Documentary series which follows the work of film and TV archive restoration on behalf of Talking Pictures TV
Talking Pictures TV Founder, Noel Cronin, and presenter Mike Read, take a deep dive into the archives, including footage sent in by viewers. The series began in September 2021 and continues weekly on Talking Pictures TV, an independent channel in the UK, dedicated to showcasing classic film and television. Each week, the hosts take a look at topics of nostalgic interest, illustrated by film footage from the past. They show shorts, adverts, amateur footage and home movies. The home movies are often introduced by family members of great stars of the past and show these well-loved stars in their private moments. The series has also showcased some of the previously 'lost' television episodes found and restored by Talking Pictures TV, including Badger's Bend and Boyd, QC. Topics covered have included fashion, schooldays, VE Day celebrations and sport. Transport is a recurring theme, with footage shown of early driving lessons, vintage cars, caravans, boats and aeroplanes. Famous faces who have appeared in the reels shown include Sid James, Barbara Windsor, Googie Withers, John McCallum, Bernard Cribbins, Michael Caine, Norman Wisdom, Sam Kydd, Reg Varney, Thora Hird, Cilla Black, Tom O'Connor, Dick Emery and John Gregson. Locations featured include Paris in the 1950s and 60s, Croydon Airport in the 1930s, the Kentish countryside and the Isle of Wight. Mike and Noel also solve a few mysteries with the help of viewers who write in to identify places and put dates to events in the past.
