Great 1968 Documentary on BBC I-Player: One pair of eyes - Who are the Cockney's now?

[Losmandris]

I watched this documentary last night. Not only rather fascinating journey back in time with a quite remarkable and savvy presenter in the form of Georgia Brown, a singer who played Nancy in the film and stage version of Oliver (Lionel Bart, the creator of Oliver makes an appearance too) but also brilliant for seeing some of the streets of Whitechapel before everything was demolished. Many of them still in the same state as the 1880s I would imagine (Really interesting bit when Georgia visits her old home, sure the interior had not been changed since JtR was lurking about). Also has some really interesting characters and strangely reflects a lot of the issues being faced at the moment, talk about history repeating itself!

Just found out that that the 'Brady Club' she visits was located on Hanbury Street. Realise it is/was a long road, so not sure if it was anywhere close to 29?

Well worth a watch for those with access to BBC I-player (Lots of other great old documentaries on London too at the moment). For those without I will see if it is on Youtube and post the link if I find it.

Love to hear some comments or perspectives from those who may have seen it!

[Losmandris]

It is in fact on Youtube! Here is the link:

https://youtu.be/-7uW7koB7pw?si=e749dcIOd-825jbY

Do take a look!

[Herlock Sholmes]

I’m pretty sure that I’ve seen it Tristan. I certainly remember seeing a documentary with Georgia Brown in it unless it was a different one. I’ll certainly give it another watch. She was also in the movie A Study In Terror of course which was an enjoyable Holmes vs the Ripper movie. John Neville made a pretty good Holmes imo. He was asked to do a Holmes series on TV but was otherwise engaged and Peter Cushing got the role. Barbara Windsor played Annie Chapman.

[Geddy2112]

Not watched this... but is the Cockerneeeee accent disappearing? It used to be all 'alrite guvnor, shine ya shoes' etc now it's all 'yo bro, innit' etc

What is going on?

[Losmandris]

Not watched this... but is the Cockerneeeee accent disappearing? It used to be all 'alrite guvnor, shine ya shoes' etc now it's all 'yo bro, innit' etc

What is going on?

Still alive and kicking depending on where you go and who you speak to. Though I think on the whole it has flattened out a bit in general now. Lot of people out in Essex still seem to have pretty strong accents.

[Losmandris]

I’m pretty sure that I’ve seen it Tristan. I certainly remember seeing a documentary with Georgia Brown in it unless it was a different one. I’ll certainly give it another watch. She was also in the movie A Study In Terror of course which was an enjoyable Holmes vs the Ripper movie. John Neville made a pretty good Holmes imo. He was asked to do a Holmes series on TV but was otherwise engaged and Peter Cushing got the role. Barbara Windsor played Annie Chapman.

Thanks for that Herlock. That's a rather nice coincidence! As mentioned she is quite the character, really insightful and switched on IMO.

[OneRound]

I watched this documentary last night. Not only rather fascinating journey back in time with a quite remarkable and savvy presenter in the form of Georgia Brown, a singer who played Nancy in the film and stage version of Oliver (Lionel Bart, the creator of Oliver makes an appearance too) but also brilliant for seeing some of the streets of Whitechapel before everything was demolished. Many of them still in the same state as the 1880s I would imagine (Really interesting bit when Georgia visits her old home, sure the interior had not been changed since JtR was lurking about). Also has some really interesting characters and strangely reflects a lot of the issues being faced at the moment, talk about history repeating itself!

...

Thanks, Losmandris. I'll be sure to take a look.

On something of a filmgoer's anorak point, Georgia Brown did indeed play Nancy in the stage musical of Oliver! but was surprisingly replaced by Shani Wallis in the film version. To be fair, both performed the part brilliantly.

Sadly, Georgia Brown died too young at 58. More happily, Shani Wallis is still around at 91.

Best regards,
OneRound