Main content
This programme is not currently available on Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ iPlayer

Summoned by Bells

First transmitted in 1976, to celebrate the Poet Laureate's 70th birthday, Sir John Betjeman recalls in vivid detail the agonies and the delights of growing up.

First transmitted in 1976, to celebrate the Poet Laureate's 70th birthday, Sir John Betjeman recalls in vivid detail the agonies and the delights of growing up, set against the background of his Highgate and Chelsea homes, holidays in Cornwall, boarding school and Oxford. The commentary is taken entirely from Betjeman's autobiographical poem, Summoned By Bells, first published in 1960.

57 minutes

Last on

Sat 14 May 1983 19:50
Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Two except East & South East

Clip

Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Four Betjeman Collection

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

More about this programme

In a 1976 interview with Radio Times, Sir John Betjeman spoke about the poem. "I think people’s lives are interesting only up until they're 21… It's one’s first humiliations and struggles that are very interesting, so I thought I'd record them. I remember the sensual thrills one has as a child, the feeling of textures and the smell of things. I tried to put that down."

He revealed that the making of the film had taken a toll on him. "Doing this thing has been the most devastating experience. I had no idea of the kind of draining effect it has on one. … I felt as though I was undressing in public and showing my parts."

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
Photographer John McClashan
Producer Jonathan Stedall
Editor Shelagh Brady

Broadcasts

Featured in...

  • Sir John Betjeman

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

  • The Way We Lived

    Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ life, technology, transport and travel in the 20th Century.

Related Links

  • (en.wikipedia.org)
  • (en.wikipedia.org)