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Factual: History

Documentary series which ranges widely over Britain's social and cultural history.

Documentary series which ranges widely over Britain's social and cultural history, its narrative-led storytelling offering a richly immersive and varied window onto the past.

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Timeshift: Series 13

John Hannah

Andy Hall

William Naylor

Timeshift: Series 13: Episode 1: Full Throttle: The Glory Days of British Motorbikes

Factual: Cars & Motors

Full Throttle: The Glory Days of British Motorbikes

Episode 1

Episode 1: Full Throttle: The Glory Days of British Motorbikes

Series 13

BBC Four - Timeshift, Series 13, Full Throttle: The Glory Days of British Motorbikessearch

Film exploring the British love of fast, daring and sometimes reckless motorbike riding.

Documentary which explores the British love of fast, daring and sometimes reckless motorbike riding during a period when home-grown machines were the envy of the world.

Timeshift returns with an exploration of the British love of fast, daring and sometimes reckless motorbike riding during a period when home-grown machines were the envy of the world. From TE Lawrence in the 1920 to the 'ton-up boys' and rockers of the 1950s, motorbikes represented unparalleled style and excitement, as British riders indulged their passion for brands like Brough Superior, Norton and Triumph. 

But it wasn't all thrills and spills - the motorbike played a key role during World War II and it was army surplus bikes that introduced many to the joy and freedom of motorcycling in the 50s, a period now regarded as a golden age. With its obsession with speed and the rocker lifestyle, it attracted more than its fair share of social disapproval and conflict. 

Narrated by John Hannah.

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BBC Four reflects arts, music and culture with an ambitious range of intellectually and culturally enriching programmes, taking an expert and in-depth approach to its subjects.

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Episode 1: Full Throttle: The Glory Days of British Motorbikes

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