New Series Fox Begins! Haunted in The Cellar Club; Patricia Hayes in Play for Today; David Lean’s Blithe Spirit & Gregory Peck in The Boys from Brazil
The countdown is over! On Sunday 20 September at 9pm, we’re heading to Clapham for the channel premiere of the critically acclaimed series Fox, produced by the late Verity Lambert (Doctor Who, The Naked Civil Servant, The Sweeney and many more). The Fox family is headed up by the brilliant Peter Vaughan as Billy, who appears to be a retired Covent Garden market porter, but has deep East End gangland connections. This first episode, King Billy, finds Billy out and about on his 70th birthday, chatting with old friends and keeping up with local news. Elizabeth Spriggs, Bernard Hill, Larry Lamb and Ray Winstone also star. Unseen on British television for many years, it’s a real coup to be able to bring this fantastic series to TPTV. Don’t miss it!
Dear Supporters of Film and TV history,
We’ve had some sad news again this week with the death of our dear friend and legendary rock ‘n’ roll singer Craig Douglas. Many of you will remember his wonderful hits including Pretty Blue Eyes, Time and his number one single, Only Sixteen. In fact, many of you might have met the charming Craig when he joined us as a guest at our St Albans Film and TV festival a few years ago – he was such a lovely chap and it was a real privilege to have had him with us. Thank you, Craig, for the memories and the music – you'll be greatly missed.
We know lots of you were asking about the remaining episodes of William Tell so we’ve got some exciting news – he's back on Tuesday 15 September at 1pm with ALL NEW EPISODES! Starring Conrad Phillips, Kenneth Cope and Simon Lovell, the first episode, The Bandit (1959), sees William searching for one of his men who has failed to return from a mission to contact a rival resistance leader. Unbeknown to Tell however, a bandit is operating the area – and William soon finds himself caught up in a dangerous situation. Prepare for more adventure, action, and intrigue with these brand-new episodes!
Isn’t it brilliant to have our cellar mistress back on Friday nights? This week at 9pm (18 Sept) Caroline Munro introduces us to the 1995 horror Haunted. With a fantastic cast including Aidan Quinn, Kate Beckinsale, Anthony Andrews, and John Gielgud, this atmospheric and supernatural film is based on James Herbert’s novel of the same name. It follows a sceptical, paranormal expert, played by Quinn, who travels to a remote British estate in 1928 to investigate strange phenomena. It’s spooky, intriguing and builds to a shocking conclusion – but we won’t say any more than that!
If you’re looking for a lesson in clairvoyance, tune in on Sunday 20 September at 7pm for the debut of director David Lean’s delightful 1945 adaptation of Noël Coward’s witty and sophisticated comedy Blithe Spirit. The film follows newlywed writer, Charles Condomine, played by Rex Harrison, and his second wife, Ruth, played by Constance Cummings whose lives are turned upside down when they are haunted by the ghost of Charles’ first wife Elvira, played by Kay Hammond. Desperate to get rid of Elvira, Charles calls on the expertise of medium Madame Arcati - but will she be able to exorcise the ghost? The wonderful Margaret Rutherford is at her very best as the eccentric Arcati and, for many, steals the show! Blithe Spirit is a great deal of fun, and we hope you enjoy watching it!
Play for Today: Edna the Inebriate Woman gets its TPTV premiere on Saturday 19 September at 9:05pm. First broadcast in 1971, this hard-hitting and realistic drama about a homeless alcoholic sparked much debate on its release. It went on to win two BAFTAs – one for Best Drama and the other for its leading actor Patricia Hayes. Written by Jeremy Sandford who lived rough for some time while researching the play, it’s a thought-provoking and moving study of people living on the margins of society and the harsh conditions they face on Britain’s streets. More than 50 years on, it is still as relevant as ever. Also starring Barbara Jefford and Geraldine Sherman.
You might recognise the name of our next premiere from the bestsellers list of 1976. Ira Levin’s The Boys From Brazil was adapted into a British-American science fiction thriller in 1978 and we’re showing it on Sunday 20 September at 10pm. Starring Gregory Peck, Laurence Olivier and James Mason, the story is set in South America and follows a Nazi hunter in Paraguay who discovers a sinister and bizarre plot. The ‘Angel of Death’, Dr Josef Mengele, has devised a devious plan to resurrect the Third Reich – but just what is that plan? Filmed on location in Portugal, Austria, the UK and the USA, The Boys from Brazil is a gripping and suspenseful thriller, with a high-calibre cast working brilliantly together. Enjoy!
Few cities in the world are more romantic or beautiful than Rome – which may explain why it’s been a favourite with filmmakers for decades! From Roman Holiday (1953) with Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck through Three Coins in the Fountain (1954), to La Dolce Vita (1960), the list of cinematic classics filmed in Italy’s capital is endless! That’s why we’re inviting you to join us for your own Roman holiday, in March 2027, in the company of Noel Cronin BEM. Over five days, we’ll explore iconic film locations, enjoy a guided tour of Cinecittà, Italy's legendary film studios, dine in local restaurants, visit the Roman Forum, and enjoy special events each evening. It promises to be an unforgettable experience in one of the world’s most beautiful cities shared with a small group of like-minded film lovers. For more information on the whole trip, please click HERE.
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
Francis Durbridge’s: Bat Out of Hell - Monday 14th September 21:55
1966. Stars Sylvia Syms, John Thaw & Dudley Foster. On the surface Geoffrey and Diana live a happy life, but one of them plans the death of the other to be with their lover.
- Showing all 5 parts!
Rooms - Wednesday 16th September 6pm
Muriel and Sally Pt1. Stars: Vivienne Burgess, Tessa Wyatt and Lindsay Ingram. Two people who are widely separated by personality and character are brought together by just one factor...
Rooms - Wednesday 16th September 6:30pm
Muriel and Sally Pt2. Stars: Vivienne Burgess, Tessa Wyatt and Lindsay Ingram. After listening to Muriel's story, it is now Sally's turn to tell hers.
Dick Turpin - Wednesday 16th September 7:30pm
Swiftnick. 1979. Stars Richard O'Sullivan, Christopher Benjamin & David Daker. Mary Smith's son attempts to pay off her debts by taking up the guise of the infamous highwayman Dick Turpin.
- New Repeat Run
Julius Hagen Season - Thursday 17th September 4:35pm
- An introduction BY Noel Cronin BEM to the works of Julius Hagen followed by the comedy film The Man in the Mirror, a 1936 film produced by Julius Hagen.
The Man in the Mirror: 1936. Drama with Edward Everett-Horton & Alastair Sim. A timid businessman, while looking into his mirror, is confronted by his alter ego.
Mark Saber - Thursday 17th September 8pm
Death By Delayed Payment. 1959. Stars Donald Gray & Neil McCallum & Philip Saville. Ray has just had three months to live but he learns the doctor made an error so he needs Mark Saber's help.
Rooms - Friday 18th September 6pm
Miss Peebles and Mr Busby Pt1. Stars Graham Crowden, Anne Stallybrass and Sylvia Kay. Mr Busby, an eccentric elderly tenant, is accused of stealing from Miss Peebles.
Rooms - Friday 18th September 6:30pm
Miss Peebles and Mr Busby Pt2. Stars Graham Crowden, Anne Stallybrass and Sylvia Kay. Miss Peebles patience wears thin with Mr Busby upstairs.
Z-Cars - Friday 18th September 7pm
Seconds Away. 1964. Stars Irvin Allen, Leon Eagles & Max Bacon. The team investigate an unusual case when there is a break in at Nagle's Jewellery Shop.
Dick Turpin - Saturday 19th September 6:25pm
Blood Money. 1980. Stars Richard O'Sullivan & Michael Culver. Wanted for high treason, Glutton returns home to find letters containing the names of his fellow traitors, but will he betray them?
Duchess of Duke Street - Saturday 19th September 8pm
The Legion of the Living. 1977. Stars Gemma Jones, Lalla Ward & Liz Smith. Louisa returns to Haslemeres' estate for Charlie's memorial service but comes face to face with a life changing problem.
EuroTrash - Saturday 19th September 10:55pm
1997. Hosted by Antoine de Caunes and Jean Paul Gaultier. Tonight, Lolopop is back in the studio. EuroTrash meet the King of Yodelling Farmers and Siegfried & Roy.
The Burning Baby - Saturday 19th September 11:40pm
2020. Horror. Director: Paul Kindersley. Stars Jenny Runacre & Nick Patrick. On a remote island an abusive mother keeps her adult son as a baby. When two worlds clash, the abuse continues.
Paul Kindersley Interview: The Burning Baby 11:30pm
An interview with the director of the 2020 film The Burning Baby.
The Man from U.N.C.L.E - Sunday 20th September 4pm
The Cherry Blossom Affair. 1965. Stars Robert Vaughn, David McCallum & France Nuyen. THRUSH have acquired a volcano activating device. The team travel to Japan to find it before it's too late.
Enemy at the Door - Sunday 20th September 6pm
The Librarian. 1978. Stars: Alfred Burke, Bernard Horsfall & Emily Richard. Richter rejects suggestion that reprisals be taken until Peter gives himself up as he wants to court local goodwill.
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 14th September
10:15am - Look at Life: The Big Blow
1960. A look at the mechanical and human components that make a brass band. Looking at a junior band in Wiltshire and the world-famous Black Dyke Mills band based in Yorkshire.
12:50pm - Look at Life: Rendered Safe
1962. The spotlight shines on the brave bomb disposal units of three services, also with a look at the many risks they take.
3:35pm - Brats
1930. Comedy. Director: James Parrott. Stars Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy. Laurel and Hardy play dual roles as little brats who keep them from enjoying their evening of games.
6:35pm - A Day Begins in Manchester
Warming Glimpses of Manchester 'waking up'. From the streets to the factories and the docks and everything in between.
Tuesday 15th September
2:35am - Watching Points
(Railway Enthusiasts) 1957. A short film detailing the fascinating hobby of building and running model railways and examples of the best models in the United Kingdom!
12:55pm - Cinebox Memories - Vince Taylor: Peppermint Twist
Master the art of dancing and groove along to Vince Taylor as he performs Peppermint Twist.
6:10pm - Look at Life: Shape of a Ship
1960. A look at the huge new liners being built, the life of cargo carrying ships and the exciting future of air freight. With a look at the liner the Canberra.
Wednesday 16th September
12:50pm - Look at Life: Cinema Steps Out
1960. A look cinema and its evolution regarding comfort and the different types of films that draw audiences in.
3:15pm - Look at Life: Scooter Commuter
1960. A look into how, in ten years, the scooter became so popular, from solo use to big group days out. From the 'corgi to the Vespa'.
Thursday 17th September
3:10am - Star Performance: The Long Count
1954. Drama. Directed by Alvin Ganzer. Stars Frank Lovejoy, Joan Vohs & Biff Elliot. Private detective McGraw finds himself in hot water when he investigates the murder of a boxer.
3:40am - Will You Stop
1937. Comedy. Directed by William Watson. Stars Tim Ryan, Irene Ryan & Hugh Cameron. Tim has written a skit about Antony and Cleopatra for the department store's annual employee show.
3:55pm - Cinebox Memories - Vince Taylor: Shakin All Over
Rock and roll singer Vince Taylor brings an entrancing performance of Shakin' All Over.
Friday 18th September
3:45am - Look at Life: The Divided City
1959. A look at the two faces of Berlin and how they are very different.
Saturday 19th September
4:15am - Look at Life: Thunder in Waiting
1960. A look at the deadly cargo of the Vulcan Bomber and how it is a crucial part of Britain's force to deter attacks on the country.
8:25am - Cinebox Memories - Screamin Jay Hawkins: Frenzy
The electrifying Screamin' Jay Hawkins performs the 1957 song Frenzy.
Sunday 20th September
3:15pm - Look at Life: Village of Violins
1960. A look at a village in the Bavarian Alps called Mittenwald, where violin making has been a traditional craft for 300 years.

Huge news! The TPTV Encore App is now available via the Google Play app store. If you've been waiting for an Android launch, you can now download and enjoy our app for your Android devices. That includes Samsung phones and tablets, Google phones and tablets, Lenovo phones and tablets, Motorola phones and tablets + loads more. It’s available on 100s of Android devices. Just search ‘TPTV Encore’ in Google Play to find us.
For non-Android users you can also still find the app on the Amazon Firestick, the Apple App Store, Apple TV, loads of brands of TV that use Fire TV or Android TV OS and the Red Button via Freeview 82.
Watching TPTV Encore, the channel’s catch up & on demand service has never been easier.
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 TIME
We’re out and about today at Redditch for our Festival of Film and TV so unfortunately there is no quiz question.
Have a super week folks – and we’ll catch up again next Sunday!
Best Wishes
Sarah, Noel and Neill