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John Betjeman: From Marble Arch To Edgware
A journey through lost London with the poet John Betjeman.
published: 17 Apr 2022
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Sir John Betjeman reads his poem "Christmas" (1954).
A Merry Christmas to one and all!
Read by the author - former Poet Laureate of the United Kingdom. Here Sir John Betjeman invites us to share his wit and his deeply Christian sentiment. Recorded in 1980.
Thersites, of figures-of-speech.com writes:
"How pleasant, then, to turn to John Betjeman, poet and human being. Human beings are never more needed than at Christmas – poets, too, if you think about it. His poem 'Christmas', from his book A Few Late Chrysanthemums (1954), is everything a Christmas poem should be: cheerful, amusing, light-hearted, profound and deeply Christian. It is immediately accessible: it delivers meaning immediately and on further reflection much deeper meaning.
Read this at a carol service and the members of the congregation are not hunched down in the pews, pon...
published: 10 Dec 2017
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1964: Philip LARKIN and John BETJEMAN on Poetry | Monitor | Classic arts interview | BBC Archive
John Betjeman meets Philip Larkin, to discuss poetry and the inspirations behind it, and the city of Hull where Larkin lives and works as University Librarian.
Originally broadcast 15 December, 1964.
You have now entered the BBC Archive, a time machine that will transport you back to the golden age of tv to educate, entertain and enlighten you with classic tv clips from the BBC vaults.
Make sure you subscribe so that you never miss a single stop on our amazing journey through the BBC Archive - https://www.youtube.com/c/BBCArchive?sub_confirmation=1
published: 10 Aug 2022
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Sir John Betjeman - Betjeman's Britain
published: 02 Nov 2017
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BBC TV “A Passion for Churches”: John Betjeman 1974
A "celebration of the C of E" by the Poet Laureate, who looks at several churches in the Diocese of Norwich and considers their architecture, history and worship. First broadcast on BBC TV on 7 December 1974.
He visits the choirs of Wymondham Abbey and St Mary's Church, Martham.
published: 10 Jun 2017
-
Michael Parkinson, Kenneth Williams, Maggie Smith and Sir John Betjeman
This upload is a companion video to the Parkinson special of 1973, featuring an extended debate between Kenneth Williams and union leader Jimmy Reid, with a little help from the audience. That programme can be found here;
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ylTnvLl4aIk&t=414s
During this segment preceding the debate episode, Parky and Kenneth Williams got into a brief, heated exchange over the conduct of the trade union movement, and social and political ideologies more generally. Although by today's standards there wasn't too much in it, it garnered such a reaction that Kenneth was invited back to debate with union leader Jimmy Reid for a special show. In this case, both Parkinson and Kenneth Williams showed their professionalism, in that neither allowed things to escalate, and KW himse...
published: 29 Nov 2020
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John Betjeman: Late Flowering Lust with Nigel Hawthorne
No copyright infringement is intended.This film is now out of print, and literally impossible to acquire online or in stores. This upload is an attempt to preserve this wonderful fusion of choreography and poetry for educational purposes; and to further the exposure of the poetry of Sir John Betjeman.
Late Flowering Lust was a BBC production which featured the dance troupe 'Adventures in Motion Pictures' choreographed to a select few poems of Sir John Betjeman's, read by Nigel Hawthorn who assumes the role of the man himself; 'Cousin John', invited to a country house for a relaxing weekend, and finds himself slightly overwhelmed by the younger guests. Filmed at Benington Lordship House and the surrounding area.
List of Poems:
04:30 : A Russell Flint
08:39 : Indoor Games Near Newbury
...
published: 26 Jul 2012
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BRANCH LINE - 1 - Sir John Betjeman
Part 1 - A 1963 BBC programme showing the 24 mile S&D line from Evercreech Junction. In this first episode we reach Highbridge - then the end of passenger services.
published: 07 Jan 2008
-
the real John Betjeman
UK channel 4 documentary from 2000. Very poor video quality and synchronisation, but an excellent insight into the complex man behind the avuncular image. If anyone has a quality copy of this, please upload. I do not own the rights to this, and offer here as 'fair use' for educational purposes. Should any parties feel that their rights be infringed or compromised, I will happily remove it.
published: 27 Apr 2018
26:22
John Betjeman: From Marble Arch To Edgware
A journey through lost London with the poet John Betjeman.
A journey through lost London with the poet John Betjeman.
https://wn.com/John_Betjeman_From_Marble_Arch_To_Edgware
A journey through lost London with the poet John Betjeman.
- published: 17 Apr 2022
- views: 17781
5:35
Sir John Betjeman reads his poem "Christmas" (1954).
A Merry Christmas to one and all!
Read by the author - former Poet Laureate of the United Kingdom. Here Sir John Betjeman invites us to share his wit and his d...
A Merry Christmas to one and all!
Read by the author - former Poet Laureate of the United Kingdom. Here Sir John Betjeman invites us to share his wit and his deeply Christian sentiment. Recorded in 1980.
Thersites, of figures-of-speech.com writes:
"How pleasant, then, to turn to John Betjeman, poet and human being. Human beings are never more needed than at Christmas – poets, too, if you think about it. His poem 'Christmas', from his book A Few Late Chrysanthemums (1954), is everything a Christmas poem should be: cheerful, amusing, light-hearted, profound and deeply Christian. It is immediately accessible: it delivers meaning immediately and on further reflection much deeper meaning.
Read this at a carol service and the members of the congregation are not hunched down in the pews, pondering conundrums of misery and doubt; they are smiling, filled with light and Christmas beatitude. At the time of those school carol services Betjeman's book had only been published a handful of years and smelt too much of freshness and modernity".
Full article here: http://figures-of-speech.com/2016/12/betjeman.htm
The Poem
The bells of waiting Advent ring,
The Tortoise stove is lit again
And lamp-oil light across the night
Has caught the streaks of winter rain
In many a stained-glass window sheen
From Crimson Lake to Hookers Green.
The holly in the windy hedge
And round the Manor House the yew
Will soon be stripped to deck the ledge,
The altar, font and arch and pew,
So that the villagers can say
'The church looks nice' on Christmas Day.
Provincial Public Houses blaze,
Corporation tramcars clang,
On lighted tenements I gaze,
Where paper decorations hang,
And bunting in the red Town Hall
Says 'Merry Christmas to you all'.
And London shops on Christmas Eve
Are strung with silver bells and flowers
As hurrying clerks the City leave
To pigeon-haunted classic towers,
And marbled clouds go scudding by
The many-steepled London sky.
And girls in slacks remember Dad,
And oafish louts remember Mum,
And sleepless children's hearts are glad.
And Christmas-morning bells say 'Come!'
Even to shining ones who dwell
Safe in the Dorchester Hotel.
And is it true,
This most tremendous tale of all,
Seen in a stained-glass window's hue,
A Baby in an ox's stall ?
The Maker of the stars and sea
Become a Child on earth for me ?
And is it true? For if it is,
No loving fingers tying strings
Around those tissued fripperies,
The sweet and silly Christmas things,
Bath salts and inexpensive scent
And hideous tie so kindly meant,
No love that in a family dwells,
No carolling in frosty air,
Nor all the steeple-shaking bells
Can with this single Truth compare -
That God was man in Palestine
And lives today in Bread and Wine.
Images
TBA
Recording
Album: Sir John Betjeman's Varsity Rag
Music: Jim Parker
℗ 1981 Virgin Records
https://wn.com/Sir_John_Betjeman_Reads_His_Poem_Christmas_(1954).
A Merry Christmas to one and all!
Read by the author - former Poet Laureate of the United Kingdom. Here Sir John Betjeman invites us to share his wit and his deeply Christian sentiment. Recorded in 1980.
Thersites, of figures-of-speech.com writes:
"How pleasant, then, to turn to John Betjeman, poet and human being. Human beings are never more needed than at Christmas – poets, too, if you think about it. His poem 'Christmas', from his book A Few Late Chrysanthemums (1954), is everything a Christmas poem should be: cheerful, amusing, light-hearted, profound and deeply Christian. It is immediately accessible: it delivers meaning immediately and on further reflection much deeper meaning.
Read this at a carol service and the members of the congregation are not hunched down in the pews, pondering conundrums of misery and doubt; they are smiling, filled with light and Christmas beatitude. At the time of those school carol services Betjeman's book had only been published a handful of years and smelt too much of freshness and modernity".
Full article here: http://figures-of-speech.com/2016/12/betjeman.htm
The Poem
The bells of waiting Advent ring,
The Tortoise stove is lit again
And lamp-oil light across the night
Has caught the streaks of winter rain
In many a stained-glass window sheen
From Crimson Lake to Hookers Green.
The holly in the windy hedge
And round the Manor House the yew
Will soon be stripped to deck the ledge,
The altar, font and arch and pew,
So that the villagers can say
'The church looks nice' on Christmas Day.
Provincial Public Houses blaze,
Corporation tramcars clang,
On lighted tenements I gaze,
Where paper decorations hang,
And bunting in the red Town Hall
Says 'Merry Christmas to you all'.
And London shops on Christmas Eve
Are strung with silver bells and flowers
As hurrying clerks the City leave
To pigeon-haunted classic towers,
And marbled clouds go scudding by
The many-steepled London sky.
And girls in slacks remember Dad,
And oafish louts remember Mum,
And sleepless children's hearts are glad.
And Christmas-morning bells say 'Come!'
Even to shining ones who dwell
Safe in the Dorchester Hotel.
And is it true,
This most tremendous tale of all,
Seen in a stained-glass window's hue,
A Baby in an ox's stall ?
The Maker of the stars and sea
Become a Child on earth for me ?
And is it true? For if it is,
No loving fingers tying strings
Around those tissued fripperies,
The sweet and silly Christmas things,
Bath salts and inexpensive scent
And hideous tie so kindly meant,
No love that in a family dwells,
No carolling in frosty air,
Nor all the steeple-shaking bells
Can with this single Truth compare -
That God was man in Palestine
And lives today in Bread and Wine.
Images
TBA
Recording
Album: Sir John Betjeman's Varsity Rag
Music: Jim Parker
℗ 1981 Virgin Records
- published: 10 Dec 2017
- views: 86498
8:20
1964: Philip LARKIN and John BETJEMAN on Poetry | Monitor | Classic arts interview | BBC Archive
John Betjeman meets Philip Larkin, to discuss poetry and the inspirations behind it, and the city of Hull where Larkin lives and works as University Librarian.
...
John Betjeman meets Philip Larkin, to discuss poetry and the inspirations behind it, and the city of Hull where Larkin lives and works as University Librarian.
Originally broadcast 15 December, 1964.
You have now entered the BBC Archive, a time machine that will transport you back to the golden age of tv to educate, entertain and enlighten you with classic tv clips from the BBC vaults.
Make sure you subscribe so that you never miss a single stop on our amazing journey through the BBC Archive - https://www.youtube.com/c/BBCArchive?sub_confirmation=1
https://wn.com/1964_Philip_Larkin_And_John_Betjeman_On_Poetry_|_Monitor_|_Classic_Arts_Interview_|_BBC_Archive
John Betjeman meets Philip Larkin, to discuss poetry and the inspirations behind it, and the city of Hull where Larkin lives and works as University Librarian.
Originally broadcast 15 December, 1964.
You have now entered the BBC Archive, a time machine that will transport you back to the golden age of tv to educate, entertain and enlighten you with classic tv clips from the BBC vaults.
Make sure you subscribe so that you never miss a single stop on our amazing journey through the BBC Archive - https://www.youtube.com/c/BBCArchive?sub_confirmation=1
- published: 10 Aug 2022
- views: 8481
49:48
BBC TV “A Passion for Churches”: John Betjeman 1974
A "celebration of the C of E" by the Poet Laureate, who looks at several churches in the Diocese of Norwich and considers their architecture, history and worshi...
A "celebration of the C of E" by the Poet Laureate, who looks at several churches in the Diocese of Norwich and considers their architecture, history and worship. First broadcast on BBC TV on 7 December 1974.
He visits the choirs of Wymondham Abbey and St Mary's Church, Martham.
https://wn.com/BBC_Tv_“A_Passion_For_Churches”_John_Betjeman_1974
A "celebration of the C of E" by the Poet Laureate, who looks at several churches in the Diocese of Norwich and considers their architecture, history and worship. First broadcast on BBC TV on 7 December 1974.
He visits the choirs of Wymondham Abbey and St Mary's Church, Martham.
- published: 10 Jun 2017
- views: 44537
17:00
Michael Parkinson, Kenneth Williams, Maggie Smith and Sir John Betjeman
This upload is a companion video to the Parkinson special of 1973, featuring an extended debate between Kenneth Williams and union leader Jimmy Reid, with a lit...
This upload is a companion video to the Parkinson special of 1973, featuring an extended debate between Kenneth Williams and union leader Jimmy Reid, with a little help from the audience. That programme can be found here;
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ylTnvLl4aIk&t=414s
During this segment preceding the debate episode, Parky and Kenneth Williams got into a brief, heated exchange over the conduct of the trade union movement, and social and political ideologies more generally. Although by today's standards there wasn't too much in it, it garnered such a reaction that Kenneth was invited back to debate with union leader Jimmy Reid for a special show. In this case, both Parkinson and Kenneth Williams showed their professionalism, in that neither allowed things to escalate, and KW himself defused any tension with a brilliantly over the top, "I've never been so insulted!"
Otherwise it's an interesting combination of guests, with Sir John appearing to have a great time. It ends with a poignant reading, by Kenneth Williams and Maggie Smith, of John Betjeman's Death in Leamington.
In a subsequent retrospective, Michael Parkinson stated that this episode was from late 1972, but it may have been early in 1973.
#MichaelParkinson #KennethWilliams #MaggieSmith #JohnBetjeman #Parkinson
https://wn.com/Michael_Parkinson,_Kenneth_Williams,_Maggie_Smith_And_Sir_John_Betjeman
This upload is a companion video to the Parkinson special of 1973, featuring an extended debate between Kenneth Williams and union leader Jimmy Reid, with a little help from the audience. That programme can be found here;
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ylTnvLl4aIk&t=414s
During this segment preceding the debate episode, Parky and Kenneth Williams got into a brief, heated exchange over the conduct of the trade union movement, and social and political ideologies more generally. Although by today's standards there wasn't too much in it, it garnered such a reaction that Kenneth was invited back to debate with union leader Jimmy Reid for a special show. In this case, both Parkinson and Kenneth Williams showed their professionalism, in that neither allowed things to escalate, and KW himself defused any tension with a brilliantly over the top, "I've never been so insulted!"
Otherwise it's an interesting combination of guests, with Sir John appearing to have a great time. It ends with a poignant reading, by Kenneth Williams and Maggie Smith, of John Betjeman's Death in Leamington.
In a subsequent retrospective, Michael Parkinson stated that this episode was from late 1972, but it may have been early in 1973.
#MichaelParkinson #KennethWilliams #MaggieSmith #JohnBetjeman #Parkinson
- published: 29 Nov 2020
- views: 38981
54:16
John Betjeman: Late Flowering Lust with Nigel Hawthorne
No copyright infringement is intended.This film is now out of print, and literally impossible to acquire online or in stores. This upload is an attempt to prese...
No copyright infringement is intended.This film is now out of print, and literally impossible to acquire online or in stores. This upload is an attempt to preserve this wonderful fusion of choreography and poetry for educational purposes; and to further the exposure of the poetry of Sir John Betjeman.
Late Flowering Lust was a BBC production which featured the dance troupe 'Adventures in Motion Pictures' choreographed to a select few poems of Sir John Betjeman's, read by Nigel Hawthorn who assumes the role of the man himself; 'Cousin John', invited to a country house for a relaxing weekend, and finds himself slightly overwhelmed by the younger guests. Filmed at Benington Lordship House and the surrounding area.
List of Poems:
04:30 : A Russell Flint
08:39 : Indoor Games Near Newbury
14:41 : The Licorice Fields at Pontefract
18:30 : Seaside Golf
21:32 : County
26:05 : The Olympic Girl
29:18 : Senex
34:52 : Peggy Purey Cust
39:55 : The Varsity Students' Rag
44:41 : Late Flowering Lust
48:35 : Youth and Age on Beaulieu River
Tags; "Sir John Betjeman" "Late Flowering Lust" "Poems" "Choreography" "Dance" "Nigel Hawthorne" "Adventures in Motion Pictures" "Benington Lordship" "House" "A Russell Flint" "Indoor Games Near Newbury" "The Licorice Fields at Pontefract" "Seaside Golf" "County" "The Olympic Girl" "Senex" "Peggy Purey Cust" "The Varsity Students' Rag" "Youth and Age on Beaulieu River"
https://wn.com/John_Betjeman_Late_Flowering_Lust_With_Nigel_Hawthorne
No copyright infringement is intended.This film is now out of print, and literally impossible to acquire online or in stores. This upload is an attempt to preserve this wonderful fusion of choreography and poetry for educational purposes; and to further the exposure of the poetry of Sir John Betjeman.
Late Flowering Lust was a BBC production which featured the dance troupe 'Adventures in Motion Pictures' choreographed to a select few poems of Sir John Betjeman's, read by Nigel Hawthorn who assumes the role of the man himself; 'Cousin John', invited to a country house for a relaxing weekend, and finds himself slightly overwhelmed by the younger guests. Filmed at Benington Lordship House and the surrounding area.
List of Poems:
04:30 : A Russell Flint
08:39 : Indoor Games Near Newbury
14:41 : The Licorice Fields at Pontefract
18:30 : Seaside Golf
21:32 : County
26:05 : The Olympic Girl
29:18 : Senex
34:52 : Peggy Purey Cust
39:55 : The Varsity Students' Rag
44:41 : Late Flowering Lust
48:35 : Youth and Age on Beaulieu River
Tags; "Sir John Betjeman" "Late Flowering Lust" "Poems" "Choreography" "Dance" "Nigel Hawthorne" "Adventures in Motion Pictures" "Benington Lordship" "House" "A Russell Flint" "Indoor Games Near Newbury" "The Licorice Fields at Pontefract" "Seaside Golf" "County" "The Olympic Girl" "Senex" "Peggy Purey Cust" "The Varsity Students' Rag" "Youth and Age on Beaulieu River"
- published: 26 Jul 2012
- views: 97573
9:47
BRANCH LINE - 1 - Sir John Betjeman
Part 1 - A 1963 BBC programme showing the 24 mile S&D line from Evercreech Junction. In this first episode we reach Highbridge - then the end of passenger servi...
Part 1 - A 1963 BBC programme showing the 24 mile S&D line from Evercreech Junction. In this first episode we reach Highbridge - then the end of passenger services.
https://wn.com/Branch_Line_1_Sir_John_Betjeman
Part 1 - A 1963 BBC programme showing the 24 mile S&D line from Evercreech Junction. In this first episode we reach Highbridge - then the end of passenger services.
- published: 07 Jan 2008
- views: 269877
48:15
the real John Betjeman
UK channel 4 documentary from 2000. Very poor video quality and synchronisation, but an excellent insight into the complex man behind the avuncular image. If an...
UK channel 4 documentary from 2000. Very poor video quality and synchronisation, but an excellent insight into the complex man behind the avuncular image. If anyone has a quality copy of this, please upload. I do not own the rights to this, and offer here as 'fair use' for educational purposes. Should any parties feel that their rights be infringed or compromised, I will happily remove it.
https://wn.com/The_Real_John_Betjeman
UK channel 4 documentary from 2000. Very poor video quality and synchronisation, but an excellent insight into the complex man behind the avuncular image. If anyone has a quality copy of this, please upload. I do not own the rights to this, and offer here as 'fair use' for educational purposes. Should any parties feel that their rights be infringed or compromised, I will happily remove it.
- published: 27 Apr 2018
- views: 30382
