"Clapper Board" (1972) TV series 1972-1982

User Rating:

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Seasons:

unknown

Genre:

Family

Awards:

2 nominations

Cast

Chris Kelly

...

Himself - Host (11 episodes, 1976-1980)

Also Known As:

Clapperboard (UK) (alternative spelling)

Runtime:

UK:25 min (254 episodes)

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Company:

Granada Television

Movie Connections:

Spin off from "Cinema" (1964)

Kids film review show

Actually a deal better than that summary would imply. It began the same year as its more upmarket rival 'Film 72' from the BBC. Although it was scheduled in a time slot aimed at kids it attracted an adult following as well, particularly those who wanted to avoid the often stuffy style of Film 72's presenter.

Kelly was the key, and his easy, affable style made the whole show trot along. Clearly airing pre-six in the afternoon - well before the watershed - meant that no 'X' rated movies could be reviewed, but the line up was by no means limited to Children's films. Interest was added by competitions, either of the write in on a postcard variety, or simple 'answer after the break' style (There were no emails or text messages in those distant days, nor were there premium rate phone calls to boost flagging programme budgets)

Clapperboard picked up the very tail end of the Baby Boomer teenagers, but failed to move with them when they aged. Perhaps that's why it lasted no more than a decade, but is sadly missed by at least one forty something!