LWT Children's Programmes
This section of Ultimate LWT looks at London Weekend Television's impressive range of children's drama and entertainment programmes.
Great shows for Sunday teatimes
LWT prided itself on its different approach to children's shows - there was no specialist children's unit, each programme was produced by the relevant 'adult' department, usually Drama. This made for intelligent and engaging children's programmes.
Catweazle was an early success in 1970, starring Geoffrey Bayldon as the anachronistic Mediaeval magician.
The Adventures of Black Beauty, 1970-1972
Copyright © London Weekend Television/ITVplc
Based on the Anna Sewell novel, The Adventures of Black Beauty ran from 1970 to 1972 and was often repeated on LWT and syndicated across the ITV network through the 1970s and early 1980s. |
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Dick Turpin, 1979-1982
Copyright © London Weekend Television/ITVplc
Another teatime treat from London Weekend between 1979 and 1982 was Dick Turpin, a brilliantly made children's drama starring Richard O'Sullivan, Christopher Benjamin, David Daker, and Michael Deeks. |
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Just William, 1977-1978
Copyright © London Weekend Television/ITVplc
Bonnie Langford made a big impression as the screeching Violet Elizabeth in LWT's Just William, with William played by Adrian Dannatt, based on the books by Richmal Crompton. 26 episodes were made by LWT and screened in the Sunday teatime slot in 1977 and 1978. |
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Metal Mickey, 1980-1983
Copyright © London Weekend Television/ITVplc
Metal Mickey (we think he was intended to be a robotic version of the Monkee's Mickey Dolenz, or something like that anyway) ruled the Saturday teatime airwaves from 1980 to 1983. |
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