Talking Pictures TV has announced their intention to broadcast the BBC series Beau Geste. It will air in late November.
What is Beau Geste?
Based on the 1924 novel by P. C. Wren, the series follows the story of three brothers of a well-to-do English family who join the French Foreign Legion. It aired on BBC1 between October and December 1982; Running for 1 series of 8 episodes. It was written by Alistair Bell and Terrance Dicks, produced by Barry Letts and starred Benedict Taylor, Anthony Calf and Jonathon Morris.
“Unlike the Hollywood movies based on the novel, this series stays true to the book. The series is remembered for the producer’s attention to detail, for example the Legionnaires’ equipment is accurate, right down to the correct mess-tins and bayonets. Filmed entirely in England, at various locations, with its desert scenes being filmed in a sand pit in Dorset.” Information via Talking Pictures.
The Eclectic Schedules of Talking Pictures
The channel has a reputation for airing archive programming which hasn’t been seen on broadcast television for a number of years. They have included Worzel Gummidge, Jack Hargreaves’ Out of Town, Z Cars, Dixon of Dock Green, Love for Lydia and Victorian Scandals. It was also recently announced that the Granada series Travelling Man is coming in late November.
Talking Pictures TV is available free-to-air on Freeview and Freesat in the UK. Its channel allocation is 82 for Freeview and 306 for Freesat. It is also available on subscription platforms, channel 328 on Sky Digital and 445 on Virgin. The channel is dedicated to vintage film and television, often highlighting forgotten treasures and classics.
Jamie’s Reaction
Talking pictures TV continues to find unseen gems in the archive; This BBC period drama from the early 80s is sure to be a hit with its audience. There will no doubt be familiar faces, I see John Challis is in the cast list, which is just one of the enjoyments to be found in this classic series.
When will the series air?
Beau Geste will first air on the 23rd of November at 6:25pm. It will air weekly around the same time. Are you looking forward to Beau Geste?
If you have a vintage related story that you’d like to see us cover. Email Jamie@OldTimeReview.co.uk or tweet @OldTimeReview.
