Richard O’Sullivan is DICK TURPIN! Laurel & Hardy are back & Cushing & Lee in The Curse of Frankenstein
This week Mike and Noel are joined by a very special guest… the one and only Melvyn Hayes! He’s also a fellow Water Rat – so the Footage Detectives dug out a lost reel of the Water Rats at The Magpie, from way back when. It’s a real find, packed with British stars of stage and screen. See who you can spot and help them pin down the year. And that’s not all, Mike and Noel have uncovered a rare episode of one of Melvyn's lost series too! As you can imagine, it's going to be a lot of fun with Melvyn here so expect mayhem, tomfoolery, and mischief. Available now at tptvencore.co.uk.
Dear Supporters of Film and TV history,
Last weekend was scorchio, wasn’t it? We were down in Whitstable following in the footsteps of the legendary Peter Cushing, and thankfully the sea breeze kept us all from wilting!
Many of you spoke so warmly about the weekend: “bloomin’ enjoyable” and “a good laugh with lovely friendly people” and one attendee summed it up perfectly: “It was lovely to be reminded just how universally loved and multitalented Peter was. Got to round it off with his house and Cushing’s view”.
Thank you to everyone who joined us – you made the weekend really special.
If you missed out this time, however, don’t worry! You can still bring home a little piece of the great man himself, as we have limited remaining stock from the weekend, including cushions, mugs, jigsaws, books and more. Please click HERE for more information and to order.
This week on TPTV we start with a trip back to the 1950s! Join us on Monday 1st June at 1:35pm for the 1956 feature film, Tons of Trouble, starring one of Britain’s most beloved comedy characters - Mr Pastry. Many of you will fondly remember the character from the stage and his hugely popular tv series, which was a staple of British entertainment throughout the 50s and 60s. In this spirited slapstick comedy, the wonderfully talented Richard Hearne plays Mr Pastry, the eccentric caretaker of a block of flats, who is devoted to looking after two heating boilers whom he affectionately names Mavis and Ethel - although the former, in particular, proves rather temperamental! Naturally, his attachment to the boilers leads him into all sorts of unexpected chaos. It’s a delightfully British comedy, with Hearne clowning brilliantly in his role. And for all you Whovians, there are two special Dr Who connections to look out for - the milkman Bert is played by William Hartnell, while Richard Herne himself was once approached to take on the iconic role. Enjoy!
Laurel & Hardy are back on TPTV for the first time in 3 years! We're celebrating 100 years since they signed their first contracts with the legendary Hal Roach by showing some of their best films and a very rare short. Busy Bodies on Saturday 6th June at 1.30pm, Brats on Monday 8th June at 11.05am, Below Zero at 11.05am on Tuesday 9th June, Murder Case on Wednesday 10th June at 10.50am & The Magicians on Thursday 11th June at 11.20am.
Richard O'Sullivan is Dick Turpin, starting Saturday 6th June at 6.25pm. Classic series about the famed 18th-century English highwayman Dick Turpin who eludes authorities while romancing a farmer’s daughter, though his days robbing coaches under the alias John Palmer may be numbered.
On Saturday 6th June at 9:05pm, we’re premiering Terence Fisher’s 1957 horror, The Curse of Frankenstein. This groundbreaking masterpiece launched Hammer’s celebrated Gothic horror cycle and helped make Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee two of the defining stars of British horror cinema. Set in 19th century Switzerland, the film tells the tale of Baron Victor Frankenstein (Cushing), who upon being sentenced to death, recounts how he tried to create the perfect human but brought to life an untamed monster (Lee) instead. The first Frankenstein movie to be filmed in colour, it was a huge financial success upon its release in both the UK and the USA – and it’s little wonder. The set design is outstanding, the Victorian settings atmospheric and there is plenty of gore. Keep an eye out too for our good friend Melvyn Hayes (who’s also joining The Footage Detectives this week), who plays the young Victor Frankenstein.
If you love Westerns and cowboys, then don’t miss Discovering Westerns on Sunday 7th June at 2:30pm. The Discovering Film team comprises of authors and film-critics Ian Nathan, Stephen Armstrong and Neil Norman who come together to review and discuss their favourite films across a range of genres. This week they explore 25 classic Westerns and celebrate the greats who brought them to life.
If you were asked to name some of Hollywood’s biggest players from the 1980s and 90s, Mel Gibson would almost certainly feature high on the list. This week’s biographical documentary, Mad Mel and Mister Gibson, airing on Tuesday 2nd June at 4pm, explores the remarkable highs lows of his career. From his breakthrough in the Mad Max films through success with the Lethal Weapon series and the Oscar-winning Braveheart - which earned five Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director - Gibson became one of the most successful and recognisable actors of his generation.
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 1st June 6:30pm
The Crystal Ball. 1958. Stars Boris Karloff, Booth Colman & Roxane Berard. A Parisian girl leaves her lover for his wealthy boss, gifting him a crystal ball that shows unsettling visions.
(NEW) The Lawless Years - Monday 1st June 11:35pm
The Immigrant. 1959. Stars James Gregory, Robert Karnes & Clu Gulager. An immigrant is pulled into bootlegging and Ruditsky investigates.
(NEW) Film Noir - Wednesday 3rd June 5:30pm
Styles of Noir. 2022. Film Noir has become one of the most enduring and fascinating genres in cinema. The core ingredients would be experimented with in innovative ways in Europe and Hollywood.
(NEW) Francis Durbridge: A Man Called Harry Brent - Wednesday 3rd June 8pm
Jacqueline. 1965. Stars Edward Brayshaw, Gerald Harper & Jennifer Daniel. An old acquaintance recounts how she overheard Tom discussing his death with Harry Brent.
(NEW) Railway Murders - Thursday 4th June 5:20pm
The Police Killer. 2021. Stars Nicholas Day, Judith Rowbotham & Alan Moss. 37-year-old Detective Sergeant Robert Kidd was murdered in September 1895. His life taken in the line of duty.
(NEW) Mark Saber - Thursday 4th June 8pm
Strong Man Out. 1958. Stars Donald Grey, Neil McCallum & Robert Dorning. After a diamond robbery Mark Saber is called in to investigate. The only suspect is an aging employee but he is blind...
(NEW) The Lucy Show - Friday 5th June 11am
Lucy and Robert Goulet. 1968. Stars Lucille Ball, Gale Gordon & Robert Goulet. When a handsome truck driver is turned down for a loan, he is convinced to enter a Robert Goulet lookalike contest.
(NEW) Z-Cars - Friday 5th June 7pm
... And a Happy New Year. 1964. Stars Kate Allitt, Jeff Ashby & Terry Bale. It is New Year's Eve; Barlow and Blackitt are looking for a mugger and PC's Lynch and Graham are sent to Paisley Farm.
(NEW) The Legend of the Hidden City - Saturday 6th June 7:50am
1997. Stars Brendan Pollecutt, Fezile Mpela & Robert Finlayson. Adjusting to modern life is challenging for the young couple as they struggle to remember their time in the jungle.
(NEW) Batman - Saturday 6th June 9am
The Foggiest Notion. 1967. Stars Adam West, Burt Ward & Yvonne Craig. Lord Ffogg & Lady Peasoup plan to steal a ship-worth of clothing material so they can control the fashion world of Londinium.
Hawkeye & The Last of the Mohicans - Saturday 6th June 9:30am
The Coward. 1957. Director: Sam Newfield. Stars John Hart, Lon Chaney Jr & Jonathan White. Tom and his father are attacked by Hurons. Tom runs away in fear leaving his wounded father behind.
(NEW) Whiplash - Saturday 6th June 4pm
The Hunters. 1961. Stars Peter Graves, Bettina Welch & Phillip Ross. A farmer is speared by Aboriginals for interrupting a sacred ceremony, Cobb, and a tracker go in search of the wounded farmer.
(NEW) Duchess of Duke Street - Saturday 6th June 8pm
A Matter of Honour. 1976. Stars Gemma Jones, Christopher Cazenove & Michael Culver. Charlie is shocked to find that one of his best friends, Lord Elleston, arranged for his horse to lose at Ascot.
(NEW) Fortean TV - Saturday 6th June 11:20pm
1997. Hosted by Reverend Lionel Fanthorpe. Tonight meet a woman who claims to be possessed by an ancient spirit, a diamond eyed cat and then we investigate some prehistoric beasts.
(NEW) The Man from U.N.C.L.E - Sunday 7th June 4pm
The Hong Kong Shilling Affair. 1968. Stars Robert Vaughn, David McCallum & Leo G. Carroll. A single shilling is the object of a hunt between U.N.C.L.E and criminal groups in Hong Kong.
(NEW) The Directors - Sunday 7th June 6pm
Federico Fellini was an Italian film director and screenwriter. Known for his distinct style he is recognized as one of the greatest and most influential filmmakers of all time.
(NEW) That’s My Boy - Sunday 7th June 7pm
Light and Shade. 1984. Stars Mollie Sugden, Christopher Blake & Jennifer Lonsdale. Mrs Price has joined a cult and starts handing her wealth over to Brother Laidlaw; suspicious Ida sets a trap.
(NEW) The Vise - Sunday 7th June 7:30pm
Stranger In Town. 1955. Stars Ron Randell, Shirley Lawrence & Barry Keegan. Barbara sets out on a date with her fianc?'s business associate but never returns home.
(NEW) Sergeant Cork - Sunday 7th June 8pm
The Case of the Painted Boat. 1966. Stars John Barrie, William Gaunt & Avis Bunnage. Annie flees when she discovers Mrs. Dawson with a dead body. A barge parked by the house leads to the truth.
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!
Monday 1st June
(NEW) 3:10pm - The Belle of Kent
1959. A travelogue touring the whole of Kent and visits Canterbury Cathedral, an interesting view of this southern county.
Tuesday 2nd June
(NEW) 3:25pm - Cinebox Memories: Willie and the Hand Jive by Johnny Otis Band
Sing and dance along to the Johnny Otis Band as they perform the 1958 hit ''Willie and the Hand Jive''.
Wednesday 3rd June
(NEW) 2:45pm - None but the Tortoise (London Traffic) 1966
A short documentary from 1966 detailing the car crowded roads of London and the changes that have come into play to make the roads more efficient.
Thursday 4th June
3:45am - Look at Life: A Dog’s Life
1960. A film looking at London from a dog's point of view, from the family pet to the pampered pooch.
11:25am - Tread Carefully
1960s road tyre safety. Discussed with Professor Unwin and Raymond Baxter of 'Tomorrows World'.
Friday 5th June
7:25am - Cinebox Memories: If You Gotta Make a Fool of Somebody
Dave Storm and The Diamonds perform the sensational hit 'If You Gotta Make a Fool of Somebody'.
(NEW) 9:10am - The Royal County 1958
1958. The whole of Norfolk is unique; its series of interconnected waterways called the 'Broads' are just part of its tremendous attraction which is captured here.
Saturday 6th June
(NEW) 3:45am - The Purple Monster Strikes: The Living Dead
1945. The Living Dead. A physician has created an oxygen device that will revolutionize the treatment of lung diseases. Of course, this is just the sort of thing that the Purple Monster needs!
Sunday 7th June
2:50am - Look at Life: Shopping by the Ton
1966. A Look into London's main markets at their busiest time and capturing all the energy the three old markets, the market men and the traditions in Covent Garden, Smithfield, and Billingsgate.
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/
Anyway, that’s all from us here at TPTV HQ this week. Please look after yourselves and enjoy this week’s bounty of celluloid goodies.
See you next Sunday.
Best Wishes
Sarah, Noel and Neill
P.S. Last week we asked you to name the character Peter Cushing played in Star Wars 1977. The answer was: Grand Moff Tarkin. May the Force Be With You even if you were wrong!
