I clearly remember this series and it was almost compulsory viewing in our house. Such programs tended to have a high interest value and impact on boys of our age at that time. Looking for evidence of the series I couldn't understand why there was no trace of it on YouTube until I found the following note on Wikipedia: "The BBC (1965).....16-episode TV series ........Hereward the Wake, based on Kingsley's novel. Hereward was portrayed by actor Alfred Lynch. NOT ONE EPISODE of this BBC series has survived, according to the archive records." Very sad indeed as the series could now almost be considered a historical record in its right.
3 Reviews
Memories of Well Loved Series
sheilannscott13 February 2005
This Show left such an impression that even today (2005) whole scenes still come back to me. The Death of Hereward's faithful House Carl The Seduction of Hereward by the use Scorcery Albert Lynch's Face and the sweep of history portrayed within what was a relatively low budget production. This was typical of the BBC Classic Series of the time. The Script and Plot Lines combining to give the viewer a real taste of the Period the drama was set in
Althrough I remember even after all this Time one anomaly
when a Girl says to Hereward " Do you Fancy me"
If a copy of this still exists I urge you to see it
It is well worth it despite it's age
Althrough I remember even after all this Time one anomaly
when a Girl says to Hereward " Do you Fancy me"
If a copy of this still exists I urge you to see it
It is well worth it despite it's age
I never missed an episode!
knighta-92-2073258 February 2019
Warning: Spoilers
Much has faded from my memory after 53 years, but three scenes remain vivid.
1) When Hereward is declared "outlaw", he flees for his life. He stops to rest in the woods when he hears running footsteps approaching, and draws his sword. He demands the identity of the unknown man, who replies "It is I, Martin Lightfoot, your father's messenger, and I have something for you". Hereward says warily "What is it?" Martin unwraps a bundle of cloth and says "It is your father's axe. It is made of Damask steel, and whosoever holds it is possessed of an ungovernable urge to kill!". Martin Lightfoot asks Hereward to allow him to travel with him, and Hereward agrees.
2) In a later scene, Hereward is confronted by a Polar Bear. He confronts the bear, brandishing his father's axe. The bear attacks Hereward, who swings the axe and kills the bear. Wild-eyed with blood-lust, he turns to Martin and bellows "With a single blow, Martin! With a single blow!"
3) When Hereward and Martin hear of the Norman capture of Hereward's village, and the murder of his parents, they return, only to find the severed head of Hereward's brother displayed on a gable. Hereward carries his brother's head into the Great Hall where the Normans are feasting. As he walks up to the Norman head honcho, the revelry falls silent. Hereward slams his sword onto the table, and says to the Norman "I thank thee for my brother's head, cur!", and thrusts his sword through the Norman's belly. Mayhem ensues.
It was blood-curdling stuff, which is why I still remember it after all these years.
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