Forum for former BBC staff

Forum for former BBC staff
http://www.ex-bbc.net/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl >> History >> London To Brighton in Four Minutes http://www.ex-bbc.net/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl?num=1327407215 Message started by Simon Vaughan- APTS Archivist on Jan 24^th, 2012, 12:14pm

Title: London To Brighton in Four Minutes
Post by Simon Vaughan- APTS Archivist on Jan 24^th, 2012, 12:14pm

I am wondering if anyone on the forum will be able to solve an enquiry recently received by the Alexandra Palace Television Society.

The classic interlude film London to Brighton in Four Minutes has a voiceover at the start and end. Who provided the voiceover? It has been suggested that it is the broadcaster David Jacobs, but I don't think that is correct.

I have checked the BBC InFax listing and no one is credited with a voiceover, indeed no one is credited with anything - it's as though the film just "appeared" from no where!

The film can be seen here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dtOjGXZ5sLM

Any help with the enquiry will be greatfully received.

Title: Re: London To Brighton in Four Minutes
Post by double-vision on Jan 25^th, 2012, 1:52pm

Definitely not David Jacobs' voice. Not Bob Danvers Walker either. Wynford Vaughan Thomas perhaps although no Welsh accent to speak of.
Dave

Title: Re: London To Brighton in Four Minutes
Post by Roundabout on Jan 27^th, 2012, 10:46pm

It sounds as if the voice could be that of Alex Mackintosh who was one of the 'In vision' announcers of about that time. If not it could be a member of the Tonight team who I think were behind this film.............or has Tempus Fugit caught up with me?

Title: Re: London To Brighton in Four Minutes
Post by Johnel on Jan 30^th, 2012, 6:08pm

I feel pretty sure that it is not Alex Mackintosh - even allowing for the film recording his voice was slightly 'softer'.

BTW, I recall the cameraman of that film saying during a BBC TV interview in the late 1950s that he shot it on an ancient hand-crank camera securely attached to the cab. He had to keep a steady pace for an hour.

Title: Re: London To Brighton in Four Minutes
Post by Simon Vaughan- APTS Archivist on Jan 31^st, 2012, 4:57pm

Many thanks for the responses both on and off forum.

Apparently the voice is that of BBC announcer David Lloyd James. David apparently also went of to be Head of Presentation.

Title: Re: London To Brighton in Four Minutes
Post by Roundabout on Feb 21^st, 2012, 3:18pm

Thank you Simon..the link re this is fascinating stuff for Old Timers!
http://www.bbctv-ap.co.uk/newsreel.htm#lonbri