'Street’ still tops after 25 years

Press, 31 May 1985, Page 15

'Street’ still tops after 25 years

At 7 p.m. on December 9, 1960. the first episode of “Coronation Street” went to the air in Britain. The next day, Ken Irwin, television critic of the “Daily Mirror" said of the newcomer: “The programme is doomed from the outset — with its signature tune and grim scene of row of terrace houses and smoking chimneys ...’’ Never in the field of television writing has anyone been so wrong for in December this year “Coronation Street" will be celebrating its twenty-fifth anniversary. What is even more remarkable than that is that the serial has never ever been out of Britain’s

top 20 programmes of the week. In the latest British ratings available — those for the week ending April 14 — it was sitting happily in its accustomed number 1 spot having also generated nine of the 10 highest audiences for the month of March. On Sunday New Zealand viewers can see for the first time ever the episodes that started it all. As part of the twenty-fifth anniversary celebrations Television One will screen the opening two episodes of this saga. The opening scene is outside Mrs Lappin's corner shop in Coronation Street. She comes out of the shop.

Betty Alberge as Florrie Lindley in the first episode of “Coronation Street." puts a coin in the bubble gum machine for a little boy. looks up at the sign

over the shop, and goes back inside.

To Mrs Lappin (played by Maudie Edwards) goes the honour of speaking the first words ever spoken on "Coronation Street:" "Now next thing you've got to do is get a sign-writer in. That thing above the door will have to be changed." to which Florrie Lindley (Betty Alberge) replies: "Be funny having my name above me own shop. Florrie Lindlev. licensed to ..."

Episode one introduced several of the long-serving characters that were to give "Coronation Street" its bite — Ena Sharpies. Elsie Tanner, Annie Walker and Albert Tatlock — but only

one cast member from that very first episode is still in the show today. William Roach as Ken Barlow.

Before watching “Coronation Street" on One viewers will be able to watch an episode of one of the most popular westerns. "Bonanza." The fortunes of the Cartwright family can be seen on two at 6 p.m.

One of the BBC. drama department's greatest successes. "The Forsyte Saga." will screen on two at midday and will fill this slot over the next 13 weeks. The story of a family of London merchants stars the New Zealand actress. Nyree Dawn Porter.