Blyton BBC Archive

[Anita Bensoussane]

Actually, I do look upon you as creative, Stef! I've merged the topics now, to keep everything together.

[Poppy]

Merged with an older thread

I've been taking a look through the BBC Enid Blyton Archives. They are really interesting; well, those I have watched so far are. Here's the link for those who are interested: http://www.bbc.co.uk/archive/blyton/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

The "Sue MacGregor Interviews Enid Blyton" is an interesting one. I was interested to find that Mr Plod was based on a real character; I don't think it says so on the Society's piece about the characters. I was also interested to hear how Noddy's name in the french books is: Oui Oui which means Yes, because of the nodding of his head.

"Home for the Day | Enid Blyton" is another good one. Enid relates how she spent time on a farm and helped her friend run a Sunday school, finding how easy it was for her to make up stories. Also interesting about the critics and how Enid only cared about what the children thought about her books. Also, I was very interesting to hear how Enid referred to George being 'a girl with a dog she knew a while ago'. Enid also later admits to a literary agent (Rosica Colin) how George was based upon herself. Do you think Enid was referring to herself in this short film, too? If not, perhaps George was based upon two real people???

That's all I have watched so far; I will watch the longer ones later. Hope those who look at them enjoy them too.

[deepeabee]

Thanks for the link, I'll look through that when I have time. I'm currently waiting for my son and daughter in law to battle through the bad weather and the awful traffic jams. They should have been here an hour ago!
By the way I think you mean Noddy is known as 'oui oui' in France.

[Poppy]

Thanks for that, deepabee! I was debating about the spelling. I will edit that now!

[Viv of Ginger Pop]

Split from another thread.

A Blyton intervewer is interviewed (briefly!) 32 mins in

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b0 ... ollection/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Viv

[GloomyGraham]

Merged with an existing topic.


I was looking through the BBC archives and came across a few radio programmes about Blyton which are still available for UK audiences. I thought I would pass them on here to anyone who may be interested.

SUCCESS STORY: ENID BLYTON (1974) - https://www.bbc.co.uk/archive/success-s ... on/zk9vmfr" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; (30 mins)
Critics and fans appraise the legacy of Enid Blyton. Blyton herself has the last word.

A CHILDLIKE PERSON: THE STORY OF ENID BLYTON (1975) - https://www.bbc.co.uk/archive/a-childli ... on/zvvt8xs" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; (44 mins)
Barbara Stoney presents this portrait of Blyton. Speakers include Gillian Baverstock, Imogen Smallwood & Hanley Blyton.

QUEEN OF ADVENTURE (1997) - https://www.bbc.co.uk/archive/queen-of- ... on/zjjcpg8" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; (39 mins)
Susan Jeffreys talks with children, academics and children's authors to debate the merit of Blyton's work

A FINE DEFENCE OF ENID BLYTON (2008) - https://www.bbc.co.uk/archive/a-fine-de ... on/zhhqgwx" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; (28 mins)
Former children's laureate Anna Fine reassesses the books and legacy of Enid Blyton. Features interviews with Imogen Smallwood and readings by Miriam Margolyes.

Those of us outside the UK may need to use VPNs or other means to have a listen.

[Ice_Gemz]

Thanks Graham, I've enjoyed watching and listening to those this afternoon.

[Boodi 2]

They sound very interesting and I look forward to listening to them later this evening. Thanks Graham!