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Monitor - Elgar by Ken Russell 11 November 1962

The 100th edition of the arts television programme Monitor was broadcast on 11 November 1962. It was a special film dedicated to the life of Edward Elgar, made by Ken Russell. A straightforward documentary approach was abandoned, in favour of what is now known as docu-drama, with actors taking the parts of Elgar and his family. However, there was no dialogue and only a dry commentary from Huw Wheldon. Instead Russell filled the soundtrack with Elgar's music and created a serious yet expressive film that has become a classic of its type.

Release date:

Duration:

4 minutes