BBC Schools - Watch

[shikiraclareify]

I recall this when I was about 8 or 9 in 1982/3, so they must have repeated the shows or they ran for longer than the 1970s? - Doesn't make me feel at all old (only 38) and age is not what it used to be in the past. Wanted to meet the presenters, yet they seemed aloof and inaccessible then!

[ash9field]

used to watch this as a kid at school brings back alot of memories thanks!!

[photohunter71]

Aww man! Brilliant find with James Adair and Louise Hall-Taylor (I fancied her like crazy) I must have been around 8-12!

[PleaseGoAway1000]

2:14 bet he's thinking well she's a ride, fuck this dressing up crap

[regenesismedia]

aged 8 or 9, my sister and I were filmed for an episode of this. Every summer (when exams were on), it was repeated, right up until we were doing our A levels.. You could guarantee a fair few people on exam leave would watch it. Horrendous!

[RebelVoDKa]

Costume designer: Jonathan King

[Gannett2011]

We never had to watch Watch at school, but I well remember watching this during the holidays or when I was sick (was at boarding school, so if I was sick on a Monday, took the whole week off!). I particularly remember a Watch where they revealed all the secrets of TV (including how they made that animated opening sequence!) Yes, it all takes me back almost 30 years! Now, Look and Read, that was what we had to watch at school....

[willpurry]

Goody. Fish fingers for home dinner next.

[Matt571]

I used to find the dots on the clock really creepy when I was a kid!

[wesmatron]

@Matt571 ME TOO!! Why? I can't explain it.

[Matt571]

@wesmatron I know, it is hard to explain, but it was just so weird and creepy!

[coastlinersmithy]

Does anyone have the theme to this or know where I could get it? I remember having the full version on a BBC themes cassette years ago!!

[GrandDizzy]

@coastlinersmithy The CD in question is called "Girl In A Suitcase" but it's extremely rare and you have to pay about £100 on eBay. Tesco online were selling it for £10 but it's currently unavailable. :( If anyone owns the CD please get in touch and I'll pay you for a copy.

[Gannett2011]

@GrandDizzy Wow! £100? I paid £10 from Southampton Hospital Radio for it....but that was in 2004. Well worth it, though!

[lmac1970]

Is it a confused memory, or did Kim Goody also present some editions of Watch? Even at five, I thought she was lovely.

[Nightjourney90210]

I think it was Watch that taught me to get paranoid about germs. Bravo to any TV programme that can get a five year old to wash his hands after having a wee.

[mistofoles]

Dressing up? Who's their tailor??

[wolfieCLANwop]

Thumbs up if you remember shooting the dots on the clock as a kid.

[Jaqshit]

get some clothes on. why didnt the woman dress up like a native american?

[AuntyM66]

1980s i prefer the 70s 

[brettxx7]

it was really annyoing when at school, you'd wached a show, then this would come on for the next one, but the teacher would say you've all got to go back to class! Once, i think it was end of term or something, the teacher actually asked if we wanted to stay and watch the next couple of shows, obviosuly, we all wanted to it. It was the best! Thats my foundest memory of school, sad isn't it!

[JFredUK]

'Indian?', oh dear... don't they mean, 'Native American??' That would never be allowed nowadays. Nor would having children half-naked on TV, either. You never knew who might be watching.. from a less cynical, or more innocent time, perhaps?

The music to, 'Watch', is Prima Ballerina by The Swing Bach Ensemble.

[trikespotter]

Dressing up? I think dressing down would be more appropriate. And would that be "Indians" or " Native Red Indians"? haha.. I always had the hots for whatsherface though. Is it Sally something or other?? A little help here.... And where's "two dogs fucking" btw? hahaha...

[trikespotter]

Louise Hall-Taylor... Aaaahhhh.... "Sally James" hairdo tjough. Hahaha...

[tyreburster]

I always had a wry chuckle to myself when the whole class wearily chorused "WATCH" as the plasticine spelled the word. Needless to say, I did not as I could read that word by the age of seven. Were you one of those re***ds ?

[Gannett2011]

@tyreburster Funny you should say that.  I have the CD "Girl in a Suitcase" that has this piece of music, and we had it on in the car. I said "Watch" at the appropriate time, and my American wife said "What?" It's like the Shake n Vac adverts, you know when to join in!

[InglouriousBasterd]

Not only my favourite primary programme - but - thank you for reminding of the countdown clock at the beginning! I had forgotten that! Who remembers the teacher switching on that with the TV on the high-stand and you all waiting with bated breath for the dinosaur (i'm a diplodocus) or Egyptian special?! This is priceless stuff! Thanks again!

[magicgeezer]

Absolute magic. 80's schools programmes need there own freeview channel!

[mistofoles]

Who directed this episode? Gary Glitter?

[BuddyFantastic]

Used to watch this at school, in Cyprus. I recall they did a programme about the Romans as we were doing a project of that period. never thought to see this Programme ever again, thank you for sharing this.

[computersolutions164]

I remember this too - Gawd I must be old

[miniroll32]

The music like this always interests me. Did they have a special recording studio at the BBC just for these segments? Did the musicians just improvise?

[JFredUK]

@miniroll32 Some music was commissioned by the BBC from certain programmes, otherwise they used library music.

[MelissaB1976]

Does anyone remember the Christmas Nativity special? There was a song on it that gave me the creeps!

[yoyozippy]

you wouldnt be allowed to show childrens bare flesh on kidz tv nowadays

[kingpupnyc]

Sat in the hall, huge TV wheeled in on a tall stand, wooden doors on the front. Kids sat around cross legged, licking their knees for the salt. Ah yes, remember it well. Good times indeed.

[trikespotter]

@kingpupnyc I think I was there also. hahaha... Was this a universal code of ethics throughout the UK? :D

[GrandDizzy]

THIS TUNE ROCKS! :)

Someone else posted this but chopped the tune off before the end! Great to hear the full tune.

[mistofoles]

Two Red indians chatting. The first indian says "Tell me, "Rising Sun", is it true we indians are named after the first thing our mothers see?" The other indian says "What makes you say that, "Two Dogs Fucking" ? "

[steviesmovies]

I remember this one about Red indians! We had to watch it at school as it was our project. I must have been about 6...30 years ago!

This brings back great memories.

[fudge987654321]

Massive blast from the past

[glensidecrew]

I was actually in the episode before this one..... I was 7 and my native american name was Little Nose. I have never seen it.  Anyone know where I could get it, I opened the episode if I remember correctly! Good times.

[fraserkatie]

@glensidecrew You can get copies of BBC programmes , I think if you go to the BBC website and then ask them but you're in this clip I think they mention Little Nose making head dresses!

[HitMeWithIt]

I have been trying to find a show of this anywhere!!! Thank you so much for the look at the intro again...that tune was in my head still, after all these years!!!

Those pips at the beginning! wow. We would all be sitting in primary school and the huge TV would be wheeled into the front, then we'd all be getting so excited, watching those pips go counting down, waiting for the programme.

THANKS for the memories.

Got any more..?

If you have a full episode I would buy it from you!

[cybagrl]

The last time i saw this programme must have been 83/85 ? at primary school, cant belive I remembered it after all this time ! thanks for posting and bringing some memories back to me

[koksy]

teaface1979 lol we had a Ferguson TX on wheels at my school too but no V2000 video players.... we had to make do with Betamax! Does anybody remember the BBC radio Programmes from the same time called "Time and Tune"? We had to sing along to the music with the words from a pamphlet. I remember one of the songs was called "Come follow Sandal" LOL

[glensidecrew]

I remember Time and Tune, they did one about the hot air balloons didn't they? I just remember, Les ves mon golfiay, or summat similar!

[barttheanorak]

They wouldn't let kids on TV with bare chests now...

[quinndexter]

Great post. Used to watch this in Primary school on a massive TV recorded on a V2000 video machine. Ahhh those were the days :D

[royhaworth]

Nice one! And thanks for the pips at the beginning! Now all we need is Stenhousemuir 1, Cowdenbeath 2 (or the other way round if you're a Stenhousemuir fan!)!

[mickyhomer]

Great stuff. Brings back memories. This was my favourite schools programme! Nice to see the presenters Louise and James again. Wonder what they are doing now!

[Onid88]

☻/

/▌

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[weespud212008]

THAT'S PISH

[baggiesburd]

Magic - This brings back so many memories. Thanks for posting Craigie2k!

[borgduck]

No.

[teaface1976]

twistoffate29, I watched this at school during 1982/83 too- guess we were both sitting in the school hall watching the Ferguson TX on wheels lol!

[peticsek28]

the continuity music is BRILLIANT !

thanx so much for this - i only wish i could hear this tune in full.

[loverob]

I too remember JEA & LHT but does anyone remember ex-Emmerdale star turned starlift ad actress Jean Rodgers used to present this as well as New Zealand Lamb ad harridan Raewyn Blade.

[twistoffate29]

wow!!! This is must be 25 years old. I grew up with watch at school from 1982/83 and have never forgotten it. It will always be with me!.

[kabogga]

Cheekymark: You call THAT porn music? How the hell could you possibly crack one off listening to that? It sounds like muzak that you hear in the supermarket. If it was that sexy, everybody would be going at it in the aisles, Lol!

[CheekymarK101]

mate, I don't thrap off with my ears, i would still choke it with gregorian chant playing in the background.... porn that is not a respectable classic kids program.

[Hoddersrevenge]

Ah watch, one of the longest-running bbc schools programmes known to man? i remmeebr watching it back in 1999.

[stig114]

Thanks for this; brought back memories of sitting on the school hall floor shooting at the dots.

[CheekymarK101]

Like the groovy 70's porn intro music

[tinaturntable]

The continuity or the theme tune?

[CheekymarK101]

continuity of course tina, he he, can you imagine watching grot with the flute based intro music going on the background. Actually come to think of it I would.. if i watched porn that is, i dont you see, there naughty and sexist.

[TomRaymondUK]

That 'countdown clock' music at the start is like middle-standard restaurant muzak...kinda groovy all the same! I love the way that voice says "WATCH!" during the opening theme. Great memories.

[bobross95]

Who were the presenters?

[mistofoles]

The guy was called James...something,he had a dead poncey surname

[eocarcharia]

James Earl Adair. :)

[blackpoolarmylad]

the sig tune for WATCH is called Prima Ballerina by the Swing Bach Ensemble (1970) It was also used as ITV schools music in 1971/72 and is available on CD

[mistofoles]

Bet Gary Glitter watches this episode...

[Edam3000]

Lol !!!!

:D

[alfieb76]

this is brilliant... the nativity was the best bit, even though it was the same old tape used every year, never lost it's magic!

[wayzotoichi]

now that episode is partially available on my channel or search Watch BBC NATIVITY.. good luck xx

[eocarcharia]

Crikey, thanks. I've had some of those songs stuck in my head for the last twenty-five years, though. Not sure it's safe to watch it again. :D

[jacko2199]

i remember.......

[pipster74]

God that takes me back! Thank you so much! :o)

[dabbleduck]

I could have sat and watched that all day.

[clairemorgan]

Fabulous!

Thanks!

[fraserkatie]

Oh gawd! A classic schools programme! I remember this!

[hectorhouse1969]

yes thanks for this. Been searching ages on the net for the tune!

[wakeyladhere]

This dots intro sounds like Roy Ayers!!!! Funky beeb music!

[lavverlylad]

Big shout outy to Mount Cameron Primary and Mrs Mcculloch'sclassof 1982- y'all remember this?

[satguru]

Wow, Louise Hall Taylor, yes, she was hot! I wonder what she's doing now?

[stevepjk]

topless children dressed as indians, the PC brigade wouldn't allow that now

much more inocent times then

[VIDEOSHAT]

Ive been trying to remember where that theme tune was from for about 15 years. Cant believe Ive found it. Thanks so much

[Richardpd16378]

I rememer the Robinson Crusoe series, one class at my school did a big project on it.

There was also one about the Norman conquest, with a dodgy Norman lord called Sir Walter Lacey (played like a member of the Gestapo) woh wanted to chop off the hands of a Saxon called Alfred The Tenner for hunting a deer without permission.

[ifinklikethis]

Absolute classic....thank you sooooooo much.

[Malcyb2000]

The music with the dots is called Network by Unit 8

[PagesFromCeefax]

'Tis a fab tune!

Any idea where we could hear the complete version? ; )

[reelsonwheels]

Yes I had a crush on Louise Hall-Taylor too!

[tabitha501]

I used to watch Watch at Infants school. How quaint it all seems now. I don't think they'd get away with calling Native Americans "indians" now. Especially not on the PC BBC!

[wayzotoichi]

The ole favourite, "Do You Watch "Watch" ?!!" how unfunny that became the thirtieth time.

[benriggers]

do you have any more schools presentation?

[spacebats]

Charming. Love the simple graphics for the continuity and for the main titles. Love it!

[spookyphill]

i remember these opening titles.first seen in 1974.

[UncleFeedle]

Remember the Robinson Crusoe one? I had a serious crush on Louise Hall-Taylor. Well, I was like 7 years old...

[RobinCarmody]

tx possibly 3/5/1983 or 4/5/1983. Either then or in the following few weeks.

[RobinCarmody]

Summer Term 1983 definitely, although the programme had first been shown in Summer Term 1981 (when BBC1 had a different ident). The whole thing is incredibly queasy and dated - and unbelievably it was repeated as late as 1991.

[dublinbrazilianblue]

The theme music is called "Prima Ballerina"

[crazyclive]

Unfortunately, because none of their names are Fred Dineage, they resisted the temptation to say "How!" How very polite and middle-class...

[timonline2000]

Watch used to be great! There's something a bit creepy about those special Indian names for the half-naked children. It won't be long before you need a Criminal Record Check to watch that!

[DavidJamesLawton]

Louise Hall Taylor and James Earl Adair -the classic Watch presenters! I remember an episode where they went swimming in the Dead Sea. The budget must have been pretty decent that year!

[DavidJamesLawton]

James Earl Adair and Louise Hall Taylor -The classic Watch presenters! I remember one episode when they went swimming in the Dead Sea -must have had a decent budget that year!

[dublinbrazilianblue]

The music was also used as interval music on ITV Schools in the 70's

[tvarksouthwest]

Just to be clear you mean the theme music ("Prima Ballerina" by Gerd Luft) and not the BBC1 countdown music, which was also used in the infamous Star Trek "film snapped" breakdown.

[dublinbrazilianblue]

Yes I do