OK, so we are at the bottom of the world. I've only just read about it.
"The Quatermass Collection (BBC)
Quatermass has two complete BBC TV serials from 1955 and '58 plus the only remaining two episodes from the Professor's debut in 1953. Intelligent, undiluted sci-fi/horror in grainy, sometimes rather blurry monochrome, they retain the edginess of their original live broadcasts and still have the power to disturb and ? occasionally ? shock. Wonderful stuff and supported by excellent docos, interviews and an exhaustive 48-page booklet."
How can it happen? Only the first 2 episodes....aaaarrrgghhh!!!
Mart
Quatermass collection.
Re: Quatermass collection.
The BBC undertook a cultural clean-up operation in the late 1960s/early 1970s somewhat akin to the fate that befell the Alexandria Library. Lots of footage of state occasions and "intelligent" programmes retained, and "rubbish" TV shows from the golden age consigned to the dustbin or the furnace. There must be people at BBC Enterprises still gnashing their teeth in frustration at the fate that befell some Hancocks, Steptoe And Sons, Pete and Dud, Dr Who and various other jewels in the broadcasting crown.
Oh, and why has that genius Nigel Kneale ever received the credit and recognition he deserves. Quatermass, 1984, Year Of The Sex Olympics, Beast, and a stonking adoptation of The Woman In Black . . . the man knows how to frighten, thrill and engage the brains of the audience all at once.
Oh, and why has that genius Nigel Kneale ever received the credit and recognition he deserves. Quatermass, 1984, Year Of The Sex Olympics, Beast, and a stonking adoptation of The Woman In Black . . . the man knows how to frighten, thrill and engage the brains of the audience all at once.
Pervert
The Worlds Biggest Collector Of Ben Dover DVD`s
Koppite Till I Die
Remember - You`ll Never Walk Alone
The Worlds Biggest Collector Of Ben Dover DVD`s
Koppite Till I Die
Remember - You`ll Never Walk Alone
Re: Quatermass collection.
Apparently only the first two episodes of Quatermass Experiment were recorded. The process of telerecording off monitor was in its infancy back in the day and the results on the first two were so poor that the BBC decided not to record the rest of it.
Cook and Moore's stuff was destroyed despite Cook offering to pay out of his own pocket for the original recordings, or for copies to be made for him. According to Harry Thompson's biography, he was tipped off that the Not Only But Also tapes were being wiped and tried in vain to save them.
All of the Steptoes now survive, I think, but some colour shows only as home recordings in black and white. Quite a few Hancock shows were either not recorded or junked and over 100 Dr Who episodes were destroyed, although bits and pieces still turn up. A few weeks ago, a show about the 60s on BBC2 featured extracts from a Dalek serial which had been destroyed long ago. Nobody knew about the brief clip until the show was screened and a viewer realised it was missing material which had been used in a 1960s Tomorrow's World.
Cook and Moore's stuff was destroyed despite Cook offering to pay out of his own pocket for the original recordings, or for copies to be made for him. According to Harry Thompson's biography, he was tipped off that the Not Only But Also tapes were being wiped and tried in vain to save them.
All of the Steptoes now survive, I think, but some colour shows only as home recordings in black and white. Quite a few Hancock shows were either not recorded or junked and over 100 Dr Who episodes were destroyed, although bits and pieces still turn up. A few weeks ago, a show about the 60s on BBC2 featured extracts from a Dalek serial which had been destroyed long ago. Nobody knew about the brief clip until the show was screened and a viewer realised it was missing material which had been used in a 1960s Tomorrow's World.
Re: Quatermass collection.
Too true.
The real pain for them will be how little exists of the 12-part Daleks' Masterplan. Just imagine how that would sell.
The real pain for them will be how little exists of the 12-part Daleks' Masterplan. Just imagine how that would sell.
Pervert
The Worlds Biggest Collector Of Ben Dover DVD`s
Koppite Till I Die
Remember - You`ll Never Walk Alone
The Worlds Biggest Collector Of Ben Dover DVD`s
Koppite Till I Die
Remember - You`ll Never Walk Alone
Re: Quatermass collection.
I still reckon those Dalek stories exist somewhere, as the Daleks were such a huge deal in the sixties. Can't believe someone didn't take these for their private viewing. If they found Power, Evil and Masterplan, I don't think I would ever stop smiling.
Also funny how the majority of the missing Hartnell stories are historical tales, while the more disposable sci-fi adventures still exist. It wouldn't surprise me to see more of those turn up in dribs and drabs. I've always wondered whether the historicals could have ended up going to schools instead of being junked.
Wishful thinking I suppose.
Also funny how the majority of the missing Hartnell stories are historical tales, while the more disposable sci-fi adventures still exist. It wouldn't surprise me to see more of those turn up in dribs and drabs. I've always wondered whether the historicals could have ended up going to schools instead of being junked.
Wishful thinking I suppose.
Re: Quatermass collection.
The ones that have shown up in the last decade have been found in far flung places (Australia, Hong Kong) or by accident under a different label. Most have gone forever, I fear.
The Web Planet is out soon (or now), but I'm not sure I could bring myself to watch it. What worked well when I was five will probably reduce me to tears now---and that includes Martin Jarvis as a giant butterfly/moth. Shows how ambitious they were, though.
The Web Planet is out soon (or now), but I'm not sure I could bring myself to watch it. What worked well when I was five will probably reduce me to tears now---and that includes Martin Jarvis as a giant butterfly/moth. Shows how ambitious they were, though.
Pervert
The Worlds Biggest Collector Of Ben Dover DVD`s
Koppite Till I Die
Remember - You`ll Never Walk Alone
The Worlds Biggest Collector Of Ben Dover DVD`s
Koppite Till I Die
Remember - You`ll Never Walk Alone
Re: Quatermass collection.
Web Planet is a painful watch but the DVD looks great and the documentary on the disc is good. Maureen O'Brien is on it, talking about Dr Who for the first time in yonks.
Re: Quatermass collection.
Just been given this as a birthday present.
Worth watching just for the extras...doco on Nigel Kneale is excellent.
Mart
Worth watching just for the extras...doco on Nigel Kneale is excellent.
Mart