A Sharp Intake of Breath1977
A great little sitcom starring David Jason as Peter Barnes - a person who stands up to authority, but without any luck! In this first series Richard Wilson and Alun Armstrong played different characters on different episodes but they were always the "authority"Four series - three written by Ronnie Taylor who sadly died when scripting the third. Vince Powell wrote series 4 and teamed up again with producer Stuart Allen. Lovely Mel Calman cartoons and a charming theme tune by Ken Jones.
The Adventures of Robin Hood1957
Richard Greene starred as Robin in ITV's and Lew Grade's first major hit leading his band of merry men around Sherwood Forest.
The Adventures of Rupert Bear1970
Boy does this bring back some memories. ITC's Gerry Anderson style puppets were brought in for the pre-school children. Don't you think the titles are a little scary though?
Theme song sung by Jackie Lee.
Astronauts1981 Two series and 13 episodes of Bill Oddie and Graeme Garden's scifi sitcom about Britain's first three astronauts having to live in a cramped Sky lab for 6 months orbiting the earth.
It has been said that the characters of this show resemble The Goodies.... Posh Christopher Godwin/ Tim Brooke-Taylor, educated Carmen Du Sautoy/Gareme Garden and messy northerner Barrie Rutter/Bill Oddie. Coincidence? or are we really reading too much into this kind of thing.
Produced by Tony Charles for Witzend.
Basic Maths1981
Three years after Leapfrog, B-B-B-Basic Maths combined all the animations and music of its predecessor with new studio inserts presented by Fred Harris and Mary Waterhouse.An entertaining title sequence by Stuart Kettle and Ron Geesin.
Beasts1976
ATV's fantasy and supernatural series of plays. One of tv's scariest moments from the 1970's. Like Doctor Who, some of the effects may seem dated now, as actors would play a monster in a rubber suit.
Bullseye1981
Its Bullseye, ATV style, on Monday nights. Jim Bowen, with a bit more hair , explains that darts is the UK's most popular sport and is introduced by ATV Sport's Nick Owen.
A couple of extra scenes seen here from Chris Wroe's classic title sequence
Carry On Laughing1975
An attempt by ATV to transfer the Carry On films to television. All the regular Carry On cast were there as were Gerald Thomas and Peter Rogers, but not writer Talbot Rothwell. Despite scripts by Dave Freeman and Lew Schwarz it struggled somewhat and was cancelled after 13 episodes.
Celebrity Squares1976
Based on the US gameshow Hollywood Squares, basically a big game of Noughts & Crosses with celebrities in each. Pat Coombs liked being at the top left, Willie Rushton in the middle and Arthur Mullard down at the bottom.
Bob Monkhouse hosted and it ran from 1975 to 1979. Voiceover was originally by Kenny Everett. The £1000 prize was held in a large briefcase full of fivers by a man in black. If it wasn't won, the box would shut and he'd walk off!
Cliff and The Shadows1964
A very amusing comedy opening...
Cliff's guest star for this programme was Liza Minnelli, the music was provided by Jack Parnell and his Orchestra, and the producer was Jon Scoffield.
Crossroads1969
One of the earliest surviving episodes of the long running soap. Noele Gordon played Meg Richardson/Mortimer who ran a Motel in the Birmingham surburb of Kings Oak. Created by Hazel Adair and Peter Ling who stayed with the show for a good 20 years.
right clip - the classic end title sequence from 1969.
Crossroads1970
Time has moved on and Crossroads is in colour! The classic font and closing criss cross credits, right.
Produced by Reg Watson and directed by Jack Barton.
The weekly episodes dwindled from five to three following an IBA recommendation. Still the shows were mass produced with most recorded on the first take and many noticed the wobbling scenery.
Crossroads End Credits1978
A special ending here... so a chance to here the Paul MCCartney & Wings Crossroads end theme. Plus an ATV endcap in CROSSROADS colours
Disraeli Portrait of a Romantic1978 ATV's four part drama serialfollowing the life and times of former Prime Minister of the UnitedKingdom, Benjamin Disraeli, played by Ian McShane. Made primarily for the American market as with Thriller, the running time was an awkard 75 minutes. Produced , himself by Cecil Clarke, ATV's Head of Drama
Edward The Seventh1975
Annette Crosbie stars as Queen Victoria with Robert Hardy as Prince Albert and Timothy West taking the title role.
Guest stars throughout the series were Felcity Kendal, Michael Hordern, Harry Andrews, John Gielgud, Francesca Annis, Charles Dance and Edward Hardwicke.
Escape Into Night1972
Early supernatural children's drama produced by Alan Coleman who would produce The Young Doctors 4 years later!
Family Fortunes1980
Bob's next game was the UK version of US game Family Feud where contestants had to guess answers to questions given in a survey. 26 episodes were made each year at Elstree and it was a struggle to fit them all in the yearly schedule. Produced by William G Stewart who introduced The Price Is Right to UK screens in 1984.
Bob joined the BBC in 1983 and Max Bygraves became host in 1984. Les Dennis, Andy Collins and now Vernon Kay have since fronted the programme.
Father Brown1974
A prestige project for ATV, based on the novels of G.K.Chesterton and intended by Lew Grade as one in the eye for the BBC. Despite Grade's insistence that Kenneth More should take the lead rôle, the star didn't feel he had an image that was priestly enough. But Grade personally telephoned the actor every day for almost a year, to ask, "How's Father Brown this morning?" Finally More gave in and replied: "Bless you, my son." Ten stories were made (26/09/1974 - 28/11/1974); the stirring music was composed by Jack Parnell.
Flickers1980
Bob Hoskins & Frances De La Tour starred in Roy Clarke's comedy about the early movie industry.
Format 'V'1979
Local magazine programme covering serious and light hearted issues. The most famous edition was "Nolly" - an interview with Crossroads' Noele Gordon.The title comes from an anagram of "From ATV". The title sequence is Sweeney inspired.
The Golden Shot1970
Jackie Rae was the original host of the long running game show. Contestants in the studio and on the phone would tell Bernie The Bolt to move up, down a little and fire to win prizes and cash!
Hammer House of Horror1980
Anthology series produced by Hammer Films' Roy Skeggs. Diverse horror stories with famous guest stars of the time. All filmed around the High Wycombe and Amersham areas.A classic series still repeated now.
Inigopipkin1973
Following the IBA's requirement for the Big Four weekday companies to provide pre-school children with lunchtime programmes.
ATV's answer was Indigo Pipkin played by George Woodbridge and was helped run his puppet shop by Johnny (played by Wayne Laryea). Classic theme sung by Jackie Lee.
I Remember Nelson1981
The last Cecil Clarke classic serial by ATV at Elstree actually went out under the Central banner in 1982.
Starring Kenneth Colley as Nelson.
I Was In Broadmoor1981
Documentary series about life in Broadmoor, just south of the ATV midland region to celebrate the International Year of THe Disabled.
Jesus of Nazareth1977
Now how could this fail, this title sequence surpasses DYNASTY as a who's who of TV & Film. A co-production between ITC and RAI, directed by Franco Zeffirelli
The Kids From 47A1973
Social comedy drama about four children who are left to fend for themselves whilst their parents are away. Created by Charlotte Mitchell with scripts from Gail Renard and Phil Redmond.I can't work out how the girl with the shopping catches up with the boy on the bike.
The Larkins1958
Early successful sitcom for ITV. David Kossoff & Peggy Mount starred as Alf and Ada. Look out for Shaun O'Riordan as son Eddie. Shaun would produce some of ATV's most popular series in the 1970s.
Leapfrog1978
Absolutely bizarre maths series combining studio investigations into shapes, animation,music, mime, images and plenty of chroma-key!In the studio were Fred Harris, Sheelagh Gilbey and Anni Dominigo whilst Sylveste McCoy and Ben Benison spent most of their time in the ATV garden where Sylveste would be preoccupied by logs.All to the keyboard of Ron Geesin.
Nominated for a BAFTA in 1978 and was written by Leicester University based Leapfrogs Group, hence the title.
Let's Rock1981
After two series of Jack Good's early evening OH BOY! revival, the series was modified to LETS ROCK on late Summer saturdays in 1981. With Lulu, Joe Brown and Shakin' Stevens et al as before...
The Marty Feldman Comedy Machine1972
Sketchy comedy series with Marty and Spike Milligan. 14 half hours produced for the mid-lantic market as each show had a big American guest star. Screened late night by ITV, but did win the Golden Rose of Montreux in 1972.
The Masterspy1980
William (You Know Who) Frankin with Jenny Lee-Wright as Miss Moneypacker in a Drama/ Game Show. David Jason guest starred in this edition which had the top prize of a double cassette deck tape recorder/radio.
A very Mission Impossible-esque title sequence produced at Elstree.
Mrs Thursday1966
Kathleen Harrison played a cleaning lady who inherited a fortune. Co starring Hugh Manning - the vicar in Emmerdale Farm.
The Muppet Show1977
Jim Henson took his idea of Kermit & friends organising a variety show to Lew Grade in 1974 and it was an outstanding success in family entertainment. Five series of 120 episodes. Pitched at both the US market as the UK. All the programmes were recorded by ATV at Elstree who had to constantly bring over American guest stars who were virtually unheard of in the UK.
New Faces1975
ATV News anchor Derek Hobson presented the talent show where acts were marked by judges composer Tony Hatch, comedian Arthur Askey, dancer Lionel Blair and record producer Mickey Most.
New Faces1976
Another classic animated sequence introduced the series in the 1976 series.
Famous winners included Marti Caine, Lenny Henry and Victoria Wood who also co-starred with Leslie Crowther in another ATV series, The Summer Show in 1975
New Faces All Winners Show1976
Winners from previous shows were brought back to be rejudged to find the winner of all the winners!
Pictures1981
Roy (Last of The Summer Wine) Clarke's follow up to FLICKERS about the early movie industry. LWT's Michael Grade was not too impressed with this show and shunted it to 22.30 on Fridays.
Pipkins1974
Sadly George Woodbridge died between series and the programme was reinvented as just Pipkins. Johnny now taking sole responsiblity of the puppet shop.
Pipkins1975
Another year, another title sequence. The puppets were lead by Hartley Hare played by puppeteer Nigel Plaskitt. Supported by Pig - a pig from Birmingham, Topov the monkey and occasionally an ostrich called Octavia
Pipkins1976
It's "Time" for another title sequence, my favourite! Regular cast members included Sue Nicholls, (Coronation Street's Audrey Roberts) as next door neightbour Mrs Muddle.
Pipkins1980
Wayne Laryea had left the prigramme now and was replaced Jonathan Kydd. The series ended in 1981 when Central decided not to continue the show. Long time producer Michael Jeans continued to produce replacement Lets Pretend in 1982
The Power Game1965
Boardroom drama which ran for three series and 39 episodes between 1965 and 1969.Patrick Wymark gathers Jack Watling and Peter Barkworth with glamour from Barbara Murray and a blinking Rosemary Leach to a London square near St Pauls.
Revolver1978
If Top of The Pops was disco, Revolver was punk. Comedian Peter Cook played an underground nightclub owner and introduced The Jam, Ian Dury, Tom Robinson et al to baying rock fans in the audience. Intended to go out in a 1845 slot on Saturdays, ITV got cold feet and played it later at 2300, just when its audience would be at a gig! The humour was there alright, this clip has the theme as Crossroads! Eight episodes produced by record producer Mickey Most.
Rockstage1981
A series of late night concerts from Nottingham with the likes of OMD and Madness. Produced by Richard Leyland and directed by Starburst's David McMahon who ,naturally , messes around with the ATV logo
Salute To Sir Lew1972
A star studded variety show from America. Starring acts Lew Grade has helped to establish - Julie Andrews, Tom Jones, Peter sellers, John Lennon , Dave Allen and Dougie Squires' Second Generation! 
Sapphire and Steel1980
Possibly one of the most bizarre series from David Reid's production house. David McCallum played gritty Steel whilst Joanna Lumley was lovely Sapphire in P.J Hammond's supernatural series produced by Shaun O'Riordan. This series held a twice weekly early evening weekday slot normally occupied by Emmerdale Farm! The unvavailability of both the main actors plus the change over to Central forced the cancellation of the series. Indeed the last batch were held over for a year and went out under the Central banner in Summer 1982.Here Steel gets attacked by an evil pillow! Great stuff!
Starting Science1980
Dawn Perllman and Max Mason would perform studio bound melodramatic demonstrations and sketches whilst Ron Geesin would play and sing to stock film.Dawn's put downs to Max's 'want to know more' questions were hilarious. George Moore wrote the script with Stuart Kettle providing the animations and titles. Indeed this clip has a slightly different sequence to the ATV clip on our schools pages. A great little series. Its only a shame the series only lasted 14 episodes in this form, the series being completely reworked by the time Central took over.
Both the titles and the credits appear in the clips.
The Strauss Family1972
Lavish costume drama about Johann and co. Made at Elstree and produced by David Reid, ATV's future head of drama.Excellent cast including Derek Jacobi, Jane Seymour and Anne Stallybrass.
Til Death....1981
A follow up to the BBC's Till Death Us Do Part, written again by Johny Speight and produced this time by William G Stewart.
Alf Garnett and Else had now moved to Eastbourne and lived in a camper home with friend Min , played by Patricia Hayes. Una Stubbs again played daughter Rita. The series played without a laughter track and had long silences. Michael Grade was not too impressed and LWT played it at 2230 on Fridays.
That said, it holds up very well today and its a shame more weren't made. Speight & MItchell went back to the BBC in 1985.....
Timeslip1970
Sci fi series made at Elstree, in the Blake's Seven vain. Simon and Liz find themselves trapped in time.
Tiswas1975
The earliest surviving edition with presenters Richard Barnes,John Asher and Peter Tomilinson. Chris Tarrant was presumably fishing! A low budget title sequence filled with old graphics from The Golden Shot, coloured cardboard, Disney memorabilia and Donny Osmond! With thanks to Tiswas Online. 
Tiswas1980-81 and 2009
The original anarchic Saturday morning show, featuring buckets of water and custard pies galore! Chris Tarrant and Sally James hosted the programme, with help from Lenny Henry and Bob Carolgees
right clip - A 2009 recreation of the 1980/81 sequence filmed in flan-fested pubs in Wellingborough, Northants by Peter Thomas.
With thanks to Tiswas Online.
Thriller1975
Brian Clemens'suspense and mystery series. 43 episodes made at Elstree between 1972 and 1975 most episodes included an American to appeal to the trans-atlantic market. Repackaged as an ABC Mystery Movie in the States, hence the strange 75 minute running time. 
The Tingha and Tucker Clubc1970
Early puppet series for children hosted by ATV announcer Jean Morton.
Will Shakespeare1978
Tim Curry starred as Will with Ian McShane co-starring in another of Cecil Clarke's lavish productions. This time set in the ATV heartlands, but made at Elstree. Written by John (Rumpole) Mortimer.
