New documentary about John

On Sunday (1st January) ITV1 are screening The Unforgettable John Thaw at 9:45-10:45pm, very rare do they show them as an hour long tribute. Just wish I could record it, but sadly I don't have a DVD recorder.

Mind you I think the reason this one hasn't been screened earlier when the series started is on 3rd January marks what would have been john's 70th birthday!

Also next Monday (2nd January) on ITV3 at 9:00pm is Endeavour the new prequel to Morse, obviously I'm more interested in John and that's what this blog is for, but I know a lot of folk will be interested in this, me included. Mind I like a good drama full stop, and that's what this looks like from the trailer I've seen on tv.

10th anniversary of John's death

As you all know on 21st February 2012 marks the 10th anniversary of the sad passing of this wonderful actor, and i think we should all mark it by watching what made us a fan of him in the first place.

So for me that will be "Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner", which i saw in 1973, and i've been hooked on him ever since. I plan on watching it on blu-ray as i've not watched it yet, because i was saving it for this occasion.

When you have decided what you are watching please leave a reply to this thread so everyone else can see what you have choosen.

Also for John's birthday and anniversary i will be updating the blog with a new slidshow and maybe a new layout, have to see first

John's 70th Birthday...

As everyone knows on 3rd January next year (2012), marks what would have been John's 70th birthday, so i think we should all mark the occasion and watch some of his wonderful work!

If any of you have idea's of what you are going to watch then add them to this thread so everyone else can see, i haven't decided yet but when i have i will post mine. I'm looking forward to seeing what everyone chooses.

New titles being released!

 Just received the following, and thought you all might like to know, as it's been a long time since we had anything new on John.

Don't know if any of you have a blu-ray player but if you do then REGAN is being released on blu-ray on 10th October by Network!

Also on DVD, by Network, is vol. 2 of Armchair Theatre, this is only available till 9th March 2012, then it will be discontinued, it contains the single drama COMPETITION, originally screened on ITV on 5th October 1971, starring John Thaw of course.

Competition‘You don’t want to believe a word your dad says. Nobody else does.’ Young Ray hardly needs the advice. A budding poet, he particularly wants his father to go with him to the poetry competition at school – but father has something else on his mind, and Ray’s awakening disillusion is confirmed.

visitor's counter

For some reason my visitor's counter which was at the foot of the blog stopped working, so i've install a new one which is now at the top of the left hand side of my blog, which means i don't know how many folk have been on here since 2008 when i started it. So now it starts from today!

Filming starts on Morse prequel

Sorry everyone i haven't been around for awhile, been having a few blog problems but hopefully all sorted out now!


Principle filming has now started on ITV’s Inspector Morse prequel Endeavour, which stars Shaun Evans as the young Morse, the role made famous by John Thaw.

Earlier this month the broadcaster announced the one-off drama’s plot would give viewers an insight into the origins of the detective, his love of crosswords, classical music, real ale and classic cars.

Set in 1965, the story follows the hunt for a missing schoolgirl which draws Detective Constable Endeavour Morse back to Oxford – the place which will ultimately shape and define his destiny.


The two-hour drama has been written by Morse writer and Lewis creator Russell Lewis.

Deep in a full-blown murder investigation and led by Detective Inspector Fred Thursday (Roger Allam), Endeavour finds himself side-lined, discredited and at a dead end.

Facing down the demons of his past, Endeavour begins his own quest in pursuit of justice, risking all in the hunt for a truth that will haunt him for the rest of his days.

Joining Evans and Hallam are Charlie Creed Miles (Harry Brown), Richard Lintern, James Bradshaw and Thaw’s daughter Abigail.

Executive Producer Damien Timmer said: “We’re delighted Russell has written this brilliant one off drama for ITV. It’s a sharp and revealing script which gives us a new perspective on this legendary detective.”

Endeavour will air next year to mark the 25th anniversary of the very first episode of Morse.

Sorry for not being around

Hello everyone
I just hope this works as my blog has been playing up, where it won't let me post anything.

I'm sorry I've not posted for quite sometime but I wasn't very well in March/April then when I was feeling better the blog wouldn't let me on.

I hope to be posting again soon
Take care everyone

LEGENDARY detective Inspector Morse is coming back - as a young upstart copper

Just received the following article in my email box and thought some of you might be interested! Sorry i haven't been around much lately i've not been too well, but i hope to be back on board soon.

The Sun
By Colin Roberson
Friday 29th April 2011
ITV is making a prequel to the long-running series which ended 11 years ago with the death of the grumpy tec, played by the late John Thaw.

Writer Colin Dexter, 80, who dreamed up the Oxford cop for a series of novels, is an adviser for the new one-off drama.

It will focus on the young Endeavour Morse as he earns his stripes with Thames Valley Police. It is also likely to chart real ale and opera-loving Morse's stint at Oxford University and his time in the Army.

A show source said: "There is a whole rich seam of potential stories about Morse's personal life that we can mine.

"Colin Dexter did not give away huge amounts about Morse's past, preferring to make him an enigmatic character.

"He didn't even let readers know his first name until late in the 12 novels he wrote about him. Colin is advising and naturally has many ideas about what should be said about Morse - or what should not be given away."

ITV has yet to start casting the title role but a production team is being assembled. The show is earmarked for screening next year as a special to mark the 25th anniversary of the first Morse episode shown in 1987.

If it goes well there is expected to be a series. It could mean the end of the current spin-off Lewis, based around Jaguar-driving Morse's sidekick, played by Kevin Whately.

Inspector Morse ran for 33 episodes over 13 years. Nearly 14million viewers tuned in for the final episode The Remorseful Day in 2000 when Morse died of a heart attack in hospital.

CBE FOR GLAMOROUS GRAN SHEILA HANCOCK

I thought some of you might find this of interest, so thought i'd post it, also sorry i haven't been around for a few days i've had ear ache and also my leg has been very sore, then the internet connection went down.

Sheila Hancock after being awarded her CBE
By Daily Express Reporter

Sheila Hancock took her family to Buckingham Palace yesterday where Prince Charles awarded her a “richly deserved” CBE.

A self-confessed fan and Palace aide also congratulated the actress. “It was lovely,” she said. Sheila, 78, was married to John Thaw, star of The Sweeney and Inspector Morse for 29 years until his death in 2002. She found fame in the sitcom The Rag Trade in the 1960s. Recently she has written bestselling memoirs and was a judge on TV’s Over The Rainbow.

Also at the Palace were Joanna, 36, her daughter with Thaw, left, and granddaughters Lola, 12, and Molly-Mae, 13.

Today's Choice - 15th March

Hello everyone, i've got two drama's for you to watch today, so hope you enjoy which ever one you decide to watch.

15th March

Inspector Morse: The Settling of the Sun

Kavanagh QC: The More Loving One

There is none tomorrow so i'll see you all back here on Thursday!

Today's Choice - 14th March

Hello everyone, here is today's choice for you, enjoy!

14th March

The Avengers: Esprit De Corps

I'll see you all tomorrow hopefully, having a few pc problems but nothing to major to worry about so far.

Today's Choice - 13th March

Hello everyone, here is today's choices for you, hope you enjoy them.

13th March

The Sweeney: Big Spender
Inspector Morse: Who killed Harry Field

See you all tomorrow!

Today's Choice - 11th March

Hello Everyone, hope you are all ok and looking forward to the weekend, lets all spare a moment or two for folks in Japan who are having a rough time at present with all these earthquakes.

Now onto today's choice's and i have two for you, so enjoy them!

11th March

Inspector Morse: Happy Families
Kavanagh QC: The Burning Deck

I'll see you all on Saturday as there is nothing for tomorrow!

Today's Choice - 10th March

Hello Everyone, sorry i didn't make it on Tuesday, my server was down, so anytime i miss some of John's dramas i'll save them for is anniversary birthday (70) and the anniversary of his death (10) next year!

10th March

Kavanagh QC: Blood Money

This is one of my all time favourite stories, so looking forward to watching this tonight. Enjoy!

See you all tomorrow (hopefully).

Today's Choice - 6th March

Hello everyone, got a great Sweeney story for you today, so enjoy! Lovely weather we are having in Manchester at the moment, hope it lasts.

6th March

The Sweeney: Stoppo Driver

See you all on Tuesday, you can have tomorrow off!

Today's Choice - 5th March

Hello everyone, hope you are all having a nice weekend, here is today's choice for you to watch.

5th March

The Rivals of Sherlock Holmes: The sensible actions of Lt. Hoist.

This is a great drama and lovely to see John in period dress, he's so handsome!

See you all tomorrow.

Today's Choice - 4th March

Hello everyone, today's choice is...

4th March

Kavanagh QC: Men of Substance

Can't remember what this one is about, but i'm sure it will come back to me tonight when i watch it again, as i've not seen it for ages. So it's good to have time like this to watch all of John's work to refresh the memory of dramas that you don't watch as often as you'd like too.

See you all tomorrow!

Today's Choice - 3rd March

Hello everyone, only one choice for you all today, so enjoy!

3rd March

Kavanagh QC: Mute of Malice

This is one of my all time favourite Kavanagh stories.

See you all tom0rrow!

Today's Choice - 28th February

Hello everyone, today's choice i've put as whole because on dvd that's how it's been released! Enjoy.

28th February

A Year In Provence

Well that's all for now, see you all on Thursday.

Today's Choice - 27th February

Hello everyone, here are today's choices for you, hope you enjoy watching them.

27th February

The Sweeney: Golden Boy
Inspector Morse: Fat Chance

See you all tomorrow for the last day of the month!

Today's Choice - 26th February

Greetings everyone, hope you all have a nice weekend, couple of John drama's for you today, here they are:

First is my all time favourite episode of Morse, for me the best acted performance by John in the whole series.

26th February

Inspector Morse: Dead on Time

Kavanagh QC: True Commitment

I shall see you all back here tomorrow for another couple of drama's. Enjoy!

Today marks the 9th anniversary...

of the sad passing of a wonderful British actor: John Thaw for whom this blog has been for. Thoughout his short life he bought pleasure to millions of people around the world and continues to do so today.

May we all spare a few minutes of our day to remember this truly remarkable actor and also his family who dearly miss him like we fans do.

We remember you John with love.

Today's Choice - 20th February

Hello Everyone, and what choices do i have for you today, well lets see...

20th February

The Sweeney: Cover Story
Inspector Morse: Second Time Around

Nothing now till Saturday.

Don't forget tomorrow is John's anniversary, so you can all choose something to watch and remember him by.

Today's Choice - 18th February

Hello Everyone, hope you are still joining in watching all these wonderful performances of this amazing actor. Here is today's for us all.

18th February

Cry Freedom

John isn't in this film very much but when he is, he's brillient, well worth watching, enjoy! I'll be back on Sunday with more.

Today's Choice - 17th February

Hello Everyone
Today's choice is my all time favourite performance by John!

17th February

Killer Waiting

Love this drama.

Today's Choice - 13th February

Hello Everyone, on a very wet Sunday afternoon in Manchester! Only one for you today to watch, so enjoy.

13th February

The Sweeney: The Placer

Nothing now till Thursday when my all time favourite performance from John was screened, so looking forward to that. See you all then.

Today's Choice - 6th February

Well hello there, long time no blog! Blame ITV for not screening much during John's life in February, anyway i have one for you today, wow put the flags out!!

6th February

The Sweeney: Night Out

Was watching John on tv last night, didn't know that Buried/Hidden Treasure was on so only caught the last five minutes of it. But afterwards was Inspector Morse: The Infernal Serpent which i watched till Primeval came on as i love that drama. That episode of Morse has a terrific cast in it, brilliently played by all. That's twice now i've seen this episode first on 3rd January as part of 'Today's Choice' and then on tv last night, and i'd never get bored of it.

Nothing on now till next Sunday so see you all then, have a nice week!

Today's Choice - 30th January

Hello everyone, only have one for you today, but it's a good one, mind they all are with out lovely John.

30th January

The Sweeney: Jigsaw

There's no more now till next Sunday, so i'll see you all then. We didn't get an awful lot screened in February, so bit of a quite month.

Today's Choice 25th January

Hello everyone, sorry i'm rather late today, but better late then not at all, been sleeping alot today due to the morphine, so thought i best post now before i forget!

25th January

Inspector Morse: The Secret of Bay 5B

If it's to late for anyone you can always watch it tomorrow. Well that's all for now nothing now till Sunday, so will give my leg a bit of a rest and hopefully i'll be here, see you all then.

Today's Choice - 24th January

Hello everyone, very sorry i wasn't here yesterday, but i was in rather alot of pain still am but thought i'd try and post today for you.

24th January

Inspector Morse: Masonic Mysteries

Kavanagh QC: The Sweetest Thing

Hopefully i'll be back tomorrow, see you all then.

Today's Choice - 20th January

Hello everyone, i've got two for you today, and both from the same character, so here they are...

20th January

Inspector Morse: Service of All the Dead
Inspector Morse: Twilight of the Gods

I'll see you all on Sunday, as there is nothing for Friday/Saturday so you can have these days off!

Today's Choice - 19th January

Hello everyone, loved watching Deceived by flight last night, one of my all time favourite Morse stories. Today it's back to my favourite comedy, and believe me it's not easy just watching the one for today, i end up watching several of them.

19th January

Home To Roost: Leaving

This is one of my favourite stories, just when poor Henry think's he's got rid of his son, another one turns up, very funny!

Today's Choice - 18th January

Hello everyone, here is your choice for today...

18th January

Inspector Morse: Deceived by Flight

See you all tomorrow!

Today's Choice - 17th January

Hello Everyone, have a few choices for you today, so here they are...

17th January

Inspector Morse: Driven to Distraction
Inspector Morse: The Day of the Devil
Kavanagh QC: A Family Affair

So take your pick from that little lot and i'll see you all tomorrow!

Today's Choice - 16th January

Hello Everyone, sorry i wasn't here on Thursday but my server was down, but i'm back now, so here are today's choices for you.

16th January

Redcap: The Patrol
The Sweeney: Thin Ice

See you all tomorrow!

Today's Choice - 12th January

Welcome everyone, hope you are all fine, here is today's choice, just a nice little short one for you.

12th January

Home To Roost: High Noon

Looking forward to this myself tonight as i love this series, it's helped me though some tough times in my life. See you all tomorrow!

Today's Choice - 11th January

Hello Everyone, sorry i'm a bit late, been watching the news about the flooding in Brisbane, as i have a friend there so bit worried. So i've been a bit side tracked today, anyway here's today's choice...

11th January

Inspector Morse: The Last Enemy

If any of you are in Aus where the floods are taking place, please take care of yourselves, see you all tomorrow.

Today's Choice - 10th January

Hello Everyone
Got a couple of dramas for you today, so here they are...

10th January

Inspector Morse: The Sins of the Fathers
Kavanagh QC: Heartland

See you tomorrow!

Today's Choice - 9th January

Hello Everyone, hope you are enjoying a new way of watching John for a change, here are today's offerings for you...

9th January

Redcap: A Place of Refuge
The Sweeney: Jackpot

See you all tomorrow!

Today's Choice - 6th January

Hello Everyone

Here are today's choices, yes you get two today aren't you lucky!

6th January

Inspector Morse: The Dead of Jericho
Inspector Morse: Deadly Slumber

You get a couple of days off now, so i'll see you all again on Sunday.

Today's Choice - 5th January

Hello Everyone
Here is today's choice only one was screened on this date in history and it is...

5th January

Home To Roost: Return to Clagthorpe

Enjoy, i'll see you all tomorrow! If you want to comment on what you are watching it would be nice to hear from you, so i don't feel i'm talking to myself, ha-ha!

Today's Choice - 4th January

Hello Everyone, sorry i'm rather late if you are joining me in watching John, didn't get much sleep last night as leg was rather sore, so confession i almost forgot to post today.

Anyway here is today's, there is only one that was screened.

4th January

Inspector Morse: Ghost in the Machine

See you all tomorrow!

John's birthday

Today marks John's 69th birthday!

So i'm really pleased that two dramas were screened over here on today's date, here they are if you all want to join in.

3rd January

Inspector Morse: The Infernal Serpent

Kavanagh QC: Nothing But the Truth

You can either choose one to watch or both of them it's up to you what you have on dvd.

Yesterday i choose Redcap as a tv station over here has been showing The Sweeney all last year, so as i'd not seen Redcap for a while that's what i chose. Also had new series of Primeval on tv so couldn't watch both of them, and i really love that series. But tonight i'll most likely watch both as i don't think there is anything else on, unless John is. Have to wait and see. See you all tomorrow!

New photos

I've just posted some new photos in the slide show for John's birthday and his anniversary next month, if you want to take a look!

Happy New Year Everyone

Hello, just thought i'd wish you all a very Happy New Year!

Now if you would all like to join me this year in watching John to mark my 50th birthday on 8th June here is todays choices.

2nd January
Redcap: A Question of Initiative
The Sweeney: Ringer

So feel free to choice either of those or both of them to watch today. See you all tomorrow, on John's birthday.