970 |
Hilariously
funny classic comedy series brought to TV by Frank Muir of LWT
in consultation with Richard Gordon, author of the original books.
The stories and characters were brought bang up to date for the
late Sixties, featuring Barry Evans ( Michael Upton ), George
Layton ( Paul Collier ), Geoffrey Davies ( Dick Stuart-Clark )
and Robin Nedwell ( Duncan Waring ) as the boozy, girl chasing
medical students of St.Swithins, the nemeses of Professor Loftus
( played wonderfully by Ernest Clark ) and The Dean ( Ralph Michael
). Other 'students' occasionally appearing in the series were
Martin Shaw, Jonathan Lynn and Simon Cuff as well as notable appearances
by the gorgeous Yutte Stensgaard as one of their girlfriends.
Follow-up series from LWT included 'Doctor At Large' ( 1971 ),
'Doctor In Charge' ( 1972-73 ), 'Doctor At Sea' ( 1974 ) and 'Doctor
On The Go' ( 1975-77 ) all produced by Humphrey Barclay. Series
writers included Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Graeme Garden, Barry
Cryer and Bill Oddie |
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| Fraud
Squad ATV 1969 - 1970 |
26
x 60 minute episodes created by Ivor Jay and produced by Nicholas
Palmer showcased the crimebusting adventures of Detective Inspector
Gamble of the Fraud Squad, played by Patrick O'Connell assisted
by the waif-like Detective Sergeant Vicky Hicks in the lovely
form of Joanna Van Gyseghem |
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| H
R Pufnstuff NBC 1969 |
17
x 30 minute episodes featured the adventures of a young English
boy Jimmy, played by Jack Wild, who was beckoned out to sea in
a colorful boat bound for Living Island. The boat turned out to
be a trap set by the evil Witchiepoo, who wanted to add Jimmy's
flute, Freddie, to her collection of magical belongings. Jimmy
narrowly escaped by jumping overboard, only to wash up on the
beach of an enchanted isle. He was rescued by the local mayor,
H.R. Pufnstuf, a giant orange and green cowboy / dragon and Jimmy
and Freddie found themselves stranded on Living Island, where
everything was alive and talked, houses had hay fever and money
was measured in buttons. Brilliant stuff, produced by Sid and
Marty Krofft who also made a feature film with the same cast in
1970 |
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| Hadleigh YORKSHIRE 1969 - 1976 |
James
Hadleigh, the suave, sophisticated country squire ( earlier seen
as the proprietor of a country newspaper for 12 x 60 minute episodes
in the YTV programme 'Gazette' ) was played by Gerald Harper.
Other members of the cast included Joyce Carey, Judy Campbell,
Roland Culver and Mary Peach. The champion of the underdog was
created by Robert Barr and produced by Jacky Stoller and Terence
Williams |
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| Hark
at Barker LWT 1969-70 |
Comedy
series starring the talents of Ronnie Barker, expanding on the
lecherous 'Lord Rustless' character he portrayed in one of the
'Ronnie Barker Playhouse' episodes. The series, written by Peter
caulfield, Bill Oddie, Chris Miller, Gerald Wiley ( Barker ) and
Bernard McKenna, also starred Josephine Tewson ( Bates, the secretary
), Frank Gatliff ( Badger the butler ), David Jason ( Dithers
the gardener ), Moira Foot ( voluptuous maid Effie ) and Mary
Baxter as 'Cook' |
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| Holiday
69 BBC1 1969 - |
This
long-running informational travelogue and holiday programme which
changed its title ( Holiday 70, etc ) year by year was originally
presented by Cliff Michelmore who unfailingly highlighted the
downside to various holiday offers and operators in a kind of
'watchdog' capacity. Covering both Winter and Summer options,
this programme was the template for all similar shows which followed |
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| Judge
Dee GRANADA 1969 |
The T'ang dynasty of 7th century China was the unlikely setting
for this unusual detective series which only survived for 6 of
its planned 7 x 60 minute episodes. Michael Goodliffe starred
in the title role as a travelling judge, jury and sometime private
detective assisted by Garfield Morgan, Norman Scace, Arne Gordon
and three wives. The series was produced by Howard Baker and scripted
by John Wiles from the original historically-based stories by
Robert Van Gulik |
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| Me
Mammy BBC1 1969 - 1971 |
19
x 30 minute episodes of this sitcom featured Milo O'Shea as an
Irish lad, Bunjy Kennefick, living in London with his caustic-tongued
widowed mother who was intent on protecting him from evil influences,
mainly women. Produced by Sydney Lotterby and James Gilbert, the
series script was written by Hugh Leonard. Other main characters
were played by Anna Manahan ( mammy ), Yootha Joyce( his girlfriend
Miss Argyll ), Ray McAnally and David Kelly |
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| Monty
Python's Flying Circus Monty Python BBC1 1969 - 1970, 1972 - 1974   |
What
can I say about this all-time classic series - everything the
collection of comic geniuses had achieved before this paled into
insignificance when compared to the utter lunacy and hilarity
of this sketch-based comedy series. 45 x 30 minute episodes were
made, plus five feature films on varying subjects which involved
the Python team which consisted of John Cleese, Graham Chapman,
Eric Idle, Terry Jones and Michael Palin with Carol Cleveland
providing the female interest. The surreal cartoon graphic comedy
slots were brilliantly conceived and constructed by Terry Gilliam.
Who will ever forget 'The Ministry of Silly Walks', 'The Spanish
Inquisition', 'The Parrot Sketch', 'Hell's Grannies', the lumberjack
song, the gumbies, twit of the year and a myriad of other comedy
classics. And now for something completely different... The series
was produced by John Howard Davies and Ian MacNaughton from an
original concept created by Barry Took |
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| Nationwide BBC1 1969 - 1984 |
Presented
by Michael Barratt and Frank Bough, later joined by Richard Dimbleby,
this popular, long-running current affairs programme which took
over the early evening slot from the 'Tonight' show hardly left
a subject untouched in its regular whistle-stop tour of the BBC
television regions. Created by Derrick Amoore, editors of the
programme included Richard Tait, John Gau, Tim Gardam, Michael
Bunce, Paul Corley, Huw Williams, Ron Neil, Paul Woolwich and
Roger Bolton, supported by many researchers and journalists |
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| On
The Buses LWT 1969 - 1973 
|
Hilarious,
ridiculous, close to the bone comedy series based at Luxton and
District bus company, featuring Reg Varney as bus driver Stan
Butler and Bob Grant as his conductor. Not enough that his life
was plagued by Inspector Blake ( brilliantly portrayed by Stephen
Lewis - 'I 'ate you Butler! ), his home life was equally manic,
living with mother Cicely Courtenidge ( later Doris Hare ) along
with sister Anna Karen ( Olive ) and brother-in law Michael Robbins
( Arthur ) who constantly managed to thwart his attempts to connect
with the opposite sex, usually in the form of long-legged, short-skirted,
large-chested clippies. 73 x 30 minute episodes were made, plus
two feature films - 'On The Buses' ( 1971 ) and 'Mutiny On The
Buses' ( 1972 ), both produced by Hammer films. Brilliant script
writers were Ronald Wolfe and Ronald Chesney |
 On The Buses Fan Club |
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| Parkin's
Patch YORKSHIRE 1969 - 1970 |
John
Flanagan played Yorkshire country policeman PC Moss Parkin in
26 x 30 minute episodes of this rural police drama series dealing
with issues from sheep rustling to army deserters. Devised by
Elwyn Jones, the series boasted a curiously high number of writers
and directors. Also appearing in the show were Heather Page and
Gareth Thomas while Terence Williams produced |
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| Paul
Temple BBC1 1969 - 1971 |
Originally
a 30s radio serial created by Francis Durbridge, the character
was brought to the small screen by Francis Matthews who played
the suave novelist - amateur detective. Wife 'Steve' was played
by Ros Drinkwater through 46 x 50 minute episodes produced by
Peter Bryant, Alan Bromly and Derrick Sherwyn |
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| Pot
Black BBC2 1969 - 1984 |
Now
that we've got colour TV, what do we show with it? The obvious
sporting answer was snooker! BBC producer Philip Lewis devised
a competition using a one-frame format and invented the title
'Pot Black'. Recording began at the BBC's studios in Birmingham
and, on the 23rd July 1969, the first televised programme of Pot
Black went out on BBC 2, the only television channel on which
colour was available. The rest, as they say, is history. This
programme alone, introduced by Alan Weeks, was responsible for
the meteoric rise in popularity of the sport. The series was originally
produced by Reg Perrin, David Kenning and Philip Lewis. A junior
version, 'Junior Pot Black' was introduced in 1981, presented
by Eamonn Holmes |
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| Randall
and Hopkirk ( Deceased ) ATV 1969 - 1970 |
Another
series I loved - comedy and action/adventure rolled into one.
When partner Marty Hopkirk ( Kenneth Cope ) is killed by a speeding
car in suspicious circumstances, private investigator Jeff Randall
( Mike Pratt ) decides to carry on the business in partnership
with Marty's wife Jean ( Annette Andre ). Marty refuses to stay
dead and comes back to assist his former partner in the form of
a white-suited ghost, invisible to everybody but Jeff, still very
protective of his wife's virtue and 'cursed' to walk the earth
for a hundred years! Created by Dennis Spooner, 26 x 55 minute
episodes were made produced by Monty Berman. The series was also
successful in America, where it was transmitted under the title
'My Partner The Ghost' |
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| Saturday
Night Theatre ITV 1969 - 1970 |
Many
ITV companies contributed to this anthology of self-contained
plays which included the first TV play by Colin Welland 'Bangelstein's
Boys' (pictured), made by three producers of BBC's 'Wednesday
Play' series ( Kenith Trodd, James McTaggart and Tony Garnett
) who formed Kestrel Productions. Fabulous cast lists included
Sean Connery, Michael Caine and Michael Bates |
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| Scott
On ...... BBC2 1969 - 1974 |
Following
on from a couple of one-off 'specials' written by Marty Feldman
and Barry Took - 'Scott On Birds' ( 64 ) and 'Scott On Money'
( 65 ) - this 45 minute comedy series starred Terry Scott investigating
a variety of other topics including superstitions, habits and
the seven deadly sins with the assistance of June Whitfield and
Peter Butterworth |
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| Special
Branch THAMES 1969 - 1974 |
Classic
police drama series, sort of a forerunner to 'The Sweeney', featuring
the 'toughs' of the Special Branch division investigating activities
of undesirables including spies, anarchists and other fanatics.
52 x 60 minute episodes starred Derren Nesbitt as Detective Chief
Inspector Jordan and Wensley Pithey as Superintendent Eden. Four
series were made, produced by Reginald Collin, Robert Love, Geoffrey
Gilbert and Ted Childs |
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| Stars
on Sunday YORKSHIRE 1969 - 1979 |
Light
entertainment show that combined a religious message with top
of the line artists who performed an amazingly wide variety of
songs and hymns which were all requested by viewers. Harry Secombe
was a regular on the programme which was also blessed with guests
such as Terry Waite and Anna Neagle. The series was produced and
introduced by Jess Yates |
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| Strange
Report ATV - NBC TV 1969 Arena Productions |
Seen
in some regions earlier but networked in 1969, this spy / detective
/ action / adventure series starred Anthony Quayle as freelance
forensic investigator Adam Strange who specialised in solving
cases that had been left 'open file' by various government departments.
Other characters were played by Kaz Garas ( Hamlyn Gynt ) and
Anneke Wills ( Evelyn McLean ). 16 x 60 minute shows were made,
a UK/US collaboration produced by Buzz Berger |
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| Take
Three Girls BBC1 1969 - 1971 |
Drama
series about the lives, loves and activities of three single girls
sharing a flat in London, with incidental music provided by Pentangle.
The original series featured Liza Goddard as violinist Victoria,
Angela Down as art student Avril and Susan Jameson as actress
Kate. The latter two were replaced in the second series by Carolyn
Seymour ( journalist Jenny ) and Barra Grant ( psychology graduate
Lulie ). The original cast were reassembled in 1982 for a further
4 x 55 minute episodes titled 'Take Three Women' |
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| The
Champions ITC 1969 - 1971 Also see: Bill Harry's Sixties- The Champions |
Excellent
spy / adventure / fantasy series in which three people gain extraordinary
powers from a monk who rescues them after their plane crashes
in Tibet. ESP, enhanced strength and speed and heightened natural
senses lead to them becoming top agents for the ultra secret intelligence
organisation Nemesis. The trio were played by William Gaunt, Stuart
Damon and the delicious Alexandra Bastedo in 30 x 60 minute episodes
created and produced by Monty Berman and Dennis Spooner |
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| The
Complete and Utter History of Britain LWT 1969 |
Absurdly
funny Pythonesque series of 6 x 30 minute shows poking a light-hearted
finger at events and social customs of British history. Humphrey
Barclay produced and Maurice murphy directed. Highly eccentric
historical figures were played by Terry Jones and Michael Palin
( series writers ) aided and abetted by Roddy Maude-Roxby, Wallas
Eaton, Melinda May and Colin Gordon |
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| The
Dave Allen Show BBC1 1969 |
Another
of many successful television series for the irreverent Irish
comedian and storyteller Dave Allen - his first for the BBC. The
show consisted of Dave's extended comedy stories and anecdotes,
interspersed with short one-liner sketches. Subsequent shows included
'Dave Allen At Large' ( BBC1 1971-73 and BBC2 1975-76), 'Dave
Allen And Friends ( ATV 1977 ) and 'Dave Allen' ( ATV 1978 ) |
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| The
Doctors BBC1 1969 - 1971 |
A
soap-type twice weekly serial produced by Colin Morris featuring
the public and private goings on in an NHS practice. The main
characters were Dr John Somers ( John Barrie ), Dr Elizabeth McNeal
( Justine Lord ), Dr Roger Hayman ( Richard Leech ) and Dr Bill
Conrad ( Barry Justice ) with Maureen O'Reilly, Pamela Duncan
and Lynda Marchal also appearing regularly during the show's 160
x 30 minute episodes |
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| The
Dustbinmen GRANADA 1969 - 1970 |
Rowdy,
hilarious comedy about a team of workshy antagonistic refuse disposal
operatives, the 'crew' of dustcart 'Thunderbird 3. The leader
was 'Cheese and Egg' ( Bryan Pringle ), fighting a constant battle
against the enemy in the form of depot manager 'Bloody Delilah'
( John Woodvine, later Brian Wilde ), supported by loyal cohorts
'Heavy Breathing' ( Trevor Bannister ), 'Winston' ( Graham Haberfield
), 'Smellie Ibbotson' ( John Barrett ) and 'Eric' ( Tim Wylton
) through 20 x 30 minute episodes written by Jack Rosenthal and
directed by Les Chatfield. The series originated from a 1968 90
minute Playhouse production titled 'There's A Hole In Your Dustbin,
Delilah' also written by Jack Rosenthal |
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| The
Fossett Saga LWT 1969 |
7
x 30 minute episodes starred Jimmy Edwards as James Fossett, a
Victorian writer of 'penny dreadfuls' accompanied by manservant
Herbert Quince played by Sam Kydd. Other characters included June
Whitfield as music hall artiste Millie Goswick. The series was
produced and directed by David Askey from scripts by Dave Freeman |
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| The
Gold Robbers LWT 1969 |
13
x 60 minute episode crime drama loosely based on the Great Train
Robbery starred Peter Vaughan as Detective Chief Inspector Cradock
featuring his successes and failures in tracing the perpetrators
of a multi-million pound bullion robbery. Other characters, mainly
villains or suspects, were played by George Cole, Roy Dotrice,
Alfred Lynch, Ann Lynn, Joss Ackland and Katharine Blake. The
series was written by Johnny Hawkesworth ( who also produced )
and Glyn Jones with technical advice being provided by Ex DCI
Arthur Butler who was involved in the real train robbery investigation |
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| The
Liver Birds BBC1 1969 - 1979 |
Very
much a chronicle of 60s and 70s fashion and culture in Liverpool,
this sitcom originated from a Comedy Playhouse production wrotten
by Carla Lane, Myra Taylor and Lew Schwartz. The bedsit-sharing
girls, victims of life's various ups and downs, originally featured
Pauline Collins as Dawn and Polly James as Beryl, the roles later
being superseded by Nerys Hughes as Sandra and Elizabeth Estensen
as Carol, respectively. Sydney Lotterby, Doiuglas Argent and Roger
Race produced 79 x 30 minute episodes plus another two of 35 minutes
and 40 minutes. The series writing was credited to Carla Lane,
early scripts being edited by a certain Eric Idle |
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| The
Main Chance YORKSHIRE 1969 - 1975 |
John
Stride played a chancing, outspoken, brilliant young solicitor
in 32 x 60 minute episodes of this superb legal drama series which
was produced by David Cunliffe and John Frankau and created by
Edmund Ward |
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| The
Mind of Mr J.G.Reeder THAMES 1969 - 1971 |
Based
on the character created by Edgar Wallace in a series of 1925
short stories of the same title, Hugh Burden played the title
role as an investigator with the Public Prosecutor's office. 16
x 60 minute episodes also featured Willoughby Goddard as department
head Sir Jason Toovey and Mona Bruce as assistant Mrs Houchin.
Series producers were Kim Mills and Robert Love |
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| Wheel
of Fortune SOUTHERN 1969 - 1971 |
Following
on from his ultra-succesful 'Take Your Pick' programme, this half
hour game show was hosted by Michael Miles, again assisted by
Bob Danvers-Walker, Alec Dane and organist Harold Smart. The format,
as in the successful American ( 75 ) and Scottish TV ( 88 ) versions
featured contestants spinning a giant wheel in pursuit of cash
or prizes. Producer of the original show was Stephen Leahy |
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| Who-Dun-It ATV 1969 |
Audience
participation TV where the viewers were invited to try and name
the guilty party before the final credits. This 'Cluedo' type
mystery game programme made in a 1930's 'Agatha Christe' style
was a suspense/humour hybrid created by Lewis Greifer and produced
by Jack Williams. 13 x 60 minute shows were broadcast |
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| Wild
Wild Women BBC1 1969 |
Not
quite as the title suggested - this Ronald Wolfe and Ronald Chesney
written comedy series featured the workers in a Victorian milliners
in much the same vein as their earlier 'Rag Trade' sitcom. Paul
Whitsun-Jones starred as the sweatshop overseer, Mr Harcourt,
with Barbara Windsor ( Millie ), Daphne Heard, Pat Coombs, Jessie
Robbins and Toni Palmer amongst the girls under his charge. This
G.B.Lupino production was yet another series that came from a
Comedy Playhouse production, shown in 1968 |
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|
Some
Other 1969 Shows Which You May Have Forgotten....
1969
Television Ratings ( millions of homes )
|
1
|
Miss
World 1969
|
BBC
|
10.55
|
|
2
|
The Royal Variety Show |
ITV
|
9.15
|
|
3
|
In Loving Memory |
ITV
|
8.60
|
|
4
|
Coronation Street |
ITV
|
8.35
|
|
5
|
The Benny Hill Show |
ITV
|
8.30
|
|
6
|
Max |
ITV
|
8.25
|
|
7
|
The Dustbinmen |
ITV
|
8.25
|
|
8
|
Mr Digby Darling |
ITV
|
8.25
|
|
9
|
The Power Game |
ITV
|
8.20
|
|
10
|
Till Death Us Do Part |
BBC
|
8.15
|
|
11
|
The Royal Family |
BBC
|
8.05
|
|
12
|
The Eurovision Song Contest |
BBC
|
8.00
|
|
13
|
Please Sir |
ITV
|
8.00
|
|
14
|
This Is Your Life |
ITV
|
8.00
|
|
15
|
Two In Clover |
ITV
|
7.75
|
|
16
|
Sportsnight With Coleman |
BBC
|
7.75
|
|
17
|
The Best Things Of Life |
ITV
|
7.75
|
|
18
|
Special Branch |
ITV
|
7.70
|
|
19
|
News at Ten |
ITV
|
7.65
|
|
20
|
Opportunity Knocks |
ITV
|
7.55
|
|
All
Original Material
SixtiesCity 2009 |
