5 replies to this topic

[Gary C]

I've just been informed today that the next documentary by the same team that brought you the 1955 Le Mans programme last year is now ready and will air on BBC4 on the 27th March. Unfortunately, they haven't supplied me with a title !! However, when I was supplying them with some library footage last year, they told me the subject matter was 'safety in Formula 1'.
I think they were interested in the early 60's through to the late 70's, but don't quote me on that one! If I hear any more on the subject I'll let you know.

[David Beard]

I've just been informed today that the next documentary by the same team that brought you the 1955 Le Mans programme last year is now ready and will air on BBC4 on the 27th March. Unfortunately, they haven't supplied me with a title !! However, when I was supplying them with some library footage last year, they told me the subject matter was 'safety in Formula 1'.
I think they were interested in the early 60's through to the late 70's, but don't quote me on that one! If I hear any more on the subject I'll let you know.

I believe some of my photos might appear.
I did voice the opinion that some of us might not want to watch footage of certain accidents again, but I think to no avail.

[Mistron]

there certainly seems to be a 'sensationalist' trend emerging in the subject matter. s'pose it's what 'sells' old racing to the general public

[RTH]

Any new archive motor racing footage is welcome, but let us hope it is not a montage of the worst fiery accidents from the 60s & 70s back to back. Less hard things to hit and more run off areas to dissipate the energy, central rubber fuel tanks and stronger survival cells for drivers might be things they could examine.
There is still room for improvement now in safety we have been relatively lucky fatalities and severe injuries have been few in the last decade or so. But accidents such as that which happened to Henry Surtees show that there is no room for complacency.

[Allan Lupton]

However, when I was supplying them with some library footage last year, they told me the subject matter was 'safety in Formula 1'.

BBC Four - 27th March
20:00 - Plus ca change: Formula One's 60th Anniversary
21:00 - Grand Prix: The Killer Years

Sounds like the usual TV documentary switch-selling to me. "The Killer Years" is the title of a hatchet job with gratuitous film clips of carnage, not of a "safety in Formula 1" programme.
When Channel 4 was making a documentary about the de Havilland Comet they got contributions from many of those involved who thought they were taking part in a celebration of the aeroplane's achievements. What was made was a hatchet job in which the designers and the company were accused of everything the makers could think of that might have happened, had the people involved been ignorant and unscrupulous.
Page 4 of this document shows what the Broadcasting Standards made of it.

[Gary C]

Being repeated right now on BBC2.