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on selected small images for larger versions of the same image or a large different image from the same programme 1964 TV Viewing Ratings Television Westerns Television Swashbucklers Cult TV Main Page |
| Baxter
On Travel BBC 1964 |
 |
A fortnightly
series featuring subjects as viewed through the cynical but highly observant
and comic eyes of comedian Stanley Baxter. Other series episodes, produced
by Michael Mills, featured 'Baxter On Law', 'Baxter On Sex', 'Baxter On
Theatre' and 'Baxter On Television'
|
The
Eamonn Andrews Show ABC 1964-69 |
 |
A 45 minute
late night chat and music programme hosted by the genial Irishman, an
earlier, less manic version of Terry Wogan. An earlier series of the same
name made by the BBC (1956-57) had been more comedy oriented. A third
generation of the series was made by Thames in 1979
|
| R3 BBC1 1964-65 |
 |
A sort of
'scientific soap' with a moral message, 52 x 50 minute episodes were made
in two series featuring the working and private lives of scientists at
Government Research Centre Number 3 (R3). The second series was a bit
more lively than the first, featuring spies, secret agents and the like
whereas the first series had dealt with the world's problems such as drugs
and bombs more seriously. Head of R3 was Sir Michael Gerrard (John Robinson),
supported by staff played by Moultrie Kelsall, Elizabeth Sellers, Michael
Hawkins and Oliver Reed
|
The
Wednesday Play BBC1 1964-70 |
 |
A long-running
series of widely varying dramatic productions containing both original
stories and new versions of older productions. The first programme shown
was 'A Crack In The Ice', written by Nikolai Leskov, directed and dramatised
by Ronald Eyre. Other titles transmitted included Sartre's 'In Camera',
adapted by Philip Saville. The list of actors in starring roles in these
productions reads like a who's who of the British theatre industry. The
one production that sticks in the mind was directed by Kenneth Loach and
featured Carol White in a dramatised version of the classic Sixties cultural
story 'Up The Junction' which was transmitted on 3rd November 1965
|
| Fire
Crackers ATV 1964-65 |
 |
The incompetent
firemen of Cropper's End blessed this slapstick comedy series with a style
similar to the Keystone Cops. The star of the show was Bessie, an antique
fire engine which was ineptly mishandled by the helmeted layabouts who
included Joe Baker, Alfred Marks, Cardew Robinson, Sidney Bromley and
Ronnie Brody. The series was written by Fred Robinson and produced by
Alan Tarrant
|
The
Fugitive ITV 1964 Quinn Martin Productions |
 |
A real quality
American import from Quinn Martin which featured David Janssen as Dr Richard
Kimble, a man on the run after being wrongly convicted of the murder of
his wife. The four-year series told of his search for the real murderer,
a one-armed man, while being relentlessly pursued by policeman Lieutenant
Gerard, played by Barry Morse.
Also see Bill Harry's Sixties - The Fugitive |
| Gideon's
Way ATV 1964-65 |
 |
26 x 60 minute
episodes were made of this Robert S. Baker and Monty Berman-produced police
drama series which was based on the novels by John Creasey (J.J.Marric).
John Gregson starred as Commander George Gideon who seemed to be in almost
constant conflict with his younger, more scientifically-minded assistant
DCI David Keen (Alexander Davion). Ian Rossiter played DCS Bell and Daphne
Anderson featured as Gideon's wife, Kate
|
Horizon BBC2 1964 - |
 |
Horizon began
its long, successful run as a monthly series. It became fortnightly in
January 1965. Essentially a science programme, it dealt with a particular
facet of science in each episode and examined it in depth, from many different
angles. A curiosity of the show was that it also contained an occasional
drama production looking at some point, real or fictional, in scientific
history. 'A Hundred Years Of Humphrey Hastings' was one such which was
developed from a single episode into a 6 x 30 minute 'Christmas Special'
mini series. Original producer was Ramsay Short and the editor was Philip
Daly
|
| The
Jetsons US Tx 1962 |
 |
Only 24 x 30 minute episodes were made of this Hanna-Barbera cartoon series. It is almost a futuristic version of 'The Flintstones' using a similar family sitcom basis. The Jetsons were dad George (who worked back-breaking 3-hour days for boss Mr Spacely at Spacely's Sprockets), mum Jane, daughter Judy and son Elroy with a very Scooby-Doo like dog called Astro and a robot housemaid called Rosie (voiced by Jean VanderPyl who also voiced in The Flintstones) | The
Likely Lads BBC2 / BBC1 1964-66 |
 |
Classic British
comedy at its finest, written by Dick Clements and Ian La Fresnais. It's
hard to watch an episode of this without thinking 'yeah...I've been there!'.
Staid, upright Bob Ferris (Rodney Bewes) constantly found himself in sticky
situations and dubious schemes masterminded by his Jack-the-lad best mate
Terry Collier, played by James Bolam. The series was set in the North
of England but could equally well have been situated in any town or city
of the Sixties. 20 x 25 minute episodes were made in three series and
it was revisited in 1973 with a further 27 episodes of 'Whatever Happened
To The Likely Lads' and a 1976 feature film
|
| Little
Big Business GRANADA 1964-65 |
 |
David Kossoff
starred as stubborn Jewish businessman Marcus Lieberman, a type of role
which he successfully carried into other series. Francis Matthews played
his ambitious son, Simon, who constantly tried to drag his father and
their furniture business into the twentieth century, invariably resulting
in some disagreement - a kind of gently comic Jewish 'Steptoe and Son'.
The series was written by Jack Pulman and produced by Peter Eton. James
Maxwell played son Simon in the original pilot episode broadcast in 1963
|
Match
Of The Day BBC2 1964-66 BBC1 1966- |
 |
A programme
created from TV rights negotiations between Alan Hardaker of the Football
League and Bryan Cowgill of the BBC. An agreement was reached whereby
the BBC would record a selected match and broadcast 45 minutes of edited
highlights on a Saturday evening. The show really took off when it was
moved onto mainstream BBC1 in 1966. The original producer was Alan Chivers
with commentary on outside broadcasts being supplied by Wally Barnes and
Kenneth (they think it's all over) Wolstenholme, among others
|
| Meet
The Wife BBC1 1964-65 |
 |
Another classic
comedy which evolved from a single production in Comedy Playhouse. Written
by Ronald Wolfe and Ronald Chesney, this 30 minute show featured Freddie
Frinton and Thora Hird as the Blacklocks, a constantly bickering but loving
Northern married couple. The series was produced by Robin Nash. The original
Comedy Playhouse production 'The Bed', broadcast in 1963 and also featuring
Hird and Frinton, was produced by John Paddy Carstairs
|
The
Protectors ABC 1964 |
 |
Not to be
confused with the later Gerry Anderson series of the same name, this programme
had essentially the same setup. Two men and a girl comprising a team providing
private security and protection. The men were played by Andrew Faulds
(Ian Souter) and Michael Atkinson (Robert Shoesmith) with Ann Morrish
as the glamour factor, secretary Heather Keys. !4 x 60 minute episodes
were made, produced by Michael Chapman
|
| Theatre
625 BBC2 1964-68 |
 |
This was a
series of programmes presented by the newly-formed BBC2 which closely
examined dramatic productions, often in serialised form. Much of the footage
was from original stage productions although some segments were re-shot
for television.Some titles transmitted during its run were 'Talking To
A Stranger', 'The Year Of The Sex Olympics', 'The Seekers','The World
Of George Orwell' (a trilogy) and 'Coming Up For Air'
|
The
Sullavan Brothers ATV 1964-65 |
 |
26 x 55 minute
episodes starred Anthony Bate, Tenniel Evans, David Summer and Hugh Manning
as four brothers in the legal profession. Respectively Paul, John, Patrick
and Robert, they acted as a team comprising of three solicitors and a
barrister. Mary Kenton played Paul's wife Beth. The series was created
by Ted Willis and produced by Jack Williams
|
| Tales
From Europe The Singing Ringing Tree BBC1 19-26 November and 3 December |
 |
Curious that
this 3 x 25 minute episode fairy story about a prince searching for a
magic tree to offer as a gift to an ill-tempered princess should feature
so highly in people's memories. It was part of a larger series shown in
serial format under the general title 'Tales From Europe' which was a
collection of productions from various European sources. This particular
segment starred Christel Bodenstein, Charles-Hans Vogt and Eckhart Dux.
Co-written by Anne Geelhaer and Francesco Stefani, the English version
was written and presented by Peggy Miller and narrated by Antony Bilbow.
Other stories in the series included 'Snow White', 'Rumpelstiltskin',
'The Golden Goose', 'The Tinder Box', 'Heidi' and 'The Boy and The Pelican'
|
Crossroads ATV 1964-88 |
 |
Originally
titled 'The Midland Road' this early afternoon soap was one of the most
successful of all time, despite its tight production schedule and somewhat
rickety sets which led to it being standard cannon fodder for comedians
of the day. Although shown four times a week in the Midlands and London
it was not networked nationally until 1972. Set in the fictitious Midlands
suburb of King's Oak the stories revolved around the life and loves of
the Crossroads Motel staff and customers. Original regular characters
included Meg Richardson (Noele Gordon), Jill (Jane Rossington) and Sandy
(Roger Tonge) her children, husband Dick (Brian Kent), Brian and Kitty
Jarvis (David Fennell and Beryl Johnstone), Spanish chef Carlos (Anthony
Morton), waitress Marilyn Gates (Sue Nicholls) and receptionist Diane
Lawton (Susan Hanson). The series was created by Hazel Adair and Peter
Ling and the theme music was composed by Tony Hatch and Jackie Trent
|
| Thorndyke BBC1 1964 |
 |
Based on the
stories of Richard Austin and evolving from a single production in the
earlier 'Detective' anthology series, this crime drama starred Peter Copley
as Dr John Evelyn Thorndyke, an amateur detective. Although investigating
cases in a very Holmesian scientific style, Thorndyke boasted two assistants
instead of one. Dr Jervis was played by Paul Williamson and butler Polton
was played by Patrick Newell. The 50 minute episodes were produced by
John Robins
|
The
Villains GRANADA 1964-65 |
 |
Another crime
drama series that looked at the subject from the other side of the law.
Howard Baker and H.V. Kershaw produced this collection of studies of various
criminal elements from the North of England which tended to concentrate
more on the psychology and day to day lives of the criminals rather more
than on the crimes that they committed
|
| Stingray ATV / ITC 1964-65 AP Films Productions |
 |
Gerry Anderson
series were getting better and better. This one featured the activities
of the World Aquanaut Security Patrol (W.A.S.P.) and their constant struggle
against various evil underwater civilisations. The organisation, based
in Marineville, was headed by Commander Shore. Captain Troy Tempest was
the ace sub-pilot who crewed Stingray along with navigator 'Phones' Sheridan.
Romantic interest centred around the menage a trois involving Troy, Commander
Shore's daughter Atlanta and mute undersea beauty Marina. 39 x 30 minute
episodes were produced, each with the militaristic all-action opening
theme and sequences 'Anything can happen in the next half hour' and the
beautiful, haunting end theme 'Aqua Marina' sung by Gary Miller.
Also see Gerry Anderson Production pages |
 |
||
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Some other 1964 television shows that you may have forgotten... |
| The Beverly Hillbillies - ITV - Zany American millionaire hillbilly sitcom - CBS - 274 x 30mins | Beyond The Fringe - BBC2 - Special TV performance of the classic stage comedy revue - 60mins |
| The Caves Of Steel - BBC2 - Terry Nation dramatisation of an Asimov novel (part of 'Story Parade' series) 75mins | Cinema - Granada ( 64 - 75 ) - Film magazine programme first presented by Bamber Gascoigne - 30mins |
| Cluff - BBC ( 64 & 65 ) - Yorkshire detective series by Gil North, evolved from a show in the 'Detective' series | Culloden - BBC1 - Dramatised historical documentary by Peter Watkins - 70mins |
| Detective - BBC ( 64, 68-9 ) - Drama anthology featuring famous literary detectives - 18+17+? x 60mins | Diary Of A Young Man - BBC1 - Social drama about two young Northerners visiting London - 6 x 45mins |
| The Four Seasons Of Rosie Carr - BBC1 - Four part drama series about a woman's life | Frankie Howerd - BBC1 ( 64-65 ) - The brilliant downbeat comedian in a 30min comedy show series |
| Great Temples Of The World - ATV ( 64-66 ) - Sir Kenneth Clark documentary series on famous buildings | The Great War - BBC2 - Documentary on the First World War - 26 x 40mins |
| Hamlet At Elsinore - BBC/Danmarks Radio - O.B. broadcast of Shakespeare's play - 170mins | The Hidden Truth - Rediffusion - Drama series featuring forensic science - 4 x 60mins |
| Impromptu - BBC2 - Unscripted ad-libbed comedy show series - 8 x 30mins | Kipling - BBC1 - Series of dramatised Rudyard Kipling anecdotes - 25 x 50mins |
| Miss Adventure - ABC - The adventures of a female private eye, starring Hattie Jacques - 13 x 45mins | Six - BBC2 - A series of six 30 to 60min plays by famous film directors |
| Studio '64 - ATV - A fortnightly series of six TV plays by famous directors and writers | Victoria Regina - Granada - Four short plays on aspects of Queen Victoria's life |
| Freedom Road - A-R - Award-winning programme featuring negro protest songs | The Face On The Cover - Granada - World In Action episode about Jean Shrimpton's lifestyle |
| The Other Man - Granada - 2hr 20 minute drama production starring Michael Caine and a cast of 200 | A Choice Of Coward - Granada - A series of plays from the master writer |
| After Dinner - ITV - Hidden camera series following discussions between famous personalities | The Celebrity Game - A-R - Game show guessing celebrities' views on current topics |
| A Midsummer Night's Dream - A-R - Production celebrating Shakespeare's 400th birthday | It's Tarbuck - ATV - 6 x 30mins comedy series hosted by scouser Jimmy Tarbuck with Amanda Barrie |
| It's Dark Outside - Granada - 1964-65 - 16 x 60mins crime drama spin-off from 'The Odd Man' | Not So Much A Programme - More a Way Of Life - BBC1 - 45mins comedy series derivative of TW3 |
| The Newcomers - BBC2 - 6 x 30mins documentary about a young married couple | Mr & Mrs - ATV / Border - 1964-68 - Quiz show presented by Alan Taylor then Derek Batey |
| Melissa - BBC2 - A 6-episode Francis Durbridge drama | Comedy Bandbox - ABC - Variety series |
| The Grammar of Cookery - ABC - 13 part cookery series with Philip Harben, the first TV chef | Headway - ATV - Adult education psychology series |
| ITN Reports - ITN - Half hour news and current events programme 1964-65 | Vision On - BBC - 260 x 30min Tony Hart's children's art programme specially for the deaf 1964-76 |
1964
Television Ratings ( millions of homes )
|
1
|
Steptoe
and Son
|
BBC
|
9.71
|
11
|
Stars and Garters |
ITV
|
7.84
|
|
2
|
Sunday Night at The London Palladium |
ITV
|
9.69
|
12
|
Double Your Money |
ITV
|
7.80
|
|
3
|
Coronation Street |
ITV
|
9.43
|
13
|
Emergency Ward 10 |
ITV
|
7.80
|
|
4
|
Dick Powell Theatre |
BBC
|
8.45
|
14
|
Around The Beatles |
ITV
|
7.61
|
|
5
|
Take Your Pick |
ITV
|
8.39
|
15
|
The Frank Ifield Show |
ITV
|
7.57
|
|
6
|
The Royal Variety Show |
BBC
|
8.37
|
16
|
The Avengers |
ITV
|
7.54
|
|
7
|
No Hiding Place |
ITV
|
8.22
|
17
|
Christmas Comedy |
ITV
|
7.46
|
|
8
|
Armchair Theatre |
ITV
|
8.12
|
18
|
Miss World 1964 |
ITV
|
7.45
|
|
9
|
It's Tarbuck |
ITV
|
8.08
|
19
|
The Max Bygraves Show |
ITV
|
7.43
|
|
10
|
Crane |
ITV
|
7.96
|
20
|
Love Story |
ITV
|
7.33
|
|
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