Screens Big and Small
There were some great films in the cinemas in 1969. Everyone flocked to see The Italian Job, with Michael Caine declaring, “You’re only supposed to blow the bloody doors off!” It had everything – humour, adventure, cunning and intrigue and, of course, the most amazing car chase in history with three Minis leading the police on a wild goose chase round Turin.
The Carry On team kept us laughing with two offerings – Carry On Again Doctor and Carry On Camping, with Barbara Windsor’s iconic bikini scene.
Musical fans enjoyed Sweet Charity with Shirley MacLaine and Hello Dolly featuring the amazing voice of Barbra Streisand.
And who could forget the heart-melting Ring Of Bright Water, starring Bill Travers and Virginia McKenna and, of course, Mij the otter.
It was a challenging year for James Bond. Sean Connery had hung up his Walther PPK and the baton was handed to George Lazenby for On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, with Diana Rigg as his love interest. Reviews were mixed, although it’s reputation has improved over time, and Lazenby never played Bond again.
On the small screen, regular broadcasts in colour heralded the way for a bright new world. We waved farewell to Patrick Troughton’s last appearance as Doctor Who. When we saw him the following year, he had regenerated into Jon Pertwee.
Comedy newcomers to TV included Randall and Hopkirk (Deceased), On The Buses, Monty Python’ s Flying Circus, The Liver Birds, Up Pompeii! and The Benny Hill Show. For the kids, Chigley, The Clangers and Screen Test made their debuts while old favourite Blue Peter gave us our funniest moment in years with their live antics with Lulu the baby elephant.