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Choose a year to view |
on selected small images for larger versions of the same image or a large different image from the same programme Main Page 1961 TV Viewing Ratings | |
A
for Andromeda BBC 1961 |
7
x 45 minute episode science fiction serial written by astronomer Fred Hoyle
and John Elliot in which a radio telescope detects a signal from a distant
galaxy which instructs Earth scientists in the building of a super computer.
When completed, the computer creates an android girl, played by Julie Christie,
which it proceeds to control. The scientists were played by Esmond Knight,
Peter Halliday, Frank Windsor and Mary Morris. Norman James and Michael
Hayes produced. A sequel series called 'The Andromeda Breakthrough' was
made in 1962 Also see Bill Harry's Sixties Page |
Comedy
Playhouse BBC 1961 - 74 |
|
A
series of what were essentially comedy 'pilot programmes' that was the starting
point for a number of Sixties classic comedy series such as 'Steptoe &
Son', 'All Gas And Gaiters', 'Me Mammy', 'Till Death Us Do Part', 'The Liver
Birds', 'The Last Of The Summer Wine', 'Not In Front Of The Children', 'Open
All Hours' and 'Happy Ever After'. The concept was initiated by Tom Sloan,
Head of BBC Light Entertainment |
|
Drama
'61 ATV 1961-64 1966-67 |
|
A series of dramatic presentations which were screened on Sunday nights, alternating with ABC's 'Armchair Theatre'. The series title changed with the year, becoming 'Drama 62' etc. with the exception of the later two series which were both called 'Drama 67'. Playwrights included Reginald Rose, Harold Swanton, Frederic Raphael, Anthony Thorne and Tad Mosel | Ghost
Squad ATV 1961 |
|
39 x 60 minute episodes were made of this 'undercover agent' crime series which was produced by Connery Chappell, based on Scotland Yard's International Investigation department. The series was named after the book by Det Supt John Gosling and starred Donald Wolfit as the head of operations, Sir Andrew Wilson. Agent Nick Craig was played by Michael Quinn |
Harpers
West One ATV 1961-63 |
A weekly 60 minute soap-style drama created by John Whitney and Geoffrey Bellman which revolved around the operations of Harper's, a fictitious London store, covering all aspects of its day to day happenings from shop floor to boardroom. The cast notably included a young guy named John Leyton who played pop star Johnny StCyr and the show launched his smash hit record 'Johnny Remember Me', written by Geoff Goddard and produced by Joe Meek. Other cast members included Jan Holden and Vivian Pickles | My
Three Sons U.S. ABC / CBS1960-72 |
Superb U.S. domestic comedy starring Fred MacMurray as aerospace consultant Steve Douglas, documenting his efforts to raise his three motherless sons Chip (7), Robbie (14) and Mike (18) first with the help of father-in-law Bub O'Casey (William Frawley) then later 'Uncle' Charley O'Casey (William Demarest). The programme was a sitcom, but tended towards a heavily moralistic albeit light hearted view of the various generation gaps during its twelve years and 369 episodes. Great entertainment, highly watchable. | ||
One
Step Beyond A-R 1961-62 Collier -Young Productions / Lancer Films |
|
"Explain
it? We cannot. Disprove it? We cannot." These words were part of the
introduction by Hollywood's John Newland to 13 x 30 minute British-produced
stories about the occult and supernatural phenomena which were mixed in
with similar American productions from a U.S. programme called 'Alcoa Presents',
subtitled 'One Step Beyond'. The British episodes were produced by Peter
Marriott |
Points
of View BBC 1961- |
|
In the early years, this long-established BBC programme which gave viewers the opportunity to air their opinions, took the form of a 5-minute filler which went out between major programmes. The first presenter was Robert Robinson, followed by namesake Kenneth Robinson in 1965 and reclaimed by Robert later in the decade. RR also presented a 'Junior Points Of View' from 1963 to 1970. Strangely, the most recent presenter has also been a Robinson - Anne, following on from the only 'anomaly', Barry Took, who presented from 1979 |
Sir
Francis Drake ATV - ABC 1961-62 |
Anthony Bushell-produced 26 superb 30 minute episodes of this costume drama adventure series set in the reign of Elizabeth I (played by Jean Kent). Terence Morgan starred in the title role, battling against his Spanish arch-enemy, Ambassador Mendoza, portrayed by Roger Delgado. Drake's ship, the Golden Hind, transported him and his crew of Sea Hawks through many adventures and to locations as far apart as the English Channel and the West Indian 'Spanish Main'. Some of the episodes were combined and transmitted as telefeatures in America in 1962: 'The Flame and The Sword', 'Marauders of The Sea', 'Mission of The Seahawk' and 'Raiders of The Spanish Main'. Other main characters were played by: Patrick McLoughlin as Richard Trevelyan, Richard Warner as Walsingham, Ewan Roberts as Morton, Earl of Lenox, Michael Crawford as John Drake, Milton Reid as Diego, Howard Lang as Grenville and Peter Diamond as Drake's Bosun | Songs
of Praise BBC 1961- |
|
A
long-running series featuring televised sermons and congregational singing
from various churches and places of worship around the country. Shown during
the 'God slot' early on Sunday evenings, the presence of TV cameras unsurprisingly
has never failed to attract a packed house to whichever establishment is
featured. Over the years the programme has had many presenters, including
Cliff Richard, Jimmy Saville and Eddie Waring. The first ever show came
from the Tabernacle Baptist Church in Cardiff, Wales |
|
Supercar ATV 1961-62 ITC / AP Films Production |
|
Another
great sci-fi puppet adventure series from the master, Gerry Anderson. 39
x 30 minute episodes featured test pilot Mike Mercury flying through air,
sea and space in Supercar, a futuristic vehicle invented by Professor Rudolf
Popkiss and Doctor Horatio Beaker. Operating from a secret laboratory in
Black Rock, Nevada, Mercury's missions often involved thwarting the plans
of the evil 'Masterspy' and his accomplice Zarin. Other main characters
were young orphan Jimmy Gibson and his pet, Mitch the monkey also see Gerry Anderson Production pages |
Survival ANGLIA 1961- |
|
Exceptionally
successful and long-running wildlife series featuring superb photography
and commentary on animal species and environments from all over the world.
Originally a co-production with A-R, the series was first produced and presented
by Aubrey Buxton. Script writer and co-producer of the programme was Colin
Willcock |
Tales
of Mystery A-R 1961-63 |
|
An
anthology drama series of 29 x 30 minute stories based on the work of Algernon
Blackwood dealing with spooky suspense and the supernatural. The shows were
introduced by dour 'We're All Doomed' scot John Laurie. The series producer
was Peter Graham Scott |
Tempo ABC 1961-67 |
|
'A fortnightly magazine programme which measures art in terms of enjoyment' was the official description of this rather highbrow arts programme. It featured the best of current film, music, art, drama, literature, sculpture and ballet, starting as a 50 minute show later reduced to 25 minutes. The original presenter was Lord Harewood and later, Leonard Maguire (among others). Five 'special' shows in 1962 concentrated purely on Irish Arts. Seies editors were Kenneth Tynan and Clive Goodwin |
The
Avengers ABC 1961 - 69 |
|
Evolved from the earlier series 'Police Surgeon', 26 x 60 minute episodes were made of this fantasy espionage series where Dr David Keel (Ian Hendry) from the original series was joined by bowler-hatted secret agent John Steed (Patrick Macnee) to form a crimebusting duo in what was more or less a straight crime drama. This era was produced by Leonard White. The character of John Steed remained while Keel was replaced in 1962 by leather-clad Cathy Gale, played by Honor Blackman, for 52 x 60 minute episodes (produced by Leonard White and John Bryce) with occasional assistance from nightclub singer Venus Smith played by Julie Stevens. |
Emma Peel (Diana Rigg) became his new
partner for- 50 x 60 minute episodes in 1965, the early series being produced
by Julian Wintle. Steed's final partner in the Sixties was Tara King (Linda
Thorson - 1968) for 33 x 60 minute episodes in ever more fantastic, action-packed,
tongue in cheek secret service type adventures pitted against diabolical
villains. In the later series, Patrick Newell played their boss, code-named
'Mother' and his secretary by Rhonda Parker. The later 'Peel' series and
the 'King' series were produced by Albert Fennell and Brian Clemens. Also see: Bill Harry's Sixties - The Avengers |
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The
Morecambe and Wise Show ATV 1961-64, 1966-68, BBC 1968-76 |
Not enough space to provide details of the long-running series starring Britain's best-loved comedy duo. Their career spanned four decades and many TV channels. The early Sixties saw Eric and Ernie mainly performing comedy routines written by Sid Green and Dick Hills, often with guest artists who both performed in their own right (with musical backing from Jack Parnell and his Orchestra) and also took part in the comedy sketches. The pair's first appearance on TV had been back in 1951 in a BBC show called 'The Youth Parade' and they also starred in a fortnightly 1954 show called 'Running Wild' with Alma Cogan | The
Pursuers ATV 1961-62 Crestview Productions |
39 x 30 minute episodes were made of this uninspired Scotland Yard police series which starred Louis Hayward as Det Insp Steve Bollinger who, together with his dog, Ivan, 'walks the lonely streets of London' seeking out and battling against crime, injustice and low ratings | ||
The
Rag Trade BBC 1961-63 |
Comedy writers Ronald Wolfe and Ronald Chesney's first television series comprised 35 x 30 minute episodes of this popular sitcom which revolved around the goings-on at Fenner Fashions, mainly featuring the long-running battle between the unfortunate owner (Peter Jones) and shop steward Paddy (Miriam Karlin). Other main characters were played by Reg Varney, Sheila Hancock, Esma Cannon, Barbara Windsor, Judy Carne, Rita Smythe, Toni Palmer and Ann Beach. Series producer Dennis Main Wilson recorded the programmes on a Sunday in order to be able to feature top West End actors who would not normally have been available for work during weekdays | The
Seven Faces of Jim BBC 1961 |
|
A
wonderful 7 x 30 minute comedy series written by Frank Muir and Denis Norden,
produced by James Gilbert, which featured the talents of Jimmy Edwards in
distinctly different situations and rather odd characters. This was followed
by two sequel series in 1962 'Six More Faces Of Jim' and 1963 'More Faces
Of Jim'. The 1962 series introduced the classic 'Glums' family to television |
|
The
Valiant Years BBC 1961 |
|
Documentary
series based on Sir Winston Churchill's Second World War memoirs. The 26
x 25 minute episodes were produced by American company ABC TV from newsreel
film archives drawn from virtually every source imaginable. Narration was
by Gary Merrill with selected Churchill quotes and speeches read by Richard
Burton. The musical score accompanying the series was composed by Richard
Rodgers |
Tuesday
Rendezvous A-R 1961 - 63 |
Childrens entertainment show transmitted on Tuesdays and Fridays, presented by Howard Williams, guitarist Bert Weedon and Muriel Young ably assisted by glove puppets Pussy Cat Willum and Fred Barker. The shows had many segments in a 'Blue Peter' style and also included a pop spot featuring many chart-topping groups - not bad for an 'under 12' show. The programme had evolved from Small Time in 1955 and Lucky Dip in 1958 which had a similar line-up and was to become The Five O'Clock Club in 1963 by which time another puppet character, a Liverpudlian owl called Ollie Beak, had joined the show along with ex-Viper Wally Whyton. From 1965 the show was known as Ollie and Fred's Five O'Clock Club |
Some Other 1961 Television Shows Which You May Have Forgotten... |
Anna Karenina - BBC - Tolstoy drama - 105mins | Jacks and Knaves - BBC - Police drama which inspired 'Z Cars' - 4 x 45mins | Journey Of A Lifetime - ABC - Religious travelogue/drama - 39 x 15mins |
Rashomon - BBC - 12th Century Japanese drama - 90mins | Storyboard - BBC - Individual dramas - 6 x 30mins | The Somerset Maugham Hour - AR - Drama Series - 1961-62 |
Pathfinders To Venus - ABC - SciFi Series - 8 x 30 mins | Where The Difference Begins - BBC - Part 1 of a social drama trilogy - 95mins | Call Oxbridge 2000 - ATV - Soap Drama series - 1961-62 |
The Arthur Askey Show - ATV - Sitcom - 6 x 30mins | Plateau Of Fear - ABC - Scifi Series - 6 x 30 mins | Hancock - BBC - Comedy series - 1961 |
Ask Mr Pastry - BBC - Children's TV - 8 x 25mins | Three Live Wires - AR - Sitcom - 26 x 30mins | Family Solicitor - Granada - Drama series - 30min episodes |
Ben Casey - ABC - Medical drama series - 1961-66 | Home Tonight - ITV - Drama with David Hemmings and Patricia Brake - 40 x 30mins | Whicker Down Under - BBC - Travel Documentary |
First World War - ATV - Series of lectures by A.J.P.Taylor | 35 Cranley Drive - Granada - Documentary on spies Peter & Helen Kroger | The Charlie Chester Music Hall - BBC - 1961-62 - Variety Show |
The Quiet War - AR - Vietnam documentary | Echo Four-Two - ATV - Crime drama series (from 'No Hiding Place') | The Treasure Seekers - BBC - 8 x 30 min series based on E. Nesbit's book |
Dateline - ITN - 8 to 10 minute news and current affairs bulletin 1961-67 | Abracadabra - AR - 1961-62 - Quiz show hosted by Roy Ward Dixon and wife Shirley | |
Dr Kildare - ITV (NBC) - Medical drama series - 1961-66 - 142 x 60mins 58 x 30mins |
1961
Television Ratings ( millions of homes )
1
|
Royal
Variety Show
|
ITV
|
8.48
|
11
|
Armchair Theatre |
ITV
|
6.85
|
2
|
No Hiding Place |
ITV
|
7.73
|
12
|
Emergency Ward 10 |
ITV
|
6.79
|
3
|
Sunday Night at The London Palladium |
ITV
|
7.68
|
13
|
Echo Four-Two |
ITV
|
6.77
|
4
|
Coronation Street |
ITV
|
7.49
|
14
|
The British Song Contest |
ITV
|
6.69
|
5
|
The Army Game |
ITV
|
7.34
|
15
|
The Arthur Haynes Show |
ITV
|
6.61
|
6
|
Probation Officer |
ITV
|
7.18
|
16
|
Harpers West One |
ITV
|
6.57
|
7
|
The Russ Conway Show |
ITV
|
6.93
|
17
|
The Circus Comes To Town |
ITV
|
6.56
|
8
|
The Dickie Henderson Show |
ITV
|
6.93
|
18
|
Knight Errant Ltd |
ITV
|
6.55
|
9
|
Take Your Pick |
ITV
|
6.90
|
19
|
Somerset Maugham |
ITV
|
6.54
|
10
|
Double Your Money |
ITV
|
6.90
|
20
|
Bootsie and Snudge |
ITV
|
6.51
|
All
Original Material
SixtiesCity 2012 |