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A Poet in London

First transmitted in 1959, John Betjeman is filmed at different London locations introducing and reciting four of his poems.

First transmitted in 1959, John Betjeman is filmed at different London locations introducing and reciting four of his poems.

The film was Ken Russell's first for television and was commissioned by Huw Wheldon, the head of the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ's Monitor arts programme. Betjeman is shown visiting locations including Vauxhall Park, Aldersgate Street station (now the Barbican), Camden Town and Hatfield. He recites his poems 'Monody on the Death of Aldersgate Street Station', 'Business Girls', 'The Olympic Girl' and 'Hertfordshire'.

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12 minutes

Last on

Sun 1 Mar 1959 22:05
Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Television Service

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21/12/1958

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TH White in Alderney

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Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Four Betjeman Collection

Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Four Betjeman Collection
Rediscover the documentaries that made Betjeman a much-loved figure on British television.

About Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Four Collection programmes

Programmes are selected, in part, for their historical context and reflect the broadcast standards and attitudes of their time, which may not accord to some current Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ editorial guidelines. We aim to select programmes which can be shown in their entirety but in some cases edits are required.

Credits

Participant John Betjeman
Director Ken Russell
Producer Peter Newington
Associate Producer Nancy Thomas
Film Editor Allan Tyrer
Editor Huw Wheldon

Broadcast

  • Sun 1 Mar 1959 22:05
    Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Television Service

Featured in...

  • Sir John Betjeman

    Join Sir John Betjeman on his poetic journey to discover the essence of England's soul.

  • The Culture We Loved

    The best in arts, entertainers, musicians and celebrities from the 50s to the 90s

Related Links

  • (www.screenonline.org.uk)
  • (en.wikipedia.org)