Web Page 1052


23rd June 2012

Top Picture: Alf Garnet

Second Picture: GEC Advert





In the 1960’s we witnessed a procession of very different celebrities passing before our eyes. Here are just a few:-



HAROLD WILSON was one of the most prominent British politicians of the latter half of the 20th century, serving two terms as Prime Minister. The first from 1964 to 1970 was notable for substantial legal changes in a number of areas, including the liberalisation of censorship, divorce, homosexuality, immigration and abortion. He carefully managed his public image very carefully as a modern leader and linked himself to the burgeoning pride of a 'New Britain'.



DAVID BAILEY was the photographer credited with capturing and helping to create the 'Swinging London' of the 1960s: a culture of high fashion and celebrity chic. He socialised with actors, musicians and royalty and soon found himself lifted to celebrity status photographing people from The Beatles to the Kray twins he also directed several television commercials and documentaries. The film Blowup (1966) is largely based on him.



THE KRAY TWINS were the foremost arranger of organised crime in London's East End during the 1950s and 1960s. Ronnie and Reggie were involved in armed robberies, arson, protection rackets, violent assaults and murders. As West End nightclub owners, they mixed with prominent entertainers and politicians and even became celebrities in their own right, being interviewed on television. They were arrested in 1968 and the following year were sentenced to life imprisonment



ALFRED HITCHCOCK the English filmmaker and producer who pioneered many techniques in suspense and psychological thrillers. Although the 1950s were considered his peak years, in the 60s he produced his most famous feature; Psycho. He came first in a 2007 poll of film critics as: "Unquestionably the greatest filmmaker to emerge from these islands." MovieMaker has hailed him as the most influential filmmaker of all time, and he is widely regarded as one of cinema's most significant artists.



JAMES BOND first appeared on the big screen in October 1962. Dr. No was a low budget movie that became a huge financial success in spite of receiving mixed reviews. This success was due in no small part to the casting of Sean Connery in the title role. The movie delivered sex, violence and colourful action sequences all delivered with a dry wit. It also established many iconic sequences such as the distinctive James Bond Theme, the gun barrel sequence and the scene of Ursula Andress emerging from the water.



MICHAEL CAINE the London born actor became well known for a number of popular and critically acclaimed performances throughout the sixties. One memorable role was that of Alfie Elkins in the film Alfie, which tells the story of a young man and his promiscuous lifestyle until several life reversals make him rethink his purpose in life. However, he is best remembered for his line in The Italian Job; "You're only supposed to blow the bloody doors off!" which has been voted one of the top ten lines in movie history.



ALF GARNETT was a creation of scriptwriter Johnny Speight and with Warren Mitchell's brilliant interpretation British television was graced with an iconic creation, which was paradoxically as repugnant as it was well loved. The TV series 'Till Death Us Do Part', showed the darker face of British society.



NOT ONLY...BUT ALSO... regarded by many as one of the few groundbreaking comedy shows and possibly the definitive 1960s sketch comedy. Starring Peter Cook and Dudley Moore and attracting a number of well-known guests, including John Lennon, Ronnie Barker and Peter Sellers, but the true stars were Pete and Dud, two cloth-capped sages from Dagenham, who discussed weighty topics over a pint such as how the bottoms of Rubens' nudes seem to follow you around the room. (whilst trying not to giggle)e r



TH ENGLAND WORLD CUP TEAM To date the only England team to win the World Cup was the side of 1966. Geoff Hurst was expected to be a reserve player for the tournament, but an injury to Jimmy Greaves offered an opportunity and an England legend was created. His hat-trick in the final has not been equalled to date. The victory made stars of many of the England players not least of all their captain Bobby Moore. Mo



GEORGE BEST was arguably the first celebrity footballer, bringing a pop star image to the game. He acquired an agent and a secretary and went into business, opening two boutiques. But the accompanying champagne and playboy lifestyle degenerated into alcoholism, bankruptcy, a prison sentence and, eventually, a liver transplant. As a footballer he had speed, superb dribbling skills, the ability to accelerate past players and was adept with both feet and is widely regarded as one of the greatest players to have graced British and world football. But he eventually succumbed to alcohol addiction.



Though not strictly Celebrities I cannot close without mentioning the DALEKS - one of the most iconic television 'monsters' of all time. First appearing in the second tale of Dr. Who, they immediately captured the imagination of the British public as well as the media who couldn't write enough about them. Dalek toys, annuals and playsuits were produced and although 'killed off' in the series the BBC were quick to commission writer Terry Nation to produce a 'comeback' story in 1964 in good time to capture the Christmas market. The Daleks have hardly been off our TV screens for the past 50 years!



Ah well more and more memories !!!!




Stay in touch,


Yours,


Peter



DUSTYKEAT@aol.com

Pj.keat@ntlworld.co.uk



You Write:

Steve Writes:

Regards your blog article on Home medicine, yes some home remedies were a nightmare.  My Mother used to doll out sennapods at any sign of me being constipated, which basically were the real things boiled in water and drank down quickly whilst holding my nose. Yes it tasted foul, but probably worked!

I remembered the Kaolin & Morphine mixture for upset stomaches, flu etc; I don't think you can get it now well maybe a substitute without the Morphine?

The Malt extract was another regular dosage, I still like Malt but in beer form today. And Vick is still in use today for me, as I suffer with my chest and breathing.

Can't ever remember getting sunburnt although like the rest of us in those long hot Summer holidays, I was out for most of the day in the sun. Last time I used Camomile lotion was after a scorching two weeks holiday in Cornwall in the late 60s. I was roasted and toasted and could barely walk!  So welcomed the cooling lotion when I got back home, even if I looked like a ghost with so much plastered on.

News and Views:


The Australian portion of the Queen's birthday honours was released Monday June 11th. Rolf Harris ("Tie Me Kangaroo Down Sport") has been named an Officer of the Order of Australia (he already was a Member of the Order of Australia and is a Commander of the Order of the British Empire). John Paul Young ("Love Is In The Air") will be made an Officer of the Order of Australia, as well, for his performing and charitable work. 


On this day 23rd June 1960-1965

On 23/06/1960 the number one single was Three Steps to Heaven - Eddie Cochran and the number one album was South Pacific Soundtrack. The top rated TV show was No Hiding Place (AR) and the box office smash was Psycho. A pound of today's money was worth £13.68 and Burnley were on the way to becoming the Season's Division 1 champions.

On 23/06/1961 the number one single was Surrender - Elvis Presley and the number one album was GI Blues - Elvis Presley. The top rated TV show was No Hiding Place (AR) and the box office smash was One Hundred and One Dalmations. A pound of today's money was worth £13.25 and Tottenham Hotspur were on the way to becoming the Season's Division 1 champions.

On 23/06/1962 the number one single was Good Luck Charm - Elvis Presley and the number one album was West Side Story Soundtrack. The top rated TV show was Coronation Street (Granada) and the box office smash was Lawrence of Arabia. A pound of today's money was worth £12.89 and Ipswich Town were on the way to becoming the Season's Division 1 champions.

On 23/06/1963 the number one single was I Like It - Gerry & the Pacemakers and the number one album was Please Please Me - The Beatles. The top rated TV show was Coronation Street (Granada) and the box office smash was The Great Escape. A pound of today's money was worth £12.64 and Everton were on the way to becoming the Season's Division 1 champions.

On 23/06/1964 the number one single was You're My World - Cilla Black and the number one album was Rolling Stones - The Rolling Stones. The top rated TV show was Coronation Street (Granada) and the box office smash was Dr Strangelove. A pound of today's money was worth £12.24 and Liverpool were on the way to becoming the Season's Division 1 champions.

On 23/06/1964 the number one single was You're My World - Cilla Black and the number one album was Rolling Stones - The Rolling Stones. The top rated TV show was Coronation Street (Granada) and the box office smash was Dr Strangelove. A pound of today's money was worth £12.24 and Liverpool were on the way to becoming the Season's Division 1 champions.