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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.
Thist hree disc dual format set, running to over three hours- the second 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.
The Films
Out of Step: Tune in to Nature’s Radio (1957, 14 mins)
Out of Step: Nudism (1957, 14 mins)
Out of Step: One Man Against the World (1957, 15 mins)
Out of Step: The Seventh Day (1957, 14 mins)
Keeping in Step: Children’s Parties (1958, 14 mins)
Keeping in Step: This England (1958, 14 mins)
This Week: Teenage Girls (1958, 4-minute extract)
People in Trouble: Unmarried Mothers (1958, 14 mins)
People in Trouble: Sex Education (1958, 14 mins)
Success Story: The Craddocks (1959, 13 mins)
Success Story: Lady Lewisham (1959, 14 mins)
Success Story: Harry Edwards (1959, 14 mins)
Pursuit of Happiness: Rags to Glamour (14 mins)
Something to Say: Shirley Bassey (28 mins)
Living For Kicks (1960, 38 mins)
