Reel History of Britain
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About
Reel History of Britain is a 20 part series being shown on BBC Two, presented by Melvyn Bragg and about the history of modern Britain; through the eyes of people who were there. It was shown from 5–30 September 2011. The programme is a social history documentary, charting the course of the twentieth century through archive film, plus interviews and recollections of key events that have taken place in the last one-hundred years, since the advent of moving film. In each episode, Bragg goes to a different place in the UK and shows people film in a 1950s Ministry of Technology mobile cinema, then gauges their reactions and captures them on film.
Cast
Seasons
Episodes
Season 1
Britain's Wartime Evacuees
In Torquay, Melvyn looks back to the 1940s and the largest mass movement of people in British history - wartime evacuation. Bunty Tait shares her epic adventure of a runaway evacuee. EastEnders star Derek Martin tells stories of his time as an evacuee and relives the terror of the Blitz. And Derek Capel recounts his harrowing experience of surviving a torpedo attack by the Nazis when he was evacuated overseas.
Britain's First Teenagers
In Soho, Melvyn looks back to the 1950s and a time when Britain broke free of the burdens of the Second World War and the teenager was born. One of the original trendsetters, Wee Willy Harris, talks about the rockers who ripped up the dance floor. Molly Lowton and Jennie Prescott glimpse a much loved friend and sister in films of their village dance. And 50s heart-throb Marty Wilde explains how the new music scene brightened up post-war Britain.
Soldier, Soldier
At the Queen's Lancashire Regiment Museum and Barracks in Preston, Melvyn looks back to the First World War, when British men answered the call to fight for king and country. Rita Humphrey shares the remarkable story of her uncle, Walter Tull, who overcame great prejudice to become the first black officer in the British Army. Richard Bell talks about his great uncle Donald who received the highest award for valour during the Battle of the Somme in 1916. And Accrington man Les Bond gives his verdict on the sacrifice made by the men of his home town's Pals Battalion, including his uncle Harry, who died at the battle of the Somme.
Britain's Black Diamonds
At the Big Pit Mining Museum in South Wales, Melvyn looks back to the 1930s and salutes Britain's Black Diamonds, brave miners who risked their lives digging for the coal that powered an Empire. Vicky Stradling tells the shocking truth about one of the worst disasters in coal mining history. Melvyn goes underground to learn about the limited safety equipment used by coalminers in the 1930s. And David Bogg reveals the occupational hazards of working with pit ponies.
The Roaring Twenties
At Cliveden House in Berkshire, Melvyn looks back to the Roaring Twenties to discover how the other half lived, when a group of bright young people created Britain's first modern cult of celebrity. The tragic story of Britain's original 'it girl', Elizabeth Ponsonby, is told by her niece Elizabeth. The current Lord Astor returns to his ancestral home to give a guided tour. And Martin Blaber explains what life was like below stairs for Cliveden's renowned head butler, his uncle, Edwin Lee.
Britain's Home Guard
Today we're pulling up at Osterley Park in Middlesex, the site of the first Home Guard training school, to look back to the Second World War and a time when millions of ordinary men were prepared to die for our country as Home Guard recruits. Robert Brown will come face to face with his father as a Home Guard Company Commander. Dad's Army creator, Jimmy Perry will tell us why he signed up to the Home Guard. And Ken Chambers will share with us his own extraordinary stories from his time in the Home Guard, some of which could have been taken straight from Dad's Army.
Britain's National Disgrace
Today we're pulling up in Columbia Road in the East End of London, to look back to the 1930s and a time when millions of people across Britain lived in the squalor of urban slums. Two cousins Pat and Carole will come face to face with their grandfather, who was captured in a remarkable 1935 film of Stepney tenement slums. We'll hear about the sense of community which existed amongst the slum dwellers from childhood friends Roger Packer and Brian Davies. And Stan Hardy will share with us his incredible story about his years in the workhouse as a young boy.
Britain On the Move
Today we're pulling up at the Haynes International Motor Museum in Somerset, to look back to the 1960s when dreams of the open road became a reality for the first time for millions of people. Joan Wright remembers the impact on her family when her father acquired his first car. We'll hear from Joe Moran, one of the thousands of men who travelled from Ireland to build Britain's motorways. And Anna Purkiss will see footage of her parents that evokes emotional memories of the time they were forced to make way for the motorway.
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About Reel History of Britain
Reel History of Britain is a 20 part series being shown on BBC Two, presented by Melvyn Bragg and about the history of modern Britain; through the eyes of people who were there. It was shown from 5–30 September 2011. The programme is a social history documentary, charting the course of the twentieth century through archive film, plus interviews and recollections of key events that have taken place in the last one-hundred years, since the advent of moving film. In each episode, Bragg goes to a different place in the UK and shows people film in a 1950s Ministry of Technology mobile cinema, then gauges their reactions and captures them on film. Across 1 season and 20 episodes, originally airing on BBC Two.
Reel History of Britain Cast and Characters
The cast features Melvyn Bragg. Their performances are a major reason Reel History of Britain has built such a passionate audience.
Where to Watch Reel History of Britain Online
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▶ Watch Reel History of Britain NowWhy People Are Watching Reel History of Britain
Reel History of Britain flies under the radar but it deserves your attention. What makes it work is a tone and style that's hard to find elsewhere. If you enjoy English storytelling that doesn't follow the same tired beats, this is the kind of show you'll end up recommending to friends.
Frequently Asked Questions about Reel History of Britain
Where can I watch Reel History of Britain online for free?
You can watch Reel History of Britain online free on Bowood.TV. Just open the page and hit play — no signup, no subscription, full HD streaming on phone, tablet, or desktop.
How many episodes does Reel History of Britain have?
Reel History of Britain has 20 episodes across 1 season. All episodes are available to stream right here on Bowood.TV.
Is Reel History of Britain good? What's the rating?
Reel History of Britain holds a 6.0/10 rating based on 1 reviews — a solid pick if the genre interests you.
Who is in the cast of Reel History of Britain?
The main cast includes Melvyn Bragg.
Is Reel History of Britain available in English?
Yes — Reel History of Britain was originally produced in English and that's the version you'll stream here on Bowood.TV.
When was Reel History of Britain released?
Reel History of Britain first aired in 2011.
Do I need an account to watch Reel History of Britain on Bowood.TV?
No. Bowood.TV is free and you can watch Reel History of Britain without creating an account. Sign-up is optional — only useful if you want a personal Watchlist or to comment on episodes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I watch Reel History of Britain for free?
You can watch Reel History of Britain online for free on Bowood.TV. All 20 episodes across 1 season are available to stream in HD without a subscription, signup, or paywall. Just open the show page and press play.
How many seasons and episodes does Reel History of Britain have?
Reel History of Britain currently has 1 season and a total of 20 episodes. The series status is "Ended", so the episode count may grow as new seasons are released. You can browse the full episode list on Bowood.TV and continue watching from where you left off.
What is Reel History of Britain about?
Reel History of Britain is a 20 part series being shown on BBC Two, presented by Melvyn Bragg and about the history of modern Britain; through the eyes of people who were there. It was shown from 5–30 September 2011. The programme is a social history documentary, charting the course of the twentieth century through… It belongs to the Documentary genre.
In which language is Reel History of Britain originally available?
Reel History of Britain was originally produced in English. On Bowood.TV the show is available in its original English audio, which is the most authentic way to experience the dialogue, music, and performances. Check the player options on the watch page for available subtitle tracks.
When was Reel History of Britain first released?
Reel History of Britain first premiered on September 5, 2011 (2011). The series has since concluded its run.
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