Daniel Farson's Guide to Britain: Vol.1

Brash, bohemian and boozy, bon-vivant Daniel Farson became a larger-than-life fixture of Soho in the 1950s, socialising with the likes of artist Francis Bacon and photographer John Deakin. But he was also a ground-breaking investigative journalist, reshaping approaches to screen reportage with the many direct, dynamic independent television films he presented for Associated-Rediffusion in the late 1950s and early 1960s, finding widespread fame and acclaim.This three disc dual format set, running to over three hours - the first of two releases showcasing his most innovative, important, eccentric, odd and outstanding work – reframes a carefully-curated chunk of Farson’s now little-seen output. His eclectic talent is reflected in an abundant array of hugely enjoyable, fascinating films on all manner of matters topical to a post-war Britain undergoing complex, seismic social change.Join this vanguard intrepid investigator – paving the way for later programme-makers of the Louis Theroux school – as he twinkles a curious eye and lends a wry tongue to a glorious gamut of then-contemporary hot-potatoes: from Soho striptease, alien visitations and the Cavern Club in the afterglow of the Beatles, to witchcraft, the cult of celebrity and much, much more.The FilmsOut of Step: Witchcraft (1957, 14 mins)Out of Step: Other Worlds are Watching Us (1957, 14 mins)Keeping in Step: The Wedding (1958, 14 mins)Keeping in Step: Stock Exchange (1958, 14 mins)This Week: Soho Striptease (1958, 7 mins)People in Trouble: Mixed Marriages (1958, 13 mins)Success Story: Shelagh Delaney (1959, 14 mins)Success Story: Maurice Woodruff (1959,14 mins)Success Story: Hank Janson (1959, 14 mins)Celebrity: Cliff Richard (1959, 16 mins)Farson's Guide to the British: Cats (1959, 14 mins)Pursuit of Happiness: People Apart (1960, 14 mins)This Week: Robert Graves (1963, 20 mins)*Beat City (1963, 39 mins)ExtrasAudio commentaries on Out of Step: Witchcraft and Out of Step: Other Worlds are Watching Us by Mark PilkingtonAudio commentaries on This Week: Soho Striptease and Success Story: Hank Janson by Vic PrattAudio commentary on People in Trouble: Mixed Marriages by Milo HolmesAudio commentary by Dr Elinor Groom and Lisa Kerrigan on Farson's Guide to the British: CatsAudio commentary by Dr Elinor Groom on Pursuit of Happiness: People ApartAudio commentaries on Success Story: Maurice Woodruff and Beat City by Vic Pratt and William FowlerIllustrated booklet featuring new writing by the BFI’s William Fowler, Vic Pratt, Lisa Kerrigan and Milo HolmesUnedited rushes for an episode of This WeekPreviously unreleased on any home entertainment formatFascinating insights into post-war British societyGround-breaking TV from the Associated-Rediffusion archive features cult subjects such as witchcraft, pop music and cats!