The random thoughts of an ancient wargamer. Featuring rules, battle reports, and all sorts of miscellaneous wargaming (and other) topics.
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Tuesday, 19 March 2019
Callan: Wargaming on TV
If you have access to the TALKING PICTURES TV channel on Freeview, Sky etc., you might want to watch tonight's episode of CALLAN. It is entitled AN ACT OF KINDNESS, and features a visit to a wargame show, and two Napoleonic wargames.
Thanks for the 'heads up' Bob and have set the telly to record the episode. I've seen plenty of stills of the game, but never the actual episode. I think forces TV might be repeating this series along with Space 1999.
Well Bob, I must say I really enjoyed that episode! A nice little story but obviously the real interest for me was watching the games in action; written orders, average die, map campaigns etc. A great way to start my evening:)
Notwithstanding the wargaming elements, Callan is excellent viewing. All the surviving B&W and colour episodes are also available on DVD. The film version (Callan: The Movie!!!) also has some nice gaming scenes..
You will not be surprised to know that I have all the CALLAN DVDs (including the film and the final episode, WET JOB). I also own all the books, including the compilation of short stories that were published in a Sunday newspaper.
Hi Bob, I discovered Talking Pictures TV* on Freeview a few weeks ago so I've been setting reminders to watch Callan. I don't remember that much about it when it was on TV first time around, but it's been a revelation. The quality of script and acting is very good (especially Messrs Woodward and Hunter). Despite the changes in the last 45-50 years a lot still resonates - maybe because we're in Cold War II?!
And the wargaming and military modelling theme.... Tonight Callan was making wooden soldiers of Crimean War figures in the Lubliyanka as part of his resistance to interrogation - so we're not so mad after all!
* some splendid old films on there too that otherwise wouldn't see the light of day.
I am a real fan of Talking Pictures and my wife isn't ... but I manage to watch it most days and have been recording the episodes of CALLAN when they are transmitted. The acting and interplay between the characters is excellent, and is certainly as good now as it was when the programme was made.
I also like the range of feature films and shorts from the 50s, 60s, and 70s that are shown on Talking Pictures.
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Callan is a classic TV show - thanks for the introduction to the show via some of your earlier posts a few years back.
ReplyDeleteCheers,
Pete.
Pete.,
DeleteIf you haven't already seen it, this episode is an absolute 'must see'!
Watch and enjoy!
All the best,
Bob
I've seen it several times now Bob- I liked the series so much I bought the DVDs.
DeleteCheers,
Pete.
Pete.,
DeleteI own all the DVDs as well as the books ... and the guide to the series that was written by the author's son!
All the best,
Bob
Bob, we don't have Sky etc here in Spain, but I used to love Callan in it's time so will try to find this episode. The feature film was brilliant!
ReplyDelete'Lee,
DeleteI'm not sure, but you might be able to stream the programme from the TALKING PICTURES website. If you can, it's well worth seeing.
All the best,
Bob
Couldn't find it on my FREEVIEW service but did find it on YOUTUBE.
ReplyDeletehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WzhYeGIvNio
Jim Duncan,
DeleteThanks for the link. I didn't realise that the episode was available on YouTube.
All the best,
Bob
There appear to be many of them if not all.
DeleteJim Duncan,
DeleteThat is excellent news, especially as I can access YouTube on our new television.
All the best,
Bob
Thanks for the 'heads up' Bob and have set the telly to record the episode. I've seen plenty of stills of the game, but never the actual episode. I think forces TV might be repeating this series along with Space 1999.
ReplyDeleteSteve J.,
DeleteIt was my pleasure to bring this to people's notice.
I hope that you enjoy watching this episode. It is one of my all-time favourites.
All the best,
Bob
Well Bob, I must say I really enjoyed that episode! A nice little story but obviously the real interest for me was watching the games in action; written orders, average die, map campaigns etc. A great way to start my evening:)
DeleteSteve J.,
DeleteI am very pleased that you enjoyed this episode. Every time I watch it, it reminds me of what wargaming was like back in the late 60s and early 70s.
All the best,
Bob
Notwithstanding the wargaming elements, Callan is excellent viewing. All the surviving B&W and colour episodes are also available on DVD. The film version (Callan: The Movie!!!) also has some nice gaming scenes..
ReplyDeleteJeremy Ramsey,
DeleteYou will not be surprised to know that I have all the CALLAN DVDs (including the film and the final episode, WET JOB). I also own all the books, including the compilation of short stories that were published in a Sunday newspaper.
I'm a bit of a CALLAN fan!
All the best,
Bob
That's two of us!
ReplyDeleteJeremy Ramsey,
DeleteAs they used to imply in the title sequence of the X-FILES, 'you are not alone!'.
All the best,
Bob
Thanks for the heads up Bob...great episode.
ReplyDeleteAlastair,
DeleteI am pleased that you enjoyed it. I' watched several other episodes last night and this morning.
All the best,
Bob
Hi Bob, I discovered Talking Pictures TV* on Freeview a few weeks ago so I've been setting reminders to watch Callan. I don't remember that much about it when it was on TV first time around, but it's been a revelation. The quality of script and acting is very good (especially Messrs Woodward and Hunter). Despite the changes in the last 45-50 years a lot still resonates - maybe because we're in Cold War II?!
ReplyDeleteAnd the wargaming and military modelling theme.... Tonight Callan was making wooden soldiers of Crimean War figures in the Lubliyanka as part of his resistance to interrogation - so we're not so mad after all!
* some splendid old films on there too that otherwise wouldn't see the light of day.
Nundanket,
DeleteI am a real fan of Talking Pictures and my wife isn't ... but I manage to watch it most days and have been recording the episodes of CALLAN when they are transmitted. The acting and interplay between the characters is excellent, and is certainly as good now as it was when the programme was made.
I also like the range of feature films and shorts from the 50s, 60s, and 70s that are shown on Talking Pictures.
All the best,
Bob