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Everyman: Blasphemy at the Old Bailey: An Everyman Special

on BBC One London

"If this is not blasphemy, nothing is!" John Smyth, Counsel for the Prosecution.
"Must we have all our controversy limited to what would be acceptable conversation on the vicarage lawn?" John Mortimer, QC, Counsel for the Defence.

Ten weeks ago the Old Bailey saw the start of the first trial for blasphemy in this country for over half a century. Begun by Mary Whitehouse against the homosexual newspaper Gay News, it ended in a conviction, heavy fines and a suspended prison sentence for the editor. An appeal is pending. Was this prosecution an attack on free speech? Or was it a necessary defence of the principle that, even in a permissive society, some things must remain sacred?
This dramatised documentary reconstructs the crucial moments of this historic trial, and explores the issues it raises.
Peter France questions the people on both sides, including Mary Whitehouse and Denis Lemon, Editor, Gay News, about their actions and reactions during the case.

Contributors

Interviewee:
Mary Whitehouse
Interviewee:
Denis Lemon
Film Editor:
Michael Aloof
Film Editor:
Peter Harrim
Drama Director:
Hugh David
Producer:
Daniel Wolf
Editor:
Peter Armstrong
His Honour Judge King-Hamilton, QC:
Donald Eccles
J. Mortimer, Q.C.:
Norman Rodway
G. Robertson:
Gareth Thomas
J. Smyth:
Terrence Hardiman
[Actor]:
Norman Rutherford
[Actor]:
John Beardmore
[Actor]:
Chris Sanders
[Actor]:
Peter Machin

BBC One London

About BBC One

BBC One is a TV channel that started broadcasting on the 20th April 1964. It replaced BBC Television.

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