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Brash, bohemian and boozy, bon-vivant Daniel Farson became a larger-than-life fixture of Soho in the 1950s, socialising with the likes of artist Francis Bacon and photographer John Deakin. But he was also a ground-breaking investigative journalist, reshaping approaches to screen reportage with the many direct, dynamic independent television films he presented for Associated-Rediffusion in the late 1950s and early 1960s, finding widespread fame and acclaim. This three disc dual format set, running to over three hours - the first of two releases showcasing his most innovative, important, eccentric, odd and outstanding work - reframes a carefully-curated chunk of Farson's now little-seen output. His eclectic talent is reflected in an abundant array of hugely enjoyable, fascinating films on all manner of matters topical to a post-war Britain undergoing complex, seismic social change. Join this vanguard intrepid investigator - paving the way for later programme-makers of the Louis Theroux school - as he twinkles a curious eye and lends a wry tongue to a glorious gamut of then-contemporary hot-potatoes: from Soho striptease, alien visitations and the Cavern Club in the afterglow of the Beatles, to witchcraft, the cult of celebrity and much, much more.
