Michael J Bird's Contribution to
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Michael J Bird's Contribution to
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| The Onedin Line |
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Producer: Peter Graham Scott BBC1 91 (50 minute) episodes 1971-79 Wikipedia has a complete episode listing Period drama series. In the 19th Century determined James Onedin
starts his own shipping line based in Liverpool. Grew out of a Drama
Playhouse entry of 1970 and over the years there were many cast changes
as Onedin's empire grew but the show remained a popular Sunday evening
staple throughout its run. |
Capt James Onedin - PETER GILMORE Robert Onedin(1) - BRIAN RAWLINSON Anne Onedin - ANNE STALLYBRASS Elizabeth - JESSICA BENTON Capt Baines - HOWARD LANG Sarah Onedin - MARY WEBSTER Capt Webster - JAMES HAYTER Albert Frazer - PHILIP BOND Callon - EDWARD CHAPMAN |
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19 November 1971
(Repeated 16 July 1972) SALVAGE Writer: Michael J.Bird Director: Viktors Ritelis Guest Cast: MICHAEL BILLINGTON (Daniel Fogarty), PAULA WILCOX (Agnes Bascombe), FREDERICK ARLE (Jack Littlejohn), JOHN RAPLEY (Barman), SALVIN STEWART & JOHN LYONS (Crew members) About which the Onedin Line Appreciation site said ... "Elizabeth's pregnancy is kept a closely-guarded secret by her family, but she cannot bear to give up the attentions of wealthy Albert Frazer. James and co must save the Charlotte Rhodes, which is on fire, but can they arrive before the Callon vessel looking to salvage the ship? There's also a score to settle between James and Fogarty on the latter's return..." Comment - Brilliant. Exciting sea chase in Albert's steamer, and the best fight scene in the entire series. The scene with the trio of James, Robert and Albert setting out to retrieve the stricken Charlotte Rhodes works really well. You can view a selection of screencaps from the episode at the Anne Stallybrass & Peter Gilmore website. |
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| VIDEO / DVD |
When the BBC released the series on video they chose to edit together individual episodes into four episode blocks. Very annoying for fans and problematic when it comes to identifying an individual writer's (or director's) contribution. Still - why should we expect the BBC to be interested in the creative side to what it does? Bird's contribution "Salvage" appears on this video, imaginatively titled - "The Onedin Line - Part Two". |
Subsequently the first series has been released on DVD but the price remains stubbornly high. Check it out at Play.com |
| Michael J Bird Tribute Website |
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