Cushing & Lee in The Mummy; Anthony Perkins doc; Radio Caroline lost short; Whispering Smith Hits London & Alain Delon’s Trois Hommes à Abbatre
Step into classic noir intrigue with Whispering Smith Hits London, on Friday 15th May at 2:45pm. Directed by Francis Searle and starring Richard Carlson, Brit Greta Gynt & Herbert Lom This briskly paced 1952 mystery follows an American private eye whose London holiday is cut short when he’s asked to investigate a suspicious suicide of a young woman. With touches of noir lighting, the presence of a femme fatale, and a storyline that will keep you guessing to the end, the film delivers all the hallmarks of a gripping detective thriller. It’s also a great example of the crime dramas produced by Hammer before they became known for their gothic horrors and sci-fi. Keep an eye out too for Dora Bryan and Stanley Baker in a very small role!
Dear Supporters of Film and TV history,
Anthony Perkins: The Actor Behind the Door on Tuesday 12th May at 4pm. This documentary examines the life of the actor best known for his role as the serial killer Norman Bates in Hitchcock’s Psycho. However, there was a lot more to Perkins than that iconic character. A multi-talented artist who also had a singing and directing career, this film charts Perkins’ early years in Hollywood, his work in Europe with directors like Claude Chabrol, Rene Clement and Orson Welles’ in The Trial, and his struggles to escape the shadow of Bates. It’s an insightful look into his fascinating and diverse career.
Oui, oui, oui! Il est de retour! Our favourite Alain Delon is back once again on Thursday 14th May at 9:20pm in the 1980 classic thriller Trois Hommes à Abattre (Three Men to Kill). Delon plays a professional poker player who helps out a badly injured man, unaware he’s been the victim of an assassination attempt. Of course, dangerous consequences ensue! There are some exciting car chases through Parisian streets with some lovely cars, a little bit of nudity and some violence too. Simone Renant and Pascale Roberts also star but ultimately, this is Delon’s film – not least because he co-wrote it. Enjoy!
If you’re a fan of Peter Cushing and/or Christopher Lee, you must tune into TPTV on Saturday 16th May at 4:35pm for Terence Fisher’s 1959 horror The Mummy. Set in 1895, the film follows a group of British archaeologists who – despite local warnings - open the tomb of Egyptian Princess Ananka and awaken a mummified priest in the process! Shot in lush Technicolor, this Hammer production is macabre, visually striking, and widely regarded as one of the studio’s finest achievements. Cushing plays the lead archaeologist with aplomb opposite his striking wife played by Yvonne Furneaux. Meanwhile, Christopher Lee delivers a memorable performance as the Mummy. And if you think that his character’s “walk” seems particularly convincing, it’s not just great acting - Lee was reportedly dealing with various real-life injuries during filming!
You asked, we listened! Returning from next Sunday 17th May at 7pm are brand-new episode of That’s My Boy! Starring the brilliant trio of the eccentric and talented Mollie Sugden as Ida Willis, her on-screen son Robert Price (Christopher Blake), and her long suffering daughter-in-law Angie Price (Jennifer Lonsdale). The first episode, Where There’s A Will sees Ida unexpectedly become the benefactor of a will, inheriting a cottage. It’s a really fun episode that offers a glimpse into Ida’s past life, which isn’t as “tidy" as you might think! The three main characters deliver their scenes with impeccable timing, showcasing actors at the very top of their game. And did you know that although the first three series are set in London, they were mostly filmed around Harrogate?
If you enjoyed the 1993 film Indecent Proposal starring Robert Redford and Demi Moore, we’ve got its intriguing predecessor lined up on Sunday 17 May at 9:40pm - Joseph W. Sarno’s The Love Merchant (1966). Starring Patricia McNair, Judson Todd and Louis Waldon, the film centres on decadent millionaire playboy Kendall Harvey III, who sets his sights on the married Peggy Johns as his next conquest. Peggy turns down his proposal, but Kendall soon finds a way around the refusal when her husband’s business begins to struggle. Less lavish than its Hollywood successor but no less compelling, this B-movie gem features a very cool jazz soundtrack, go-go dancers and stylish artistic nudes.
FOR SKY VIEWERS ONLY - If you watch us on Sky and are wondering where we’ve gone, the answer is Sky Channel 324.
TPTV fan, Graham Belsham very kindly and cleverly put pen to paper about his thoughts on this latest move – thank you Graham!
On Thursday night I could not find
Channel TPTV
Where has it gone I asked myself
Has it deserted me?
I sent an email in post haste
Reply it came for sure
Don't be alarmed they said to me
It's moved to 324
I relaxed once more, the news was good
Waves of relief all round
I wondered if others had
Cursed away in sound
So now I'd better end this rhyme
Or would you call it verse
Either way I'll sign off now
Before it gets much worse
FULL SCHEDULE
For a printable schedule for the week ahead click HERE
To see more HIGHLIGHTS, click HERE
For those of you who would like to see a full list of this week’s programming WITH SUBTITLES AVAILABLE click HERE
For FOUR WEEKS of advance schedules click HERE.
For those of you who like to plan your TV viewing and find out what new films and series are coming to TPTV, we have the schedules for the next few weeks up on our website. On the schedule page, click on the dates for your chosen week. The first week will be the current one, and you can select the next week on the tab.
OTHER PREMIERES SELECTED BY THE USHERETTE
(NEW) The Veil - Monday 11th May 6:30pm
Girl on the Road. 1958. Stars Boris Karloff, Tod Andrews & Eve Brent. A traveller stops for a stranded young woman on a lonely road and falls for her but their chance meeting is tied in tragedy.
(NEW) Francis Durbridge’s: Bat Out of Hell - Monday 11th May 8pm
Part 4. 1966. Stars Sylvia Syms, John Thaw & Dudley Foster. A second affair is exposed and it seems that Geoffrey had changed his will leaving his fortunes to someone else.
(NEW) Murders In… - Tuesday 12th May 9pm
Murders in Hossegor - Meurtres dans les Landes. 2017. Director: Jean-Marc Therin. Stars Xavier Deluc & Barbara Cabrita. A local figure is found murdered in the same way as a 600-year-old story.
(NEW) Buccaneer - Wednesday 13th May 8:05pm
A No Go Item. 1980. Stars Bryan Marshall, Clifford Rose & Pamela Salem. A cracked window threatens shipments and the oil contract. Marriages and futures unravel.
(NEW) Mark Saber - Thursday 14th May 8pm
Farewell To Mrs. Forest. 1958. Stars Donald Grey, Diana Decker & Colin Tapley. A difficult blackmail case appears to be closed when the victim is found dead in a swimming pool.
(NEW) Z-Cars - Friday 15th May 7pm
Caught by the Ears. 1963. Stars Brian Blessed, Sidonie Bond & Joseph Brady. Sergeant Watt must find proof that a farmer is collecting money twice from the government by altering cattle ear tags.
(NEW) Legend of the Hidden City - Saturday 16th May 7:50am
1997. Stars Brendan Pollecutt, Fezile Mpela & Robert Finlayson. Dean and the Princess are married and celebrations are had. Corruption still remains within the palace and a surprise guest appears...
(NEW) Batman - Saturday 16th May 9am
How to Hatch a Dinosaur. 1967. Stars Adam West, Burt Ward & Yvonne Craig. Egghead and Olga attempt to hatch an ancient Neosaurus egg and feed the baby dinosaur a meal of Batman, Robin and Batgirl.
(NEW) Whiplash - Saturday 16th May 4pm
Canoomba Incident. 1961. Stars Peter Graves, Anthony Wickert & Janette Craig. Canoomba is empty of men after a gold strike. Things get strange after Cobb is robbed by a what appears to be a girl.
(NEW) The Duchess of Duke Street - Saturday 16th May 8pm
The Outsiders. 1976. Stars Gemma Jones, Christopher Cazenove & Derek Smith. A modest and kind man is treated like a visiting dignitary when Louisa and Charlie find out the reason for his visit.
(NEW) Fortean TV - Saturday 16th May 11:05pm
1997. Hosted by Reverend Lionel Fanthorpe. Tonight, a woman who can speak to cats, a man who unearthed a maggot growing in his head and a lifeform that some people claim to be an alien.
(NEW) EuroTrash - Sunday 17th May 12:15am
1996. Hosted by Antoine de Caunes and Jean Paul Gaultier. Tonight, unveil the Madame Tussaud's waxwork of Jean Paul and meet the gay Take That from Dublin, Four Guyz.
(NEW) The Starlost - Sunday 17th May 3:30am
The Alien Oro - Part 1. 1973. Stars Kier Dullea, Gay Rowan & Robin Ward. A year ago, Oro of planet Exar crashed into the Ark. Oro plans to take Idona back home with him.
(NEW) Give us a Clue - Sunday 17th May 3:30pm
1985. The classic game show Give us a Clue hosted by Michael Parkinson, this week's guests are Geoff Capes, Frank Carson, Lorraine Chase, Liza Goddard, Susan Jameson & Kenny Lynch.
(NEW) The Man From U.N.C.L.E - Sunday 17th May 4pm
The Four-Steps Affair. 1965. Stars Robert Vaughn, David McCallum & Leo G. Carroll. Thrush seeks to assassinate the 10 year old boy leader, who has brought peace to a formerly violent country.
(NEW) The Directors - Sunday 17th May 6pm
Sam Peckinpah, a hard-hitting director who had seen atrocities at the end of the war as a marine became known for his violent scenes, he is remembered as the man who reinvented the western. Repeats on Monday 18th at 5:30pm
(NEW) That’s My Boy - Sunday 17th May 7pm
Where There's a Will. 1984. Stars Mollie Sugden, Christopher Blake & Jennifer Lonsdale. Ida has been left a cottage in a will from Shane's dad. When they arrive, there is a real surprise waiting.
(NEW) The Vise - Sunday 17th May 7:30pm
The Verdict. 1955. Stars Ron Randell, Adrianne Allen & Fred Johnson. Harry Christie seeks revenge after being released from a 20-year prison sentence for a crime he claims he was framed for.
(NEW) Sergeant Cork - Sunday 17th May 8pm
The Case of the African Murder. 1964. Stars John Barrie, William Gaunt & Charles Morgan. Cork and Marriott are sent to Lagos to investigate the death of a Frenchman.
SHORT FILMS, Glimpses and Look at Life
(THESE MAY NOT BE LISTED IN TV GUIDES)
These lovely little films are often missed out in the listings so be sure to make a note in your diaries – or set your recorder – so as you catch them!
Tuesday 12th May
7:50am - Look at Life: Taxi Taxi
1960. A look into the organisation behind London's taxis, their maintenance, regulation of meters, training for 'The Knowledge' to picking up passengers and driver welfare.
11:10am - Look at Life: Tulip Town
1961. A look into 'Spalding', which is known as Britain's Tulip Town. Showing Tulip farming in Spalding, Lincolnshire and scenes of the Flower Parade.
(NEW) 11:50am - Clothes Maketh Man 1936
A charming short film explaining the seemingly useless details of old clothing and how clothing is made in comparison to meet the trends of 1936.
3:25pm - Cinebox Memories: Be Good to Me by Petula Clark
It's time for a wonderful classic from Petula Clark as she performs Be Good To Me.
6:20pm - Cinebox Memories: Little Lover by The Hollies
1964. English rock and pop band The Hollies perform the wonderful hit Little Lover.
Wednesday 13th May
3:10am - Travellers Yarn
See the Armstrong Siddeley, Morris Oxford, Dennis & Bedford Fire engines, speedway and much more as we look at how high-tenacity rayon cords enables tyres to withstand the stresses of a 'modern' car.
7:55am - Cinebox Memories: La De Da by The Mudlarks
1963. Join English pop group The Mudlarks as they perform the charming hit song La De Da.
11:55am - Memories of Making Sergeant Cork: Rehearsals
Acclaimed actor William Gaunt shares his memories of the show's rehearsals from his time on the British detective series Sergeant Cork.
Thursday 14th May
4:55am - Cinebox Memories: Three O'Clock in the Morning by Lou Rawls
American baritone singer Lou Rawls performs the soulful hit Three O'Clock in the Morning.
7:50am - Look at Life: Controlled Landing
1960. Inside the control tower as ATC talk down an incoming Comet in fog, and the 'Blind Landing Experimental Unit' on a Vickers Viking.
9:40am - Look at Life: Why All the Rush
1961. A look into why August Bank Holiday is traditionally the date around which most Britons fix their holidays. Those who think they will get away from it all are in for a shock
11:55am - Memories of Making Sergeant Cork: Guest Stars
Acclaimed actor William Gaunt discusses the show's guest stars who appeared on Sergeant Cork.
Friday 15th May
3:40am - Glimpses: Victorian London
A film made by Wilf Watters in the 1960s where he visits what remains of Victorian London landmarks and streets and also giving us a slice of 60s London life.
6am - Look at Life: Channel Tunnel
1962. A look into the trial tunnel and a look at all the scientific research necessary.
4:25pm - Cinebox Memories: Quando Quando Quando by The Kessler Sisters
A captivating jukebox film from 1963 of the Kessler Sisters performing their song Quando Quando Quando!
Saturday 16th May
3:35am - A Lifetime ago with BAIM: The Mood Man
The Mood Man. 1965. A short film of Britain's greatest bandleader Joe Loss and his orchestra.
6:20pm - Cinebox Memories: Come Softly to Me by the Delta Rhythm Boys
Enjoy this performance of Come Softly to Me by the American vocal group the Delta Rhythm Boys.
10:40pm - Music Unlimited
1973. British music show featuring contemporary music acts of the time. Enjoy some rare performances from Heads, Hands and Feet, Julie Felix, Barry Ryan, Mary Hopkin and Lulu.
Sunday 17th May
2:05pm - Calling All Cars
1954. Starring Cardew Robinson, Adrienne Fancey, John Fitzgerald and Pauline Olsen. Comedy documentary, centring on the Dover Harbour car terminal. Directed by Maclean Rogers
We know how many of you love hearing from Dad – aka Noel Cronin BEM – so we’re delighted to share that he’ll be appearing at the 18th Annual Southend-On-Sea Festival which runs from Thursday 4th to Sunday 7th June at The Palace Hotel.
As part of An Afternoon With Talking Pictures TV on Friday 5th June, Dad will introduce one of his favourite films from the Danzinger archive – A Taste of Money - and then will be in conversation with the Festival’s Director Paul Cotgrove, BEM.
For more information and to book tickets, please click HERE. We look forward to seeing you there!
TPTV PODCAST
Please tune in to the popular podcast for news, views and reviews of upcoming films and shows on your favourite channel. Click below to listen, or search for us in your favourite podcast app.
https://talkingpicturestvpodcast.libsyn.com/
QUIZ
On Tuesday 12th May at 4pm we’re showing the documentary Anthony Perkins: The Actor Behind the Door. Perkins played serial killer Norman Bates in Hitchcock’s Psycho and killed Marion Crane, a guest at the Bates Motel.
We want to know (a) Who played Marion? (b) where was she killed?
Please email your answers to us on theprojectionist@talkingpicturestv.co.uk with QUIZ 10/5 in the subject line by Friday 15th May 2026 - and remember to include your postal address so that we can send you a prize if you’re the winner.
So, we must bid you farewell for this week. Thank you all for sending in your suggestions for the TPTV Calendar – you are a very creative lot!
Anyway, have a lovely week and we’ll see you next Sunday.
Best Wishes
Sarah, Noel and Neill
