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Daniel Farson's Guide to Britain: Volume 1

£19.99

Released: 16th February 2026. 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.

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  • Details

    Released:
    16th February 2026
    Category:
    Special Interest, Documentary/General
    Studio:
    BFI
    Format:
    Blu-ray
    Certification:
    15 – Suitable only for 15 years and over
    Barcode:
    5035673015599
  • Description

    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.
    Region Code:
    Region B
    Duration:
    215 minutes
    Extras:
    Language(s): English, Hard of Hearing Subtitles: English, Interactive Menu, Booklet, Commentary: 'Out of Step: Witchcraft'/'Out of Step: Other Worlds are Watching Us': Mark Pilkington; 'This Week: Soho Striptease'/'Success Story: Hank Janson': Vic Pratt; 'People in Trouble: Mixed Marriages': Milo Holmes; 'Farson's Guide to the British: Cats': Dr. Elinor Groom and Lisa Kerrigan; 'Pursuit of Happiness: People Apart': Dr. Elinor Groom; 'Success Story: Maurice Woodruff'/'Beat City' by Vic Pratt and William Fowler, 'Beat City' image gallery
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