Frankly Speaking

Aged 58 when interviewed, Allen talks of his life as a pioneering paperback publisher and his discovery of DH Lawrence.

Sir Allen Lane was born in 1902 and died in 1970.

Launched in 1952 on the BBC Home Service, Frankly Speaking was a novel, ground breaking series. Unrehearsed and unscripted, the traditional interviewee/interviewer pairing was initially jettisoned for three interviewers firing direct questions. Early critics described it as 'unkempt', 'an inquisition' and described the guest as prey being cornered, quarry being pursued - with calls to axe the unscripted interview. But the format won out and eventually won over its detractors.

Only 40 or so of the original 100 programmes survive.

First broadcast on the BBC Home Service in 1961.

The publisher and founder of Penguin books answers questions.

The Baroness keeps the interviewers on their toes in a time where women were traditionally not so forthright with their opinions. She was interviewed in 1961 (aged 60) when her time in the House of Commons was nearing an end.

Baroness Edith Summerskill was born in 1901 and died in 1980.

Launched in 1952 on the BBC Home Service, Frankly Speaking was a novel, ground breaking series. Unrehearsed and unscripted, the traditional interviewee/interviewer pairing was initially jettisoned for three interviewers firing direct questions. Early critics described it as 'unkempt', 'an inquisition' and described the guest as prey being cornered, quarry being pursued - with calls to axe the unscripted interview. But the format won out and eventually won over its detractors.

Only 40 or so of the original 100 programmes survive.

First broadcast on the BBC Home Service in 1961.

The conservationist, ornithologist and painter answers the questions.

Launched in 1952, Frankly Speaking was a completely novel and ground breaking BBC series. Initially there were three interviewers and the series was both unrehearsed and unscripted.

Bernard Levin died aged 75 in 2004. Famous for his Times column from 1971 to 1997, he also wrote for the Spectator, Daily Mail and the Daily Express.

In the 1960s, Levin was a regular on the satirical BBC TV show That Was the Week That Was, where his prickly style often drew criticism.

First broadcast on the BBC Home Service in 1964.

The journalist and acerbic interviewer answers the questions in the BBC's interview series

* Actor, George Coulouris

* BBC producer, Peter Duval Smith

In an occasionally heated conversation about her career, Davis shares her opinions on what it means to be a star after 30 years in the business.

Davis is quizzed over causing frictions on her movie sets – and claims that she uses the same mannerisms in every performance.

Films discussed include 'Dark Victory' (1939), 'Juarez' (1939), 'Watch on the Rhine' (1943) and Davis's most recent hit at the time, 'What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?' with Joan Crawford (1962).

George Coulouris had previously starred alongside Davis in 'All This, and Heaven Too' (1940), 'Watch on the Rhine' (1943) and 'Mr Skeffington' (1944).

Launched in 1952, Frankly Speaking was a completely novel and ground breaking BBC series. Initially there were three interviewers and the series was both unrehearsed and unscripted.

First broadcast on the BBC Home Service in June 1963.

Oscar-winning Bette Davis on her Hollywood life.

Hollywood actress Bette Davis answers questions from two interviewers in the famed BBC series. From 1963.

Actor George Coulouris and BBC producer Peter Duval Smith interview Hollywood icon Bette Davis.

In an occasionally heated conversation about her career, Oscar-winning Davis shares her opinions on what it means to be a star after 30 years in the business.

Davis shoots down the 'misconception' that she creates frictions on her movie sets. Her arguments were always with the front office. The actress also strongly counters Duvall Smith's claim that she uses the same mannerisms in every performance - blaming instead her imitators.

George Coulouris had previously starred alongside Bette Davis in the films 'All This, and Heaven Too' (1940), 'Watch on the Rhine' (1943) and 'Mr Skeffington' (1944). He's best known for playing Walter Parks Thatcher in the Orson Welles drama 'Citizen Kane' (1941).

First broadcast on the BBC Home Service in 1963.

He was a quiet, well-spoken public schoolboy, RADA student, from a very comfortably-off Liverpool family.

But knowing nothing of the world of pop - how did Epstein find himself in the world of agents and impresarios?

As well as the Beatles, he represented other artistes including Cilla Black.

Brian Epstein tragically died in 1967 aged 32 - the result of an alcohol and barbiturate overdose.

Launched in 1952, Frankly Speaking was a completely novel and ground breaking BBC series. Initially there were three interviewers and the series was both unrehearsed and unscripted.

First broadcast on the BBC Home Service in May 1964.

*** Broadcast as part of 4 Extra's Fab 4 season marking the 60th anniversary of the Beatles first universal chart number 1, From Me To You, in May 1963.

Brian Epstein, manager of the Beatles, discusses his career.

Launched in 1952, Frankly Speaking was a completely novel and ground breaking BBC series.

Initially there were three interviewers and the series was both unrehearsed and unscripted.

His three interviewers are:

Critic - Lionel Hale

Journalist - Margaret Lane

Master mariner - Adrian Seligman.

CS Forester (1899-1966) wrote 11 books about fictional Royal Navy officer, Horatio Hornblower.

First broadcast on the BBC Home Service in December 1957.

The Hornblower author is quizzed on his childhood, his 'alter ego' and his writing methods

The author of the Hornblower stories is quizzed on his childhood, his 'alter ego' and his writing methods. From December 1957.

His three interviewers are critic Lionel Hale, journalist Margaret Lane and master mariner Adrian Seligman.

Launched in 1952, Frankly Speaking was a completely novel and ground breaking BBC series. Initially there were three interviewers and the series was both unrehearsed and unscripted.

First broadcast on the BBC Home Service in 1957.

The Hornblower author is quizzed on his childhood, his alter ego and his writing methods

The author of the Hornblower stories is quizzed on his childhood, his alter ego and his writing methods. From December 1957.

In 1961, Danny Blanchflower, 35, was about to approach one of the highlights of his career in the season in which Tottenham won their first 11 matches and when the north London club became the first since Victorian times to achieve the coveted League and FA Cup double.

Danny answers questions about his early years and love of football. Known for his strong views about the game, he describes the system as too restrictive for footballers to have freedom to play and develop. In 1961 British footballers earned much less than their counterparts in Spain and Italy

Launched in 1952, Frankly Speaking was a completely novel and ground breaking BBC series. Initially there were three interviewers and the series was both unrehearsed and unscripted.

First broadcast on the BBC Home Service in 1961.

The captain of Spurs and N Ireland answers questions in the BBC Home Service series.

Mary Stocks and John Maddox fire their questions at him.

Recorded in January 1964, shortly before he left England to take up a new research post in California.

Launched in 1952 on the BBC Home Service, Frankly Speaking was a novel, ground breaking series. Unrehearsed and unscripted, the traditional interviewee/interviewer pairing was initially jettisoned for three interviewers firing direct questions - straight to the point.

Early critics described it as 'unkempt', 'an inquisition' and described the guest as prey being cornered, quarry being pursued - with calls to axe the unscripted interview. But the format won out and eventually won over its detractors.

Unknown or very inexperienced broadcasters were employed as interviewers, notably John Freeman, John Betjeman, Malcolm Muggeridge, Harold Hobson, Penelope Mortimer, Elizabeth Beresford and Katherine Whitehorn.

Only about 40 of the original 100 programmes survive in the BBC archive.

First broadcast on the BBC Home Service in February 1964.

The mathematician and broadcaster Dr Jacob Bronowski discusses his career.

The mathematician and broadcaster discusses his career in the BBC Home Service's pioneering interview series. From 1964.

Dr Jacob Bronowski discusses his career as a mathematician, scientist, writer and broadcaster with Mary Stocks and John Maddox.

The mathematician and broadcaster discusses his career.

Launched in 1952 on the BBC Home Service, Frankly Speaking was a novel, ground breaking series. Unrehearsed and unscripted, the traditional interviewee/interviewer pairing was initially jettisoned for three interviewers firing direct questions. Early critics described it as 'unkempt', 'an inquisition' and described the guest as prey being cornered, quarry being pursued - with calls to axe the unscripted interview. But the format won out and eventually won over its detractors.

Only 40 or so of the original 100 programmes survive.

First broadcast on the BBC Home Service in 1964.

Social activist, writer and broadcaster Dr Stocks discusses her career.

Aged 68 when interviewed, she recalls her childhood influences and shares her belief in the popularity of poetry.

Dame Edith was born in 1887 and died in 1964.

Launched in 1952 on the BBC Home Service, Frankly Speaking was a novel, ground breaking series. Unrehearsed and unscripted, the traditional interviewee/interviewer pairing was initially jettisoned for three interviewers firing direct questions. Early critics described it as 'unkempt', 'an inquisition' and described the guest as prey being cornered, quarry being pursued - with calls to axe the unscripted interview. But the format won out and eventually won over its detractors.

Unknown or very inexperienced broadcasters were employed as interviewers, notably John Betjeman, Malcolm Muggeridge and Penelope Mortimer. Only 40 or so of the original 100 programmes survive.

First broadcast on the BBC Home Service in 1955.

The British avant garde poet answers questions in the BBC Home Service's interview series.

Regarded as one of the most brilliant novelists of his day, Waugh loathed the BBC. His grandson Alexander believes that this interview, along with a cocktail of sleeping draughts, helped to send him 'rather mad'. The author later turned his experience on Frankly Speaking into a scene in his novel 'The Ordeal of Gilbert Pinfold' with Stephen Black becoming the character Angel who haunts Pinfold in his hallucinations.

Launched in 1952 on the BBC Home Service, Frankly Speaking was a novel, ground breaking series. Unrehearsed and unscripted, the traditional interviewee/interviewer pairing was initially jettisoned for three interviewers firing direct questions - straight to the point.

Early critics described it as 'unkempt', 'an inquisition' and described the guest as prey being cornered, quarry being pursued - with calls to axe the unscripted interview. But the format won out and eventually won over its detractors.

Unknown or very inexperienced broadcasters were employed as interviewers, notably John Freeman, John Betjeman, Malcolm Muggeridge, Harold Hobson, Penelope Mortimer, Elizabeth Beresford and Katherine Whitehorn.

Only about 40 of the original 100 programmes survive.

First broadcast on the BBC Home Service in November 1953.

The Brideshead Revisited author discusses his career.

Brideshead Revisited author Evelyn Waugh is grilled about his life and career by a panel of three:

* Charles Wilmot,

* Jack Davies

* Stephen Black

The Brideshead Revisited author is questioned about his life and career by an interviewing panel of three. From 1953.

After she performed a poem at the age of five, Flora was told by her father she'd be 'the next Ellen Terry'. But the strain of performing caused a breakdown at the age of 12. RADA beckoned - and the actress won fame for her powerful, emotional acting as an adult. Her long career included appearances in 60 films and more than 100 plays.

Launched in 1952, Frankly Speaking was a completely novel and ground breaking BBC series. Initially there were three interviewers and the series was both unrehearsed and unscripted.

First broadcast on the BBC Home Service in 1960.

Actress Dame Flora Robson answers the questions in the BBC Home Service's interview series

The actress Dame Flora Robson answers the questions in the BBC Home Service's interview series. With John Freeman. From 1960.

Fred details the obstacles he faced on his path to success on the tennis court - and the determination needed to triumph over his opponents.

Launched in 1952, Frankly Speaking was a novel, ground breaking BBC series. Unrehearsed and unscripted, the traditional interviewee/interviewer pairing was initially jettisoned for three interviewers - later two - firing direct questions. Early critics demanded it was axed, but the format won out and eventually won over detractors.

First broadcast on the BBC Home Service in June 1961.

The former Wimbledon champion answers the questions in the BBC interview series.

* Harold Hobson

* John Freeman

* Patricia Brent

Born Grace Stansfield in 1898, she became one of Britain's biggest box office stars of of both cinema and music hall. Gracie recalls her early years and share her thoughts on stardom.

She's also questioned about life during the Second World War and the way British people treated her. The star also talks of her happy life living on the Italian island of Capri.

Launched in 1952, Frankly Speaking was a completely novel and ground breaking BBC series. Initially there were three interviewers and the series was both unrehearsed and unscripted.

First broadcast on the BBC Home Service in April 1960.

Lancashire actress and singer Gracie Fields answers the questions.

Lancashire actress and singer Gracie Fields answers questions from three interviewers in the famed BBC series. From 1960.

Lancashire's actress, singer and comic Gracie Fields answers the questions from Harold Hobson, John Freeman and Patricia Brent.

Heralding from the same era as Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton, Harold was one of the most popular film comedians of the golden age of silent film in the late 1920s.

After he started acting aged just 12, Lloyd reveals he never wanted to be a matinee idol.

He also attributes his success to a good cameraman and carefully crafted stunts.

Frankly Speaking was a completely novel and ground breaking BBC series.

Launched in 1952 with three interviewers initially, the series was both unrehearsed and unscripted.

First broadcast on the BBC Home Service in August 1962.

Silent film comedy great Harold Lloyd answers questions in the pioneering interview series

Aged 63 when interviewed, the English-born actress was by then based in the USA and had been living in New York for five years.

Hermione Gingold was born in 1897 and died in 1987.

Launched in 1952 on the BBC Home Service, Frankly Speaking was a novel, ground breaking series. Unrehearsed and unscripted, the traditional interviewee/interviewer pairing was initially jettisoned for three interviewers firing direct questions. Early critics described it as 'unkempt', 'an inquisition' and described the guest as prey being cornered, quarry being pursued - with calls to axe the unscripted interview. But the format won out and eventually won over its detractors.

Unknown or very inexperienced broadcasters were employed as interviewers, notably John Betjeman, Malcolm Muggeridge and Penelope Mortimer. Only 40 or so of the original 100 programmes survive.

First broadcast on the BBC Home Service in 1960.

The star of stage and film answers questions in the BBC Home Service's interview series.

Joan Yorke was a journalist and went on to present the very first edition of You and Yours in 1971. Derek Cooper was a radio reporter and went on to present Radio 4's long running Food Programme. Hugh Cudlipp died in 1998 aged 85.

Launched in 1952 on the BBC Home Service, Frankly Speaking was a novel, ground breaking series. Unrehearsed and unscripted, the traditional interviewee/interviewer pairing was initially jettisoned for three interviewers firing direct questions. Early critics described it as 'unkempt', 'an inquisition' and described the guest as prey being cornered, quarry being pursued - with calls to axe the unscripted interview. But the format won out and eventually won over its detractors.

Only 40 or so of the original 100 programmes survive.

First broadcast on the BBC Home Service in 1965.

The Welsh journalist and newspaper editor answers the questions in the interview series.

Jean reveals the problems of having a famous father - artist Auguste Renoir - and his motivation for making films.

Launched in 1952, Frankly Speaking was a novel, ground breaking BBC series. Unrehearsed and unscripted, the traditional interviewee/interviewer pairing was initially jettisoned for three interviewers - later two - firing direct questions. Early critics demanded it was axed, but the format won out and eventually won over detractors.

First broadcast on the BBC Home Service in June 1962.

The film director answers the questions in the BBC Home Service's interview series.

Aged 37 when interviewed, he talks about his Yorkshire, working class background and the impact of his success.

John Braine was born in 1922 and died in 1986.

Launched in 1952 on the BBC Home Service, Frankly Speaking was a novel, ground breaking series. Unrehearsed and unscripted, the traditional interviewee/interviewer pairing was initially jettisoned for three interviewers firing direct questions. Early critics described it as 'unkempt', 'an inquisition' and described the guest as prey being cornered, quarry being pursued - with calls to axe the unscripted interview. But the format won out and eventually won over its detractors.

Only 40 or so of the original 100 programmes survive.

First broadcast on the BBC Home Service in 1959.

The 'angry young man' and author of Room at the Top answers questions.

Sadly the full programme from 1963 no longer exists, but this is a long extract. Then in his 70s, he speaks openly about how much he owes to English vaudeville and music hall. Chevalier reveals his use of the then new-fangled stage microphone, touches on his working class roots, his adored mother and two bouts of depression. He's also questioned about his stage persona as the sophisticated, romantic, Frenchman versus the real Chevalier.

Launched in 1952 on the BBC Home Service, Frankly Speaking was a novel, ground breaking series. Unrehearsed and unscripted, the traditional interviewee/interviewer pairing was initially jettisoned for three interviewers firing direct questions - straight to the point.

Early critics described it as 'unkempt', 'an inquisition' and described the guest as prey being cornered, quarry being pursued - with calls to axe the unscripted interview. But the format won out and eventually won over its detractors.

Unknown or very inexperienced broadcasters were employed as interviewers, notably John Freeman, John Betjeman, Malcolm Muggeridge, Harold Hobson, Penelope Mortimer, Elizabeth Beresford and Katherine Whitehorn.

Only about 40 of the original 100 programmes survive.

First broadcast on the BBC Home Service in 1963.

The French entertainer talks frankly about his career.

He was interviewed in 1961 (aged 52) when his autobiography 'The Eye of the Wind' had just been published..

Sir Peter Scott was born in 1909 and died in 1989.

Launched in 1952 on the BBC Home Service, Frankly Speaking was a novel, ground breaking series. Unrehearsed and unscripted, the traditional interviewee/interviewer pairing was initially jettisoned for three interviewers firing direct questions. Early critics described it as 'unkempt', 'an inquisition' and described the guest as prey being cornered, quarry being pursued - with calls to axe the unscripted interview. But the format won out and eventually won over its detractors.

Only 40 or so of the original 100 programmes survive.

First broadcast on the BBC Home Service in 1961.

The conservationist, ornithologist and painter answers the questions.

Aged 70 when interviewed, Stanley looks back over his career so far. He's best remembered on the big screen for Brief Encounter, Passport To Pimlico, The Titfield Thunderbolt and The Lavender Hill Mob. But it was playing Eliza Doolittle's father Alfred the dustman in the original Broadway (1956) and London (1958) productions of 'My Fair Lady' that won him the 1964 film role which brought Stanley international fame.

Stanley Holloway was born in 1890 and died in 1982.

Launched in 1952 on the BBC Home Service, Frankly Speaking was a novel, ground breaking series. Unrehearsed and unscripted, the traditional interviewee/interviewer pairing was initially jettisoned for three interviewers firing direct questions. Early critics described it as 'unkempt', 'an inquisition' and described the guest as prey being cornered, quarry being pursued - with calls to axe the unscripted interview. But the format won out and eventually won over its detractors.

Unknown or very inexperienced broadcasters were employed as interviewers, notably John Betjeman, Malcolm Muggeridge and Penelope Mortimer. Only 40 or so of the original 100 programmes survive.

First broadcast on the BBC Home Service in July 1960.

The English singer and actor discusses his career.

The actor and singer, Stanley Holloway, talks to journalist John Freeman and theatre critic Philip Hope-Wallace. From 1960.

Recorded during a visit to England in 1959, Tennessee had by then written all his major plays - but despite that was seriously questioning his future in the commercial theatre. He talks candidly of the misery of waiting for the reviews after opening night.

Launched in 1952 on the BBC Home Service, Frankly Speaking was a novel, ground breaking series. Unrehearsed and unscripted, the traditional interviewee/interviewer pairing was initially jettisoned for three interviewers firing direct questions - straight to the point.

Early critics described it as 'unkempt', 'an inquisition' and described the guest as prey being cornered, quarry being pursued - with calls to axe the unscripted interview. But the format won out and eventually won over its detractors.

Unknown or very inexperienced broadcasters were employed as interviewers, notably John Freeman, John Betjeman, Malcolm Muggeridge, Harold Hobson, Penelope Mortimer, Elizabeth Beresford and Katherine Whitehorn.

Only about 40 of the original 100 programmes survive.

First broadcast on the BBC Home Service in 1959.

The American playwright discusses his career.

American playwright Tennessee Williams faces a three-way interview with:

First broadcast on the BBC Home Service in August 1959.

The American playwright discusses his career in the BBC Home Service's pioneering three-way interview series. From 1959.

Living in Italy at the time, Sir William had not long turned 60. Revealing his regrets and musical influences, he explains how he goes about his work.

Asked about getting married late in life, Sir William reveals how love struck when he spotted Susana - who became Lady Walton.

Launched in 1952, Frankly Speaking was a completely novel and ground breaking BBC series. Initially there were three interviewers and the series was both unrehearsed and unscripted.

First broadcast on the BBC Home Service in 1962.

British composer Sir William Walton answers the questions in the BBC's interview series.