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Well Marky, not to gain a post, all I can say is yes I can remember it. I am surprised none of our officinados have filled in the details. They (BBC) had no sense of history when they trashed programmes.
"The White Rabbit" (1967)
Someone had written in to the Daily Mail's Answers To Correspondents about this BBC series of 1968 starring Kenneth More as Wing Commander Yeo- Thomas,who was a wartime agent.
The series was only aired once because of an agreement with the owner of the copywright,who didn't want to sell the copywright,lest he found another avenue to pursue the story. After it was shown only once,it was destroyed.
Does anyone one remember the series?
Ta Ta
Marky B
Well Marky, not to gain a post, all I can say is yes I can remember it. I am surprised none of our officinados have filled in the details. They (BBC) had no sense of history when they trashed programmes.
I can remember it being on, but didn't watch it. Much to my regret now, having read the story of Yeo-Thomas. Always liked Kenneth More, too. No chance of seeing it now, oh well.
Marky,
I don't recall this series, but I don't know why. I love all WWII spy/resistance stories.
Have you read the book on the White Rabbit by Bruce Marshall? An excellent read.
Going back to your series, why do you think that wartime heroines get so much more air time than heroes. Don't get me wrong, I love "Odette", "Carve Her Name With Pride" and "Hannas War", but what about their male counterparts? Is it perhaps that, rightly or wrongly, we find female heroism so much more remarkable; and violent females (sorry I can't think of a better expression) so far removed from the norm, certainly the norm in 1940s Britain.
Regards - Bernard
Yes I remember watching it. The BBC however had no option other than to destroy the recording in view of the copyright restrictions placed upon it. They actually announced before the broadcast that this was to be the only chance to see the programme.
Could have recorded it but even if home recorders were around at the time they certainly were not very common in most housholds.
In mine, money had to be more rightly spent on items like a washing machine!
Radio Times coverage for Part 1 - 'O Absalom', transmitted 16th September 1967
Not happy with the size of the text. It should look better if you click this link:
Radio Times preview for 'The White Rabbit', 16th September 1967
Kenneth More was interviewed about his role in the Daily Mirror, published the same day. I'll post a transcription of it at his thread in a moment.
Last edited by cornershop15; 10-09-13 at 10:24 PM.
Ah well, at least we can still read the excellent book on FFE "Tommy" Yeo Thomas
Steve
It wasn't a series it was a one off play. The book The White Rabbit can often be found in the charity shops. Whenever I find a copy I buy it to give to people who are interested in the second world war. As far as I know it has never been reprinted which is a pity as it is one of the best factual books about the work of a special operative during the war.
Those who are interested in this sort of book might like to read Sisters, Secrets, and Sacrifice by Susan Ottoway. This story only came to light because of the TV series Heir Hunters.
Is that any more accurate than Susan Ottoway's book about Violette Szabo?Originally Posted by George Bailey
Steve
I have no idea Steve as I haven't read that book. All I can say is that I enjoyed it and given what little I knew of the case it seemed pretty accurate to me.
Books written for Pen & Sword aren't renowned for the accuracy of their research
Steve
I understand completely about the agreement not to broadcast the show again for the reasons given but I don't believe they would have destroyed the recording.
SAID they had destroyed it, yes.......
I have the feeling that they did say at the time that the recording was being destroyed however it was a very long time ago and the exact detail of what they actually said I honestly can no longer remember.
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