JustinRollings

Does anybody remember the series 'Black Arrow' filmed in the early 70's in and around Sussex and Bodiam Castle? My father played the 'friar' I believe but don't know too much about it. Does anyone have a copy??
Regards,
Justin

penfold

I remember it very well...it had a rollicking theme tune, and showed on ITV, but it seemed to dive about in the schedules, as I never caught as many as I wanted...... I can't remember much more than a Robin Hoodish storyline, a Knights Templar or Knights of St John subplot, and IIRC one very strong episode based around a leper....haven't seen it for thirty years plus, so no, no copy...but it was very good, well up to the standard of the competition of the time...The Flashing Blade, the B&W Robinson Crusoe series, etc. Out of the cast, the only familiar names are a young Nigel Havers...just about the first thing he did.... and your Dad, bless him.
You could try The Mausoleum Club - British Archive Television for more info, as they're more expert on old telly there, but the rules preclude asking for tapes...but they will be able to tell you in which archive the series may survive in...and with your connection, that may be a good place to start. Good luck in your search.

Bit of a Bay Window, what??

JustinRollings

Many thanks, Penfold.....it's at tleast more than I know.
Cheers,
J

smudge

Hi Justin -

Was your dad the late, great Gordon Rollings perchance ; superb character comedian and the sublime narrator of THE HERBS ?

THE BLACK ARROW was made by Southern Television and it would seem that all of the episodes survived to be archived. I assume all this archive would now be held by the super ITV/Granada, so they would be first port of call. As you have a relative featured in the series they might allow you to have copies - but they may still charge.

SMUDGE

Welcome to my house. Enter freely, and of your own will...

JustinRollings

Cheers Smudge,
yes he was, and sadly missed by us all. I am always trying to secure further footage of films/tv shows etc he was in.
Now it's a case of trying to get the contacts..
Cheers!

spinalman

I believe that the archive is owned by a TV production company not Granada etc. TVS and Meridian presumably did not purchase those rights.

I'll research the name of the company for you.

edit:

according to an old website I came across a while ago:
<<Primetime Television
Seymour Mews House Seymour Mews Wigmore Street LONDON W1H 9PE (Tel: 0171 935 9000)
Contact: Richard Leworthy

Controllers of what is left of the Southern programme library. >>

OR according to Wkipedia it is owned by Southern Star Group I am not sure about that.

Paul

JustinRollings

Paul, 'Spinalman' many thanks...I did try emailing Southern Star, no reply yet.

penfold

I've just sent you an internal email...hope it may help.

Bit of a Bay Window, what??

JustinRollings

Hi Penfold,
Not sure whether that email has come through...? My work email is justin@ninetofive.co.uk

David Brent

Hi Justin,

Your father was a well recognised and much loved character actor/comedian on both large and small screen. I can even remember him appearing in 'Play School' in the sixties and his very popular part as dopey character Charlie Moffat in 'Coronation Street'
You must be very proud.

Cheers

Dave.

JustinRollings

Yes, I am proud but as he passed away 21 years ago, it is very hard to find footage of him and we are discovering more and more of his work. It is lovely to hear of people such as you, remarking on his talent which I think was overlooked by his personal life.
I think he might have been more successful had other problems not got in the way. I do love stumbling across old films and television programmes with him in it.

Justin

JustinRollings

Well thanks to all those people who remember Gordon and his work.

Justin

JustinRollings

Yes very proud but wish I could secure more footage of his work. We're struggling as his agent has now passed on, our mother also died in 1990 and there are only my siblings left. We're relying on the generous help of people who remember him, like yourself.
Thanks!
justin

JamesM

Here is a list of Gordon's work from the BFI SIFT database.

bfi | Film & TV Info | Film & TV Database | ROLLINGS, Gordon

JustinRollings

Thanks JamesM,

There's some more work I didn't know he did!! I always seem to check out the IMBD website but together they make a good selection of work!
Thanks again!