Remember Minnie, Martha and Ena ...

Press, 4 November 1986, Page 14

Remember Minnie, Martha and Ena ...

By

DAVID WILSON

Avid fans of television’s “Coronation Street” will have the chance to wander nostalgically back through some of the most memorable episodes with the release in New Zealand this month of two videos.

More than 100,000 copies of “The Magic of Coronation Street” and “The Jubilee Years,” are being circulated to video libraries throughout New Zealand — but you may still have to queue to view.

When the videos were first released in Britain late last year, to coincide with the twenty-fifth anniversary of the TV programme, they proved immensely popular. That success is likely to be repeated in New Zealand. “We’ve already had a sensational response from outlets,” said Mr Alan Coad, of Federal Distributors, Auckland, which is handling the distribution of the videos. The “sensational response” was reported before the company launched a six-week advertising campaign on November 1. “The Magic of Coronation Street” (sub-titled "Distant Memories 19601964”) gives almost three hours’ viewing of six early classics, including the first episode. The scene is set by Elsie Tanner, Len Fairclough and Annie Walker as they reminisce in the Rovers Return ... Episode One: Friday, December 9, 1960. The historic night when the public first met the residents of “Coronation Street.”

February 9, 1961: It is a quiet night in the Rovers Return, until a policeman rushes in to announce that a gas main is leaking and everyone must evacuate to the Mission Hall for the

night. Leonard Swindley (Arthur Lowe) agrees, but Ena Sharpies is none too pleased. Christmas Day, 1961: As the men set off for a local ladies’ football match, Ena, Minnie and Martha are having dinner together and Ena discovers, too late, that Minnie has filled the Christmas pudding with sixpences. Meanwhile, in the Tanner home Elsie is having trouble with her son, Denis. July 11, 1962: Elsie Tanner is in love again — with Bill Gregory, Len’s naval friend. But her happiness is soon to be shattered when she finds Bill is married, and his wife arrives on the scene. While one romance is

ending, another is starting between Ken Barlow and Valerie Tatlock.

December 12, 1962: Len Fairclough and Harry Hewitt are preparing a mysterious special event at the Mission Hall — Coronation Street’s very own version of “This Is Your Life.” Whose darkest secrets are about to be revealed?

December 23, 1964: The Street is rehearsing a Christmas pantomime, “Cinderella,” for the local school children. Nearly everyone has agreed to take part, but there is a bigger role in store for Len Fairclough than he expects. In “The Jubilee Years,” which runs for approximately 117 minutes, Alice

Hughes, who was bom in Coronation Street in 1952, returns from her new life in Australia for a fleeting visit with her daughter. She joins Betty Turpin, Hilda Ogden and Ken and Deirdre in their reminiscences ... The Blackpool Illuminations, October 1961: Love is in the air when the residents of the Street enjoy a day trip to Blackpool. Ken is courting Vai, and Elsie is with her latest man, Bill Gregory. But what is in store for Ena Sharpies? A fortune teller predicts a long journey. Elsie’s Anonymous Letter, November, 1961: When Elsie Tanner receives a vindictive letter about her adulterous affair with Bill Gregory, she determines to find the author. Could it be Mrs Walker, or perhaps Ena Sharpies? Elsie challenges them both. The Viaduct Train Crash, May 1967: Disaster hits the Street when a train crashes from a viaduct at the end of the road. Rescuers fear for the lives of Jack Walker, Elsie Tanner and Ena Sharpies, who are believed to be buried beneath the rubble.

Fancy Dress Party, December 1966: The residents of the Street celebrate Christmas with a

fancy dress party. Elsie masquerades as a flamenco dancer and Ken makes a dashing Lawrence of Arabia, but Annie Walker rules over them all as Elizabeth I. The festive season is tinged with sadness, too, as Ena Sharpies nurses her dying daughter. The Ogden’s Second Honeymoon, November 1977: Stan and Hilda Ogden get a taste of luxury when they win a second honeymoon. A limousine whisks them away for a night at the Savoy where dinner, champagne and, possibly, romance await. The Marriages of Ken Barlow, August 1962, October 1973, July 1981: Wedding bells ring out for Ken Barlow. First, as a young teacher, he marries Albert Tatlock’s niece, Valerie. Eleven years later, Janet Reid becomes the second Mrs Barlow. Is it third time lucky for Ken when he marries Deirdre Langton? The Barlow/Baldwin Love Triangle, February 1983: Tension mounts in the Barlbw household at the height of Deirdre’s affair with Mike Baldwin, and reaches a dramatic climax when she confesses all to Ken. Will Deirdre choose the dynamic Baldwin or fight to save her marriage with the dependable Ken?