Art & Hue
2025 Events
Art & Hue’s round-up of film, TV & cultural anniversaries, events & milestones in 2025.
2025 Milestones | In Memoriam | New Collections | Film Anniversaries | TV Anniversaries | Birthdays | New Blu-ray Restorations
Marking major anniversaries in 2025:
60 years of Mrs Peel
On the 28th of September 1965, audiences were introduced to Diana Rigg as Emma Peel in the first episode of the new series of “The Avengers” called “The Town of No Return”. Throughout August & September, Art & Hue celebrated the cultural impact that Dame Diana Rigg made as Mrs Peel globally on fashion, martial arts & cars. She inspired, and continues to inspire, many with her portrayal of the smart, strong, and fully independent female spy Emma Peel.
Elvis 90th
2025 marks 90 years since the birth of Elvis, the revolutionary rock-and-roll star who changed popular music forever.
540 years of Tudors
2025 marks 540 years since the first Tudor monarch, Henry Vii, acceded to the throne. 2025 also marks 400 years since Charles 1 acceded to the throne, 365 years since Charles II became King, and 340 years since James II took the crown.
Composers Anniversaries
2025 marks 340 years since the birth of Handel, 280 since the birth of Chevalier de Saint-Georges, 255 since the birth of Beethoven, 215 since the birth of Chopin, 215 since the birth of Schumann, & 165 years since the birth of Mahler.
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland 160th
2025 marks 160 years since the first edition of Lewis Carroll’s enduring story of “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” was published on the 4th of July 1865, but this first run was recalled as at illustrator John Tenniel’s request to be re-printed. 2025 also marks 205 years since Tenniel’s birth.
Forton Services 60th
60 years ago in November 1965, Forton Services at Bailrigg, Lancaster, was opened with the stylish Pennine Tower, which is now Grade-II listed.
The Shadows’ Apache
2025 marks 65 years since the release of The Shadows’ influential single “Apache”, as well as Brian Bennett’s 85th birthday.
Along Came Jones 60th
2025 marks 60 years since the release of Sir Tom Jones’ first album “Along Came Jones”. Released on the 21st of May in 1965, Jones went on to have a stellar international career with enduring hit after hit.
65 years of Saarinen’s American Embassy
2025 marks 65 years of the iconic American Embassy building on London’s Grosvenor Square. On the 23rd of September 1960, the Mayfair Embassy came into use when the U.S. flag was raised for the first time.
35 years of Supermodels
Heralding the birth of the supermodel, the January 1990 cover of British Vogue featured “the big five” supermodels. They went on to appear in George Michael’s “Freedom! 90” video which introduced “the supers” to MTV audiences globally.
Remembering those who left us in 2025:
Brian Murphy R.I.P.
In February we learnt the news that the beloved actor Brian Murphy had died at the age of 92. Murphy had been at the heart of British popular culture since his earliest TV appearances including “The Avengers” episode “The Springers” in 1961, and his film debut in “Sparrows Can’t Sing” starring Barbara Windsor, before national recognition for his performance as George Roper in “Man About the House” and spin-off “George & Mildred” with Yootha Joyce.
Jean Marsh R.I.P.
Jean Marsh died in April at the age of 90. From appearing in many cult TV shows (including “Department S” and “The Saint“) and films (including the British sci-fi Unearthly Stranger), Jean co-created “Upstairs Downstairs”, the cultural impact of which endures in every period production to feature the lives of the below-stairs staff.
Dame Cleo Laine R.I.P.
The iconic singer & actress Dame Cleo Laine died in July at the age of 97. A charming and engaging performer, who brought the art of jazz into many homes, Cleo’s contribution to music and British culture endures. The iconic singer and actress become a staple of the jazz scene along with her husband Johnny Dankworth, with whom she had two children, and the couple’s influence on British culture permeated from jazz clubs to film & TV.
Terence Stamp R.I.P.
In August we read that the iconic British actor Terence Stamp had died at the age of 87. A target for the paparazzi of the 1960s, Stamp had an impactful career that encompassed serious dramatic roles, including “Far from the Madding Crowd” and Ken Loach’s “Poor Cow”, blockbusters such as “Superman” with Marlon Brando and “Star Wars: The Phantom Menace”, as well as camp cult classics including “Modesty Blaise” with Monica Vitti, and “The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert”. His final film was “Last Night in Soho” with Diana Rigg.
Robert Redford R.I.P.
Hollywood icon Robert Redford died in September at the age of 89. With so many classic films to his credit, including his debut film “Barefoot in the Park” with Jane Fonda, “The Way We Were” with Barbra Streisand, “Three Days of the Condor” with Faye Dunaway, “All the President’s Men”, “Butch Cassidy & the Sundance Kid” and ,”The Sting” both with Paul Newman, “The Great Gatsby”, and “Out of Africa” with Meryl Streep, just to name a few, Redford became an Oscar-winning director, with films including “Ordinary People”, “A River Runs Through It”, and “Quiz Show”, as well as co-founding the influential Sundance film festival.
Claudia Caudinale R.I.P.
The actress Claudia Cardinale died in September at the age of 87. Starring as Princess Dala in the classic crime comedy “The Pink Panther“, she held her own amngst a stellar cast (which included Peter Sellers, David Niven & Capucine), her talent, beauty & comedic skill shining through her performance.
Stanley Meadows R.I.P.
The English actor Stanley Meadows died in September at the age of 94. The stalwart of British film & TV appeared in many productions, including “The Avengers“, “The Ipcress File” with Michael Caine, “The Saint” with Roger Moore, “Minder” with George Cole & Dennis Waterman, “The Professionals“, “Dixon of Dock Green“, “The Persuaders!” with Roger Moore & Tony Curtis, “Coronation Street“, the 1959 film “The Mummy” with Peter Cushing, Christopher Lee, Eddie Byrne & Michael Ripper, and the sci-fi film “The Terrornauts“.
Patricia Routledge R.I.P.
In October, Dame Patricia Routledge died at the age of 96. From Kitty in “Victoria Wood As Seen on TV” to Alan Bennett monoloegues, Shakespeare to Coronation Street, the classically trained actress became part of British folklore with Hyacinth Bucket (pronounced “Bouquet”) in “Keeping Up Appearances“.
Elstree 100th
100 years ago, on the 15th of December 1925, George T Nelson, the chairman of British National Pictures announced the purchase of 40 acres to build eight large studios at Elstree. The studios went on to produce many classic films and TV shows.
Pinewood 90th
90 years ago at the beginning of June 1935, construction began on Pinewood Studios. Heatherden Hall was bought at auction by Charles Boot who proceeded to establish Pinewood Studios in partnership with J. Arthur Rank.
Ealing 95th
95 years ago, the first ever Ealing Studios film, called “Escape”, was screened to the press on the 28th of August 1930. Made by Associated British Pictures, later to become Ealing, the film began a rich history in film production.
The Flying Scotsman 95th Anniversary – 95 Years of The Flying Scotsman film
Originally planned as a silent picture, sound was added for the 1930 release of “The Flying Scotsman” to make it a “talkie”.
Starring Welsh actor Ray Milland in his first leading film role (billed as Raymond Milland), the film also stars Pauline Johnson who performed the daring stunt of walking along the outside of the train.
Screened to the trade & cinema distributors on the 7th of February 1930 at the New Gallery cinema, “The Flying Scotsman” opened to the public on the 17th of May 1930 at the Alhambra cinema in London where it was the supporting film to “Under a Texas Moon”.
The Proud Valley 85th Anniversary – 85 Years of The Proud Valley
The first film to premiere on radio, on the 25th of February 1940, “The Proud Valley” was first screened to the trade & cinema bookers on the 9th of January 1940 before opening to the public on screens nationwide, including the Birmingham Gaumont and the Middlesborough Hippodrome, from the 3rd of March 1940 onwards, and in London at the Leicester Square Theatre on the 8th of March.
A superstar African American actor & singer, Paul Robeson headlined many British films throughout the 1920s, 30s & 40s but he was especially proud of this production. He told the 9,000-strong audience at the 1958 Eisteddfod “of all the films I have made the one I will preserve is The Proud Valley.”
Dead of Night 80th Anniversary – 80 Years of Dead of Night
Marking its 80th anniversary this year, the influential horror anthology “Dead of Night” opened at the Gaumont Haymarket cinema in London on the 9th of September 1945. One of the earliest horror films, “Dead of Night” stars Michael Redgrave in the final impactful story with the ventriloquist dummy, along with the unique cinematic double-act of Basil Radford & Naunton Wayne who appear together to provide a brief respite of comic relief within the chilling horror. The Ealing Studios film features the pair as golfers vying for the affections of Peggy Bryan, who previously starred in the George Formby film “Turned Out Nice Again“. The early horror is well-regarded and made director Martin Scorsese’s list of scariest horror films of all time.
The Blue Lamp 75th Anniversary – 75 Years of The Blue Lamp
Jack Warner played policemen and detectives throughout his film career but is perhaps most remembered by many for “Dixon of Dock Green”.
Jack Warner first appeared as PC George Dixon in the Ealing film “The Blue Lamp” which opened at the Odeon Leicester Square 75 years ago on the 19th of January 1950. Written by Ealing stalwart T.E.B. Clarke, the film inspired the television series with Jack Warner reprising the role in 1955.
Dirk Bogarde‘s performance in “The Blue Lamp” with Jack Warner was singled out for praise by critics, and the cast also included Meredith Edwards, Anthony Steel, Dora Bryan and Melvyn Hayes.
The Magnet 75th Anniversary – 75 Years of The Magnet
Starring James Fox in his first starring role, billed as his birth name William Fox, the Ealing comedy “The Magnet” seeks to tap in to the charm of “Hue & Cry” in this story of a young boy and a magnet.
The poignant moral tale, which also stars Stephen Murray, Kay Walsh, Meredith Edwards, Gladys Henson and Sam Kydd, opened 75 years ago at the Odeon Leicester Square in London on the 19th of October 1950.
Filmed in and around Cheshire & Liverpool, James Robertson Justice makes a cameo appearance in the film as a tramp but billed under the pseudonym Seumas Mor na Fesag.
Out of the Clouds 70th Anniversary – 70 Years of Out of the Clouds
Opening 70 years ago at the Leicester Square Theatre in London on the 10th of February 1955, “Out of the Clouds” is a charming snapshot of an era when flying was a glamourous affair.
The jet-set film, about the lives of airline crew and their passengers, stars James Robertson Justice, Eunice Gayson, Anthony Steel, Melissa Stribling and Robert Beatty, with Fiona Clyne, Sid James, Jill Melford and Katie Johnson.
The Ealing Studios production filmed on location at “London Airport” which later expanded to became Heathrow.
The Ladykillers 70th Anniversary – 70 Years of The Ladykillers
A classic crime comedy, much-loved by film fans, “The Ladykillers” was the penultimate Ealing Comedy starring Alec Guinness. 2025 marks 70 years since the film premiered on the 8th December 1955 at the Odeon Leicester Square in London. With an all-star cast of classic British actors including Alec Guinness, Cecil Parker, Herbert Lom, Peter Sellers, Danny Green, and the archetypal policeman Jack Warner, “The Ladykillers” is fondly considered to be one of the best Ealing comedies. With actors Frankie Howerd & Kenneth Connor, “The Ladykillers” was to be Katie Johnson’s penultimate film release which secured her a British Film Academy Award for Best British actress at the age of 77.
The Dam Busters 70th Anniversary – 70 Years of The Dam Busters
Perhaps the defining role of Richard Todd’s career was in “The Dam Busters”, regarded as one of the greatest war films in British cinema.
Co-starring Michael Redgrave, John Fraser, & George Baker, the 1955 production was the most successful film in British theatres that year.
The film held a Royal Charity Premiere on the 16th of May 1955 at the Odeon Leicester Square in the presence of Princess Margaret.
“The Dam Busters” went on to be nominated for the Best Visual Effects Oscar at the 55th Academy Awards.
Two-Way Stretch 65th Anniversary – 65 Years of Two-Way Stretch
Very popular upon release in 1960, and still enjoyed to this day, “Two-Way Stretch” sees three prisoners plotting a diamond robbery.
The film opened 65 years ago at the Warner Cinema London on the 11th of February 1960 before going on general release from the 14th.
Starring Peter Sellers, Liz Fraser, Irene Handl & Bernard Cribbins, with Beryl Reid, the film is believed by some to have inspired the sitcom “Porridge” starring Ronnie Barker with many parallels to be drawn between the two productions.
A classic comedy that still stands up (Irene Handl’s delivery of her line about the “kit” is priceless alone), the film celebrates its 65th anniversary in 2025.
School for Scoundrels 65th Anniversary – 65 Years of School for Scoundrels
Premiering at the Warner cinema in London in the 24th of March 1960, “School for Scoundrels” is a pleasurable example of Mid-Century British cinema that charms to this day. British film icon Terry-Thomas is on top form as the gentleman-bounder, alongside Alastair Sim, Ian Carmichael and Janette Scott. Filmed in and around Elstree Studios, the classic tennis scenes at “The Old Chippentonian Tennis Club” were shot at The Manor Hotel where Art & Hue had the pleasure to meet the film’s leading lady Janette Scott at a screening of the film in 2016. “School for Scoundrels” was art director Terence Verity’s last film before returning to architecture. He went on to design Charnock Richard, the first motorway service station to open on the M6.
Darling 60th Anniversary – 60 Years of Darling
Premiering at the Moscow Film Festival on the 15th of July 1965, “Darling” is a snapshot of Swinging London and the Sixties jet-set starring Julie Christie, Dirk Bogarde & Laurence Harvey.
Directed by John Schlesinger, the film won Julie Christie the Academy Award for Best Actress, prompting Life magazine to describe 1965 as “The Year of Julie Christie”. Watching her performances in “Billy Liar” and “Darling” now, Julie Christie‘s natural talent and modernity seems to have been transplanted back into the 1960s like a time traveller.
As well as winning the Best Actress Oscar for her performance in the film, “Darling” also won Best Screenplay for Frederic Raphael & Best Costume Design for Julie Harris, plus a nomination for John Schlesinger as Best Director.
The Railway Children 55th Anniversary – 55 Years of The Railway Children
On the 22nd of December 1970, the Royal World Charity Premiere of “The Railway Children” took place at the then-new ABC2 Shaftesbury Avenue cinema in London, attended by Princess Margaret & Prince Edward.
Directed by actor Lionel Jeffries, the charming period film “The Railway Children” was based on the 1906 novel by E. Nesbit and stars Dinah Sheridan, Jenny Agutter, Bernard Cribbins, Sally Thomsett, & Gary Warren.
Set in 1905 and filmed on the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway and at Oakworth railway station, the 2022 sequel “The Railway Children Return” also used the same locations and saw Jenny Agutter reprise her character of Roberta “Bobbie” Waterbury set in 1944.
More classic film anniversaries in 2025
Crook’s Tour 85th Anniversary
On the 23rd of February 1940, the first Episode of the six-part radio serial “Crook’s Tour” debuted on BBC Home Service Radio starring Basil Radford & Naunton Wayne as the unique cinematic pair Charters & Caldicott, and on the 13th of October 1940, the film opened at the Birmingham Rialto cinema.
The Happiest Days of Our Lives 75th
On the 10th of March 1950, “The Happiest Days of Your Life”, with Alastair Sim, Joyce Grenfell & Margaret Rutherford, opened at the Carlton cinema in London.
The Dancing Years 75th
On the 5th of April 1950, the Ivor Novello musical “The Dancing Years”, starring Scottish actress Patricia Dainton and Dennis Price, opened at the Carlton Cinema in London.
Cage of Gold 75th
On the 21st of September 1950, “Cage of Gold”, starring Jean Simmons with Gladys Henson, Sam Kydd & Herbert Lom, premiered at the Odeon Marble Arch in London.
Carry On Constable 65th
On the 25th of February 1960, police comedy “Carry On Constable“, the first Carry On-film with Sid James, premiered at the Plaza cinema in London.
Pop Gear 60th
On the 18th of April 1965, music jukebox film “Pop Gear” with Matt Monro opened at Studio One cinema in Manchester.
Rotten to the Core 60th
On the 22nd of July 1965, “Rotten to the Core” premiered at the Rialto cinema in London. Starring Charlotte Rampling in her first credited film appearance, the pacey British crime comedy also features Ian Bannen & Kenneth Griffith.
Gonks Go Beat 60th
On the 30th of August 1965, the juke box film “Gonks Go Beat” (with Kenneth Connor & Frank Thornton plus musical performances by acts including Lulu & the Luvvers) opened in cinemas including the Criterion in Hull.
All the Way Up 55th
On the 11th of June 1970, the British farce “All the Way Up”, starring Kenneth Cranham & Warren Mitchell, premiered at the Plaza cinema in London.
Some Will, Some Won’t 55th
On the 20th of September 1970, the film “Some Will, Some Won’t” starring Ronnie Corbett (with Barbara Murray, Dennis Price, Wilfrid Brambell, Stephen Lewis & Frank Thornton) went on general release in British cinemas.
Scars of Dracula & Horror of Frankenstein 55th
On the 8th of October 1970, the Hammer horror double bill of “Scars of Dracula” (with Christopher Lee, Jenny Hanley, Dennis Waterman, George Innes & Anouska Hempel), & “Horror of Frankenstein” (with Ralph Bates, David Prowse & Kate O’Mara) opened in London at the New Victoria Cinema.
The Rise & Rise of Michael Rimmer 55th
On the 12th of November 1970, “The Rise & Rise of Michael Rimmer”, starring Peter Cook with John Cleese, Valerie Leon, Ronnie Corbett & Dennis Price, opened at the Warner Leicester Square.
Alfie Darling 50th
On the 6th of March 1975, the sequel to the Michael Caine film “Alfie”, “Alfie Darling” starring Joan Collins with Jenny Hanley, and the theme sung by Cilla Black, premiered at the Universal Cinema in London.
The Breaking of Bumbo 50th
Deprived a proper cinema release following some previews, “The Breaking of Bumbo” starring Joanna Lumley & Richard Warwick had its public premiere on television, on BBC Two on the 17th of August 1975.
Restless Natives 40th
On the 25th of June 1985, the Gala Premiere of “Restless Natives” took place at the ABC Cinema in Aberdeen. The cult crime comedy features the music of Big Country and the tale of two masked highway men robbing tourist coaches in Scotland.
A View to a Kill 40th
On the 22nd of May 1985, “A View to a Kill”, starring Roger Moore, Patrick Macnee & Grace Jones, had its world premiere in San Francisco, the first Bond premiere outside Britain.
Goldeneye 30th
On the 13th of November 1995, Pierce Brosnan‘s first outing as Bond, “Goldeneye”, premiered in New York at Radio City Music Hall.
Spectre 10th
On the 26th of November 2015, Daniel Craig‘s penultimate Bond film “Spectre”, co-starring Naomie Harris, held its Royal World Premiere at the Albert Hall.
The Wild Affair 60th
Starring Nancy Kwan with Terry-Thomas & Johnny Logan, The Wild Affair‘s release was delayed because of various distribution issues at the time, finally opening in cinemas nationwide on the 7th of November 1965, including the ABC Wallasey in Merseyside and the ABC Ardwick Green in Manchester. The film went on to open in London cinemas from the 28th of November 1965.
Entertaining Mr. Sloane 55th
On the 1st of April 1970, the film adaptation of Joe Orton’s “Entertaining Mr. Sloane“, with Beryl Reid, had its Royal Premiere at London’s Carlton cinema, attended by Princess Margaret.
The Ipcress File 60th
On the 18th of March 1965, “The Ipcress File”, starring Michael Caine as Harry Palmer, premiered in London. Regarded as the anti-Bond for the unglamourous portrayal of spycraft, Michael Caine portrayed Harry Palmer in three adaptations of Len Deighton’s novels during the 1960s.
SPIES
2025 marks 60 years since Mrs Peel first debuted on British television. On the 28th of September 1965, audiences were introduced to Diana Rigg as Emma Peel in the first episode of the new series of “The Avengers” called “The Town of No Return”. Airing first on the Rediffusion London and Scottish Television channels on September 28th 1965 at 8pm, “The Avengers” was the first television show to have a fashion range available in stores so fans could buy Mrs Peel’s wardrobe.
Police Surgeon 65th
On the 10th of September 1960, the first episode of “Police Surgeon” was broadcast. Hendry proved popular with show creators Sydney Newman & Leonard White so they devised a new drama to showcase the actor and “The Avengers” was born.
65th Danger Man
2025 marks 65 years since the first episode of “Danger Man” was broadcast on the 11th of September 1960. Filmed at Portmeirion, Patrick McGoohan would return to the location for “The Prisoner”.
60th Get Smart
2025 marks 60 years of the spy-spoof “Get Smart”. The first ever episode, “Mr. Big”, aired on American TV on the 18th of September 1965, starring the pioneering Barbara Feldon as the resourceful Agent 99. The final episode aired 55 years ago on the 15th of May 1970.
55th Department S
2025 marks 55 years since the final episode of “Department S” was broadcast on the 24th of March 1970, starring Peter Wyngarde. His character Jason King returned in his own eponymous show in 1971.
SOAPS
65th Coronation Street
2025 marks 65 years since the start of the long-running soap opera Coronation Street. Set in the fictional Manchester borough of Weatherfield, the show has created many iconic characters since it launched on the 9th of December 1960, including soap queens Jean Alexander, Julie Goodyear, and Anne Kirkbride.
40th Eastenders
2025 marks 40 Years of Eastenders, the long-running soap set in the fictional London borough of Walford. Starring formidable characters over the years, two of the most cherished must be June Brown as Dot and Pam St Clement as Pat. The first visit to Albert Square took place on the 19th of February 1985.
40th Acorn Antiques
2025 marks 40 years since the debut of Acorn Antiques, the spoof-soap which premiered on British television as part of the classic comedy series “Victoria Wood as Seen on TV” on the 11th of January 1985. Set in “Manchesterford“, the show introduced us to the iconic characters of Miss Babs, Miss Berta, & Mrs Overall.
COPS
70th Dixon of Dock Green
The archetypal policeman, Jack Warner debuted as Dixon in “The Blue Lamp” 75 years ago, before George Dixon was resurrected for the long-running TV show “Dixon of Dock Green”, first broadcast 70 years ago on the 9th of July 1955.
50th The Sweeney
2025 marks 50 years since the first episode of the first series proper of “The Sweeney“, called “Ringer”, was broadcast on the 2nd of January 1975, following the pilot “Regan” in “Armchair Cinema”.
25 years since Morse
The final episode of “Inspector Morse” starring John Thaw was broadcast 25 years ago on the 15th of November 2000.
COMEDY
55th Up Pompeii
2025 marks 55 years since the first ever episode of the TV show “Up Pompeii!” starring Frankie Howerd was broadcast on the 20th of May 1970. The show later jumped to the big screen with Julie Ege & Madeline Smith.
50th Fawlty Towers
2025 marks 50 years since the perfectly crafted comedy “Fawlty Towers”, created by Connie Booth & John Cleese, aired on British television for the first time on the 19th of September 1975.
40 years since Are You Being Served?
2025 marks 40 years since the final episode of “Are You Being Served?” was broadcast on the 1st of April 1985, before the Grace Bros. team moved on to “Grace & Favour”.
35th Keeping Up Appearances
35 years ago on the 29th of October 1990, Patricia Routledge as Hyacinth Bucket (pronounced “Bouquet”) appeared in the first ever episode of “Keeping Up Appearances”, “Daddy’s Accident”.
30th Mrs Merton
“But what first, Debbie, attracted you to the millionaire Paul Daniels?” 30 years ago on the 10th of February 1995, the first episode proper of “The Mrs Merton Show” aired starring Caroline Aherne.
Breaking of Bumbo
Deprived a proper cinema release following some previews, “The Breaking of Bumbo” starring Joanna Lumley & Richard Warwick, had its public premiere on television 50 years ago on BBC Two on the 17th of August 1975.
40th anniversary Victoria Wood As Seen on TV
2025 marks 40 years since the premiere of the seminal comedy series “Victoria Wood As Seen on TV” on the 11th of January 1985. Packed full of satirical observations about television – including continuity announcers, soap operas, documentaries, commercials and daytime magazine shows – the groundbreaking comedy still influences to this day. With a regular repertory company of performers, the cast includes Celia Imrie and Julie Walters.
30th anniversary of the Ab Fab episode Happy New Year
The “Happy New Year” episode of cult comedy “Absolutely Fabulous” aired on British TV for the first time 30 years ago on the 6th of April 1995. Guest-starring Kate O’Mara, the show introduced us to Patsy‘s sister, the ruthless Jackie Stone, and is a beloved fan-favourite from Jennifer Saunders‘ sitcom.
STUDIOS
2025 is packed full of television (and film) studio anniversaries. This year marks 65 years since the official opening of Television Centre, 90 years since construction began on Pinewood, 95 years since the first Ealing film, 70 years since the Granada building was approved, 25 years since the announcement to close Pebble Mill, 55 years since construction took place on the South Bank London Tower, and 100 years since Elstree announced the building of eight studios in Borehamwood.
SCI-FI
55th Doomwatch
2025 marks 55 years since the sci-fi TV show “Doomwatch”, starring Simon Oates, and later in the film Ian Bannen, first aired on British TV on the 9th of February 1970. Cast members across the run of 38 episodes included Trevor Bannister, Arthur Brough, Jennifer Daniel, Glyn Houston, June Brown, & Edward Underdown.
55th UFO
55 years ago, Gerry Anderson’s cult sci-fi show “UFO”, which starred Antonia Ellis, aired for the first time on British TV on the 16th of September 1970. Cast members across the run of 26 episodes included Wanda Ventham, Anouska Hempel, Philip Madoc,, George Cole, Windsor Davies, & Patrick Mower.
50th Space: 1999
2025 marks 50 years of Gerry Anderson’s “Space:1999”. A real-life married couple at the time, Martin Landau & Barbara Bain starred as John Koenig and Helena Russell on Moonbase Alpha. The first episode aired on British TV for the first time, on the ATV channel, on the 4th of September 1975.
EUROVISION
60th France Gall
2025 marks 60 years since France Gall won the 10th Eurovision Song Contest on the 20th of March 1965. Taking place in Naples, she represented Luxembourg with the Serge Gainsbourg song “Poupée de cire, poupée de son”. artandhue.com/euro
55th Dana win
2025 marks 55 years since Ireland won the Eurovision Song Contest for the first time on the 21st March 1970 when Dana sang “All Kinds of Everything”. The UK’s Mary Hopkin finished second with “Knock Knock, Who’s There?”.
45th Johnny Logan
45 years ago on the 19th of April 1980, Johnny Logan won the European song contest for Ireland with “What’s Another Year”. His first triumph, he would go on to win again in 1986 (and 1992 as songwriter).
Dick Van Dyke 100
Tippi Hedren 95
Joanne Woodward 95
Herb Alpert 90
Jim Dale 90
Amanda Barrie 90
Melvyn Hayes 90
Wanda Ventham 90
Brian Bennett 85
Cliff Richard 85
Julie Christie 85
Peter McEnery 85
Penelope Keith 85
Jill St. John 85
Tom Jones 85
Martin Shaw 80
Leigh Lawson 80
Bill Paterson 80
Eddy Merckx 80
Rod Stewart 80
Goldie Hawn 80
Bette Midler 80
Dana & Mary Hopkin 75
Susan George 75
Alex Norton 75
Julie Walters 75
Debbie Allen 75
Steve Coogan 60
Linda Evangelista 60
Naomi Campbell 55
Claudia Schiffer 55
Naomie Harris 50
Art & Hue’s round-up of classic & cult films that have been restored or re-released on Blu-ray in 2025:
Studiocanal unleashed a definitive 4K restoration of the cult classic, The New Avengers, and it’s a revelation for fans of suave spies, high kicks, and Purdey’s legendary haircut. For the first time, the complete adventures of John Steed, Purdey, and Mike Gambit have been meticulously restored from the original 35mm negatives. This isn’t just a quick polish; it’s a six-month, frame-by-frame resurrection to remove scratches and tears, with subtle HDR grading that brings out details lost for decades.
“The New Avengers” 4K Edition was released 10th November on UHD, Blu-ray & DVD, available from Amazon, and the Art & Hue pop art collection is available at artandhue.com/newavengers
Cue the cocktails, the clues, and the crystal-clear close-ups – Agatha Christie returned in 4K splendour, as bold and colourful as an Art & Hue print. This November, Studiocanal invited audiences to return to the glittering world of Agatha Christie’s classic films, newly restored in ravishing Ultra High Definition. “Murder on the Orient Express“, “Death on the Nile“, “The Mirror Crack’d” and “Evil Under the Sun” have never looked so decadent, nor their suspects so sharply dressed. Available to collect individually or altogether in a lavish box set, the four films now sparkle like cyanide-laced champagne in 4k Ultra High Definition.
Two classic Tony Hancock films got a re-release on Blu-ray and DVD, “The Rebel” & “The Punch & Judy Man“. Both packed with new extras, “The Rebel” includes a “behind-the-scenes” stills gallery of images during filming; commentary by Hancock-fan Paul Merton with the original screenwriters Ray Galton & Alan Simpson; the original film trailer; and two new programmes about Hancock: “An Irrepressible Streak” by Paul Merton about “The Rebel“, and “A Definitive Comedian” by Diane Morgan (cherished for her work as Philomena Cunk and Mandy).
To celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Oscar-winning film, Studiocanal released a brand new 4k restoration of “Darling” on the 16th of June under its Vintage Classics banner, available to order via Amazon. Starring Julie Christie (who won Best Actress for her performance in the film) with Dirk Bogarde & Laurence Harvey, the film premiered at the Moscow Film Festival on the 15th of July 1965.
This year Studiocanal released a brand new 4k restoration of the classic Ealing comedy “The Man in the White Suit” in a special UHD Collector’s edition under its Vintage Classics banner, available from Amazon. The Ealing classic, starring Alec Guinness along with Joan Greenwood, Cecil Parker and Welsh actor Roddy Hughes, sees the invention of a miracle textile that never gets dirty or wears out, an invention that businesses with vested interests are keen to suppress.
In celebration of its 80th anniversary, STUDIOCANAL released a brand-new restoration of the chilling Ealing Studios British horror classic “Dead of Night” on 4K UHD for the first time, and available on digital, both on the 20th of October. With an all-star cast including Ealing regulars Michael Redgrave, Googie Withers, Mervyn Johns, Basil Radford & Naunton Wayne, “Dead of Night” is widely regarded as one of the most influential horror anthologies ever made.
For American film fans, Indicator released a limited edition Blu-ray of the charming Ealing film “The Rainbow Jacket” set in the horse racing world. Starring Bill Owen & Fella Edmonds, the film’s starry cast of British character actors includes Robert Morley, Wilfrid Hyde-White, Michael Ripper, Sam Kydd, Edward Underdown, plus a pre-Avengers Honor Blackman.
Also for American cinephiles, Indicator released a limited edition Blu-ray of the equally charming Ealing film “Out of the Clouds” filmed at London airport (now Heathrow) during the golden age of air travel. The glamourous jet-set film stars James Robertson Justice, Anthony Steel, Eunice Gayson, Robert Beatty, Melissa Stribling, Fiona Clyne, and David Knight.
Lock the doors and draw the velvet curtains; Hammer Horror is back in dazzling 4K. Studiocanal resurrected two cult classics from 1970, “Scars of Dracula” and “Horror of Frankenstein“, with brand new restorations that make every bolt, bat, and blood drop gleam like never before. Released together as a double-bill on the 8th of October in 1970 at the New Victoria cinema in London, these films rose again 55 years later in Collector’s Editions complete with posters, essays, and a treasure trove of extras, available to order now via Amazon.
Both films feature unforgettable faces from Hammer’s vampiric vault, including Kate O’Mara, Jenny Hanley, Veronica Carlson, Anouska Hempel, George Innes, David Prowse, Dennis Waterman, Michael Ripper, Dennis Price, Jon Finch, and Patrick Troughton — many of whom also feature in Art & Hue’s Hammer Horror pop art collection.
Inspired by “Scars of Dracula” and “Horror of Frankenstein” (alongside “Blood from the Mummy’s Tomb” starring Valerie Leon), Art & Hue has delved into Studiocanal’s Pinewood archives to create a bold, graphic celebration of Hammer style – from gothic monsters to the bewitching vamps who exuded pure glamour. Available in multiple sizes and colours, these stylish prints bring a pop-art pulse to the eerie elegance of classic horror.
On the 15th of December, Indicator will be releasing a limited-edition box-set of six film noirs made in Britain by Columbia Studios, available to pre-order now. Starring American actors and actresses, the films also feature a roster of British talent. “A Prize of Gold” stars Richard Widmark with George Cole & Joseph Tomelty, “The Last Man to Hang” includes Elizabeth Sellars & Eunice Gayson, “Wicked as They Come” stars Arlene Dahl with Sid James, “Spin a Dark Web”, released as “Soho Incident” in the UK, includes Sam Kydd, “The Long Haul” has Diana Dors & Liam Redmond, and “Fortune is a Woman” stars Jack Hawkins & Arlene Dahl with Dennis Price & Christopher Lee.
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2024 Milestones | In Memoriam | New Collections | Film Anniversaries | TV Anniversaries | Birthdays | New Blu-ray Restorations
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CULT FILM & TV
Audrey
The Avengers
The New Avengers
Billy Liar
Black Women of Bond
Bombshells
Brit Noir
Capers
Carry On Films
Cliff Richard
Comedy Queens
Cops
Don’t Look Now
Drag Icons
Ealing Comedies
Fashion Editors
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Guitars
Hammer Horror
Hollywood Guys
Irish Film
Jackie Collins
Joan Collins
Joanna Lumley
Julie Christie
Leading Ladies
Leading Men
Movie Map of America
Out of the Clouds
Plays Adapted
The Rainbow Jacket
Saucy Seventies
School For Scoundrels
Sci-fi
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