Return Of The Pink!

I must say that it was a real kick to see a return to BBC 2 Television for "The Pink Panther Show" this week. I have many fond memories of watching the show's re-runs on BBC Television throughout the 1990's and it's certainly a welcome return. The show in question is as originally broadcast by NBC Television from 1969 to 1971 and also features "The Inspector" cartoons.

In 1971, the show received a makeover and had a successful run from then until 1976 under the title "The New Pink Panther Show" - featuring "The Ant & The Aardvark" cartoons, which were voiced by John Byner who created a voice similar to Dean Martin for "Charlie Ant" and a very Jackie Mason like voice for "The Aardvark".

I've often said that cartoons like the Pink Panther, Tom & Jerry and others have had a big influence on my interest in music - this is perhaps most importantly because the cartoons rely heavily on musical scores, as the characters are almost always "mute". In the case of Tom & Jerry; their cartoons were often linked with MGM Musical scores of the time such as "Anchors Aweigh", in which Jerry is actually featured dancing alongside Gene Kelly in a special routine... as for Tom - he resides as butler to Jerry (the king) who had banned singing and dancing in his kingdom; until being encouraged to change his ways by Mr. Kelly.


Tom & Jerry were also one of the earliest introductions I had to classical music. One cartoon particularly sticks in my mind... "Tom & Jerry At The Hollywood Bowl" which features the overture from Strauss' operetta, "Die Fledermaus".

The Pink Panther cartoons were also my main introduction to Henry Mancini, who's "Pink Panther Theme" featured in each program. Over the years, Henry made many wonderful scores and albums for RCA Victor - numerous of which have become personal favourites.

Of course, the Warner Brothers and Disney cartoons cannot go without a mention too. They also featured many delightful scores... like the "Silly Symphonies" and "Merrie Melodies" shorts; which had a charm of their own.

The universal appeal of all these cartoons makes them as timeless and enjoyable today as when they were first shown; and long may they be enjoyed!

John Sullivan - A Tribute

I'm sure most of us would agree that the importance of a solo comedian or double act is always a careful blending of comic delivery/timing and writing. On the same note - without a good script, you don't have a show. When it comes to a sitcom - a hand crafted plot is essential to making the program not only entertaining on different levels, but also believable. John Sullivan did just that. Today he is perhaps best remembered for writing "Only Fools And Horses" and the spin-off's from the series - "The Green Green Grass" and his final work "Rock & Chips".

John was from a South London, working class background and worked for 15 years in a variety of low paid jobs before getting his first big break writing the TV Sitcom "Citizen Smith" starring Robert Lindsay, which ran for 4 series.

His first association with the BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation) came when he gained a job working behind the scenes as a "prop man" - this brought with it the perfect opportunity to network with the right people within the industry and make his creative voice heard.

"Only Fools And Horses" first hit UK screens in 1982 and the main series ran until 1991, along with yearly Christmas specials running to 1996 (concluding with the famous Christmas "Trilogy") and a series of 3 comeback specials between 2001 and 2003. The secret to the longevity and endurance of "Only Fools And Horses" is perhaps most importantly because of it's multi-generational appeal and the fact that the storylines have been inspired by real life stories in "real world" settings.

I am very grateful that my family, friends and I have enjoyed (and continue to enjoy) many happy hours together watching "Only Fools And Horses" and "The Green Green Grass". We've been quite litterally in tears of laughter... which is perhaps the greatest compliment a comedian/comedy writer could ever hope for. I also think it's fair to say that I've not seen any work by John Sullivan that I didn't thoroughly enjoy - he maintained an excellent standard of writing throughout the years and the authenticity of each program to it's "situation" subject has always been a joy to both see and hear.

John passed away this past weekend on Saturday - April 23, 2011... he will be greatly missed by family, friends and all who appreciate comedy writing of the highest order. Although the man may be passed, the legacy is just beginning and will live on as long as there are people who enjoy truly great situation comedy.

Spring Is Here...

With Spring in full bloom now, it's a real kick to have enjoyed the flurry of warm weather we've had across the British Isles this past week or so. We've seen a considerable drop in temperature over the past 24 hours, but a return to the heat will be welcomed by us all in time for this friday - April 29, 2011... it's a kick to think we can enjoy the first royal wedding in some years now. There's much excitement in the air and most importantly - it's good to see people coming together to celebrate... that's what it's all about.

There's little that hasn't already been discussed about Will and Kate's big day; so I'll close simply by extending my best wishes to them both and hope they enjoy a lifetime of happiness together.

On a very different subject, this afternoon - I encountered another example of how even in a highly developing technological age, standards continue in their downward trend. A Worcester Bosch boiler was the case subject... and the issue - inferior quality parts. The boiler leaked over several hours, some 3 or 4 mugs full of water. I called for the engineer and hopefully the problem will be fully rectified by tomorrow evening. It's a pity though that in this age of outstanding technology - products are still falling greatly short of the mark. It's time to raise the bar again and maintain it... I've always thought that Robert Browning put it very well: "Ah, but a man's reach should exceed his grasp, Or what's a heaven for?"

“Perry Como’s Springtime Spectacular”

May 12, 2011 will mark the 10th year since the passing of one of the most important singers of the 20th Century – Perry Como. From very humble beginnings, Perry built up a reputation set on the foundations of integrity, high standards and excellent values. In a career spanning 7 decades, more than 40 of which with the same recording label, RCA Victor – he made more than 800 recordings; and it is a selection of these which we present to you in “Perry Como’s Springtime Spectacular”.

In this year’s offering, we bring to you recordings dating back to as early as 1939, right through to Perry’s final studio album, recorded in 1987. We have rarities, alongside familiar favourites; from the upbeat of our opening number, to our traditional closing with “The Lord’s Prayer”, you can be assured that there’s something for everyone – all hosted by our good friend, Steve Goddard.

We welcome you all to join us as we celebrate the Easter festivities and all the beauty of the spring season with one of our most respected and versatile singers.


© Matthew Long, 2011
Producer, Perry Como’s Seasonal Specials


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