Talking Pictures TV

[cutback73]

This week's newsletter has announced that from 20 March at 6pm, they will be showing, from the first episode...

"the famous Simon Templar"
*cue halo and music*

Although the colour episodes of The Saint are constantly rerun on ITV4, the monochrome episodes have not shown on British TV in years.

I think this is the last of the monochrome series from ITC to appear on the channel?

After the broadcast of Robin Hood, the surprisingly good Captain Drake, and The Champions last year, I have been hoping for this to appear.

*raises left eyebrow*

[OceanBlue]

Originally Posted by cutback73

This week's newsletter has announced that from 20 March at 6pm, they will be showing, from the first episode...

"the famous Simon Templar"
*cue halo and music*

Although the colour episodes of The Saint are constantly rerun on ITV4, the monochrome episodes have not shown on British TV in years.

I think this is the last of the monochrome series from ITC to appear on the channel?

After the broadcast of Robin Hood, the surprisingly good Captain Drake, and The Champions last year, I have been hoping for this to appear.

*raises left eyebrow*

I'll be checking this out, as I saw very little of repeats of The Saint a long time ago (can't remember if it was on a BBC or ITV channel). On and off, there has been discussion in the UK & Ireland sub-forum about the chances of Network doing a complete series Blu-ray release of both the black and white and colour series of The Saint, because of how many episodes there were in total.

[OceanBlue]

Checked Talking Pictures TV's website earlier, and they've put the listings up for Monday 7th to Sunday 13th March. New editions of The Footage Detectives continue through to Sunday 13th March.

As to yesterday's new edition of The Footage Detectives, very much enjoyed it (especially the Larry the Lamb segment).

[OceanBlue]

Watched this past weekend, two of the films shown as part of the Cellar Club last Friday night, Scream and Scream Again and The Dunwich Horror. Don't think I'll be watching either again (thought I Bury the Living was better, although it was good seeing Lloyd Bochner on screen again (in The Dunwich Horror), and I recognised Ed Begley from Hang 'Em High and an episode of The Invaders.

Yesterday afternoon's new edition of The Footage Detectives was up to the same high standards of recent editions. Especially enjoyed the Gay Emma interview.

[OceanBlue]

Originally Posted by cutback73

This week's newsletter has announced that from 20 March at 6pm, they will be showing, from the first episode...

"the famous Simon Templar"
*cue halo and music*

Although the colour episodes of The Saint are constantly rerun on ITV4, the monochrome episodes have not shown on British TV in years.

I think this is the last of the monochrome series from ITC to appear on the channel?

After the broadcast of Robin Hood, the surprisingly good Captain Drake, and The Champions last year, I have been hoping for this to appear.

*raises left eyebrow*

Checked Talking Pictures TV's listings schedule section on their website, for the newly added schedules. The first two episodes from the first black and white series/season of The Saint are being shown on the last two Sundays in March (following on from what you posted last week Cutback):

Sunday 20th March at 6 pm - 7 pm: episode "The Talented Husband" (Series 1, Episode 1)
Sunday 27th March at 6 pm - 7 pm: episode "The Latin Touch" (Series 1, Episode 2).

Both episodes follow the latest new edition of The Footage Detectives.

*****

I think I've seen The Champions in the listings. That might be getting a re-run soon. Will need to double-check.

[OceanBlue]

Something else I've spotted in the listings (is this a new series starting?) for the last two Sundays in March:

The Heritage Chart Show with Mike Read (starting at 11.55 pm on Sunday 20th March, and starting at 11.50 pm on Sunday 27th March).

[OceanBlue]

Checked earlier, the Sky TV listings for Talking Pictures TV next Monday to Wednesday, and yes, The Champions is indeed being shown from the beginning next week (starting at 11.05 pm). Have set the first episode to record.

Considering there was only one series of it, and from the clips I've seen it was shot on film, you'd think this was a shoe-in for a Blu-ray release by Network. And something I've been curious about for a long time, why did a few ITC series only last one series?

[OceanBlue]

Originally Posted by OceanBlue

Checked earlier, the Sky TV listings for Talking Pictures TV next Monday to Wednesday, and yes, The Champions is indeed being shown from the beginning next week (starting at 11.05 pm). Have set the first episode to record.

Considering there was only one series of it, and from the clips I've seen it was shot on film, you'd think this was a shoe-in for a Blu-ray release by Network. And something I've been curious about for a long time, why did a few ITC series only last one series?

Have checked Sky's TV listings, and The Champions starts next Tuesday night (at the time specified in the above, quoted post). I know the series has been repeated previously on ITV4.

[cutback73]

Originally Posted by OceanBlue

Checked earlier, the Sky TV listings for Talking Pictures TV next Monday to Wednesday, and yes, The Champions is indeed being shown from the beginning next week (starting at 11.05 pm). Have set the first episode to record.

Considering there was only one series of it, and from the clips I've seen it was shot on film, you'd think this was a shoe-in for a Blu-ray release by Network. And something I've been curious about for a long time, why did a few ITC series only last one series?

From what I've read elsewhere, I think Network were supposed to be continuing with their partial release blu rays in multiple volumes (similar to the Man In A Suitcase release) as that seemed to be the only way they were profitable, unless ITV paid towards remastering. Basically volume 1 proceeds paid for the work on volume 2 etc. However, even that method seems to have ground to a halt. Although I think the Covid situation caused this primarily as it's not seemingly the sort of thing you can do at home.

As for shows only having one series - that I know with more certainty. Basically, shows only got renewed if they were successful overseas (especially the US). That's because they were given high budgets (for the time) targeting overseas sales and were usually sold in advance helping to finance production costs. That's also why they were in colour early, as soon as the US networks moved to colour in 1966/67. Even if a show was popular in the UK (such as Randall and Hopkirk) if it didnt do well in the US, and the US didnt order a second series, it didnt get made as the finance model then didnt work out.

I saw a few episodes of The Champions on their last run on TPTV and they seemed to be reasonable quality broadcasts. Presumably the HD remasters that were done for the DVD release.

As for The Saint, I have the full series on dvd, but only got part way through. So I have a good excuse to pick it back up now (other than not enough time to watch it due to other tv and dvds to get through!).

I wonder if the Heritage Chart Show is going to be like Top of the Pops but for a particular week in history each week. And why is it on so late - seems a little odd to me?

[OceanBlue]

Originally Posted by cutback73

From what I've read elsewhere, I think Network were supposed to be continuing with their partial release blu rays in multiple volumes (similar to the Man In A Suitcase release) as that seemed to be the only way they were profitable, unless ITV paid towards remastering. Basically volume 1 proceeds paid for the work on volume 2 etc. However, even that method seems to have ground to a halt. Although I think the Covid situation caused this primarily as it's not seemingly the sort of thing you can do at home.

As for shows only having one series - that I know with more certainty. Basically, shows only got renewed if they were successful overseas (especially the US). That's because they were given high budgets (for the time) targeting overseas sales and were usually sold in advance helping to finance production costs. That's also why they were in colour early, as soon as the US networks moved to colour in 1966/67. Even if a show was popular in the UK (such as Randall and Hopkirk) if it didnt do well in the US, and the US didnt order a second series, it didnt get made as the finance model then didnt work out.

I saw a few episodes of The Champions on their last run on TPTV and they seemed to be reasonable quality broadcasts. Presumably the HD remasters that were done for the DVD release.

As for The Saint, I have the full series on dvd, but only got part way through. So I have a good excuse to pick it back up now (other than not enough time to watch it due to other tv and dvds to get through!).

I wonder if the Heritage Chart Show is going to be like Top of the Pops but for a particular week in history each week. And why is it on so late - seems a little odd to me?

Had in my head this was the first time TPTV had shown The Champions (I stand corrected ). But it's the first time they've shown any episodes of The Saint (both from the black and white, and colour series)?

This is a vague memory from a few weeks ago, but I remember seeing on Facebook a post about the series Public Eye. Apparently there was some Christmas episode, but I can't recall if this was included in Network's DVD set of the surviving episodes.

Many thanks for your thorough explanation about why some ITC shows only lasted one series/season. That makes a lot of sense. Like with the Warner Archive Collection, I'm hoping that in the second half of this year, Network will be prolific with their physical media releases of older TV series.

When I used to still listen to radio, occasionly I would listen to a late Sunday afternoon/early evening show (it was on in a two-hour timeslot) presented by David Jensen, where each hour was about a specific chart in a certain decade. You could well be right and The Heritage Show will be something like Top of the Pops.

[cutback73]

Originally Posted by OceanBlue

Had in my head this was the first time TPTV had shown The Champions (I stand corrected ). But it's the first time they've shown any episodes of The Saint (both from the black and white, and colour series)?

This is a vague memory from a few weeks ago, but I remember seeing on Facebook a post about the series Public Eye. Apparently there was some Christmas episode, but I can't recall if this was included in Network's DVD set of the surviving episodes.

Many thanks for your thorough explanation about why some ITC shows only lasted one series/season. That makes a lot of sense. Like with the Warner Archive Collection, I'm hoping that in the second half of this year, Network will be prolific with their physical media releases of older TV series.

When I used to still listen to radio, occasionly I would listen to a late Sunday afternoon/early evening show (it was on in a two-hour timeslot) presented by David Jensen, where each hour was about a specific chart in a certain decade. You could well be right and The Heritage Show will be something like Top of the Pops.

The Champions was shown once before, last year, in the 9pm slot on Sunday. Before they started the run of Secret Army.

And yes they've never shown The Saint before, black and white or colour. Because ITV4 only show the colour episodes, the black and white episodes haven't been shown on any British tv for many years (not sure how long precisely).

Arguably, in terms of their target market, they now have their strongest Sunday night prime time line up, with Footage Detectives then The Saint then Secret Army.

Public Eye is one of their shows that is repeated annually approx. And seems to be popular when shown. It's a reasonable show, clearly dated but many times entertaining. Alfred Burke's character is not your usual hero lead, more of a realist. And not much one for female company. Almost the opposite of The Saint in some ways. But the portrayal is very good, even in a poor episode, he makes it interesting to watch.

[OceanBlue]

Originally Posted by cutback73

This week's newsletter has announced that from 20 March at 6pm, they will be showing, from the first episode...

"the famous Simon Templar"
*cue halo and music*

Although the colour episodes of The Saint are constantly rerun on ITV4, the monochrome episodes have not shown on British TV in years.

I think this is the last of the monochrome series from ITC to appear on the channel?

After the broadcast of Robin Hood, the surprisingly good Captain Drake, and The Champions last year, I have been hoping for this to appear.

*raises left eyebrow*

cutback, did you watch this past Sunday evening's repeat of the first episode "The Talented Husband"?

Also, was the Champions episode "Desert Journey" made by a different production company/team? This episode won't be included with the others in Talking Pictures TV's repeat run. When I checked the IMDb section for the show, I think it said something about the production of this episode (and yet it had the same main cast).

[cutback73]

Originally Posted by OceanBlue

cutback, did you watch this past Sunday evening's repeat of the first episode "The Talented Husband"?

Also, was the Champions episode "Desert Journey" made by a different production company/team? This episode won't be included with the others in Talking Pictures TV's repeat run. When I checked the IMDb section for the show, I think it said something about the production of this episode (and yet it had the same main cast).

I have been watching the first episode of The Saint tonight.

I also have the DVD set release from about 2006. The broadcast quality on TPTV suggested to me that it was using the same masters as the DVD set. It didnt look like a "new print" to my layman's eyes.

The dvd set has an interesting and amusing audio commentary on the episode with Robert S Baker (who forgets names easily!) Johnny Goodman and Ken Baker, all involved with production.

The story about the car is well known (they couldn't persuade anyone to lend them a car, Roger offered to buy a Jaguar Mark 10 to be used, they went to Jaguar and were told "we have an 18 month waiting list, we dont need to sell more cars". Someone involved saw the Volvo, Roger went to their showroom and came back with car ordered and Volvo offering an interior mock up for shooting.

Robert S Baker got 3month free option on the rights from Leslie Charteris and tried to sell the show to Redifussion, who balked at suggested cost £15k per episode. Got in contact with Lew Grade at ITC who snapped it up (and funded £20k per episode).

Lew Grade suggested Patrick McGoohan for the lead role (who had recently done Danger Man for ITC). Bob Baker had a fractious meet with him. Someone suggested Roger Moore instead who was filming a movie in Italy (... the Sabine Women). Sent him the pilot script. Got an immediate reply.

The first episode had a great cast and a clever story. Surprised not to see Mrs Jafferty listed in the credits 😂

I live near Cookham where the episode was filmed and have been to The Ferry Hotel by the bridge numerous times! The high street where the butchers was located hasn't changed much building wise. A nightmare for parking though.

PS Based on the above, I can't work out whether the opening of episode 2 was filmed before Roger came back to the UK although it is probably trick photography 🤔

PPS The theme tune on Heritage Chart Show was bloody annoying being so loud. Can't see me watching it again anyway.

[OceanBlue]

Originally Posted by cutback73

I have been watching the first episode of The Saint tonight.

I also have the DVD set release from about 2006. The broadcast quality on TPTV suggested to me that it was using the same masters as the DVD set. It didnt look like a "new print" to my layman's eyes.

The dvd set has an interesting and amusing audio commentary on the episode with Robert S Baker (who forgets names easily!) Johnny Goodman and Ken Baker, all involved with production.

The story about the car is well known (they couldn't persuade anyone to lend them a car, Roger offered to buy a Jaguar Mark 10 to be used, they went to Jaguar and were told "we have an 18 month waiting list, we dont need to sell more cars". Someone involved saw the Volvo, Roger went to their showroom and came back with car ordered and Volvo offering an interior mock up for shooting.

Robert S Baker got 3month free option on the rights from Leslie Charteris and tried to sell the show to Redifussion, who balked at suggested cost £15k per episode. Got in contact with Lew Grade at ITC who snapped it up (and funded £20k per episode).

Lew Grade suggested Patrick McGoohan for the lead role (who had recently done Danger Man for ITC). Bob Baker had a fractious meet with him. Someone suggested Roger Moore instead who was filming a movie in Italy (... the Sabine Women). Sent him the pilot script. Got an immediate reply.

The first episode had a great cast and a clever story. Surprised not to see Mrs Jafferty listed in the credits 😂

I live near Cookham where the episode was filmed and have been to The Ferry Hotel by the bridge numerous times! The high street where the butchers was located hasn't changed much building wise. A nightmare for parking though.

PS Based on the above, I can't work out whether the opening of episode 2 was filmed before Roger came back to the UK although it is probably trick photography 🤔

PPS The theme tune on Heritage Chart Show was bloody annoying being so loud. Can't see me watching it again anyway.

Yes, I got a bit confused thinking and questionning where Mrs. Rafferty was in the house.

I was interested in that mini-Manhattan drink Simon Templar was drinking in the pub. And Sir Roger Moore certainly drove some nice cars during his career (referring to the Volvo in The Saint (thanks for sharing the anecdote about the car).

I'm glad it was ITC who were involved in the production of the show, compared to Rediffusion, based on what I've found out about them from The Footage Detectives (the fact that a lot of episodes are lost and/or incomplete).

Put it this way, based on the first episode of The Saint, it's a safe certainty I'll be watching the second episode (got it set to record).

I'm glad I'm not the only one who found the theme tune on The Heritage Chart Show annoying. And even though it does happen from time to time on programmes, I did find it a bit odd that when Mike Read was sitting on his own talking to the camera when doing the chart countdown, he was looking towards the corner of the TV screen (maybe they couldn't position the camera so he would be looking at the centre of the screen?).

[OceanBlue]

Continuing on from my previous post, there was a good variation with the choice of locations in "The Talented Husband". It didn't bother me that there were a lot of scenes shot on studio sets.

About Patrick McGoohan, am interested in getting Network's Blu-ray release of The Prisoner. I've read from time to time about how he could be a bit difficult at times, and other times he wasn't.

[OceanBlue]

After this past Tuesday night's repeat of The Champions, the next episode is being repeated on Wednesday 6th April (looks like it's moving from Tuesday to Wednesday nights, based on the TV schedule section on Talking Pictures TV's website).

[OceanBlue]

Saw something posted about by Talking Pictures TV on their Facebook page this week which I'm going to watch, an interview with Peter Cushing about his wife.

The reason I didn't comment earlier this week about last Sunday afternoon's new edition of The Footage Detectives, was because I didn't enjoy it as much. However, I did quite like the interview segment (which was longer than normal).

Have been wondering how many more new editions are left in this third series of The Footage Detectives (the TV schedule section on Talking Pictures TV's website shows new editions continuing through to the last Sunday in April). Based on Renown Pictures's website, there are a couple of events coming up in the spring into early summer (one being in St. Albans).