1970

S16.E1 ∙ A Place of the Gods/Veni, Vidi, Vidal/"Whatever You Say, Say Nothing"

Fri, Oct 03, 1975

Theatre director Peter Hall steps in as the new presenter of Aquarius, travelling to the theatre of Epidaurus with architect Denys Lasdun. There's also Russell Harty meeting Gore Vidal in Rome, and a poetry reading from Seamus Heaney.

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S16.E2 ∙ Chef of Chefs/Scottish Opera at the Theatre Royal, Glasgow/Wait Till I Tell Mrs. Greenhouse

Fri, Oct 10, 1975

Aquarius presents a feature on chef Paul Bocuse, opera in Glasgow and a performance by the Beaux Arts Trio. Yet Peter Hall already has doubts about taking on the role of presenter, noting in his diary: "I was wrong to do Aquarius at all."

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S16.E3 ∙ Sir William and Our Gracie

Fri, Oct 17, 1975

Russell Harty arranges the first-ever meeting between William Walton and Gracie Fields. Yet behind the scenes things were not so amicable, with presenter Peter Hall finding the film too exposing and "unnecessarily cruel".

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S16.E4 ∙ Moore on Michelangelo/The Three Marias

Fri, Oct 24, 1975

Peter Hall presents a film with Henry Moore discussing Michelangelo's David, and a dramatisation of a book from Portugal that had faced censorship in its home country.

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S16.E5 ∙ The Israel Philharmonic Orchestra

Fri, Oct 31, 1975

Featuring a performance of Beethoven by the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Zubin Mehta. Peter Hall, ditching suits for leather, noted before recording: "I think and hope I have now reached a peace in myself about the press."

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S16.E6 ∙ Artists in Athens

Fri, Nov 07, 1975

Aquarius travels to Athens to celebrate London's Greek Month. Behind the scenes, Peter Hall was getting support from the Chairman of LWT, who was advising him to "hold firm despite the criticism" he was getting.

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S16.E7 ∙ Lacquer Lust/Made by Makepeace

Fri, Nov 14, 1975

Featuring an interview with Eileen Gray in Paris, and a film by Peter Hall about Makepeace. Hall would reflect on the relaxation of the experience, claiming it was a break from "the pressures and anxieties" of his theatre life.

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S16.E8 ∙ James Galway

Fri, Nov 21, 1975

Aquarius introduces viewers to James Galway, a flautist from Belfast.

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S16.E9 ∙ Francis Bacon

Fri, Nov 28, 1975

Featuring a rare television interview with Francis Bacon, a man of whom Peter Hall would state: "I am sure Bacon is the painter of our tortured mid-century."

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S16.E10 ∙ Aldwych Farcical

Fri, Dec 05, 1975

Ben Travers celebrates his 90th birthday with the West End premiere of his new play "The Bed Before Yesterday". Also featured is TV scriptwriter Brian Clark, leading a group of amateur performers in a play about Abergavenny.

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S16.E11 ∙ Within the Fringe

Fri, Dec 12, 1975

A report on alternative theatre, with the "Welfare State" and "The Pip Simmons Theatre Group" both performing extracts from their work.

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S16.E12 ∙ Stardust

Sat, Dec 20, 1975

The David Essex film "Stardust" is adapted for the stage by a comprehensive school in Sunderland.

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S16.E13 ∙ Finnan Games

Sat, Dec 27, 1975

Russell Harty documents a day at the 1975 Highland Games in Glenfinnan. His film would go on to win the Golden Harp Award.

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S16.E14 ∙ "Homage To Isadora"/"Le Spectre de la Rose"/"L'après-Midi d'un Faune"

Fri, Jan 02, 1976

An edition about the influence of dancers Isadora Duncan and Vaslav Nijinsky. Featured dancers are Lynn Seymour, Paolo Bortoluzzi and Carla Fracci, while a guest discussing the art is Clement Crisp, ballet critic from The Financial Times.

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S16.E15 ∙ Brook in Paris

Sat, Jan 10, 1976

Peter Hall condenses around two hours of footage down into forty minutes to present a profile of Peter Brook. Their complex relationship saw Hall describe the director as: "the man I know best and least [...] the coldest and the warmest".

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S16.E16 ∙ Calder's Circus/Flying Colours

Fri, Jan 16, 1976

A profile of American sculptor Alexander Calder. Sequences include Calder's home movie, plus an interview where he chooses not to answer questions about his art. Passages from Calder's autobiography are read by Joss Ackland.

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S16.E17 ∙ Rubinstein Festival: Part One

Fri, Jan 23, 1976

The first of a two-part tribute to pianist Arthur Rubinstein, with footage of him playing, as well as the first half of an interview conducted at the Savoy Hotel.

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S16.E18 ∙ Rubinstein Festival: Part Two

Fri, Jan 30, 1976

The second part of the Rubinstein coverage sees Peter Hall conclude what he referred to as "a happy hour and a half chatting to the maestro." Also featured is a performance by Rubinstein with André Previn and the London Symphony Orchestra.

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S16.E19 ∙ Proportion Representation

Fri, Feb 06, 1976

A study of painter Euan Uglow and life models that stretches the boundaries between art and television standards - despite being scheduled in a 5:20pm slot in the London area, fully nude women are shown throughout.

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S16.E20 ∙ Bertolucci In Parma

Fri, Feb 13, 1976

Aquarius receives exclusive behind-the-scenes access to Bernardo Bertolucci's new production "Novecento" (1900), including production rushes and interviews. Those interviewed include Bertolucci himself and Robert De Niro.

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