LOSE YOURSELF IN 1971

‘FOREIGN’ CURRENCY

The old pounds, shilling and pence are replaced by the new pound and pence when Britain goes decimal on 15 February. Banks close for four days to assist with the transition and shops display conversion boards from £sd to pounds and ‘new pence’ throughout 1971. Also in February, Rolls-Royce goes bankrupt and has to be saved by the government. The 12-route Gravelly Hill Interchange – better known as Spaghetti Junction – near Birmingham opens in November, much to the confusion of road users. Oh, and the House of Commons votes convincingly to join the EEC…

BENNY AND THE BEATLES

The first year since The Beatles’ split sees the two main ex-Fabs put out successful albums. John LIimsenathngeoinnme’ sost enduring thanks to its title track while Paul McCartney releases R aanmd forms Wings. George Harrison is more concerned with charity work, and his Concert for Bangladesh, also featuring old bandmate Ringo Starr. Then there was Benny Hill, who finished off 1971 with the innuendo-laden Ernie (The Fastest Milkman in the W). Oesht, Benny...

ORANGE UPSETS

Stanley Kubrick’s dystopian fiAhlmiCtsl ockwork Orange

British cinemas towards the end of 1971 and immediately provoked controversy due to its excessive amounts of sex, violence and, er, Beethoven. Such was the furore surrounding it that Kubrick himself requested that it be withdrawn and it only became available again following his death in 1999. Also, after George Lazenby’s brief tenure as 007, Sean Connery returns to hDiisasmigonnadtusre role in A arned F Colrienvt eErastwood launches police inspector Harry

CD.Aairlltll ya hHaanr riny together, now: ‘You got to ask yourself one question: “Do I feel lucky?” Well do you, punk?’