The world of British television off and on the screen, as it was sixty years ago.

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Doing the Lambeth Talk

One F. Platt of Bolton writes to the editor of The Observer. It would be unfair for me to précis this, so it follows in full:

Sir, I have ordered a television set, somewhat against my better judgment, and am now concerned as to how my two daughters, aged twelve and seven years, shall be allowed to use it.

I have, of course, views of my own on the subject, but as many readers must already have faced this problem, I would be grateful for other ideas.

(more…)

Where Confidence Lies

The Liberal leader, Mr Clement Davies, along with four of his colleagues, has tabled a motion against the fourteen-day rule. It reads “That this House, which is the representative and protector of a people which cherishes the right of free discussion deplores the ban by which the British Broadcasting Corporation and the Independent Television Authority are prevented from sponsoring programmes on matters of public interest within fourteen days of the date on which they are to be debated in Parliament.” (more…)

Catering Stuff

The Guardian’s front page carries the news that Sir George Barnes, “Director of Television at the BBC since 1950, is resigning next year to become Principal of the North Staffordshire University College, Keele”. The appointment takes effect on 1 September 1956. He will be the college’s third Principal since its formation in 1949. The paper’s London Correspondence column speculates on the identity of Sir George’s replacement at the BBC and suggests Cecil McGivern, the Controller of Programmes, as the most likely choice. The Times also carries this news.

In the more immediate term, there are other vacancies at the BBC: (more…)

Another One for Anton Karas

The Daily Express’s dynamic duo are both present in today’s paper, but Robert Cannell writes little and says less. He mentions, seemingly in passing, last night’s Sunday Night at the London Palladium, but it’s more a general review of its star, Johnnie Ray, than of the programme itself. Cannell notes that Ray’s performance “was reinforced by a band of his fans” and finds that “The squealing, shouting girls now seem an important, if not an integral, part of the Johnnie Ray act.” Thanks Robert. Now, Cyril… (more…)