Reply With QuoteThat's depressing news - how did this vanish?
It's a classic - I'd love to see it again.
Television viewers, during the 1970s, were familiar with Reginald Molehusband's attempts to park his car.
The BBC lost the well-known (iconic?) public information film.
The actor, who played the role, Ian Gardiner, does not have a copy and says he would like to see his best-known performance again.
In 2006, the BBC launched a nationwide search, hoping a viewer might have retained a video recording.
A spokesperson, for National Archives, said that anyone finding a copy would be:
"held aloft and carried through the streets by public information film enthusiasts".
Are forum members aware of the continuing search? A member might have a recording, but be unaware of its importance.
That's depressing news - how did this vanish?
It's a classic - I'd love to see it again.
Yes surely someone must have it!
I'll go two Augustus Windsocks & a Charlie Say's to your Reggie.
Thinking about it now...wasn't he driving an Austin/Morris 1100?
name='Caine']Thinking about it now...wasn't he driving an Austin/Morris 1100?
Yes, Caine, an Austin 1100.
As the original version is missing, BBC Breakfast remade the film, with Ian Gardiner, in 2006.
Full text - with thanks to
"The Public Needs to Know", blog about public information films (PIFs),
short educational films shown on British TV:
"This is the story of Reginald Molehusband, married, two children, whose reverse parking was a public danger.
People came from miles just to see it.
Bets were laid on his performance. What he managed to miss at the back, he was sure to make up for at the front.
Bus drivers and taxis changed their routes to avoid him.
Until the day that Reginald Molehusband did it right.
Not too close,far enough forward....come on, Reginald....and reverse in slowly.....come on....and watching traffic...and park perfectly!
Well done!
Reginald Molehusband, the safest parker in town."
The blog continues:
"Reginald's misadventures in his Austin 1100 are so well-remembered that his name still serves as a byword for bad drivers, but, sadly, the original film is no more.
"Neither the COI, BBC, National Archives or Film Images has a copy, and a BBC appeal to the public couldn't find one either..."
"The BBC remade the film with Gardiner, despite the implication that pensioners can't drive, and received a hearty cheer from PIF fans everywhere."
Crickey - going back a bit. I was learning to drive when that was on. I am sure I am not the only one who was nicknamed Reggie cos of his driving inabilities. Or maybe they were saying I had homicidal tendencies.
Try contacting Charles Wells Brewery in Bedford and ask who ran their quiz competition in 2007. I am sure they had a copy of it and played it at the finals night
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