ATV Productions 1955 – 1981

THE EIGHTIES

And the Bands Played On. 1980

Providing a commentary on the great British dance bands of the 1930s and their music, this series recreates the orchestrations and arrangements of the popular pre-war tunes. Actors play the parts dubbed by singers and musicians, while many of the band leaders who have survived that great era make personal appearances, as do those who sang or played in the bands. Among them are Anne Shelton, Sam Costa, Roy Fox and Nat Gonella.

New Girl in Town. 1980

Play by Andrew Nickolds, set round a trendy magazine. Bill Richards, the editor falls in love with journalist Tricity Beaumont. This is the sophisticated story of a beautiful and ambitious young woman who will stop at nothing to gain her own ends. In doing so she emotionally tortures the editor of a trendy magazine and leaves a trail of upsets, culminating in a terrifying climax.

Summer Royal. 1980

Variety show from the Theatre Royal, Nottingham. Hosted by Bernie Clifton and Noele Gordon. Starring Larry Grayson, Cannon and Ball, Su Pollard and more.

The Boys From Ipanema. 1980

Paul Nicholas and Christopher Neil play two musicians who keep missing the big time in this un-transmitted pilot set in 1964.

Toyah. 1980

Arts documentary following singer and actress Toyah Willcox, showing her on a tour of the UK, along with clips from various programmes showing her acting career.

Both Ends Meet. 1980

Pilot sitcom starring Barbara Windsor and Pauline Quirke. A bicycle shop owner resists selling her shop when the neighbourhood becomes more fashionable.

Family Fortunes. 1980-04

The popular family quiz show, Family Fortunes, where families from around Britain compete to predict the top answers to those famous surveys and play for the chance of a cash jackpot. Hosted during its ATV run by Bob Monkhouse.

Naturewatch. 1981

In this fascinating natural history series, Julian Pettifer, eminent broadcaster and amateur naturalist, travels the globe and meets those who have dedicated their lives to a fascination and love of nature in all its forms.

With an emphasis on sustainability projects and wildlife protection, he visits conservation projects in many far-flung locations with some of the industry’s foremost natural history cameramen working on the series using pioneering techniques and stunning, cutting edge photography.

Diamonds. 1981

Behind the glamour and allure of diamonds there is a mystery world of risk and intrigue. Diamond merchants Colemand and Sons operate in London’s Hatton Garden, where money means everything and where dealers and merchants are players in a high-stakes power game. Frank Coleman takes over the business when his father dies. His ruthless business practices make enemies of his friends and family. Starring John Stride.