British Television Drama in the 1980s [Paperback]

In this fascinating collection of twelve essays, the innovative programmes of the period are analysed and placed within their social and political contexts.Reflecting major changes in television production and transmission technology during the 80s, the innovative programs of an outstanding decade of British television drama are analyzed and placed within their social and political contexts in this collection of twelve essays.Reflecting major changes in television production and transmission technology during the 80s, the innovative programs of an outstanding decade of British television drama are analyzed and placed within their social and political contexts in this collection of twelve essays.This is the first book to examine an outstanding decade of British television drama. The 1980s witnessed a series of changes and innovation in television, in which a fourth channel was established, studio production gave way largely to location filming, and programs reflected key political events. In this fascinating collection of twelve essays, the innovative programs of the period are analyzed and placed within their social and political contexts. The writers analyze programs as diverse as Yes, Prime Minister, The Jewel in the Crown, and Inspector Morse as well as politically controversial productions such as Tumbledown, Four Days in July, and Edge of Darkness. The book contains photographs from each program, detailed chapter bibliographies, and production information.List of Illustrations; Acknowledgements; Notes on the Contributors; Foreword DAVID ROSE; Introduction George W. Brandt; 1. Talking Heads: A Bed Among the Lentils (Alan Bennett) Albert Hunt; 2. Brookside: Damon's YTS Comes to an End (Barry Woodward) Vera Gottleib; 3. Yes, Prime Minister: The Ministerial Broadcast John Adams; 4. Inspector Morse: The Last Enemy (Peter Buckman) Richard Sparks; 5. Edge of Darkness (Troy Kennedy Martin) Andrew Lavender; 6. Boys from the Blackstuff (Alan Bleasdale) Bob MilÃ~