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michael_gothard_archive ([personal profile] michael_gothard_archive) wrote1972-12-06 04:45 pm

6 December 1972: Arthur of the Britons

Distribution

The 24 episodes were broadcast at 4:45 pm on Wednesdays, the first episode being broadcast in the UK on 6 December 1972.

The series was a joint venture with a German company, included some German actors as recurring cast in Season Two, and some of the scenes were filmed in German as well as English.

It was shown in Germany, and all over Europe (including Eastern Europe), in the USA, South America, and Australia, where it was of-cten given repeat showings, though it was seldom repeated in the UK.

Foreign TV networks variously dubbed or subtitled the show as they saw fit.

In 1975, scenes from various episodes were put together to make a film, “Arthur the Young Warlord”, though this was a shadow of the series, and left out most of Michael Gothard’s scenes, as well as the distinctive theme tune by Elmer Bernstein.

The series finally came out on DVD in 2009.

Michael’s former girlfriend N.B., who first met him in 1984, says:

'He didn’t like watching himself. I never got him to show me any movie he had worked in. From what he told me, I think he liked ... “Arthur of the Britons.”

On seeing some episodes, she says:

'It looks like they all enjoyed making this film!

It feels very familiar to watch him in this setting (although he obviously never walked around in furs etc.) It's probably the way he talks: that was him.

Michael would have liked to play more films like that. With time passing, he was more and more getting into the role of the "bad guy" - and he wasn't happy about it.'

Cast and crew with whom Michael Gothard worked on other projects.

Peter Stephens, who appeared in the episode ‘In Common Cause’ as Brother Amlodd, just before his death at 52, on 17 September 1972, had earlier starred with Michael Gothard in ‘Herostratus.’ Stephens played the part of the advertising man, Farson.

Brian Blessed: Porthos in in ‘The Further Adventures of the Musketeers’, and Korski in ‘The Last Valley’, and Mark of Cornwall in ‘Arthur of the Britons.’

Mike Pratt: Jeff Randall in ‘When the Spirit Moves You’, and Mordant in ‘People of the Plough’ (‘Arthur of the Britons’ episode.)

Alfie Bass: Charlie in ‘Up the Junction’ and Trader in ‘The Swordsman’ (‘Arthur of the Britons’ episode.)

Peter Firth: Colonel Caine in ‘Lifeforce’ and Corin in ‘The Pupil’ (‘Arthur of the Britons’ episode.)

Patti Love: Tasca in ‘Warrior Queen’, Gladwyn in ‘Rolf the Preacher’ (‘Arthur of the Britons’ episode.)

Peter Brayham: stuntman in ‘The Devils’, stunt arranger for ‘Stopover’ (‘The Professionals’ episode) and ‘Jack the Ripper’, and second unit director and stunt co-ordinator on ‘Frankenstein,’ fight arranger for ‘Arthur of the Britons.’

Peter Sasdy: Director of 'The Sweet Scent of Death', 'Daddy’s Girls', and the two pilot episodes of ‘Arthur of the Britons,’ ('Arthur is Dead' and 'Daughter of the King').

Peter Bowles: Creator and star of ‘Lytton’s Diary’ (Michael appeared in the episode, ‘Daddy’s Girls’), and Hecklar in ‘Rowena’ (‘Arthur of the Britons’ episode).

Watch on Youtube:

Season 1


Episode 1: Arthur is Dead
Episode 2: The Gift of Life
Episode 3: The Challenge
Episode 4: The Penitent Invader
Episode 5: People of the Plough
Episode 6: The Duel
Episode 7: The Pupil
Episode 8: Rolf the Preacher
Episode 9: Enemies and Lovers
Episode 10: The Slaves
Episode 11: The Wood People
Episode 12: The Prize

Season 2
Episode 1: The Swordsman
Episode 2 :Rowena
Episode 3: The Prisoner
Episode 4: Some Saxon Women
Episode 5: Go Warily
Episode 6: The Marriage Feast
Episode 7: In Common Cause
Episode 8: Six Measures of Silver
Episode 9: Daughter of the King
Episode 10: The Games
Episode 11: The Treaty
Episode 12: The Girl from Rome

IMDB entry

Stills from the series can be seen here, and even more here.

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