An ATV religious affairs strand which periodically presented single dramas on historical and biblical subjects.
This long-running Sunday evening slot was primarily a discussion and documentary programme which occasionally used the anthology play format to explore its themes. The dramatised instalments presented stories of significant figures from religious history and scripture. The Vision And The Dream staged a conversation between Sigmund Freud (Leo Genn) and St Paul (Clifford Evans). Don’t Call Him Mister recounted the story of the founder of the Quakers, George Fox (George Murcell). Other plays used biblical characters to investigate theological questions; The Night Before The Execution focused on the final hours of Barabbas (Patrick Wymark), while A Face For Judas imagined the story of the disciple who betrayed Jesus, with the lead played by John Carson.
As part of its public service remit, ATV commissioned these occasional plays to bring religious history and moral questions to a mainstream audience. The dramas were notable for their ambition, attracting established writers such as MP Maurice Edelman and, most frequently, actor and playwright Jack Shepherd. By using the single play format, the series could treat its subjects not as simple parables but as complex psychological portraits, placing historical figures in direct, often speculative, conversation. The productions attracted a high calibre of acting talent, including Patrick Wymark and Peter Wyngarde, lending the plays a theatrical weight uncommon for a religious programming strand.
Broadcast: ITV – ATV, 26 October 1958 – 4 April 1965
Production Company: ATV
Writers included: Philip Turner, Maurice Edelman, Christopher Hollis, Jack Shepherd
Directors included: Michael Redington, Gordon Reece, David Reid, Michael Jeans
Cast included: Beckett Bould, Bernard Horsfall, Leo Genn, Clifford Evans, Etain O’Dell, Peter Wyngarde, Mark Dignam, Patrick Wymark, Bill Owen, George Murcell, Cherry Morris, John Carson, Hilary Dwyer
