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Summoned by Bells

First transmitted in 1976, to celebrate the Poet Laureate's 70th birthday, Sir John Betjeman recalls in vivid detail the agonies and the delights of growing up.

First transmitted in 1976, to celebrate the Poet Laureate's 70th birthday, Sir John Betjeman recalls in vivid detail the agonies and the delights of growing up, set against the background of his Highgate and Chelsea homes, holidays in Cornwall, boarding school and Oxford. The commentary is taken entirely from Betjeman's autobiographical poem, Summoned By Bells, first published in 1960.

57 minutes

Last on

Sat 14 May 198319:50
BBC Two except East & South East

Clip

BBC Four Betjeman Collection

BBC Four Betjeman Collection
Rediscover the documentaries that made Betjeman a much-loved figure on British television.

BBC Four Betjeman Collection

More about this programme

In a 1976 interview with Radio Times, Sir John Betjeman spoke about the poem. "I think people’s lives are interesting only up until they're 21… It's one’s first humiliations and struggles that are very interesting, so I thought I'd record them. I remember the sensual thrills one has as a child, the feeling of textures and the smell of things. I tried to put that down."

He revealed that the making of the film had taken a toll on him. "Doing this thing has been the most devastating experience. I had no idea of the kind of draining effect it has on one. … I felt as though I was undressing in public and showing my parts."

About BBC Four Collection programmes

Programmes are selected, in part, for their historical context and reflect the broadcast standards and attitudes of their time, which may not accord to some current BBC editorial guidelines. We aim to select programmes which can be shown in their entirety but in some cases edits are required.

Credits

ParticipantJohn Betjeman
PhotographerJohn McClashan
ProducerJonathan Stedall
EditorShelagh Brady

Broadcasts

  • Sun 29 Aug 197622:10
    BBC One
  • Boxing Day 197621:30
    BBC Two except East & South East
  • Sat 14 May 198319:50
    BBC Two except East & South East

Featured in...

  • Sir John Betjeman

    Join Sir John Betjeman on his poetic journey to discover the essence of England's soul.

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